The Judge Advocate's Dual Mission in a Low-Intensity Conflict Environment. Case Study: Joint Task Force-Bravo, Where "Can I Shoot the Prisoners?" Is Never the Question
Abstract
This paper is an analysis of the role of a Judge Advocate (JA) in a Low-Intensity Conflict (LIC) environment. It reviews LIC doctrine and the evolution of the current Low-Intensity Conflict in Honduras. Joint Task Force-Bravo (JTF-B), Honduras, is used as the analytical medium for analyzing the role of a JA in a LIC scenario. The JA's role in LIC is analyzed in terms of the following four factors: typical issues a JA may encounter in a LIC environment; the frame of reference required to resolve these issues; suggested methodologies for resolving these issues; and the importance of recording, critiquing, and disseminating the results of the actions. With this background, the main body of the thesis concentrates on the dual mission of a JA in LIC. This mission's two prongs are traditional legal advice in a nontraditional warfare environment and military exercise support. Mission goals are formulated through careful, broad-based, predeployment research, and carried out through joint efforts with the other staff sections and combined efforts with host nation counterparts. At the conclusion of the mission, it must be carefully scrutinized, recorded, and the reports disseminated for future reference. Since JTF-B has had a continuing presence in the Honduran LIC environment for a substantial period of time, the lessons learned by its Command Judge Advocates (CJAs) provide the factual basis for the insights and methodologies put forth in this paper.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 1991
- Accession Number
- ADA456384
Entities
People
- Ann Castiglione-cataldo
Organizations
- The Judge Advocate General's Legal Center and School