Closing the Gap between the Department of State and U. S. Military Operations during Post-War Conflict

摘要

During current and recent U. S. military operations there has not been a seamless transition from phase III (Dominate) to phase IV (Stabilize). This paper argues the Office of the Coordinator for Reconstruction and Stabilization should permanently assign a team of reconstruction and stabilization experts to the Ground Component Commander within a combatant command. It discusses current interagency cooperation, the importance of the planning process and current initiatives the State Department is taking to close the gap with the U. S. military during reconstruction and stabilization operations in post-war conflict. Finally, the paper concludes that a team of reconstruction and stabilization experts should be permanently assigned to the Ground Component Commander. It makes recommendations on where to assign these teams and further research that could be done to help define and develop this team of experts.