The Surge -- Measuring its Effectiveness through Operational Art

Abstract

The current situation in Iraq presents an extremely "wicked" problem, and the ongoing multi-dimensional insurgency and profound ethno-sectarian divisions do not allow for a simple solution. The current phase of military operations in Iraq, commonly referred to as the Surge, provides an excellent case study for examining the application of Operational Art in a COIN strategy. This paper will examine the Surge using the Operational Factors of Time, Space, and Force as a framework to evaluate where current operational strategy has worked in achieving operational objectives and where success may remain more illusory in terms of achieving the desired strategic end state as a result of other conditions on the ground.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Apr 23, 2008
Accession Number
ADA484513

Entities

People

  • Miriam K. Smyth

Organizations

  • Naval War College

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Energy and Power Technologies
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Case Studies
  • Congress
  • Department Of Defense
  • Ethnic Groups
  • Governments
  • Insurgency
  • International Organizations
  • Joint Military Activities
  • Law
  • Military Operations
  • National Governments
  • National Politics
  • National Security
  • Political Systems
  • Sectarian Violence
  • Surges
  • War Colleges

Readers

  • Military and Counterinsurgency Studies.
  • Systems Analysis and Design

Technology Areas

  • Space