Conflict Termination--Transitioning from Warrior to Constable: A Primer

摘要

During low intensity conflicts and contingency operations, the commandertransitions from combat to stability. In doing so, the warrior becomes a constable in civil military operations. This study project offers a primer for describing the many and varied issues a commander may confront when transitioning on the continuum from a combat or crisis phase to a stability and nation building phase. The paper will review United States experience in four low intensity conflicts: Power Pack (Dominican Republic), Urgent Fury (Grenada), Just Cause and Promote Liberty (Panama), and Desert Storm and Provide Comfort (Kuwait and Kurdish Refugees in Northern Iraq). In addition to identifying issues an Army commander may face, the paper discusses the commander's responsibilities and roles under International Law to provide for stabilization of civil affairs. It shows why the commander may not have traditional civil affairs assets available to assist in achieving the mission. It concludes that Army commanders will be required to conduct humanitarian, law and order, and constabulary duties when transitioning from combat to stability immediately following combat, perhaps for weeks before guidance and instruction is provided by appropriate governmental or international authority.