Winning in Afghanistan: A NATO Operational Design
Abstract
NATO must succeed in Afghanistan and also transform itself into a relevant and capable alliance for the 21st Century. The current situation in Afghanistan represents a potential military stalemate that is unsustainable for NATO, the International Community at large, and the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan (GIRA). Combined joint security forces have been unable to provide a sufficient safe secure environment for GIRA to expand governance and development throughout the country. NATO's ability to provide a safe and secure environment is essential to a successful campaign. The legitimacy of the GIRA in the eyes of the Afghan populace is ultimately dependent on meeting this security challenge. This paper examines how the changed operational environment requires NATO to adjust its Operational Design. It proposes a new Operational Design that incorporates emerging U.S. joint doctrine to defeat the insurgency and assists the GIRA's efforts to establish a stable domestic order and sustainable peace. The outcome of this campaign affects Afghanistan, but it also has critical implications for NATO's transformation into a relevant, capable, and willing Alliance in the 21st Century.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 25, 2008
- Accession Number
- ADA480118
Entities
People
- Brad Booth
Organizations
- United States Army War College