Closing the Chasm: Preparing and Building Post-Conflict Civil Capacity
Abstract
This paper addresses how the "chasm" of civil capacity capabilities between the different Departments and Agencies of the US and coalitions of democratic nations can be harnessed and brought to bear in nation-states prior to and following conflict resolution with a more resolute and positive endstate. Through intervention, peacekeeping, conflict, and war, the involvement of the US military in building and enabling a nation's autonomous sovereign civil capacity is a constant requirement and will certainly increase in the future to aid in global security. A holistic approach must be taken from the onset of planning, organizing, and training to include all relevant factors, agencies, and processes to successfully enable and achieve sovereign civil capacity. Currently, a void exists in the synthesis and processes of military, interagency, and coalition training, planning, and execution for the dynamic task of providing competent and capable civil capacity building advice to supported nations. Department of Defense Directive (DoDD) 3000.05 (dated 16 September 2009) specifies responsibilities within the Department of Defense (DoD) to prepare to "conduct stability operations with proficiency to combat operations" and be capable of conducting, supporting, and leading activities to achieve a desired democratic endstate. Two major requirements result from this directive yet remain a significant void in doctrine and processes: training and planning our military, and interagency partners for success in future operations. This paper focuses on how the military and civilian agencies must effectively plan and effectively train to build/enable civil capacity from the onset of strategic planning and operations.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 18, 2010
- Accession Number
- ADA544316
Entities
People
- Kenneth J. Crawford
Organizations
- United States Army War College