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Quality Time: Temporal Constraints to Continual Process Development in the Air Force
From the thesis abstract: "This work implements a deductive system-dynamics methodology to analyze the application of quality management policies to an Air Force system. The work provides an alternate explanation to the existing body of literature on the failure of Total Quality Management (TQM) and Quality Air Force (QAF) programs. The modeling and simulation in this work indicated that the time between activities and the repeatability of activities heavily impact their probability of success. Quality programs are one side of a two-sided equation; they increase the efficiency of a system thus reducing rework and waste. Simultaneously, forces of entropy or chaos continually degrade the efficiency of that same system. The strength and speed with which quality management programs can increase efficiency are directly dependent upon three time constants: the time required for a person to gain competency with a task, the time required for a unit to generate new ideas, and the time required for new ideas to be implemented and evaluated. The work argues that the length of these three time periods is a necessary, but not sufficient, condition to successfully implement quality programs. The longer these periods, the more prone to failure quality programs become. As these three time constants get longer, the strength of quality programs against entropy decreases, and the more difficult the implementation of quality programs becomes. At some point, time constants become so long that it is impossible obtain quality from process; quality must be obtained through testing and correction of deficiencies. This work also indicates that there may be systemic issues associated with capturing experience inside Air Force units. This work assists commanders in determining if the time constants of their units are amenable to quality programs."
Air University (U.S.). School of Advanced Air and Space Studies
LaTour, Paul A.
2017-06
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Economy of Force: Continuous Process Improvement and the Air Service
From the thesis abstract: "Air Force senior leaders attempted to implement an array of process-improvement models throughout AF [Air Force] existence Management By Objectives, Total Quality Management (TQM), Quality Air Force (QAF), Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st Century, and Continuous Process Improvement to harmonize efficiency and effectiveness in support of mission accomplishment. Much like a metaphorical dippy bird that overcomes inertia through spirited leadership, it tips, secures a drink, and the vigor that generated initial action wanes; thereafter, the dippy bird regresses toward its initial position. TQM was molded into QAF."
Air University (U.S.). School of Advanced Air and Space Studies
Herman, Ryan L.
2017-06
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Nuclear Symbolism and Ritual: Upholding the National Myth: A Study of Indian and Pakistani Nuclear Proliferation
From the thesis abstract: "This study suggests studying nuclear proliferation as an outcome of national myth. It begins by examining the theoretical role of myth in general and then specifically political myths. Ultimately, it describes myth as a conceptual entity that provides meaning and context to objective facts. Through the use of symbolism and ritual, ideas becomes reality. This study focuses on how national myth influences nuclear posture. It claims nations resist pressures from changes in environment to protect national myth by insuring the ritual and symbol remain congruent with the myth. The study examines this phenomenon by looking at the fifty-year history of India and Pakistan's path to full nuclear weaponization, ultimately concluding that analyzing a nation's nuclear proliferation as symbol and ritual provides insights that other reductionist theories cannot. Finally it suggests the study of nuclear symbolism and ritual of future nuclear proliferators, such as Saudi Arabia and Iran, will prove useful for U.S. policy makers and their anti-proliferation agenda."
Air University (U.S.). School of Advanced Air and Space Studies
Yelnicker, Mary C.
2017-06-01
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Relevance of Borders in the 21st Century
From the thesis abstract: "This study assesses the relevance of borders in the 21st century. The author analyses the different approaches of the concept of border throughout history and cultures. Borders occupy different functions with respect to rulers, people and territories. The reality of borders stretches from 'border-line,' to 'border-area,' and to 'frontier,' as no universal definition exists. The sociological study demonstrates the importance of cross border integration in the shaping of borders. By contrast, the modern state and the bordering process have introduced a global set of norms of delineation. Official borders are relative to a specific domain, and do not ensure a definitive consistent norm with respect to population and global trends. Globalization and the main disequilibrium of the 21st century have challenged the normative definition of the 'border-line.' The traditional lines of division have disappeared, and the changing level of openness of borders has become the criteria of analysis. The world oscillates between a borderless and a gated approach. This study concludes the need to redefine a less normative approach of borders with respect to people and local context."
Air University (U.S.). School of Advanced Air and Space Studies
Rigg, Mathieu
2017-06
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Transparency, Accountability and Engagement: A Recipe for Building Trust in Policing
"Police departments across the nation are challenged to reduce crime, improve quality of life, and, with diminished resources, face the increased threats to homeland security. Many have struggled to find the right balance between keeping communities safe, while at the same time having transparent and effective counterterrorism strategies. This thesis examines the role race plays in policing and the criminal justice system. A comparative analysis was conducted of the New York Police Department's [NYPD] community policing and counterterrorism strategies and that of the United Kingdom's counterpart, the Metropolitan Police Service. The research focuses on how important police legitimacy and transparency are to gaining the trust of the community at large. It also examines how technology and social media can assist in building trust and enhancing accountability. The research concludes with four recommendations, which, if implemented, will move the NYPD toward a more balanced counterterrorism strategy that actively engages with the community it serves."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
O'Reilly, Kathleen M.
2017-06
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Problem-Solving in Homeland Security and Creating Policy Conditions for Enhanced Civic Engagement: An Examination of Crowdsourcing Models
"This thesis examines crowdsourcing experiments and engagement models, the leveraging of technology in these pursuits, and their potential utility for solving problems in the homeland security enterprise. Rather than identifying a gap or seeking to fix something that is 'broken,' the research evaluates the potential benefits of employing crowdsourcing models in homeland security and its related disciplines. It uses appreciative inquiry to evaluate how existing successful models might open new pathways between government and citizens for the generation of knowledge, the exchange of information, or for innovation in approaches to problem solving. This thesis advances the hypothesis that, within the body of crowdsourcing and engagement models, a combination of ideas, examples, approaches, and successes exists that demonstrates potential utility for the homeland security field. The research findings exhibited this potential, manifesting in new partnerships and the creation of new knowledge. Participants, aided only by personal technology, self-organized some initiatives; in other cases, participants simply needed a platform to enable their motivation to contribute. These platforms for engagement and pathways to them were a consistent part of the narrative across the literature. Contributions by the non-professional was also a consistent theme, as was a need for a balanced approach that provides a safe framework within which to operate."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Bisogno, Raymond
2017-06
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Military Suicide: Developing an Understanding of Basic Issues to Provide a Lower Risk Force
From the thesis abstract: "The US military has historically experienced a much lower suicide rate compared to the general US population. In the last decade, the suicide rate for military personnel exceeded that of the general population; additionally, the suicide rate for military personnel more than doubled. This dramatic increase in suicide rates for the military gained significant public attention and the military then focused on preventing suicides for currently serving service members. [...] Both the general and military decedent populations present specific trends in behavior and demographics that lead to suicidal behaviors. The common issue affecting both populations is that the young adult age groups are the most affected by suicide. This suggests that a significant proportion of new service members enter service possessing the characteristics that will lead to suicidal behavior. These findings imply that the current suicide prevention programs may not fully address the underlying mental health issues associated with the young adult population. As a result, the services may be inadvertently recruiting service members with increased risk. The military services have a history of conducting psychological screening in times of conflict, and have developed additional testing aids that may assist in efforts to provide a more resilient force. Unfortunately, the military services currently do not place significant effort on reducing the population with highest suicidal behavioral risk at the point of accession for service. Efforts to identify and reduce these specific subpopulations will both reduce the military suicide rates and enable military medical resources to focus better on the currently serving population to enhance suicide prevention and intervention efforts."
U.S. Army Command and General Staff College; U.S. Army Command and General Staff College. School of Advanced Military Studies
Remoy, Eric M.
2017-05-25
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Establishing Ripe Moments for Negotiated Settlement in Counterinsurgency: An Example from Colombia
From the thesis abstract: "Negotiating with insurgents to end a counterinsurgency (COIN) conflict is an undervalued and largely unaddressed topic in US Army COIN doctrine. Historically speaking, however, insurgencies end in negotiated settlements more than any other form of war termination. In fact, the current US strategy to end the war in Afghanistan is to seek a negotiated political settlement with the Taliban. Given these realities, US Army leaders and planners must have a better understanding of the military and government roles in successful strategic negotiations with insurgent groups. This monograph addresses how current US Army COIN doctrine does not adequately address how to establish ripe moments for successful negotiated settlements in COIN conflicts. The paper is divided into four sections beginning with an overview of what current US Army COIN doctrine says about negotiations and negotiated settlements. The second section presents ripeness theory as a framework to consider the conditions that are necessary for negotiations to occur. The third section includes the case study of Colombia's three negotiations conducted with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) between 1982 and 2016. The conclusion section will discuss the implications for US Army COIN doctrine."
U.S. Army Command and General Staff College; U.S. Army Command and General Staff College. School of Advanced Military Studies
Rickmeyer, Paul F.
2017-05-25
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Discursive Maps at the Edge of Chaos
From the thesis abstract: "Postmodernism and systems thinking indicate biases in military conceptualizations of the operational environment. Military planners, as operational artists, tend to see the map as the territory. Their cartographic choices during operational design--coordinate systems, scales, borders, and other visual perspectives--tie space and time together as a deliberate representation of 'a truth' rather than one of meaning, tied to a purpose, and representative of the tensions that inform discourses. Most particularly, common boundaries depict exclusivity in a binary manner. They constrain operational design with excessive linearity and simplicity for the complex operational environment they aim to depict: a square peg for a round hole. These biases can be mitigated through understanding maps as artifacts imbued with meanings, rather than ontological depictions of constrained realities. Such maps are discursive; they are constitutive and suggestive to the synthesis processes that occur during operational design. Fundamental to discursive maps is the understanding of how identity and space are invariably tied together. Politics then come to exploit this relationship in ways that create feedback, which when positive (reinforcing) tends to increase the meaning of boundaries and polarize conflict towards violence. The edge of chaos is the fine line between disorder and coherence. Discursive maps embrace complexity towards the latter; they empower the arrangement of tactical actions in time, space and purpose in the pursuit of strategic objectives."
U.S. Army Command and General Staff College. School of Advanced Military Studies
Primeau, Mathieu
2017-05-25
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Operation Martillo as a Tool to Reduce Drug Trafficking in the Northern Triangle Countries (El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras)
"The Transnational Organized Crime that Central America is facing with drug cartels and criminal street gangs becomes a threat to the national security of the United States. The countries of the Northern Triangle of El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras have become the bridge and the base of operations for these criminal organizations that use land, sea and air routes to move the drugs through Mexico with the final destination the United States. Because of this threat, it is important to establish a good security cooperation program with the countries of the Northern Triangle, a program that includes training and equipment to be more effective in the fight against drug trafficking across their territories. The Northern Triangle countries need to be committed with the United States in their fight against drug trafficking and the transnational criminal organizations and they need to establish a partnership where there is mutual cooperation. Also, these countries need to work jointly with the United States agencies in this region to increase drug interdictions. The plan of Operation Martillo is important to achieve this strategy to reduce the traffic of drugs through the countries of the Northern Triangle." "A Thesis Presented to the Faculty of the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree Master of Military Art and Science General Studies
U.S. Army Command and General Staff College
Ramírez, John H. (Army)
2017-05-23
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Counter Narco-Terrorism Program Building Force Capacity of Guatemalan Kaibiles Assisted by the United States Special Operations Forces
From the thesis abstract: "Drug traffic, terrorism, high levels of corruption and more importantly border porosity, constitute the most prominent issues that Guatemala faces regarding security and stability. These issues are significant not only because they affect the country but also the Central American region, and ultimately the United States. Due to its geographical, and multiple international borders, including access to both Atlantic and Pacific littorals, Guatemala serves the opportunity to transnational criminal organizations across the Western Hemisphere, to continue expanding, dominating key terrain, therefore achieving freedom of movement causing further instability throughout the region. Because of that reason, United States has the Counter-Narco Terrorism program (CNT), in this case, to assist Guatemala in the matters of countering crime related to the illicit traffic of drugs, and terrorist activities. Furthermore, this program enable efforts within Guatemala to maintain security, stability, and lasting peace in the region." "A thesis presented to the Faculty of the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the
degree - MASTER OF MILITARY ART AND SCIENCE, General Studies."
U.S. Army Command and General Staff College
Meneses, Eduardo J.
2017-05-23
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Russia Foreign Policy in Latin America - Case Study of Nicaragua
From the abstract: "In recent years under President Putin, the world saw Russia being highly active and aggressive in Eastern Europe and the Middle East. Russian activities are not limited to those very high-profile regions. The Western Hemisphere is also an area of interest to Russia as it shows an interest in the newly open arctic channel in the North and in reviving diplomatic contacts and military exercises in Latin America. In Central America specifically, Russia is actively developing its relations with Nicaragua on the military, economic and diplomatic fronts raising the question whether Russia intends to insert itself openly in the United States' backyard. [...] A thesis presented to the Faculty of the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree - Master of Military Art and Science General Studies."
U.S. Army Command and General Staff College
Watier, Marc-André
2017-05-23
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Counter-Social Movement Approach to Deconstructing Daesh
From the thesis abstract: "Current operational approaches against Daesh are predicated upon its categorization as either a state or terrorist organization. When viewed as a state, Daesh seems most likely to succumb to the application of decisive action as described in US Army unified land operations doctrine. For those who see Daesh as a terrorist organization, Army counterinsurgency doctrine seems to offer the best approach. If, however, Daesh does not fit neatly into either of these categories, one must question the effectiveness of combating Daesh according to either of these operational approaches. As an alternative, the US military could view Daesh as a transnational social movement organization (SMO), and by doing so, planners could develop a more effective operational approach to counteract movements like Daesh. This argument hinges on analyzing Daesh according to the political process model (PPM) of social movement theory (SMT) to determine lines of effort (LOE) against which US military forces could best apply resources to counteract the SMO. This study is divided into four sections. The first section constitutes an overview of SMT as a form of contentious politics. The second section presents a comprehensive history of Daesh. The third section explicitly applies the PPM to Daesh. The final section analyzes the US government's current counter-Daesh strategy, and offers, as an alternative based upon the PPM, a set of LOE against which resources could best be applied to effectively counteract the movement."
U.S. Army Command and General Staff College
Sweatland, Jacob
2017-05
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High Stakes Chess: Hashemite Monarchy Masters the Game in Spite of All Odds
From the student thesis: "Jordan faces severe security challenges, but the Hashemite Monarchy has shown skill in using political tools to overcome internal and external conflict and strife. King Abdullah II has proven himself adept in negotiation. His administration has repeatedly proven themselves as masters of compromise to maintain stability in the country. Jordan's leadership weathered the storms of the Arab Spring for three primary reasons: the institution of the monarchy provides a focal point of social cohesion and legitimacy that restrains the desire to rebel; the king and his supporting coalition, by virtue of its self-confidence, identity, and extensive experience made better decisions in response to the external events that triggered bigger, more sustained protests elsewhere; and finally, the monarchy received critical support from its Western allies and fellow Middle Eastern monarchies, most prominently, Saudi Arabia. Time and time again, the Hashemite Monarchy has skillfully walked a political tight rope to keep the peace between wildly different camps within and external to its borders. The kingdom will need all its considerable political skills in years to come as tough times certainly continue."
Air University (U.S.). Air Command and Staff College
Hier, Nate
2017-05
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Gender Integration in the USAF Fighter Community: 25 Years of Progress and Persistent Challenges
From the thesis abstract: "With the stroke of a pen on April 28, 1993, Secretary of Defense Les Aspin eliminated a policy barring females from flying in combat, opening the door for first United States Air Force (USAF) female fighter and bomber aircrew. On the eve of the twenty-fifth anniversary of that momentous decision, groundbreaking aviators like Brigadier General Jeannie Leavitt, F-15E Strike Eagle pilot, and Brigadier General (sel.) Kristen Goodwin, B-52 Stratofortress pilot, stand as exemplars for others to follow. Despite their achievement of General Officer rank and certain hardships in blazing the trail, in the fighter community very few females followed, and their population among the Combat Air Force (CAF) has been flat among fighter pilots and only incrementally rising among weapons systems operators. Currently, of the 2,400 fighter pilots in the CAF, only 42 females hold primary responsibility as fighter pilots, resulting in scarcity in front-line units. In fact, the CAFs most numerous fighter, the F-16C Fighting Falcon had only one female fighter pilot in the last six years at its second-largest operational wing, the 388th Fighter Wing. Shockingly, the AFs newest fifth-generation fighter, the F-35A Lightning II, currently has zero females of 123 F-35 pilots, despite reaching its Initial Operating Capability (IOC) in August 2016."
Air University (U.S.). Air War College
Wolfe, Thomas B.
2017-04-25
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Sustaining Naval Surface Combatant Vertical Launch System Munitions During Joint Operations
From the abstract: "Maintaining maritime dominance against near peer adversaries will tax an already complex logistics structure that depends upon freedom of movement to deliver critical materiel required to sustain operations. While the U.S. Navy is proficient in delivering fuel and other materiel via underway replenishment, it also depends heavily upon a network of airports and seaports. The Combat Logistics Force, operating from these facilities, carries this materiel and moves it the last tactical mile; however, the Mark 41 Vertical Launch System (VLS) represents a critical vulnerability as it can only be reloaded while a ship is in port. Additionally, the Navy relies heavily upon access to port facilities that are often in range of potential adversaries possessing anti-access and area denial weaponry. Protecting this infrastructure and sustaining naval operations requires the cooperation of the other Services to provide air defense, force protection, and just-in time delivery of munitions via inter-theater air transport. A review of naval operations in the 20th Century reveals operational insights and specific requirements for addressing MK 41 VLS replenishment in austere ports and anchorages. To minimize the burden on the Services for transportation and force protection and to gain increased agility in conducting prolonged combat operations at sea, the Navy should develop a balanced logistics and auxiliary tender force."
Joint Forces Staff College (U.S.). Joint Advanced Warfighting School; National Defense University
Moore, Michael E.
2017-04-21
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Bear and Dragon Embrace: Russian-Chinese Security Cooperation
From the thesis abstract: "The two large and powerful nations of China and Russia are currently engaged in a strategic partnership which is an aberration in the history between the two countries. Both nations share an aversion to a unipolar world led by the United States and seek to balance the expansion of American power and create a multi-polar international order. They have engaged in security cooperation activities ranging from arms sales and technical support, to military visits and exchanges, to large scale combined and joint military exercises. It is unlikely that this relationship will evolve into a formal military alliance, given the troubled history between China and Russia. The two countries, which share a large common border and some common interests, have numerous conflicting interests, are culturally incompatible with little grassroots affinity, and are each wary of the other, especially as China's power grows and Russia's declines. Both nations value their bilateral relations with the United States, the nature of which bear greatly on the character of the Chinese-Russian relationship. The United States should be vigilant in observing the Chinese-Russian partnership, while cultivating its own bilateral relationships with each country."
Joint Forces Staff College (U.S.); National Defense University
Cunningham, Paul E., II
2017-04-21
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Networked Special Operations: Addressing Transnational Threats, Homeland Defense, and Breached Seams in the Western Hemisphere
From the thesis abstract: "This thesis revolves around a central question: Can United States Special Operations Command act as the conduit to network special operations in support of strategies specific to transnational organized crime (TOC) and homeland defense (HD)? An examination of the 2015 National Security Strategy (NSS), the 2012 Defense Strategic Guidance (DSG), and the 2014 Quadrennial Defense Review (QDR), uncovers some distinctive goals and requirements linked to national security on U.S. frontiers. The U.S. national defense and homeland security industrial complex are in need of a serious forced evolution that mimics the threat posed by transregional threats which do not adhere to geographic borders nor are they subject to the posse comitatus bifurcation inherent to military and law enforcement collaboration. This thesis contends USSOCOM should be the clearing house for a true global approach to global threats. By using the TSOCs [Theatre Special Operations Commands] in a 'supported command' roll then USSOCOM, through direct coordination with the GCC's, could utilize the resident network already in place."
Joint Forces Staff College (U.S.). Joint Advanced Warfighting School
Castro, Alex
2017-04-20
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Armed Drones and Targeted Killing: Policy Implications for Their Use in Deterring Violent Extremism
From the thesis abstract: "Since 2002, the United States has used armed unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), or drones, to conduct more than five hundred and fifty lethal strikes against known and suspected militants in its Global War on Terrorism. It appears that the United States' intent for these strikes, also referred to as targeted killings, is to disrupt the planning and execution of a violent extremist organization's (VEO) operations, and to deter, through punishment, other militants from using terror tactics in the future. This thesis focuses on the latter objective and investigates the utility of using drone strikes for deterrence. Through review of the available unclassified literature on the United States' armed drone program, applicable U.S. policies, and fourth wave deterrence theory, this thesis endeavors to answer two questions: can drone strikes support a larger deterrent strategy? and what policy changes are necessary to support achieving the desired effect? This thesis argues that within the United States' current counterterrorism strategy, armed drones do not provide a deterrent effect to terrorist organizations. However, if the U.S. modifies its counterterrorism policies to describe more clearly what constitutes a punishable terrorist activity, then unmanned aerial vehicles can serve as an effective tool to aid the U.S. efforts to deter the use of terrorism by violent extremist organizations against the U.S. and its allies' citizens and national interests."
National Defense University Norfolk United States
Rowley, Gary D.
2017-04-17
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Drone Swarms
From the thesis abstract: "Drone swarms are here. The United States, China, and Russia are on the forefront of drone swarm development and utilization. However, the low cost and easy accessibility to drones allow non-state actors to utilize drones in imaginative and creative ways, to include swarming. The aim of the monograph is to address the following question: What utility do drone swarms provide the military? Drone swarms provide numerous advantages, to include persistent intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and targeting; low-risk and low-cost to military personnel and organizations, and the potential to paralyze personal and organizational decision making. In contrast, drone swarms come with vulnerabilities and challenges. The vulnerabilities range from an adversary hacking to the existence of counter swarm weapons, and some challenges include organizational resistance and international law. Drone swarms are here and are coming to a battlefield soon, and it is time to address how best to employ them. After outlining the potential benefits and limitations of drone swarms, the monograph concludes with four recommendations: the need for narrative, establishing a drone swarm doctrine, understanding human-drone interface, and an organizational transition for drone swarm employment."
Air University (U.S.). School of Advanced Air and Space Studies
Sanders, Andrew William
2017-04-12
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Fighting Blind: Why US Army Divisions Need a Dedicated Reconnaissance and Security Force
From the thesis abstract: "Since the Army reorganized into modular Brigade Combat Teams, US Army divisions have not had a dedicated reconnaissance and security force. This study answers the questions do US Army divisions need a dedicated reconnaissance and security force and if so how should it be organized, equipped, and trained? This study uses history, trends in warfare, and current US Army doctrine to answer the research questions. This monograph finds that divisions need a dedicated division cavalry squadron. This study recommends that the Army should organize, equip, and train a dedicated reconnaissance and security force based on the tasks zone reconnaissance, reconnaissance in force, and guard."
US Army School for Advanced Military Studies Fort Leavenworth United States
Ludwig,Daniel R.
2017-04-07
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'Going Dutch' Why the Dutch Do Not Spend 2% GDP on Defense
From the research paper abstract: "The Netherlands requires peace and stability in the international order for its own peace and prosperity and depends on NATO to ensure that peace and stability. Yet, the Netherlands'government consequently fails to meet the 2 percent GDP [gross domestic product] mark for Defense spending and, despite its pledge at the 2014 NATO summit in Wales, has shown no movement to meet the 2% guideline by 2024 in the most recent budget. This paper examined why the Dutch government does not spend 2% GDP on defense and if a policy change can be expected after March 2017 elections. It first regards the Dutch constitution, the Dutch welfare state and the political landscape which explains why the social security and welfare policy schemes are deeply embedded across the Dutch Society. As such, political parties prioritize these policies over defense spending. The paper then regards the Dutch political landscape, past government coalitions and the Advocacy Coalition Framework to explain the past history of defense budget cuts as a result of the coalition based government structure. Finally, the paper looks at the 2017 election results and considers four major changes in the external environment that influence coalition decision-making. Combined with the party programs and the Advocation Coaltion Framework, the paper concludes that a policy change to increase Dutch defense spending to the European average of 1.43% GDP is likely over the next four years, which puts the 2% GDP mark in range for 2024."
Air University (U.S.). Air War College
Roddenhof, Boudewijn A.
2017-04-06
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Offsetting Tomorrow's Adversary in a Contested Environment: Defending Expeditionary Advance Bases in 2025 and Beyond
From the thesis abstract: "Potential adversaries have studied the operational advantages of the U.S. joint force and as a result are developing A2/AD [anti-access/area denial] systems and capabilities intended to challenge the U.S. military's asymmetric advantage by denying freedom of access and maneuver in the global commons and across all warfighting domains. The advancement and proliferation of A2/AD capabilities enable adversaries to negate U.S. high value/capable assets by holding critical forward infrastructure at risk and imposes a cost imposition that could prove prohibitive. Sustained and integrated efforts across the joint force are required to ensure the continued U.S. and allied access to, and maneuver in the global commons. Well defended and mutually supportive Expeditionary Advanced Bases (EABs) will ensure operational freedom of action by keeping a foot in the door in contested environments. The integration of game-changing technology in force development paired with an innovative offset strategy will enhance the joint forces' ability to preserve vital national security interest in contested regions through the employment of well defended EABS supported by a joint force with resilience, capacity, and operational agility."
Air University (U.S.). Air War College
Bailey, Branden G.
2017-04-06
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Counter-UAV Solutions for the Joint Force
From the thesis abstract: "The recent commercial sales explosion of small, low cost UAV's [Unmanned Aerial Vehicle] has renewed discussions amongst security professionals and leaders at all levels of government concerning the threats presented by drones. For well over a decade, these concerns have been presented, discussed, admired, and assessed numerous times. However, a new urgency exists as negligent owners, criminals and terror organizations have realized the capabilities of these devices and are using them in deadly ways. Small-UAV's, which include both remote controlled model aircraft and drones, have been on the commercial market for decades. However, they (specifically quadcopters or drones) have proliferated in staging numbers over the past few years driving renewed concerns and governmental regulations. [...] As these counter-UAS [Unmanned Aerial System] systems have been developed and tested with success, the joint force must act quickly to choose an agile acquisitions model to procure and employ these weapons systems for the protection of property, assets and personnel. In complimentary fashion, the concept of operational employment of these weapons systems must also be agile and responsive to the evolving threat."
Air University (U.S.). Air War College
Praisler, David J.
2017-04-06
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When Norms Fail: North Korea and Cyber as an Element of Statecraft
From the thesis abstract: "With the increased reliance on information technology across society, nation states have begun to integrate cyber capabilities into their power projection strategies. While nation states use these increased cyber capabilities in attempts to wield greater influence in statecraft, cyber tools have not lived up to the hype of the great equalizer some claim it to be. To illustrate, this paper reviews select malicious cyber actions by North Korea in an effort to analyze the effectiveness of cyber as a form of statecraft for weaker states and potential deterrence responses by victims of such malign actions."
Air University (U.S.). Air War College
Albarado, Adam
2017-04-06
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Jasmine Revolution: Applied Lessons for U.S. Grand Strategy
From the thesis abstract: "From 1987 until 2011, the people of Tunisia suffered under autocratic rule, but in 2011, a popular revolution overthrew the ruler, resulting in its current representative democracy. This paper will examine the recent history of Tunisia leading up to the revolution. It will then examine realist, liberal and constructivist theory, as applied to the Tunisian revolution, and determine which theory best explains the events. Lastly, it will inform the kinds of policies we should adopt for similar revolutions in the future."
Air University (U.S.). Air War College
Beightol, Brandon K.
2017-04-06
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Spying for the Right Reasons: Contested Norms in Cyberspace
From the thesis abstract: "When former National Security Agency contractor Edward Snowden revealed that the United States was tapping the phone of German Chancellor Angela Merkel, he triggered an entirely new debate upon the changing international norms of espionage in the twenty-first century, especially the question of spying among allies. Additionally, taking advantage of cyber vulnerabilities might be perceived as a precursor to attack, and advanced persistence threats allow the exploitation of huge amounts of data, including intellectual property, on an unprecedented scale. However, international norms have always been contested from a legal or ethical perspective and are not new in cyberspace. The reasons for deviating from norms in cyberspace will not be found in this specific domain but within the overarching context of international relations. [...] Nevertheless, it is of utmost importance that states adhere to more restraining norms when 'verifying' on allies in lieu to spying on adversaries to avoid damage to the unity of alliances and common values."
Air University (U.S.). Air War College
Wachowitz, Andreas
2017-04-06
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How Well Can Existing Software Support Processes Accomplish Sustainment of a Non-Developmental Item-Based Acquisition Strategy?
From the student paper abstract: "The Department of Defense is increasingly moving toward software-intensive tactical systems. Software sustainment presents a differing set of characteristics over its hardware counterpart. To understand better how these differing characteristic may affect the current support processes established for the hardware-dominated landscape, this paper examines how a recent, ongoing, acquisition of a software-intensive tactical system (Joint Tactical Radio System) is aligning to the existing DoD and Army policy and guidelines for software sustainment. The paper further tries to identify potential disconnects presented by the DoD/Army's movement toward acquiring systems under the Non-Developmental Item (NDI) strategy. Under an NDI acquisition, the program manager acquires the end system with little to no development contribution or design insight. Recommendations are made to assist the Army in recognizing such challenges and considering modifications to the current processes."
Defense Acquisition University (U.S.)
Nikolich, Graciano
2017-04-06
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NATO's Changing Its Posture Against Russia from Assurance to Deterrence: Does it Matter?
From the student paper: "Russia's seizure of Crimea in the Ukraine rung alarm bells in the West, raising fears of a resurgent Russia intent on regaining its former dominance in Eastern Europe. Over the last two years, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) has renewed its focus on defending its member nations from an aggressive and resurgent Russia. This focus encompasses a switch from assurance, which the United States and NATO have relied on during the post-Cold War era, to deterrence which is more in line with its posture against the former Soviet Union. [...] As NATO again faces a real nuclear threat from Moscow, it must once again, like during the Cold War, cultivate a serious policy of and capability for nuclear deterrence. To deter the Russian nuclear threat, NATO needs to realign its priorities by increasing the importance of its nuclear deterrence mission and considering possible modifications to its conventional and nuclear posture."
Air University (U.S.). Air War College
King, Christopher J.
2017-04-06
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Air Force Leadership Diversity
From the thesis abstract: "The Air Force is not drawing upon its full talent pool for leadership in its most senior positions. This also has another negative affect of creating a general officer cohort that severely lacks diversity. Active duty general officer statistics bear out that the group is 94% white and only 7% female as opposed to the overall Air Force population that is 72% white and 20% female. While more diverse than in the past in terms of Air Force Specialty Code, the general officer cohort is 58% pilot officers, even though the promotion pool for selection to O-6 is only 30% pilot officers. [...] It is time to look at different ways to select future general officers for the Air Force. There are many fully qualified and able officers in the mission support category that would be amazing representatives of the Air Force at all levels. We do not have to artificially limit them to capping out at O-6 if we want to encourage diversity in our most senior leadership levels as we seek to create a stronger Air Force that will continue to fulfill an increasingly complex mission."
Air University (U.S.). Air War College
Sebren, G. Hall, Jr.
2017-04-06
