Comprehensive, Integrated Reconstruction Operations: We Need a Master Plan
Abstract
The U.S. military has historically played a critical role during post-conflict stability operations, contributing to the overall goal of achieving long term security and securing our strategic interests. With the potential for commitment of billions of dollars to infrastructure reconstruction in the future, we should apply the lessons of Operation Iraqi Freedom and take a comprehensive, integrated approach to reconstruction operations. After the investment of nearly four years and $24 billion in Iraq, it is clear that the U.S.-led rebuilding effort has fallen short and not contributed enough to accomplishing U.S. strategic objectives. This cannot be attributed to a lack of security alone. Our failure to conduct an initial assessment of Iraqi infrastructure; develop a master plan for rebuilding; and set benchmarks to gauge progress hamstrung the coalition's rebuilding efforts. Although the recently issued NSPD-44 gives the Department of State responsibility to lead and coordinate reconstruction activities, the military will play a critical role. This paper outlines specific reconstruction goals and tasks that the military, along with other USG agencies, must accomplish during the stabilizing, securing, transitioning and reconstructing phases of stability operations. Essential to long term success is the involvement of host nation engineers and officials in the rebuilding of their country, developing a sense of ownership.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 02, 2007
- Accession Number
- ADA468445
Entities
People
- Brian L. Dosa
Organizations
- United States Army War College