Reconstruction under Adversity, Rebuilding Iraq -- Lessons for the Future
Abstract
In Iraq, the infrastructure reconstruction remains the lynch pin component to building long-term Iraqi stability and progress. To that end, the United States pledged over 20 billion dollars to improve basic essential services and rebuild Iraq's dilapidated infrastructure (oil, water, electricity, sewer, health, education, etc.). The unexpected strength and success of the insurgency derailed many of the post-conflict objectives, creating a strategy dilemma. Which comes first, security or reconstruction? Reconstruction is pivotal to winning the hearts and minds of the local people. However, infrastructure reconstruction requires a sustained permissive environment for noncombatant local contractors to execute the re-building effort. The traditional linear sequential approach of reconstruction after hostilities appears to be a luxury of the past. This "new kind of war" demands a new approach. This study examines eight critical lessons that the United States should implement to improve its ability to conduct successful reconstruction operations in the future. These key lessons focus on strategic command and control, unity of effort, program pace and scope, security, local dynamics, cultural dynamics, outsourcing, and fixing federal contracting rules. Only if phase IV operations are as successful as combat operations, will the peace be a "good one."
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 15, 2007
- Accession Number
- ADA469612
Entities
People
- Steven R. Miles
Organizations
- United States Army War College