Peacekeeping and Related Stability Operations: Issues of U.S. Military Involvement
Abstract
The second session of the 109th Congress may well face decisions regarding the preparation of U.S. military forces for stability missions, a broad doctrinal term of which a major subset is peace operations. A November 28, 2005 Department of Defense (DoD) directive that designates stability operations as "core missions" of the U.S. military marks a major shift on the future necessity of performing peacekeeping and related stability operations (also known as stabilization and reconstruction operations). For over a decade, some Members of Congress expressed reservations about U.S. military involvement in peacekeeping operations. The Bush Administration initially opposed such missions and took steps to reduce the commitment of U.S. troops to international peacekeeping. This action reflected a major concern of the 1990s: that peacekeeping duties had overtaxed the shrinking U.S. military force and were detrimental to military "readiness" i.e., (the ability of U.S. troops to defend the nation). Many perceived these tasks as an inefficient use of U.S. forces, better left to other nations while the U.S. military concentrated on operations requiring high intensity combat skills. Others thought that the United States should adjust its force size and structure to accommodate the missions. The events of 9/11/2001 brought new concerns to the fore and highlighted the value to U.S. national security of ensuring stability around the world. The 9/11 Commission report, which cited Afghanistan, where the Administration has limited U.S. involvement in peacekeeping and nation-building, as a sanctuary for terrorists and pointed to the dangers of allowing actual and potential terrorist sanctuaries to exist. A major issue Congress continues to face is what, if any, adjustments should be made for the U.S. military to perform peacekeeping and stability missions -- in Afghanistan, Iraq, or elsewhere -- with less strain on the force, particularly the reserves.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 30, 2006
- Accession Number
- ADA518808
Entities
People
- Nina M. Serafino
Organizations
- Library of Congress