The Proliferation Security Initiative: A Means to an End for the Operational Commander
Abstract
Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) proliferation is a serious threat to the security of the United States and the world. For the operational commander supporting national strategy the interdiction of WMD materials is a complex mission that requires the capability to exchange timely information with coalition nations as well as conduct multi-national operations with partners with differing constraints and capacities. Current doctrine does not provide the operational commander the fundamental principles to prepare and plan for these operations in the international security environment. This paper proposes that the operational commander can overcome this challenge by using the ends, ways, means approach. The Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI) can provide the operational commander the means to achieve interdiction objectives. This paper looks at the background of the PSI to provide context. Parallels with the complexities of recent counter-piracy operations are used to illustrate the similar challenges of WMD interdiction operations. Examples of PSI events show how the activity has provided a means. Guidance and existing doctrine for WMD interdiction are examined and evaluated. Finally, this paper proposes the ways (Logical Lines of Operation) the operational commander can use with the means of PSI to achieve the ends.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 04, 2009
- Accession Number
- ADA502935
Entities
People
- Curtis G. Larson
Organizations
- Naval War College