Effects of Operational and Strategic Pauses on Mission Success
Abstract
Operational pauses are a part of campaign design and remain relevant in 21st century expeditionary warfare. The United States should maintain the military in a subordinate role as only one element of national power. Where this is infeasible, use of force should establish the discourse space required to recapitalize upon the informational, diplomatic, and economic elements of national power. The author posits that in the foreseeable future of global conflict and the contemporary operating environment, military engagements and operational pauses will facilitate strategic pauses that allow space for discourse and lead to more rapid conflict termination. This monograph is based on a review of current doctrine, an examination of the work of prominent military theorists, and the analysis of operational and strategic case studies. After an extensive review of modern literature pertaining to the concepts of operational art, culmination points, logistics, and operational reach, the monograph explores the feasibility of using an expeditionary military as a means to create a strategic pause, whereupon other elements of national power would take rightful primacy to fully resolve the conflict. Additional discussion into the effectiveness of operational and strategic pauses against insurgent, terrorist, and nonstate actors also is presented. To limit the scope of the paper and remain at or above the operational level, tactical pauses are not discussed. The allied breakout and pursuit of World War II and Operation Iraqi Freedom are presented as case studies of operational pauses. The Vietnam War and the conflict in Kosovo are presented as case studies of strategic pauses.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 21, 2009
- Accession Number
- ADA506776
Entities
People
- Eric D. Beaty
Organizations
- United States Army Command and General Staff College