Department of State and Defense - Partners in Post-Conflict Operations is This the Answer for Past Failures

摘要

Combatant Commanders do an excellent job in planning for and conducting military combat operations. They have a more difficult time with the Phase Four, Post Conflict Period. Recent operations in Iraq and Afghanistan have shown the difficulties and challenges in coordinating, managing, funding, staffing, and succeeding in this post conflict yet still very hostile environment. Shifting from military to civilian control is always the goal, but the when, who, and how is difficult to determine. President Bush has now charged Department of State with the post conflict lead through the newly created Office of the Coordinator for Reconstruction and Stabilization (S/CRS), but the Department of Defense must still provide security and other related duties to allow this to succeed. This paper examines National Security Presidential Directive-44 and DoD Directive 3000.05, and their probability in addressing the reconstruction and stabilization failures since the end of World War II. While these directives paint a rosy picture, many challenges face the Departments of State and Defense. Future success may be as elusive as finding the Holy Grail.