Combatant Commander Challenges and the Role of Religion and History
Abstract
The challenges posed to the Commandant Commander (CCDR) in conducting operations can be captured in a thorough understanding of Joint Publication 5-0, which provides a checklist of inputs to the design, but is wanting on two key issues. First, the doctrine glosses over the significance of history by simply adding the adjective of relevant before the term history . The correct and useful application of historical knowledge by any military leader, but especially a CCDR, requires a deeper analysis and recognition that is currently lacking in official joint doctrine. Second, the role of religion as a specific cultural characteristic that must be understood especially in an age of combating Muslim extremists is conspicuously absent. This omission is extraordinarily shortsighted, and, when combined with the short shrift given to the value of history in the doctrine that our operational and strategic leaders must follow, may lead to gross miscalculations that at best are financially unacceptable and at worst could lead to strategic disaster.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 2013
- Accession Number
- ADA590323
Entities
People
- Richard B. Thomas
Organizations
- United States Army War College