Fourth Generation Warfare: The Need for a Comprehensive Approach
Abstract
This study explores whether current United States military strategy should focus more on a comprehensive interagency approach as a more efficient way of focusing all elements of national power to defeat its enemies in the Long War on Terrorism. The method used to resolve this issue was to frame the scope of the current operating environment in the context of Fourth Generation Warfare. A definition of Fourth Generation Warfare is developed, based on Col. Thomas X. Hammes' writings. The definition is further developed to show relevance and applicability to current operations in the Long War on Terrorism. A comparative analysis is conducted utilizing a case study of the United States' experience during Vietnam. The case study examines the Civil Operations and Revolutionary Development Support (CORDS) program to gain an understanding of the lessons that were learned from interagency operations during the Vietnam War. These lessons are compared to current written policy and guidance and then assessed to determine if an appropriate level of synchronization and coordination are being used to meet national objectives in the Long War on Terrorism within the context of the current operating environment. The findings show that current U.S. military strategy is making considerable progress in interagency coordination, but that national strategy is still weak in this area.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 25, 2008
- Accession Number
- ADA484763
Entities
People
- Leroy D. Benton
Organizations
- United States Army Command and General Staff College