Stabilization and Reconstruction Operations: A New Paradigm, Analysis Tool, and US Air Force Role
Abstract
Today, the Department of Defense and Department of State have difficulty evaluating the degree of nation/state failure in its consideration for stabilization and reconstruction efforts. Could our nation be making a most basic error of trying to apply western-styled, "tried- and-tested-in-the-US" templates to every failed nation and state situation? Can a new paradigm be used to evaluate a nation/state's social evolution? Can our nation apply new tools and resources to the task of failed nation/state reconstruction? This paper proposes that discernable levels of societal progress or failure can be defined using a new model for evaluating levels of nation/state evolution. Combining this model with a newly presented concept called "centers of lift" may help determine the best approach in shaping stabilization and reconstruction missions. Carefully tailoring a stabilization and reconstruction mission to match the precise needs of the targeted failed nation/state will help ensure sustained success. Finally, this paper asserts that the US Air Force is a national resource capable of organizing, training, and equipping its forces for the conduct of stabilization and reconstruction operations in the post-conflict environment. The US Air Force has all the fundamental trade and profession skills sets imbedded in current mission support roles.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 08, 2007
- Accession Number
- ADA468984
Entities
People
- Jeffrey B. Kromer
Organizations
- United States Army War College