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New Tool of Terrorism -- Airliners
From the thesis abstract: "Since last September terrorism has become our most dangerous enemy. The suicidal criminals have discovered a unique way of getting the world's attention. In this research paper I analyze the new tool of terrorism, hijacking airliners and using them as guided missiles. This paper presents the background and the reason for terrorist hijacks of commercial airplanes, and assesses possible terrorists' motivation for such actions. I analyze the mistakes made in the last decade, which enabled the terrorists to complete their mission in the horrible method they used on September 11, 2001. I believe that we can eliminate this kind of catastrophe by putting more emphasis on improving intelligence and gathering more information about terrorist groups. We also need to rethink and work out a new security system, and change many rules both in airport security and flying security for commercial airliners. In this paper I make some proposals concerning security issues, and explain where we should place more emphasis to protect ourselves and decrease the threat."
Air University (U.S.). Air Command and Staff College
Illes, Gabor
2002-04
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Theater Applications of the Future Bomber Force
From the thesis abstract: "The author examines the advantages and disadvantages for the operational commander of using the future bomber force in conventional and contingency scenarios. The inherent strategic bomber capabilities of range, payload, and flexibility are discussed. The technological advances in stealth and advanced munitions are examined, as are USAF [United States Air Force] plans for the future bomber force incorporating these technologies. The author contends the combination of inherent bomber characteristics with the technologies of stealth and advanced munitions creates a revolution in the commander's power projection capabilities. The author examines the application of force in three conventional scenarios: counter-terrorism, peacetime contingency, and major regional conflict. One finding is the improved capabilities facilitates the use of the military option for decision makers; this may preclude adequate consideration of diplomatic, economic, and political options. The author concludes that the commander can apply the bomber force across the spectrum of conflict; that the force's ability to provide rapid initial response, precision, mass, and sustained firepower are useful in all three scenarios. The author contends the bomber force can free the commander of some forward basing constraints, allows the commander to retain the option of unilateral action, and provides the commander with a rapid response force option to show resolve or disrupt an adversary's plans. Recommendations for the theater commander include integration of bomber units into the planning process, ensuring targets are of sufficient value, and providing the intelligence network to exploit the rapid response capability."
Naval War College (U.S.)
Kowalski, James M.
1992-02-22
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U.S. Logistics Vulnerability: Major Regional Conflict with Iran
From the thesis abstract: "The United States has chosen to emphasize a power projection role for its military. This capability proved itself during Operation Desert Storm. However, Desert Storm also pointed out a significant weakness. To stop the U.S. military, an enemy need only interrupt the logistics chain. How well does the U.S. guard its logistic ability? This paper addresses the possibility that a dedicated, marginally capable opponent could do significant damage to the U.S. logistics system. This in turn could cause the U.S. to abandon or change national priorities."
Naval War College (U.S.). Joint Military Operations Department
Scala, Peter A.
1994-05-16
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Narcoterrorism - A Threat to the United States?
From the thesis abstract: "Today, we see the demise of communism, the hope for a 'new world order,' and the realization of peace in the world. A dark cloud pervades this state of euphoria. It is the result of the War On Drugs. The purpose of this paper is to show that narcoterrorism is a threat to the United States. Colombia is used as a focal point for the study due the significant role it plays in the American drug war. The paper considers the supply and demand side of the drug problem. It looks at the relationship between terrorism and insurgency. The paper defines narcoterrorism to be the use of terror by narcotraffickers to coerce or intimidate a sovereign government to obtain an objective or end result. It examines the interests of the U.S. at stake in the drug war as well as those Colombian interests that the drug war threatens. A part of this examination is to determine which are a vital interest to us and which are threatened."
Army War College (U.S.)
Webb, Patrick F.
1992-04-21
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Time for a Change: The Costs and Benefits of the U.S. Relationship with Israel
From the thesis abstract: "Containment evaporated as the foundation of American foreign policy with the end of the Cold War. Washington is searching for a replacement -- for a strategy which will serve American interests under current conditions of reduced threat and limited resources. Domestic affairs have taken precedence over foreign policy, the economy over defense. The government is pinching pennies -- and raising taxes -- to make up for quadrupling the national debt in a score of years. As we adjust to the straitened circumstances of the post-containment era, it is appropriate to reevaluate all aspects of our foreign policy, particularly those which are most costly. We need to ask whether past programs serve American interests, whether they produce benefits commensurate with their costs, and whether we can afford to maintain them in the future. This paper considers the costs and benefits of support for Israel from the perspective of American interests."
National War College (U.S.)
McLean, Martin
1993-04
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China's Energy Security: The Grand 'Hedging' Strategy
From the thesis abstract: "In the late 1970s, a group of reform minded Chinese, led by Deng Xiaoping, enacted a series of economic reforms that catapulted China into the global spotlight. The key to sustaining the dynamic growth is access to petroleum resources. The central question of this monograph is whether China's strategy is liberal-institutionalist or realist-mercantilist. Using a qualitative case study methodology that explores the dependent variable, energy security, using three independent variables, cost, reliability, and security, China's grand strategy is shown to be a hedging approach. The analysis consists of three case studies. The first case study shows that as the Chinese National Oil Companies grow in scale and experience, they are increasingly at odds with the central government's strategy. This conflict works at cross-purposes to the overall state-directed strategy. The second case study shows that in countries like Sudan, where China has extensive unilateral agreements, the strategy is clearly realist-mercantilist. The final case study shows that in areas like the maritime transit corridors, where China is reliant on outside actors for security, the strategy is liberal-institutionalism or free riding. Taken as a whole, the Chinese strategy for energy security is a combination of liberal-institutionalism, realist-mercantilism, and 'free riding,' tailored to fit the situation and to maximize opportunities that present themselves."
U.S. Army Command and General Staff College. School of Advanced Military Studies
Lee, Stacey L.
2010-05-20
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NATO's Defense Capabilities Initiative: A Strategic Analysis
From the thesis abstract: "NATO's Defense Capabilities Initiative (DC I) is a program to ensure that the Alliance has conventional military forces that are designed and equipped for 21st Century missions. The Alliance launched the program to develop allied defensive capabilities in five areas. The areas identified for focus are: effective engagement; deployability and mobility; sustainability and logistics; survivability; and command, control, and communications. An analysis of the DCI will determine if the areas identified for focus are considered clear objectives by Alliance nations; what the priorities are for attainment of these objectives; Alliance management and structure to attain these objectives (analyze High Level Steering Group (HLSG) oversight); and resource allocation/management toward objectives. This analysis will conclude that the DCI objectives are either attainable or unattainable. Based on this analysis, adjustments to enable attainment will be recommended and causes for possible failure will be identified. Additionally, a short discussion on the DCI objectives and the Army's Objective Force will illuminate that without timely attainment of the DCI objectives the military capabilities gap between the U.S. and NATO Europe will grow exponentially."
Army War College (U.S.)
Flowers, James N.
2002-04-09
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Critical Maritime Infrastructure Protection: A Catalyst for Attaining United States Central Command's Strategic Objectives for Building the Maritime Capacity of the Gulf Cooperation Council
From the thesis abstract: "Building Partner Capacity is a strategic objective stated in the United States' National Security Strategy, Maritime Strategy, Quadrennial Defense Review and is nested in United States Central Command's theater strategy. Stability in the Middle East and the steady flow of Arabian Gulf oil to global markets is a vital national interest of the United States. With United States maritime forces stretched thin globally, it is critical that we rely on coalition partners to carry an increased burden in securing the maritime commons. As our presence in the Arabian Gulf continues to wane, our reliance on friendly regional organizations, like the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), to contribute to regional stability increases. The United States military's program to build the maritime capacity of the GCC must be improved in order to be effective. This paper recommends six changes to United States Naval Forces Central Command's (USNAVCENT) maritime capacity building effort. Implementation of these recommendations enables USNAVCENT to more effectively build the capacity of partners, which will better address the maritime security shortfall in the Arabian Gulf."
Naval War College (U.S.). Joint Military Operations Department
Meehan, Kevin
2010-04-26
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Inward Airpower: Civil-Military Considerations for Air Force Security Cooperation
From the thesis abstract: "This paper examines potential civil-military implications for U.S. Air Force security cooperation activities in building partnership capacity with airborne intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities. Specifically, this paper examines how proliferation of airborne ISR capabilities has the potential to undermine efforts to build and strengthen democratic governments. The potential unintended consequences and second or third-order effects of ISR proliferation present a dilemma to statesmen and strategists, wherein near-term security gains may undermine long-term democratization. Global proliferation of ISR technologies further complicates this dilemma, because should the United States choose not to export these technologies to a given country, suppliers from other nations will. This leaves decision makers seeking the least-worst solution, and requires commitment to address governance development at high levels within state-to-state relationships. As partner nations struggle to control ungoverned territories and defeat insurgent and terrorist threats, airborne ISR provides tremendous capability for partner nations to meet their own security requirements."
Army War College (U.S.)
Halford, Darren Boyd
2012-03-20
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National Guard on the Southwest Border: Defining the Role
From the thesis abstract: "The National Guard's role in the War on Terror continues to decrease with the troop draw down in Iraq and Afghanistan, while multiple threats on the Southwest border continue to increase. Americans are expressing growing concerns over organized crime and international terrorism and the government's ability to secure the Southwest border in the face of those threats are in question. It is time for the United States to examine the National Guard's role and mission in relation to defending the homeland. In a time of significant budget cuts and downsizing of all government organizations, the use of the National Guard to permanently augment the Department of Homeland Security is a viable option. The National Guard can contribute additional capabilities and capacities in equipment and manpower to augment the Border Patrol and help fill gaps in border security. The gains made by the National Guard since 911 are exponential and a reversal to the pre 911 eras of strategic reserve status will make the National Guard less relevant. It is time to define the role and mission of the National Guard on the Southwest border."
Army War College (U.S.)
Lawson, Tim
2012-03-22
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Maintaining Operational Readiness in the Army National Guard
From the thesis abstract: "Prior to operations Desert Shield/Desert Storm in the early 1990s, our national military strategy relied on the Reserve Component (RC), in particular the Army National Guard (ARNG), as a strategic, as opposed to an operational reserve. Since that time, a paradigm shift occurred. From that point forward we realized that operational employment of the ARNG in all significant military contingency operations was necessary, hence the need for an operationally ready ARNG. This paper examines what missions the army could task to the ARNG that best ensure its ability to maintain operational readiness. The examination: (1) includes a brief historical background of the ARNG, (2) a review of the missions that maintain operational readiness, (3) conducts an analysis of those missions, and finally, (4) recommends a basic mission set for the ARNG. The ARNG, through enhanced training, equipment modernization, force structure balancing and multiple deployments, has developed and maintains an operational readiness that exceeds any previous level. Future readiness and effective employment of the ARNG requires a mission set and policy that ensures continuous engagement with viable missions that continue to develop and strengthen readiness and an already solid partnership with the Active Component (AC)."
Army War College (U.S.)
Croymans, Thomas G.
2012-03-22
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21st Century Strategy Needs Sun Tzu
From the thesis abstract: "Today's world is filled with uncertainty and is a world where typical lines of the battlefield no longer exist. The current strategic environment remains best described as volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous and is a world where future contingencies involving the United States will be asymmetrical. As the current world superpower, the United States will continue to find itself involved in world affairs whether we choose to or not and strategists must be properly armed. Theories are useful tools that strategists need to carefully study and understand in order to effectively address both current and future strategic environments. Sun Tzu's theories provide military planners and strategists with a non-prescriptive approach to achieve success in modern warfare and demand careful examination before recommendations are made requiring the use of the Nation's military to senior leaders. This Strategic Research Paper will argue that several of the precepts of warfare addressed in Sun Tzu's, 'The Art of War', remain relevant today, and that they will continue to, well beyond the twenty-first century. This paper will show that his precepts have influenced current doctrine and strategic decision-making through the use of historic and more recent contingency operations."
Army War College (U.S.)
Critzer, Orlando Dale
2012-03-22
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Risk and Reward of an Operational Marine Corps Reserve
From the thesis abstract: "Send in the Marines. For over two hundred and thirty-five years America's strategic leaders have called upon the Nation's expeditionary force-in-readiness to protect and defend our interests whether home or abroad. The Corps is an air, ground, and logistics total force enterprise that provides the United States a capability rivaled by no other organization in the world. The Marine Corps' total force structure is comprised of an active component (AC) and a reserve component (RC). Over the past decade, the RC of the Marine Corps has been employed as an operational reserve although it is primarily organized, trained and equipped as a strategic reserve. As the Global War on Terror progresses, strategic leaders within the RC and AC must conduct an analysis of the Marine Corps' total force framework to address RC gaps in doctrine, organization, leadership and education. The analysis will further enable the RC to become an effective and efficient contributor to the middleweight of America's Armed Services; light enough to get to the fight quickly and heavy enough to carry the day upon arrival. This SRP [Strategy Research Project] will discuss the Marine Corps RC posture through a wide angle lens and briefly address a few of the risks and rewards of the strategic structure transitioning to an operational asset."
Army War College (U.S.)
Mason, Curtis A.
2012-03-21
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Libya: A Future Arab Democracy
From the thesis abstract: "Libya has overthrown its long time dictator Muammar Gadhafi with the aid of both Western and Arab militaries. The United States acted under the authority of U.N. mandate 1973 as part of a broad coalition of both NATO and Arab Nations primarily in a supporting role. In Libya, as in its neighbors Egypt and Tunisia, the successful revolution has now established transitional governments who's effectiveness is yet to be determined. Unlike other Arab nations, Libya possesses a combination of vast oil reserves, a small and balanced population, and a relatively high education level in its citizens. These factors all bode well for the establishment of a lasting representative government. If successful, Libya can not only secure its borders, and deny safe haven to terrorism as is the declared interest of the United States, but also serve as a positive economic and political influence on the region. Egypt remains the most significant and strategic nation in the region, but the benefits of a successful Libya and the relatively low cost at which it may be achieved should not be overlooked."
Army War College (U.S.)
Kulzer, Jacob
2012-03-21
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NATO's Relevance in the Twenty-First Century
From the thesis abstract: "The end of the cold war with Soviet Union in 1991 marked a beginning of a new era for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). Left without a common enemy many wondered if NATO still had purpose or relevance. When the world entered into the 21st Century the entire environment had changed. The affects of Globalization, the threats of failed or failing states, non-state actors, the rise of global terrorism and the world's economic crisis dictated that NATO had to adapt. This research paper analyzes the threats the world faces today and the evolution of NATO into a global security mission. I maintain that NATO is as relevant (if not more so) in the 21st century than it was during the cold war."
Army War College (U.S.)
Jones, John K.
2012-03-22
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Countermeasures to an Initial Surprise Attack Through the Analysis of Historical Examples
From the theses abstract: "This study attempts to deduce the countermeasures to an initial surprise attack through the analysis of historical examples. The research reveals that the defender must eliminate vulnerable timing in his reaction capabilities and develop his own doctrine, organization, and material based on his national character, terrain, climate, and the enemy's doctrine. To cope with the attacker's main attack directed toward an unexpected place, the defender capabilities must secure flexibility which could cope with any enemy Once the attacker has attacked, the defender's command structure should exactly identify the attacker's attempt as early as possible. To respond quickly to enemy's attempt, the defender should possess quick reaction capabilities and to respond effectively to the attacker's overpowering concentration of force and his speed of maneuver, the defender's maximum efforts must be focused on absorbing the attacker's attack momentum. Any countermeasure could not be accomplished without the soldiers' high morale. Those deduced countermeasures could be considered conceptual guidance in preparing for a surprise attack. The actual, substantial, and precise countermeasures should be researched, developed, and actualized nationally within the specific environments involved."
U.S. Army Command and General Staff College
Yoo, Je Hyun
1980-06-06
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Tapping into the Wiretap Debate
From the thesis abstract: "The use of electronic surveillance by federal intelligence agencies has historically been a contested topic. After a series of missteps by the intelligence community, Congress enacted the 1978 Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act and Court to define and oversee electronic collection and surveillance in order to better protect civil liberties. In the twenty years that followed, the world would undergo an evolution in communication technologies, creating vulnerabilities for U.S. intelligence agencies under the law. In the aftermath of 9/11, both Congress and the Executive Office enhanced electronic surveillance measures to combat terrorism. Critics of the new laws and secret executive program argue infringements of civil liberties under the fourth Amendment. Advocates claim an essential need for national security. This paper will examine several related issues. What is the historical rationale behind the laws? How and why have they been adapted over time? Are they currently sufficient to provide intelligence agencies with the tools necessary to protect America while also providing adequate assurances to the American people of their right to privacy? And what further measures can be taken to improve the current system?"
Army War College (U.S.)
May, David W.
2012-02-02
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Bush Doctrine - Roadmap or Relic?
From the thesis abstract: "The United States has lacked a definitive grand strategy since the end of the Cold War. In the wake of 9/11, the Bush Doctrine consisted of four fundamental tenets: do not discriminate between terrorists and nations that support them, engage emerging threats overseas, confront threats before they fully materialize, and advance liberty and hope as alternatives to repression and fear. Current U.S. foreign policy is consumed with crisis management rather than following a long-term game plan with a coherent set of objectives for managing the complex global environment. When viewed as a comprehensive framework for achieving U.S. objectives, the Bush Doctrine provides several critical and enduring concepts fundamental to a long-term strategy. In and of themselves, the Bush Doctrine's tenets cannot serve as the sole basis of foreign policy; but broadening their core objective from eradicating terrorism to addressing extremism and international instability imbue these tenets with an enduring utility for shaping American foreign policy. The realities of U.S. capabilities, the emerging operational environment, and the political aspirations of the nation's electorate codify certain elements of this doctrine as ideal and realistic strategic imperatives for the 21st century."
Army War College (U.S.)
Jones, Jonas C.
2012-02-08
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U.S. Strategic Communication Policy Toward the South American Andean Ridge
From the thesis abstract: "The United States Government and its people have a long relationship with the other Western Hemisphere nations. Over the centuries the strength of bilateral relations and the relations between the U.S. and various regions of the Americas have vacillated. Security issues, economic prosperity, and immigration are among the key aspects of those relationships. The challenge has been for the United States and its partners to clearly and consistently communicate on these matters. At the end of the Cold War, President George H. W. Bush claimed that there was a new world order. The United States has been at the forefront of that new order and occasionally transmitted confusing messages to other nations. This paper outlines U.S. policy concerning Strategic Communication and uses examples from the U.S. interaction with the Andean Ridge countries of South America to show gaps between policy formulation, implementation and the perceptions of regional partners. Finally, it provides recommendations for formalizing Strategic Communication efforts with the Andean Ridge countries."
Army War College (U.S.)
Hodge, Timothy D.
2012-02-17
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Nation Assistance: A Tool for Promoting Peacetime Engagement in Latin America
From the thesis abstract: "Nation assistance was instrumental in developing and preparing the battlefield for a United States foreign policy in Latin America during the 20th century. Perhaps this resource intensive tool is no longer effective or needed in promoting the peacetime engagement tenet of the Clinton Administration's National Security Strategy. This paper demonstrates that nation assistance could be the most viable and productive vehicle that the DoD has in Latin America to influence political, economic and military environments in the young democracies of Latin America. This study reviews the past successes of this program, the future threats to Latin America and our national interests, and recommends to the Administration and Congress, from three options, that the government put more resources into this cost-effective plank of the foreign security policy of our nation in the fertile but fragile democracies of Latin America."
Army War College (U.S.)
Dinsick, Robert G.
1996-04-15
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CAS- A Turboprop Solution for the COIN Fight
From the thesis abstract: "The Counter Insurgency (COIN) fight and asymmetric warfare in general, have become the new norm in modem warfare. As the U.S. military adapts to this ever-evolving fight, a shortfall has developed in Close Air Support (CAS) delivery. Modem U.S. fighters bring a terrific punch to the battlefield, but their limited on-station time and high attack velocities make them a poor fit for complex CAS delivery in the COIN fight. Attack helicopters are formidable platforms, but their slow speeds make for long transit times to and from the fight. Fixed wing and rotary wing attack aircraft are very expensive machines to fly and maintain. Today's Forward Air Controller (FAC) is often under fire, on the move, or cannot see the target. Our Information Surveillance and Reconnaissance aircraft are over-worked and in high demand: A possible solution is an off-the-shelf turboprop aircraft. There are several models available immediately that can solve many of these problems. Modem turboprop aircraft are fast; most of the models presented here are 300+knot aircraft. They can deliver ordnance at survivable speeds that still allow for solid target acquisition. These aircraft are very affordable. The initial purchase prices are fractions of what a modern jet costs. Turboprops are much cheaper to operate than rotor wing or fixed wing aircraft. They are survivable. Many of these aircraft are built with the latest Aviation Survivability Equipment installed, or at least hardwired for the upgrade. Modern turboprops have incredible endurance; some of the models here can loiter for 5+ hours of on-station time. This allows the pilot to develop a high degree of situational awareness and to direct the airborne fight with precision. Most of the turboprops presented here are hardwired for off-the-shelf sensors, such as the third generation Brite Star from FLIR Systems."
Marine Corps Command and Staff College (U.S.)
Scott, Roberto C.
2009
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Operational Denial of Commercial Space Imagery
From the thesis abstract: "This study investigates the capability of the United States to deny commercial space-based imagery to its adversaries during times of hostilities. The United States recognizes that this imagery poses a threat to national security interests, but has not identified a mechanism for operational denial of this information. In 1994 the Clinton Administration removed the U.S. ban on the export of high-resolution imagery because the proliferation of space-based sensors makes this information commonly available whether or not it sit he United States that sells the imagery. This study examines U.S. space policy, domestic and international space law, and previously suggested approaches to countering the threat posed by this imagery. The study also examines technical feasibility as well as operational effectiveness of 28 proposed solutions. The conclusion of this study is that the United States does not currently have a system or methodology for denying space-based imagery in all cases. However, three different types of laser systems could be developed into a potentially effective countermeasure to space-based imagery. These systems include a high-powered ground-based laser, a high-powered airborne laser, or mobile, low-powered lasers that could function as tactical jammers of space-based sensors."
U.S. Army Command and General Staff College
Russo, Anthony J.
1996-06-07
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National Policy, Goals and Objectives After Chemical Disarmament
From the thesis abstract: "Since World War I, the United States has been in the forefront of peacekeeping nations in trying to ban the use of lethal weapons. Today, negotiations for a bilateral and multilateral Chemical Weapons Convention banning the development, production and use of chemical weapons and eliminating all stocks globally are closer to success than anytime in the past. In light of the ongoing negotiations on chemical disarmament, this paper reexamines current U.S. policy statements, elaborates on the full spectrum of possible threats, and enumerates U.S. vulnerabilities in light of the foregoing threat analysis. From this analysis, suggested changes to the U.S. national security objectives are proposed and recommendations relating to chemical weapons training, intelligence gathering and required advancements in research and development are provided."
Army War College (U.S.)
Fahl, Robert G.
1990-04-02
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Modeling Security in Local Area Networks
From the thesis abstract: "The Department of Defense needs to process data at various levels of security in Local Area Networks (LAN) of computer systems. A formal computer network security model is a necessary first step in certifying a computer system to process classified data. Several computer security models have been developed to identify what is required to enable multilevel certification of a computer system, and a similar model is needed for LANs. The primary objective of this research project is to analyze the requirements of a LAN security model. Conceptual design issues of LAN security modeling are presented in this thesis to identify what must be achieved to ensure security is not violated when data of various levels of security are processed in a local area network. Due to their distributed nature, LANs involve several security issues not addressed in security models (such as the Bell-LaPadula security model) developed for single computer systems. Therefore, modeling of security in LANs and computer networks must be complemented with LAN application and implementation considerations, primarily associated with secure communications channels between LAN subscribers. This thesis analyzes the security requirements of a local area computer network, highlighting the need for a security architecture approach to modeling security in LANs. A textural definition of a prototype LAN security model is presented, and the model's application to hypothetical LAN configurations is discussed."
Air Force Institute of Technology (U.S.). School of Engineering
Ballenger, Wesley A., Jr.
1983-12
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United States' Role in Combating Militant Islam in France
From the thesis abstract: "The terrorist attacks on September 11th, 2001 opened American eyes to the magnitude of a long existing security threat to the United States and many of its allies around the world. Although there had been terrorist attacks on U.S. soil and its interests abroad, the United States' elements of national power had been brought to bear somewhat discretely prior to 9/11. Since then, the U.S. strategy has been codified into a long term approach of advancing effective democracy with four short term objectives of preventing terrorist attacks, denying weapons of mass destruction (WMD) proliferation, denying terrorist sanctuary and support, and denying terrorists bases for launching terror. The extensive efforts do not aggressively seek an important long term goal: denying Islamist demagogues access to their most precious near-term objective -- the vulnerable population from which they seek to recruit. By pursuing this objective, in addition to the others, in a manner tailored to each of its global allies, the United States can strategically impact this fight. France, with its considerable, vulnerable Algerian population, is but one example of where this approach can be applied[.]"
Army War College (U.S.)
McRae, William E.
2011-03-16
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NATO's Future and Relevance
From the thesis abstract: "The world's most powerful alliance is constantly demonstrating resilience. North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) will continue to ensure allied partners common defense and security regardless of emerging threats, challenges, and declining resources. Transformation of NATO is not an event-it is a process that must continue to evolve over time. From its creation in 1949 until the end of 1991, the NATO mission was to deter the Soviets and, failing that, to defend Western Europe from a Soviet invasion. NATO was a critical element in a multi-pronged U.S. strategy to maintain peace and security in Europe -- a successful strategy. Now the Cold War is over and Europe is no longer under the clear threat of a Soviet take-over. Yet NATO remains a key player in an everlasting sense, by helping to strengthen transatlantic relations amongst its members. This SRP [Strategy Research Project] argues that NATO remains a viable strategic asset in the current volatile global environment. Critics have contended that the end of the Cold War signaled the end of NATO; this SRP challenges such contentions. Indeed, NATO's continued existence is of great importance to an on-going peaceful world order. "
Army War College (U.S.)
Ostrosky, Blanche E.
2012-02-03
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Racial Extremism in the Army
From the thesis abstract: "In this thesis I examine the problem of white supremacist extremism in the Army. I begin by analyzing the phenomenon in general. First, I define extremism in general, and then give a summary history of white racial extremism in the United States, to include focusing on such hate groups as the Ku Klux Klan and the more modem phenomenon of 'skinheads.' I then discuss the history of white supremacist extremism in the Army, culminating in the December, 1995 murders of two black civilians by soldiers assigned to the 82d Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. I compare and contrast the old and new Army policies on extremism. I defend the new policy as constitutional, based upon a reading of Supreme Court case law, and I analyze the justifications for the Supreme Court's deference to the military in determining its policies. I also look at the potential problems of the extremist policy being overly broad and a form of viewpoint-based discrimination. I propose a methodology to create local policies that will withstand constitutional scrutiny along these lines and lastly give three scenarios utilizing that methodology."
Judge Advocate General's Legal Center and School (United States. Army)
Hudson, Walter M.
1998-04
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Defining Islamic Way of Warfare and Its Comparison With Al Qaeda Doctrine
From the thesis abstract: "With the rise of Al Qaeda and like-minded militant groups, there have been many discussions and misrepresentations of the term Islamic way of warfare. It is important to understand that anything, to be qualified as Islamic, has to have a reference from the core sources of Islam, i.e. the Quran, and the practices and sayings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). This research is focused to define an Islamic way of warfare based on these fundamental sources, with a view to identifying whether Al Qaeda is truly Islamic or not. This thesis identifies that Islam does not dictate minor tactical matters of warfare, rather focuses its guidance on warfare in two broad categories: the just cause for waging war, and limited restrictions on conduct during the war. Using this two part test of 'Cause' and 'Conduct,' the thesis shows that though Al Qaeda deem to have an authentic Islamic cause to wage war against USA and Western countries, because of its violation of guidelines in conduct, it ceases to qualify as Islamic. The research finally provides recommendations on how United States and Western countries can engage militant groups and the Muslim world more effectively."
U.S. Army Command and General Staff College
Khan, Intekhab Haider
2012-06-08
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Closing the Security Gap: Building Irregular Security Forces
From the thesis abstract: "The British and US experience with the use of local, irregular security forces suggest their importance in assisting the host nation government and counterinsurgent forces. Their successful establishment, training, and employment demonstrate the importance of several prerequisites including partnership with an advisory force, consent of the host nation's government to exist, and that the security force is accountable to the local civil authority. Without these prerequisites, the local, irregular security force could risk illegitimacy in the eyes of the populace, the host nation government, and the counterinsurgent. However, partnership does not guarantee a local irregular force's success. The host nation's involvement in the decision to build irregular forces is important from the beginning of the campaign. Through the examination of archival research and primary source interviews associated with the British experience in North-West Frontier and the Dhofar region of Oman, one can start to understand the prerequisites needed to create a successful mentorship force. The paper examines the method of partnership, selection and traits of the advisors, and the host nation government's role in building the Punjab Irregular Force and Frontier Corps in the North-West Frontier in India, the firqat in Dhofar, and the Sons of Iraq."
U.S. Army Command and General Staff College
Gunther, Michael J.
2012-06-08
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U.S.-China Military Conflicts in the Maritime Exclusive Economic Zones
From the thesis abstract: "This paper examines U.S. and Chinese interests, strategies, and national security policies in the Chinese-claimed Exclusive Economic Zone in the Western Pacific. It provides an analysis of the two nations' current strategies and policies, and offers recommendations for the U.S. to accomplish its strategic goals and build a non-adversarial relationship with China."
Army War College (U.S.)
Rich, Lynn A.
2012-03-22
