Contingency Planning: Time for a Change
Abstract
This article proposes changes in planning for future contingency operations. The aim is to improve direct linkage between campaign planning for contingency operations and the strategy that such planning must serve. No attempt is made at redressing joint doctrinal issues; libraries are replete with recent publications describing needed military reforms. Nor do we seek to blaze a new trail; we merely hope to straighten out one of the bends in the existing one. The method comprises three parts: a brief review of central geopolitical imperatives, a description of the problem, and some recommended fixes. The nature of the geopolitical environment facing the United States in the future suggests that global contingencies requiring military intervention will entail, inter alia, the following characteristics: U.S. interests at stake; pressure for quick, clear victory; uncertain mission, situation, and threat; centralized control; constrained air and sea lift; diverse operational options (e.g., forced entry, noncombatant evacuation, peacekeeping, and extended combat operations.) Overall, there is good reason to doubt that approved operations plans can ever play a significant role in the deliberations that lead to contingency deployments. And this is not surprising, since such plans do not give the decision makers what they need. As noted, many military reforms have been implemented already. We suggest four refinements of the present military operational planning system to accommodate timely and sound decisions by the NCA and unified commanders: Change the focus of regional campaign planning for contingency operations, Improve force packaging modules, Strengthen joint operating procedures, and Redirect training and exercise methodologies.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 1987
- Accession Number
- ADA515788
Entities
People
- Michael A. Green
- Paul Tiberi