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After the Boom, the Complexity of Blast Induced TBI
From the Master's Thesis Abstract: "Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) has become a major health concern in the US Army. Since October 2001, over 2.6 million service members have deployed in support of combat operations, where TBI, primarily caused by blast, has been underreported and underdiagnosed. The Department of Defense (DoD) reports that nearly 384,000 service members serving in the Global War on Terror have suffered a TBI, classifying eighty two percent as mild TBI (mTBI). Labeled an 'invisible wound,' mTBI has proven difficult to both prevent and diagnose. In addition, blast injuries further complicate mTBI diagnosis, adding to the problem's complexity. In this light, protecting soldiers from blast-induced TBI (bTBI) has attracted attention from the public, senior DoD officials, and the government. The DoD has funded studies to help medical professionals diagnose bTBI and help identify its associated effects in order to treat those injured and return them to service. As the Army races to test and field new equipment to better protect soldiers, diagnosing mTBI, especially those induced by blast, remains a problem for health professionals and the Army at large. Thus, further research is needed that will spark new strategies to help alleviate blast-induced brain injuries and their ramifications in soldier's lives."
U.S. Army Command and General Staff College. School of Advanced Military Studies
Hirschey, Gregory J.
2019
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We've Been Here Before: The US Army's Transition to Large Scale Ground Combat After Vietnam
From the Master's Thesis Abstract: "Currently, the Army is undergoing a major transformation away from limited contingencies in Iraq and Afghanistan and relearning how to conduct Large Scale Ground Combat Operations (LSGCO). While this marks a fundamental divergence in the Army's concentration over the last 17 years, a modern historical example of this transition exists. From 1974-1991, the Army underwent a comprehensive restructuring that turned the attention from limited contingency operations in Vietnam to fighting a major land war in Europe. To understand this transformation, this study examines changes in doctrine and division-level organizations and how the Army validated those changes from the end of Vietnam through the Gulf War. This monograph uses a structured and focused approach to assess this transition. Eight focused research questions frame the inquiry around one detailed case study. Additionally, three tenets from the Army's Operating Concept provide the focus of the paper: lethality, innovation, and adaptability. The empirical evidence collected supports the study's thesis that transformations in doctrine and organizations, validated in training and operations, enabled the Army to become a lethal, adaptable, and innovative force during its transition to LSGCO after the Vietnam War."
U.S. Army Command and General Staff College. School of Advanced Military Studies
Nusom, Scott A.
2019
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Countering Chinese Economic Expansion Through Small State Engagement in South Asia
From the Master's Thesis Abstract: "This study presents an assessment of small state power as it relates to foreign policy in South Asia and the application of operational art through security engagements to meet political aims. US interests are at risk in this region and success is dependent upon the most efficient engagement of regional players to counter Chinese military, economic, and political aims. Security cooperation provides a cost-efficient way to counter Chinese economic alliances with small states in the region. A true mitigation of Chinese challenges to the existing security order in the Indo-Pacific requires the continuous presence of multiple dilemmas through expanded security cooperation with small states."
U.S. Army Command and General Staff College. School of Advanced Military Studies
Young, Brian
2019
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Expeditionary Advanced Base Operations in the India-Pacific Command Area of Responsibility
From the Master's Thesis Abstract: "The evolution of Anti-Access/Area Denial (A2/AD) capabilities has brought an end to the era of persistent multi-domain superiority for the United States and its coalition partners. Improved long-range precision fires, maritime assets, and other comparable adversary military capabilities will require US forces to fight to attain access to a given Area of Operations (AO) and conduct a campaign within it. The India-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM) Area of Responsibility (AOR) is one region where A2/AD challenges are most prevalent. The deployment of capabilities by China and Russia represent significant obstacles to the conduct of military operations within the theater. Despite the established challenges, a capability is emerging that will enable the Joint Force to overcome the A2/AD strategies and achieve desired objectives. Expeditionary Advanced Base (EAB) operations will provide the means to penetrate enemy defenses and conduct operations within a designated AO. Should a conflict arise with China, Russia, or another adversary on the Asian continent, EAB operations will be essential to support the execution of the approach to the campaign. As the premier amphibious and expeditionary force for the United States, the Marine Corps will serve as the foundation for the conduct of EAB operations. Understanding the considerations associated with the planning and execution of EAB operations is critical to ensure they are successfully integrated into the conduct of future joint force operations in the INDOPACOM AOR."
U.S. Army Command and General Staff College. School of Advanced Military Studies
Rainey, David S.
2019
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Making Sense of the Senseless: War in the Postmodern Era
From the Document: "This research project theoretically describes many of the confusing phenomena occurring in today's strategic context. In particular, the paper argues that the United States is in the midst of a philosophical crisis, the preliminary to a paradigm shift, between modern thought and postmodern thought. It further argues that the United States' governmental institutions, which were designed to be occupied by modern thinkers, will cease to function as intended as more postmodern thinkers occupy them. The research gives a history of thought from Ancient Greece to the modern United States. The paper argues that postmodern thinkers live in hyperrealities, making them susceptible to deception and disinformation, because they seek alternative narratives to explain the world around them. Using the 2016 US Presidential election, the research investigates how Russian strategic deception and disinformation influenced the postmodern thinkers in the United States. The paper describes postmodern strategies than can be employed alone or in conjunction with modern strategies against both modern and postmodern populations."
U.S. Army Command and General Staff College. School of Advanced Military Studies
Kay, Larry A.
2018-05-24
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Operational Art: The Framework for Successful Transitions in the US Army and Its Importance in Officer Education
From the Document: "The US Army is currently experiencing a change in the operational environment. After decades of counterinsurgency focused fighting, near peer threats now require a transition to conducting large-scale combat operations. Transitioning from small scale to large scale operations is not without precedent in the US Army. The purpose of this study is to determine what factors allowed the US Army to transition in the early 20th-century. This paper asks the question, what evidence exists that the application of current operational art as defined by Joint Publication (JP) 3-0, facilitated the successful transition of the US Army from small-scale to large-scale wars in the period of 1909 to 1919? To answer the research question, the author conducts qualitative research, based on primary and secondary sources, determining the presence of operational art-like efforts in the Moro War, Punitive Expedition and WWI, and their effects on transitioning an army to a large-scale fight. The findings determine evidence exists that the application of operational art facilitated the successful transition of the US Army from small-scale to large-scale wars in the early twentieth century. Of more importance is the determination that the underlying facilitator that allowed the successful transition of the US Army was the professional military education of General John Pershing. The findings of this paper matter to the reader because the changing operational environment may require a rapid transition of focus. The paper describes to the reader that through education and application of operational art, transition and victory is possible."
U.S. Army Command and General Staff College. School of Advanced Military Studies
Hanes, Christopher L.
2018
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On the Edge of Chaos: Battling Complexity with Complexity, an Examination of Swarm Logic
From the Document: "The underlying premise for the US Army's newest operating concept published December 2017, 'Multi-Domain Battle: Evolution of Combined Arms for the 21st Century,' is that growing complexity in warfare and increased adversarial capabilities necessitate a new approach to leveraging the US joint military force across all domains. This monograph explores the field of complexity science and concept that complex problems require complex solutions, namely swarming. While previous research has focused on the physical aspects of swarming and the ability to converge from a dispersed posture, this study looks to the core logic of this emergent phenomenon. By studying swarm logic through various levels of abstraction - natural case studies, simulations, and military case studies, this study demonstrates the effects of localized interactions and self-organization to power successful complex adaptive systems. These complex adaptive systems thrive in the very conditions that are supposed to challenge the future US military - highly degraded command and control with increased dispersion."
U.S. Army Command and General Staff College. School of Advanced Military Studies
Andrews, Anthony E.
2018-05-24
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ISIS vs. Al Qaeda: An Ideological Comparison
From the Document: "This paper addresses the ideological differences that drive the divergent strategies pursued by Al Qaeda and ISIS [Islamic State of Iraq and Syria]. It examines the history and ideological background that is relevant to both organizations to provide an appropriate level of context. Using a qualitative comparative case study methodology, the paper provides a detailed study of the key ideological facets that shape how Al Qaeda and ISIS formulate their respective strategies. Finally, the paper analyzes the key differences between the groups and explains how this information can be useful to operational planners. The key findings are that Al Qaeda and ISIS have fundamentally different ideological views about how to unite and purify the Islamic 'Umma' and wage jihad, which drive vastly different strategies. The findings from this monograph can be particularly useful for future planners as they build operational approaches for combating Al Qaeda and ISIS, and for anticipating the actions of other Sunni jihadist groups."
U.S. Army Command and General Staff College. School of Advanced Military Studies
Andrews, Anthony E.
2018-05-24
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Transforming the Combined Forces Command Structure of the Republic of Korea and the United States
From the Document: "Whereas the Republic of Korea and the United States are in turbulent times as they prepare to transition wartime operational control, North Korean threats against the alliance are growing through the development of nuclear weapons and missiles. The purpose of this monograph is to suggest an appropriate model for the Republic of Korea and the United States combined forces to transform its command structure in order to maintain and enhance capabilities to deter and respond to the North Korean threat even after transition of wartime operational control. In order to do so, this monograph first reviews the historical background of the two countries' military alliance and its command structure. Then, relevant doctrinal review and case studies are conducted in order to identify the challenges that the alliance currently faces and implications for the future combined command structure. Based on these analyses, the monograph presents the criteria for the model for transforming the combined command structure after the wartime operational control transition. Then, the monograph suggests the three-stage model that gradually changes from integrated command structure to parallel command structure. Finally, it gives some recommendations for best employing the three-stage model."
U.S. Army Command and General Staff College. School of Advanced Military Studies
Kim, Taehyung
2018-05-24
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Sustainment Considerations for the Multi-Domain Battle
From the Document: "In 2016, Chief of Staff of the Army, General Mark A. Milley described his vision of the future operational environment. This vision encompassed many new challenges for the US Army and the Joint Force. Specifically, the concept of multi-domain battle requires the Joint Force to operate in ways not experienced in the recent past. The potential lack of air supremacy, in particular, will not only force the US military to change the way it fights, but also logistics support to those combat forces. The current capabilities of the US Army sustainment community are not adequate to order to operate successfully in the future operational environment as described by Army leadership. Counter-Anti Access/Area Denial (A2/AD) and dispersed operations present difficult challenges for the sustainment community. In order for the US Army to maintain its core competency of 'set the theater,' to include theater distribution, the Army sustainment community must conduct capability gap analysis, using the DOTMLPF-P [Doctrine, Organization, Training, Materiel, Leadership and Education, Personnel, Facilities and Policy] framework, for both counter-A2/AD and dispersed operations challenges. Possible solutions for these challenges include sea basing and cache operations, which encompass the breadth of the DOTMLPF-P spectrum, in order to ensure robust sustainment operations capable of supporting in the future operational environment."
U.S. Army Command and General Staff College. School of Advanced Military Studies
Maples, Lindsay S.
2018-05-24
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Complex Adaptive Systems Approach to the Future Operational Environment
From the Abstract: "Military and political leaders often claim that we are facing a complex future, but do not specify why this is so. Is the world truly becoming more complex? If so, why and how is it becoming more complex? This monograph uses multidisciplinary analysis and synthesis to answer these questions. Using these tools, it develops a complex adaptive systems view to explain the underlying trends that drive changes in the operational environment, from the micro to the macro. Increasing growth of technological capability provides an incredible integrating capability that allows for individual and group development. The tempo and tendencies of this relationship result in an operational environment that is increasingly diverse, particularized, and subject to rapid change. Rather than a flat world, the operational environment is shown to be an increasingly differentiated, dancing landscape that requires creative, flexible, and agile responses from the Joint force."
U.S. Army Command and General Staff College. School of Advanced Military Studies
Colvin, Nathan M.
2014-05-22
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Cyberspace as a Complex Adaptive System and the Policy and Operational Implications for Cyber Warfare
"The overall implication of depicting cyberspace as a complex, adaptive ecosystem is that it provides an avenue for further insight and understanding of the complexities associated with operating in cyberspace. This renewed reality highlights a source of vulnerability, a potential threat to national security, due to the intermixing of public and private infrastructure and the reliance of the United States Government (USG) on infrastructure owned and operated by the private sector. The fact that most, if not all, of the underlying infrastructure for seamless cyber interactions are controlled and managed by non-state entities means that the USG most recognize the power of the private sector in cyberspace. This represents a disturber of the familiar international order because the major actor that constitutes and defines international relations (the state) is not able to control cyberspace or to insulate itself from the implications of the new cyber realities. This recognition suggests that adopting a policy position that is primarily offensive in nature better serves the US, especially in regards to the protection of the cyber ecosystems of the private sector. Specifically it proposes that offensive cyber attacks should not be limited to only the authorized entities of the United States military, but should be expanded to include authorized entities in the private sector. Central to this proposition is the introduction of a new element of operational art specific to the cyber realm to guard against unintended consequences--the operational art element of precision."
U.S. Army Command and General Staff College. School of Advanced Military Studies
Olagbemiro, Albert O.
2014-05-22
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Improving Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) Reform
"How might military leaders better shepherd Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) reform? In response to the military's sexual misconduct crisis, Congress recently made major reforms to the UCMJ for the first time in forty-five years. Many members of Congress are calling for more. Military leaders, however, did not initiate any of these major reforms and are vehemently opposed to any further change. This divergence indicates that military leaders failed in their ethical duty as members of the profession of arms to guide the UCMJ through an ever-changing environment. This thesis is designed to help military leaders better perform this duty. Based upon an in-depth analysis of legislative history, media reports, and scholarship, it first sets forth a six-variable framework to explain when Congress will take unsolicited action to correct a problem with the UCMJ. It then shows that military leaders can use four easily accessible early indicators to diagnose problems years before Congress takes action. Finally, it incorporates both the framework and the four indicators into a revolutionary four-step approach to UCMJ reform designed to help military leaders guide the UCMJ through ever-changing times."
U.S. Army Command and General Staff College. School of Advanced Military Studies
Brooker, John W.
2014-06-13
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Al-Qaeda and Its Affiliates: The Failure of the Transnational Network
"This monograph assesses the relative success or failure of this approach by evaluating the tactical actions of al-Qaeda Core and three of its affiliated groups, Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM), al-Shabaab, and the Islamic Emirate of the Caucuses (IEC). The case studies explore the origin, leadership, ideology, and tactical actions of the groups identified in an effort to analyze the relative success, or lack thereof, of 'brand' al-Qaeda. The fundamental tension between the transnational aims espoused by al-Qaeda Core and the nationalist agendas which are at the heart of the affiliates actions are blindingly apparent. It is quite clear that some 16 years after the declaration of the global jihad, al-Qaeda Core is no closer to realizing its strategic aims and has in fact seen its status drastically reduced; syndication has apparently failed."
U.S. Army Command and General Staff College. School of Advanced Military Studies
Hortop, Alex
2014
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Far East Air Forces' Contributions in the Retaking of the Philippines, 1944-1945
"In 1941, the Far East Air Force (FEAF) was activated in support of Operation Philippines-Luzon-Unaccompanied-Manila (Plum). The mission was to deter Japanese aggression by presence and, if ordered, conduct offensive operations against the Japanese. However, following the attacks on Clark Airfield, the FEAF lost 50 percent of their aircraft in a single day. Two weeks later, the remaining offensive aircraft retreated to Austraila, unable to deter the Japanese. Under the new leadership of General George Kenney, the FEAF turned their retreat into a offense supporting General Douglas MacArthur's 'triphibious concept.' By September 1944, the FEAF was striking the Japanese on the Philippines. The research question presented in this thesis is, how effective the FEAF was in shaping and supporting ground operations in the retaking of the Philippines in 1944? Air superiority is a requirement in any area of responsibility; however, the thesis focuses on shaping and supporting operations by means of counterland and airlift operations, both direct and indirect. The thesis is taken from a operational lens and compares the operations on Letye and Luzon up until March 1945. The secondary question compares the historical significant of Kenney's operations with today's land based aviation challenges in the Pacific."
U.S. Army Command and General Staff College. School of Advanced Military Studies
Vause, William J.
2014-06-13
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Al-Hiraak movement in Yemen: A Study of the Implications of Federalization on the Secession Movement
"This monograph examines the growth of the Al-Hiraak secession movement in Yemen in order to examine how the movement may evolve when Yemen adopts a federal system. By examining the variables that led to the development of Al-Hiraak, it becomes clear that the interaction between the movement and the government of Yemen played the largest role in its development and demands. Utilizing elements of social movement theory, in particular the variables outlined in contentious politics, a case study of the Al-Hiraak movement indicates the significance of repression and cooptation in the history of the movement. These variables provide some ability to predict how the movement will evolve once the federal system is in place. They also allow for some extrapolation about the future of the struggle against Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) in Yemen. As the federal system will assuage most of the grievances advanced by the Al-Hiraak movement, it is likely to significantly reduce the political strife and dissonance that AQAP capitalized on to establish a foothold in the Yemeni population."
U.S. Army Command and General Staff College. School of Advanced Military Studies
Garvey, Thomas M.
2014-04-12
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Unified Land Operations in World War I and the Anglo-Irish War
"The wars in Afghanistan, and Iraq created an Army well trained, armed, and able to defeat an enemy fighting a protracted war. The skills and equipment required to conduct major combat operations above the company level have atrophied, leaving the force vulnerable against an enemy capable of conducting battalion, or above operations. However, the doctrine requiring the force to conduct major combat operations never disappeared, though pushed aside, or buried under a mountain of counterinsurgency focused doctrine, and theater requirements. Does the Army bring balance back to the formation in the latest release of Army Doctrine Publication 3-0 'Unified Land Operations?' This paper examines the question using the British from 1914-1921 using current doctrine as a lens to examine a military challenged with two very different wars in Europe and in Ireland during the same period."
U.S. Army Command and General Staff College. School of Advanced Military Studies
Jacobson, Brian
2012
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Joint Force Opportunities: Policy Aims and Adaptations
From the thesis abstract: "The US joint force continuously attempts to meet policy aimed at the survival and prosperity of the nation. The dialog between the policy maker and military adviser requires a broader and deeper understanding to align strategy and means to constantly shifting policy. This monograph employs an interdisciplinary qualitative chronological case study of the Iraq war from the initial attack in 2003 through the end of the 'Surge' in 2008. It examines the joint force's attempt to adapt to policy with the means available, and the strategy that emerged. Understanding the complexity of local to global interaction and relationships from the singular individual to international and trans-national institutions can assist adaptation. The joint force adapted in Iraq from 2007 to 2008 to the operational environment and US policy aims."
U.S. Army Command and General Staff College. School of Advanced Military Studies
Mack, Jeffrey M.
2016-05-26
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Seven Times Around a City: The Evolution of Israeli Operational Art in Urban Operations
From the monograph abstract: "The nature of a city's organized space and the resulting dynamism create difficulties for a commander striving to maintain control of forces and respond intelligently to threats. Corning to grips with this is difficult, but can be done as the Israeli Defense Force (IDF) demonstrated. The IDF have consistently faced these challenges more than any other western-style military. They have struggled with the dilemma of preparing for state-centric maneuver war while remaining ready for asymmetric non-state forces in an urban environment. By tracing the evolution of the IDF's operational art in urban warfare, military planners have a vital reference point for how western rnilitaries have responded to these challenges. From the 1982 siege of Beirut, to the recent forays into the Gaza Strip, the IDF engaged in a series of urban campaigns against asymmetric adversaries who adapted rapidly and exploited the urban environment to their advantage. The study evaluates the changing IDF understanding of a city's physical space, how it contests the information domain, and its operations process over time. Ultimately, it finds that the IDF developed the boldness to re-image the space of a cityscape, to contest their adversary's hold on global audiences, and to learn as they fight."
U.S. Army Command and General Staff College. School of Advanced Military Studies
Moerbe, Wesley A.
2016-06-26
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Organizing to Understand: How to Operate Effectively in the Human Domain
From the monograph abstract: "Security professionals and academics generally agree that many of the challenges faced in Iraq and Afghanistan after 2001 were the result of a failure by national policy and strategic decision-makers to understand the political, cultural, physical, social and other human aspects of the operational environments. The human aspects of conflict stand in contrast to the traditional physical aspects of war and pose unique and complex challenges for the US national security community and military practitioners. To deal with the increasingly important human aspects, the US military has proposed the 'human domain' as a sixth domain that encompasses the other five operational domains (land, air, sea, space, and cyber). The Vietnam War and recent studies of the early years of Operation Iraqi Freedom provide sufficient material with which to analyze how the security community has approached issues in human conflict. Both were the result of misunderstanding within the human domain and had serious impacts on the war efforts. Recognizing recent failures, several nations have looked to whole of government (WoG) approaches as the means to effectively understand, organize, and operate in the changing world. This study provides two ideas for consideration as a collective solution for future implementation of the WoG approach during operations within the human domain. Most security professionals and academics would agree this type of population centric conflict is only becoming more prevalent and likely in the future environment of conflict."
U.S. Army Command and General Staff College. School of Advanced Military Studies
Williams, Sean C.
2015-04-06
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Ancient Chinese Precedents in 'China's National Defense'
From the thesis abstract: "The purpose of this paper is to analyze the strategy embodied in China's 1998 White Paper titled China's National Defense and compare it with the strategic concepts contained in a number of military classics from ancient China. The assumption is that since China's political and military leaders state openly that their strategy is based on traditional Chinese strategic concepts, a study of ancient classics on strategy may provide a deeper understanding of the strategy embodied in China's National Defense. Such an understanding will be of value to United States military strategists as they deal with the China of today and tomorrow. The results of this study did find ancient precedents in the strategy outlined by China's National Defense. The most prevalent strategic precedents include the concepts of: gaining popular support for the national government, pursuing economic development to satisfy the population, developing a strong military to deter/defeat internal and external threats, and preferring the use of peaceful means to solve conflicts rather than using military force."
U.S. Army Command and General Staff College. School of Advanced Military Studies
Geddis, Robert B.
1999-06-04
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Fighting with Fires: Decentralize Control to Increase Responsiveness
From the thesis abstract: "This monograph on military theory examines the subject of fire support effectiveness and responsiveness. In 1987 the fire support effectiveness rate as measured by the Army's Combat Training Centers was 60%. Despite the Army's effort to improve its ability to fight with fires, the effectiveness rate as of February, 2000, had declined to 12%. This factual evidence complements the perceptions of senior Army leaders who criticize the fire support community for failing to provide the supported maneuver formation with responsiveness fire support. The examination of theory explains how the Army's centralized control of fires to facilitate massing of fires, coupled with a poorly developed digital fire control system are the root causes of failure. Theory is further used to predict the role of fires in the future and shows that centralized control works directly against the Army's focus on high tempo, decisive maneuver operations. This document aims to change the Army view's on how it controls and fights with indirect fires at the brigade level and below. In essence, a shift from centralized control to decentralized control would improve both effectiveness and responsiveness while also setting into motion establishment of a foundation from which to support 21st Century Warfare."
U.S. Army Command and General Staff College. School of Advanced Military Studies
Johnson, Robert C., LTC
2001-05-15
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Indigenous Police Forces in Counterinsurgency
From the thesis abstract: "Given the importance of security force assistance in an era of persistent conflict and the need for counterinsurgency operations, what makes indigenous police forces effective in counterinsurgency? This monograph proposes that, if the Army faces an era of persistent conflict and chooses to assist indigenous forces, then paramilitary organization and U.S. military leadership make for effective indigenous police in counterinsurgency operations. To test the hypothesis, this study explores two related areas. The paper begins with an analysis of several cases to analyze what type of organization makes for effective indigenous police in counterinsurgency operations. It continues with an analysis of who should lead the effort to effective indigenous police during counterinsurgency operations. Case research indicates that indigenous police are most effective in counterinsurgency efforts when structured along paramilitary lines. Analysis of these cases suggests that paramilitary police forces are survivable and effective against insurgent elements. Exploration into cases in Iraq and Afghanistan illustrate how civilian government agencies are challenged to lead efforts contributing to effective local police forces during counterinsurgency. […] The monograph also provides recommendations for further research to address indigenous police corruption, paramilitary transition to a traditional police structure, and the application of the community-oriented policing philosophy."
U.S. Army Command and General Staff College. School of Advanced Military Studies
Mungie, Timothy R.
2010-05-27
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Challenges in the Protection of US Critical Infrastructure in the Cyber Realm
From the abstract: "This paper evaluates the US military participation in the arena of domestic cyber security for
critical infrastructure protection. The issue is relevant for two major reasons. First, it deals with
the current phenomena of continuous cyber attacks on US critical infrastructure, which dominates
the discussion of potential future and global threats to the United States. Second, the US is trying
to cope with current challenges to cyber security with military means, which is sparking academic
and political debate. The latter relevance comprises the main argument of this study, that a
military approach to cyber security is not the best choice. Generally, critical infrastructure
protection is inherently civil related. Other factors to consider are Presidential Directives and US
cyber strategies, which assigned the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to organizing,
synchronizing, and executing critical infrastructure protection for the homeland. Nonetheless, the
US military is deeply involved in domestic affairs regarding cyber security. Numerous reasons
create this curious reality. Ill-defined and unclear classifications of the variety of cyber attacks
make almost everything appear as an undifferentiated hazard. Cyber hype, largely a product of
efforts by the information technology industry, only serves to add to the contemporary
misperception of cyber threats. Terms of cyber related issues are often militarized, over
emphasized, and undifferentiated. The resulting confusion produced inadequate domestic cyber
security efforts, insufficient public-private cooperation, and a turn to the military for leadership.
This absorption of DHS related fields of actions by the Department of Defense are questionable
in two respects: constitutionally power-sharing principles prohibit the military from policing
inside of the United States and the militarization of cyber security may hamper the necessary
public-private cooperation for domestic cyber security."
U.S. Army Command and General Staff College. School of Advanced Military Studies
Trobisch, Jan
2014-01
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Operational Use of the US Army Reserve in Foreign Disaster Relief to Support the United States Government's Strategic Use of Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response
"Although it is impossible to predict the future, the operational environment of 2025 and beyond may require
additional military support to the United States Government's agencies in Foreign Disaster Relief (FDR). Global
climate change, urbanization, growing natural resources scarcity, and other factors will increase the need for
humanitarian assistance (HA) and disaster relief. At the same time, the Department of Defense (DoD) is undergoing
budget and force reductions. The confluence of these factors and interaction of these variables in the current and
future operational environment may require increased FDR capability and support from the military. Options for
how the DoD will address FDR should be explored. Given the unique capabilities of the United States Army
Reserve (USAR), congruent with FDR, the USAR may be best suited for the primary role in FDR missions. This
monograph explores the current and future environment and provides analysis of the USAR to serve as a DoD
option with a primary responsibility in FDR."
U.S. Army Command and General Staff College. School of Advanced Military Studies
Pajak, Kelly J.
2015-01
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Culture and Identity: Critical Considerations for Successful State-building Endeavors
From the thesis abstract: "The attacks against the United States on September 11, 2001, originating from Afghanistan, and the earthquake in January 2010 that devastated Haiti illustrate the different dangers that weak and failed states represent to the international community. While failed states are not new, globalization magnifies the effect they may have on the international community in a manner disproportional to their status and strengthen as nation-states. When the international community and the United States intervene in failed states to relieve humanitarian crises and/or reestablish stability, the donor nations often implement state-building programs to affect change in the failed state. However, after the departure of the donor nation, the failed state often fails to thrive or reverts to its previous form. This monograph argues that state-building efforts yield inconsistent results due to a failure to consider the culture and identity of the failed state when developing state-building policies and programs. Analyzing primary source documents, the US interventions into Haiti in 1915 and 1994 serve as a cross-temporal case study for this monograph. Research discovered some awareness of Haitian culture among political policymakers and military leaders, but no evidence exists of any definitive effort to develop or adjust US policies or programs based on this awareness. Achieving enduring success in state-building requires considering a new approach that incorporates culture and identity as critical considerations in these endeavors."
U.S. Army Command and General Staff College. School of Advanced Military Studies
Hilaski, Paul J.
2010-04-30
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Unmanned Systems in Perspective
From the Abstract of this monograph: "Unmanned systems have become a vital component of US military operations in the twenty-first century. They are here to stay, and their utility will continue to expand. Nevertheless, uninformed beliefs and biases continue to skew the discourse regarding unmanned systems. These systems do not constitute a fundamental change in the nature or character of warfare. Policymakers, strategists, or operators who attempt to use unmanned systems in place of human prudence will be profoundly disappointed with the results. They are not a revolution in military affairs, nor do they provide easy answers to the challenges of war. While all of the Services have developed and fielded unmanned systems, the US Air Force's evolution of unmanned aircraft since 2001 is particularly illuminating for future endeavors. Rather than pursue robotic autonomy, the US military must cultivate professional service members with the skill and discipline to wield unmanned systems adeptly. The Services must fully integrate the tactics and technology of unmanned systems with manned components of the force, as both will be crucial in future endeavors. Leaders should never allow technology to dictate policy or strategy; unmanned systems must always fit into legitimate and comprehensive plans."
U.S. Army Command and General Staff College. School of Advanced Military Studies
John, David F.
2014-05-22
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Critical Vulnerability of Technological Dependence: A Culturally Driven Phenomenon
From the thesis abstract: "Multiple conflicts and consistent multinational interaction has unequivocally shown the United States military to be the best trained and equipped force in the world. Through the integration of satellite and computer technology, another description has also followed: technological superiority. Through multiple iterations of upgrades, the military has embraced this trait and placed emphasis on maintaining and increasing this superiority by leveraging multiple technologies. The technology that stood out more than any other was the derivative of satellites. The military currently relies on satellites for many crucial technologies to include: global positioning systems, satellite communications, unmanned aerial systems, imagery collection, and missile defense systems. Unfortunately, as the technology has emerged, so too has an underlying dependence. This monograph contributes to an understanding of the government's and society's role in perpetuating this dependence. The lens of System Theory enables an understanding of the system consisting of strategic culture, societal culture, and military culture. The relationships between these, seen through their self similarity and feedback loops, have created the ultimate perpetuation. To prove this point, three separate technologies were analyzed: unmanned aerial systems, satellite communications, and global positioning systems. The three cases showed consensus that strategic and societal culture play a pivotal role in the continuing dependence on satellite technology. Both exhibit influence over the military and each other creating strong bonds. If the emerging well-buffered system is merely identified and not countered the dependence may become a critical vulnerability."
U.S. Army Command and General Staff College. School of Advanced Military Studies
Carroll, Allan B.
2014-04-22
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Cyberspace as a Complex Adaptive System and the Policy and Opertional Implications for Cyber Warfare
From the thesis abstract: "The overall implication of depicting cyberspace as a complex, adaptive ecosystem is that it provides an avenue for further insight and understanding of the complexities associated with operating in cyberspace. This renewed reality highlights a source of vulnerability, a potential threat to national security, due to the intermixing of public and private infrastructure and the reliance of the United States Government (USG) on infrastructure owned and operated by the private sector. The fact that most, if not all, of the underlying infrastructure for seamless cyber interactions are controlled and managed by non-state entities means that the USG most recognize the power of the private sector in cyberspace. This represents a disturber of the familiar international order because the major actor that constitutes and defines international relations (the state) is not able to control cyberspace or to insulate itself from the implications of the new cyber realities. This recognition suggests that adopting a policy position that is primarily offensive in nature better serves the US, especially in regards to the protection of the cyber ecosystems of the private sector. Specifically it proposes that offensive cyber attacks should not be limited to only the authorized entities of the United States military, but should be expanded to include authorized entities in the private sector. Central to this proposition is the introduction of a new element of operational art specific to the cyber realm to guard against unintended consequences--the operational art element of precision."
U.S. Army Command and General Staff College. School of Advanced Military Studies
Olagbemiro, Albert O.
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Result of Generalization: Bearing the Consequences of Imprecisely Designating Terrorist Organizations
From this monograph's Abstract: "What is the effect of the United States ineffectively designating terrorist organizations on military and diplomatic operations? Establishing a practicable definition of terrorism is a pursuit that invariably leads to vagueness to compensate for context and allow for discretion in application. The resulting effect on criteria for designating terrorist organizations creates a framework that may encompass almost any act of violence if applied incorrectly. As such, this monograph attempts to identify the issues with the definition and framework that prevent effective application of terrorist organization designations and provide options for improvement. This is accomplished through identification of the statutory terrorism definition's characteristics, an introduction of the terrorism designation framework and case studies of two organizations listed and subsequently delisted as terrorist organizations. Content of the research also includes academic discussion of the characteristics of a definition of terrorism and the current statutory framework to identify strengths and weaknesses. Findings from this research and analysis of information indicated that the statutory definition and designation framework allow excessive discretion in designating terrorist organizations, leading to negative effects on diplomatic and military operations. As currently employed, there is little restriction in the designation of foreign violent groups oppose their government as terrorist organizations. Consequently, there is wide discretion in designating groups as terrorist without understanding their purpose, complicating operations and delegitimizing the designation process."
U.S. Army Command and General Staff College. School of Advanced Military Studies
Hodl, Christopher M.
2014-01
