Using the Past to Inform the Future; Vietnam and Afghanistan
Abstract
Lessons learned from the United States' experience in Vietnam should inform our actions in Afghanistan. Using Diplomatic, Informational, Military and Economic instruments of power as a framework we can see many similarities that should be considered as we move forward in our decision making process in Afghanistan. Diplomatically we must continue to build coalition support. Information must be shared with all partners and audiences in a way to enhance our strategic goals not to detract and cause suspicion. Militarily we cannot afford over the long term to wage a counterinsurgency in Afghanistan. Based on the military's constrained resources training and counterterrorism missions are more appropriate than counterinsurgency. Economically the United States must wage war within our economic means. Over expenditure by the military will have negative impacts on our domestic economy that will ultimately lead to a lack of public support for increased defense appropriations. These lessons have been learned in the past, deserve consideration as we formulate policy today, and are vital for informing foreign policy into the future.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 23, 2011
- Accession Number
- ADA542860
Entities
People
- Troy D. Otto
Organizations
- United States Army War College