Leading from the Center: General Stanley McChrystal's Quest to Establish a Multinational Counterinsurgent Force in ISAF - A Case Study in Operational Command
Abstract
When General McChrystal assumed command of ISAF in June 2009, the Afghan campaign was in dire need of an overhaul. Years of under-resourcing, ineffective counterinsurgency (COIN) methods, and ill-defined operational objectives placed ISAF on the brink of failure. Exacerbating this situation was the challenge of coalition warfare. However, with increased resources and renewed support from the U.S. and NATO, General McChrystal embarked on a mission to unify ISAF's efforts and salvage the campaign. During his 373 days as the Commander of ISAF (COMISAF), he was instrumental in establishing an operational culture within ISAF that shifted the focus of the force from the tactical defeat of insurgents to the protection of the population. General McChyrstal was successful in doing so because he sought changes that were sufficient to achieve the mission and similar enough to unify effort. His command of ISAF demonstrates the pivotal role an operational commander plays in changing the key elements of an organization's culture
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 29, 2011
- Accession Number
- ADA600229
Entities
People
- Jason T. Adair
Organizations
- Marine Corps University