Conflict Termination: Every Conflict Must End

摘要

It is usually not the outcome of battles, but the way the conflict is terminated,that has a long-term impact on the warring parties' future. Our national political leaders determine the desired end-state to be achieved as a result of using the military instrument of power to achieve our national strategic objectives. The operational commander and his staff must understand the nature of conflict termination and the post-conflict activities so that they will be able to effectively translate the desired end state into the military conditions required to achieve our strategic objectives. Conflict termination involves more than merely ending the hostilities. Interagency coordination is an absolute necessity. Unity of effort among government agencies, such as the State Department, Agency for International Development, nongovernmental organizations and private voluntary organizations is required for success planning and execution of civil military operations. Conflict termination must be considered early in the campaign planning process. One can draw several valuable lessons from our experience with Operation JUST CAUSE in Panama.