NATO's Air War in Libya: A Template for Future American Operations
Abstract
America's recent experience in Afghanistan and Iraq proved that it is easier to get into war than it is to get out of it. These two conflicts bleed America, not only in terms of blood, but also in terms of its financial treasures. In an attempt to avoid these expenses in the future, this paper explores if there is a better way to achieve our nation's policy objectives. This research paper attempts to answer the following question: Does NATO's air war in Libya provide a template for how the United States will settle its future military conflicts? This paper explores three case studies involving airpower to identify the feasibility of a template for future military operations. The first case study explores NATO's 78-day air war against Bosnia over Kosovo. The next case study looks at America's involvement in Afghanistan during the first six months of Operation Enduring Freedom. The last case study involves NATO and America's 2011 involvement in Libya. From these case studies emerges a template that consists of three broad requirements necessary for the Limited Boots on Ground (LBoG) model to work. Finally, the paper discusses four disadvantages of the LBoG model followed by four advantages of the LBoG model.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 08, 2012
- Accession Number
- ADA562888
Entities
People
- Timothy E. Book
Organizations
- United States Army Command and General Staff College