Competitive Strategies and NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) Central Region Air Operations.

摘要

Within the past few years, there have been a number of reports referring the 'Competitive Strategies.' In one sense, Competitive Strategies is the Defense 'buzzphrase' of the late 80s. However, it is also more. Secretary Weinberger directed DoD to institutionalize the concept in 1986. Recent SECDEF Reports to the Congress indicate that institutionalization is proceeding. DoD, services, and theater CINCs now widely participate in the process. If, as appears likely, the concept will be with us, it behooves the military to understand what it is and how it works. This paper seeks to add to the literature on Competitive Strategies. To do this, it will cover three major areas. First, it reviews the concept and how the U.S. Department of Defense has institutionalized it . Second, it covers possible enhancements to NATO's offensive and defensive counter air operations. Third, it explains possible Soviet counters to these improvements. Based on my analysis of these three areas, I believe Competitive Strategies is a welcome addition to US defense planning. It employs one of the oldest principles of strategy: focusing one's own strengths on enemy vulnerabilities. However, the concept appears to have a number of limitations which can limit that impact. These include further institutionalization, Task Force methodology, and including all required participants in the process. (aw)