Does the U.S. Army Need A Full-Time Operations Other Than War Unit?
Abstract
This study assesses the utility of specialized units for Operations Other Than War (OOTW) as opposed to relying on conventionally trained Army units. The assessment is based upon three major sources. First, the thesis determines if there is significant support for specialized units within the topic literature. Second, it determines if doctrine supports the use of specialized units. Third, the thesis summarizes recent OOTW participants' views on the topic. The topic is based upon two schools of thought. The first school states that conventional units are appropriate for OOTW. This is due to a training overlap between wartime and OOTW skills and due to the flexibility of the U.S. soldier. The opposite school of thought states that the OOTW environment is so different than war that a specialized unit is required. The findings reveal that there is very limited support for specialized units among the three source groups. Overall, the sources agreed that using conventional troops for OOTW is appropriate. The study concludes that emerging Force XXI doctrine and the increased complexity of OOTW will challenge the current reliance on using conventional units.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 04, 1997
- Accession Number
- ADB225714
Entities
People
- Michael A. Joiner
Organizations
- United States Army Command and General Staff College