The Nation Development Unit: An Army Responsibility?

Abstract : This monograph discusses the recent changes in the Warsaw Pact threat and the resultant impact upon U.S. military strategy. The paper outlines the requirement for the Army to look for new and innovative ways to establish itself as a viable element of national power in a world with diverse challenges to our national security. The study suggests that the means by which the Army can establish itself as a strategic force is through the development of capabilities to prosecute military operations short of war (MOSW). The concept of an operational continuum is discussed as the basis for increasing military involvement in support of regional peaceful competition which requires an enhanced non-combat capability. The concept of Airland Battle-Future 2004 is reviewed as the point of departure for outlining a regional focus for future military strategy. Current U.S. programs (both civil and military) are outlined to demonstrate the convoluted and bureaucratic nature of our foreign and security assistance programs. Based on the conclusion that our current systems are dysfunctional, I propose the development of a nation development unit as a major subordinate command under each unified CINC.