Conflict Termination: It's Not Just for Politicians Anymore

摘要

Numerous studies have been conducted and books written about the origins,conduct, and termination of war. The vast majority of the writings concerning the origins and termination of warfare are focused primarily at the strategic level of war. At the operational and tactical level, the actual conduct of warfighting has also been extensively studied. What has been lacking is a thorough examination of war termination from the operational commander's viewpoint. As recently as 1990, U.S. Joint Publications made no mention of war termination considerations. This is beginning to change and is vitally needed, for it is the operational commander who translates strategy into tangible results once a conflict starts. A clear road map is needed to go from lofty strategic aims to concrete achievable objectives.