The Engineer in Military Operations Other Than War: A Critical Asset for American Leadership.

Abstract : The recent shift from the bi-polar security environment of the Cold War to the current, more fluid multi-polar environment created a wake of turbulence and uncertainty throughout the world. This dynamic, diverse global environment generates many circumstances requiring American involvement, often in the form of Military Operations Other Than War (MOOTW). The Engineer's contribution at both the strategic and the operational levels for Military Operations Other Than War (MOOTW) is a valuable tool to American leadership. Since MOOTW can take many different and diverse characteristics, the Engineer's support role must be able to support a wide range of mission possibilities. Preparation solely for the one or two Major Regional Contingency (MRC) scenarios subordinated many aspects currently encountered in a multitude of military operations other than war -- which are now, ironically, our primary focus and have risen to critical importance. Whether for strategic nation building endeavors or for counterdrug operations in the Colombian jungles or disaster recovery operations in the Philippines or Florida, Engineer operations are directly linked to our national security strategy -- these operations help to open markets and keep our forces engaged in critical nations and regions.