Military Studies

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MCI 8201

MARINE CORPS INSTITUTE

STAFF NONCOMMISSIONED OFFICERS

ADVANCED DISTANCE EDUCATION

PROGRAM

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MCI Course 8201 i Course Introduction

MILITARY STUDIES (8201)

Course Introduction

Scope The responsibilities of SNCOs increase with every rank reached. As an NCO, you will need continuing education on a variety of subjects to master these additional responsibilities.

Technical and tactical proficiency is the hallmark of the Marine Gunnery Sergeant. This course covers a wide range of subjects that will enhance your abilities in maintaining the high standards expected of the senior

non-commissioned officer ranks.

Table of Contents

The following is the table of contents for this course.

Study Unit Title Page

-- Course Introduction i

1 Strategy 1-1

2 Joint Operations 2-1

3 Evaluating Unit Readiness 3-1

4 Advising Marines on Financial Planning 4-1

5 Ceremonial Drill 5-1

6 Developing a Land Navigation Course 6-1

Review Lesson Exercise R-1

Estimated Study Time

You will spend about 13 hours, 30 minutes completing this course. This includes the time you will need to study the text, complete the exercises, and take the final examination.

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Course Introduction,

Continued

Reserve Retirement Credits

You earn 5 retirement credits for completing this course. You earn reserve retirement credits at the rate of one credit for each 3 hours of estimated study time.

Note: Reserve retirement credits are not awarded for the MCI study you do during drill periods if awarded credits for drill attendance.

Summary The table below summarizes all important “gateways” needed to successfully complete this course.

Step When you Then you will For more

information 1 Enroll in the program Receive your

program material

Refer to the Program Introduction

2 Complete the self-paced text

Arrange to take the final examination

3 Pass the final examination

Receive a course completion certificate

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MCI Course 8201 1-1 Study Unit 1

STUDY UNIT 1

STRATEGY

Overview

Estimated Study Time 3 hours

Unit Scope This study unit is designed to give Marine leaders a common understanding of the fundamental nature of military strategy that is inherent in each military action. Its intent is to give the student the basic knowledge required to think “strategically,” that is, to be able to examine the particulars of any specific situation and understand the political and military factors behind the use of military force. The majority of this study unit, including the unit scope, comes from MCDP 1-1.

Learning Objectives

After reading MCDP 1-1, you should be able to • Identify what makes up a strategic environment. • Identify the relationship between ends and means. • Define the different types of opposing strategies. • Describe how strategy is made.

• Identify the components of the trinity. In This Study

Unit

This study unit contains the following lessons:

Topic See Page

Lesson 1 The Strategic Environment 1-3

Lesson 2 Strategy: Ends and Means 1-7

Lesson 3 Strategic Opposites 1-11

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MCI Course 8201 1-3 Study Unit 1, Lesson 1

LESSON 1

THE STRATEGIC ENVIRONMENT

Introduction

30 minutes

Lesson Scope In this lesson, you will learn about the relationship between war and politics. Also, you will gain a better understanding of the complex nature of

identifying, understanding, and devising solutions in the strategic environment.

Learning

Objectives

After reading chapter 1 of MCDP 1-1, you should be able to • Identify the nature of politics and war.

• Define war.

• Describe the challenges in developing a lasting effective strategy. • Identify some strategic constants and norms.

Required Reading

To complete this lesson, you must read chapter 1 of MCDP 1-1. After you have completed the chapter, answer the lesson questions.

In This Lesson This lesson contains the following topics:

Introduction 1-3

The Nature of Politics and War MCDP 1-1 p. 9

Further Defining War MCDP 1-1 p. 14

The Nature of War-Making Political Entities MCDP 1-1 p. 16

Strategic Constants and Norms MCDP 1-1 p. 20

The Trinity MCDP 1-1 p. 31

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Lesson 1 Exercise

10 minutes

Directions Complete the following items. Check your answers against the correct answers at the end of this lesson. If you have any questions, refer to the reference page listed for each item.

Item 1 Politics is the process by which power is _____________ in any society. a. manifested

b. distributed c. communicated d. produced

Item 2 Any use of organized force for political purposes best describes which of the following?

a. Politics b. Strategy c. War

d. Coup d’etat

Item 3 To understand the nature of a problem, strategists must a. have insight into human political constructs.

b. understand the role of the physical environment in each situation. c. understand the networks and structures that create their own rules. d. identify the importance of national character and how each citizen affects

its development.

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Lesson 1 Exercise,

Continued

Item 4 When one or more participants in the system rebel is a reason a. the physical environment constantly changes.

b. patterns in national character change very slowly through history. c. that every enemy has political fault lines that can be exploited. d. the “balance of power system” breaks down.

Item 5 Which of the aspects below is considered one of the trinities in the environment of war and strategy?

a. Violence b. Government c. Subordination d. Rational thought

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Lesson 1 Exercise,

Continued

Solutions The table below lists the answers to the lesson examination items. If you have questions about these items, refer to the reference page.

Item Number Answer Reference

1 b MCDP 1-1 p. 11 2 c MCDP 1-1 p. 15 3 b MCDP 1-1 p. 23 4 d MCDP 1-1 p. 29 5 b MCDP 1-1 p. 32

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LESSON 2

STRATEGY: ENDS AND MEANS

Introduction

35 minutes

Lesson Scope In this lesson, you will learn how the ends concerning national strategy, determine what course of action is taken and how ends and means relate to each other. Additionally, you will have an understanding of the role military strategy plays in achieving national strategy.

After reading chapter 2 of MCDP 1-1, you should be able to • Explain national strategy.

• Define the two ends in national strategy. • Describe the types of national strategy.

• Explain how we adapt ends to means, and vice versa. • Define ends in military strategy.

Introduction 1-7

National Strategy MCDP 1-1 p. 37

Ends in National Strategy MCDP 1-1 p. 42

Means in National Strategy MCDP 1-1 p. 46

Adapting Ends to Means MCDP 1-1 p. 51

Ends in Military Strategy MCDP 1-1 p. 54

Lesson 2 Exercise 1-8

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Lesson 2 Exercise

10 minutes

Item 1 “The art and science of developing and using the political, economic, and psychological powers of a nation, together with its armed forces, during peace and war, to secure national objectives” is the definition of

a. military strategy. b. political ends. c. political means. d. national strategy.

Item 2 Two fundamental national strategic goals in any conflict are a. survival and victory.

b. peace and stability.

c. existence and perseverance. d. erosion and annihilation.

Item 3 The means used to influence the perception and attitudes of allies, adversaries, and interested observers, is the___________ instrument. a. diplomatic

b. economic c. military d. informational

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Lesson 2 Exercise,

Continued

Item 4 The strategy of “flexible response” requires

a. time, determination, and creativity to achieve reasonable goals. b. relying on nuclear superiority to deter aggression.

c. forces capable of deterring and fighting at all levels of conflict. d. an emphasis of a series of bilateral and multilateral alliances.

Item 5 The strategy that seeks to pursue a limited political objective when one combatant is either unable or unwilling to destroy the opponent’s war-making capability is an example of

a. annihilation. b. erosion.

c. flexible response. d. unlimited objective.

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Lesson 2 Exercise,

Continued

1 d MCDP 1-1 p. 37

2 a MCDP 1-1 p. 42

3 d MCDP 1-1 p. 48

4 c MCDP 1-1 p. 53

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LESSON 3

STRATEGIC OPPOSITES

Introduction

Estimated Study Time 35 minutes

Lesson Scope In this lesson, we will examine several sets of strategic opposites that are helpful in understanding the nature of the strategic problem. Not all of these pairs of opposites necessarily apply to every strategic situation, nor do these approaches necessarily influence each other.

Learning

Objectives

After reading chapter 3 of MCDP 1-1, you should be able to • Explain the goals of an attacker and a defender.

• Describe the differences between symmetrical and asymmetrical strategies.

• Explain the strategies of reprisal or denial.

• Explain the differences between standardized and tailored strategies. • Describe the differences between intent or default strategies.

• Explain the purpose of evaluating opposing strategies.

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Introduction,

Continued

Introduction 1-11

Defensive and Offensive Strategies MCDP 1-1 p. 63 Symmetrical and Asymmetrical Strategies MCDP 1-1 p. 66 Strategies of Reprisal or Denial MCDP 1-1 p. 68 Standardized or Tailored Strategies MCDP 1-1 p. 70

Strategy by Intent or Default MCDP 1-1 p. 72

Evaluating Opposing Strategies MCDP 1-1 p. 74

Lesson 3 Exercise 1-13

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Lesson 3 Exercise

Estimated Study Time 10 minutes

Item 1 At what levels may the attacker and defender roles frequently change hands? a. Logistical and operational

b. Political and strategic c. Tactical and operational d. Political and psychological

Item 2 A symmetrical strategy is one that

a. pursues different kinds of goals or dissimilar means. b. undermines the legitimacy and credibility of a government. c. seeks to create new advantages based on similarities.

d. attempts to match or overmatch the enemy strength for strength.

Item 3 Denial and reprisal as means of deterrence, are often more effective a. when applied in tandem.

b. convincing an enemy that his actions will fail.

c. convincing an enemy that his actions are not worth the price. d. when applied independently of each other.

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Lesson 3 Exercise,

Continued

Item 4 The strategy that builds a certain reputation that may strongly influence the behavior of friends, foes, and neutrals is

a. tailored. b. standardized. c. intent. d. reprisal.

Item 5 Dictated by circumstances or determined by ideologies, unconscious assumptions, and prejudices is a description of which strategy? a. Intent

b. Unintentional c. Coalition warfare d. Default

Item 6 The process of evaluating opposing strategies serves which of the following? It

a. helps us understand what we, our allies, our enemies, and relevant neutral forces are doing and why.

b. provides a prescription for defeating our opponents. c. isn’t an analytical perspective of concepts.

d. prepares us to deal with the constants and norms of conflict.

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Lesson 3 Exercise,

Continued

1 c MCDP 1-1 p. 65 2 d MCDP 1-1 p. 67 3 a MCDP 1-1 p. 69 4 b MCDP 1-1 p. 71 5 d MCDP 1-1 p. 72 6 a MCDP 1-1 p. 74

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LESSON 4

THE MAKING OF STRATEGY

Introduction

40 minutes

Lesson Scope Having considered the nature of the environment within which strategy is made, the fundamental goals of all strategies, and ways to categorize, we now consider how strategy is actually made.

After completing this lesson, you should be able to • Explain the strategy-making process.

• State who makes strategic decisions.

• Explain the criteria that comprise a “just war.” • Describe some pitfalls of strategy-making. Required

Reading

Introduction 1-17

The Strategy-making Process MCDP 1-1 p. 79

Who Makes Strategy MCDP 1-1 p. 91

Just War MCDP 1-1 p. 93

Strategy-making Pitfalls MCDP 1-1 p. 95

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Lesson 4 Exercise

10 minutes

Item 1 Which factor does a strategist look for when assessing the strategic landscape?

a. Observation-orientation-decide-act loop b. The problem solving process

c. Fundamental relationships between the ends and means of the problem d. The interplay between the states

Item 2 “What is the political objective the war seeks to achieve?” is a question that should be answered by

a. politicians.

b. civilian leadership. c. military leaders.

d. the commander of forces

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Lesson 4 Exercise,

Continued

Items 3 through 9

Matching: In the space provided, place the letter of the definition from column 2 that matches the rightness of going to war in column 1. The answer in column 2 may be used only once.

Column 1 Criteria Column 2 Definition ___ 3. Just Cause ___ 4. Right authority ___ 5. Right intention ___ 6. Proportionality of ends ___ 7. Last resort

___ 8. Reasonable hope of success ___ 9. The aim of peace

a. There is no other logical alternative.

b. Establishment of stability and peace.

c. Hope for success must exist. d. Representative of a sovereign

political entity.

e. The protection and preservation of value.

f. No selfish aim masked as a just cause.

g. Harm in war cannot outweigh overall good.

Item 10 An action where the political and military objective is achieved in one action is the

a. strategic panaceas. b. fait accompli.

c. limited and unlimited. d. paralysis and recklessness.

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Lesson 4 Exercise,

Continued

Item Answer Reference

1 d MCDP 1-1 p. 81 2 b MCDP 1-1 p. 91 3 e MCDP 1-1 p. 93 4 d MCDP 1-1 p. 94 5 f MCDP 1-1 p. 94 6 g MCDP 1-1 p. 94 7 a MCDP 1-1 p. 94 8 c MCDP 1-1 p. 94 9 b MCDP 1-1 p. 94 10 b MCDP 1-1 p. 97

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MCI Course 8201 2-1 Study Unit 2

STUDY UNIT 2

JOINT OPERATIONS

Overview

Estimated Study Time 2 hours, 15 minutes

Unit Scope This study unit is designed to give you a broad understanding of joint operations.

After completing this study unit, you should be able to • Identify the participants in national security. • Identify the instruments of national power. • Summarize the strategic security environment. • Explain the U.S. military power.

• Identify the elements of combined operations. In This Study

Unit

This study unit contains the following lessons:

Lesson 1 National Security Participants 2-3 Lesson 2 Instruments of National Power 2-13 Lesson 3 Strategic Security Environment 2-23

Lesson 4 United States Military Power 2-33

Lesson 5 Combined Operations 2-45

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LESSON 1

NATIONAL SECURITY PARTICIPANTS

Introduction

15 minutes

Lesson Scope This lesson discusses the participants who are directly involved in the national security of the United States and the national security organizations they belong to.

Learning

Objectives

After completing this lesson, you should be able to

• Identify the members of the National Command Authority. • Identify the functions of the National Command Authority. • Identify the members of the National Security Council. • Identify the functions of the National Security Council. • Identify the members of the Department of Defense. • Identify the functions of the Department of Defense.

Introduction 2-3

National Command Authority 2-4

National Security Council 2-6

Department of Defense 2-8

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National Command Authority

Members The two members of the National Command Authority (NCA) are the • President of the United States (Commander-in-Chief)

• Secretary of Defense

Function The NCA exercises executing authority over the Armed Forces. It can do this in several ways. Its executes actions to ensure national security through the following channels:

• Combatant commander CinCs of forces assigned to unified combatant commands who are the generals and admirals of the unified commands that control the forces in a theatre of conflict. Examples are Central, Pacific, and European Commands.

• The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (CJCS), who plans and coordinates; however, the operational control (OPCON) falls under the CinC once in the theatre of operation.

• Secretaries of the military departments for those forces not assigned to combatant commands including the Secretaries of the Army, Navy, Air Force, and (through the Secretary of Transportation) the Coast Guard.

Channels The diagram below depicts the channels through which the NCA exercises authority.

National Command Authority

Military Departments Service Secretaries Train and Equip

Chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff Plan and Coordinate Operations Unified Commands

• Conduct Geographic Operations à Pacific, European, Central,

Southern, and Joint CinC’s

• Conduct Worldwide Operations

à Space, Spec Ops, Strategic Forces, and Transportation CinC’s

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National Command Authority,

Continued

Limits of Authority

The power of the NCA is not unlimited. The President may commit U.S. Forces to engage in military operations; however, Congress must be notified within a certain time as set forth by the War Powers Act Resolution. When Congress is notified, they will review the President’s actions to approve continued action and to determine the funding for the operations.

Exclusive Authority

A powerful authority that belongs solely to the NCA is the ability to call for a nuclear weapons release. The NCA has the final authority for the use of nuclear weapons by the Armed Forces.

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National Security Council

Origination The National Security Act of 1947 established the National Security Council (NSC). Amended by the National Security Act Amendment of 1949, the Council was placed under the control of the Executive Office of the President.

Function The National Security Council is the executive office of the President's principal forum for considering national security and foreign policy matters with his senior national security advisors and cabinet officials. The function of the Council is to

• Advise the President on national security and foreign policies

• Prepare, disseminate, and oversee the execution of Presidential national security decisions and directives, the U.S. national security strategy, and other directives that provide the basis for military action

Breakdown The diagram below depicts the position the NSC holds to perform its mission and its statutory members.

Main Members The President chairs the NSC. Congressionally mandated members include the

• Vice President • Secretary of State • Secretary of Defense

• Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff—the military advisor to the Council National Command Authority

Military Departments Chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff

Unified Commands

National Security Council

• Advises President and Sec. of Defense

• Prepares, disseminates, and oversees execution of directions from President

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National Security Council,

Continued

Additional Members

In addition to the mandated members, additional members who are invited to attend include the

• Secretary of the Treasury

• Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs (otherwise known as the National Security Advisor)

• Chief of Staff to the President • Counsel to the President

• Assistant to the President for Economic Policy

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Department of Defense

Origination In 1947, Congress

• Established a civilian Secretary of Defense with cabinet rank

• Created a new overreaching department called the “National Military Establishment” (NME)

• Converted the War Department to the Department of the Army • Put the three services, Army, Navy, and Air Force, under the direct

control of the Secretary of Defense

To further consolidate authority, a 1949 amendment to the National Security Act renamed the National Military Establishment to the Department of Defense and established it as an executive department.

Function The function of the officials within the Department of Defense includes, but is not limited to, the following areas.

• Providing advice and recommendations on defense matters to the National Command Authority and National Security Council to include the

following:

• Service capabilities • Limitations

• Implications of military action

• Executing military operations, as authorized, to support the defense of the United States and its interests abroad.

Additionally, military officials are responsible for commanding the military forces through the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

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Department of Defense,

Continued

Members In the American system of civil-military relations, civilian elected officials, and their duly appointed subordinates, have primary responsibility for broad national policies and procedures that reflect the will of the people. The appointed civilian representatives in the DOD, in addition to the Secretary of Defense, are:

• Secretary of the Army - representing the Army

• Secretary of the Navy - represents both the Navy and Marine Corps • Secretary of the Air Force - representing the Air Force

• Secretary of Transportation - representing the Coast Guard

These groups provide advice and recommendations through the Secretary of Defense and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Breakdown The diagram below depicts the organization of the Department of Defense.

Department of Defense

Operational Other Sec Of the Army Control Orders and Directives

- Dept of the Army

President President or Sec of Defense Sec of the Air Force

- Dept of the Air Force

Sec of Defense Chairman of JCS Sec of the Navy

- Dept of the Navy

- Navy Unified CinCs Service Commanders - Marine Corps

Sec of Transportation - Coast Guard

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Lesson 1 Exercise

Estimated

Study Time 10 minutes

Directions Complete exercise items 1 through 6 by selecting the best answer to each exercise item. Check your responses against those listed at the end of this study unit.

Item 1 The two members of the National Command Authority (NCA) are the a. President and the Secretary of Defense.

b. Vice-President and the Secretary of State.

c. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the Secretary of Defense. d. Vice-President and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Item 2 The functions of the National Command Authority include a. executing operational control over joint forces.

b. controlling the direct operation of strategic operations. c. executing authority over the armed forces.

d. directing the operational control over the armed forces.

Item 3 The statutory members of the National Security Council (NSC) are the a. Counsel to the President and Secretary of Treasury.

b. Secretary of State and Director of CIA. c. President and Chief of Staff to the President.

d. Secretary of the State and Chief of Staff to the President.

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Lesson 1 Exercise,

Continued

Item 4 The National Security Council functions under the control of the a. legislative branch of government.

b. Executive office of the President. c. Vice-President.

d. judicial branch of government.

Item 5 Part of the Department of Defense functions are to

a. provide advice on defense matters to the national military establishment. b. execute military operations as it deems appropriate and necessary. c. provide advice on defense matters to the National Command Authority. d. execute the advice given, as it deems necessary, from the Vice-President.

Item 6 Which of the following represents the Coast Guard within the Department of Defense?

a. Secretary of Transportation b. Secretary of Navy

c. Secretary of the Coast Guard d. Secretary of Commerce

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Lesson 1 Exercise,

Continued

Solutions The table below provides the correct answers to the exercise items. If you have any questions, refer to the reference page listed for each item.

Item Number Answer Reference Page

1 a 2-4 2 c 2-4 3 b 2-6 4 b 2-6 5 c 2-8 6 a 2-9

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LESSON 2

INSTRUMENTS OF NATIONAL POWER

Introduction

Estimated

Lesson Scope This lesson discusses the instruments available to the United States

government to advance and defend U.S. values, interests, and objectives. The instruments the United States uses to execute its influence are

• Diplomacy • Economics • Information • The military

The United States uses these tools to apply its sources of power including its human potential, economy, industry, science and technology, academic institutions, geography, and national will.

After completing this lesson, you should be able to

• Identify the members responsible for exercising each instrument of national power.

• Identify the coordination required among instruments of national power.

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Introduction,

Continued

Introduction 2-13 Diplomatic 2-15 Economic 2-17 Informational 2-18 Military 2-20 Lesson 2 Exercise 2-21

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Diplomatic

Broad View The principal instrument of national power is diplomacy. It is through this instrument that we engage other states and foreign groups to advance U.S. values, interests, and objectives.

When directed by the National Command Authority (NCA), the combatant commander employs military forces in concert with the other instruments of national power. However, in these circumstances, the U.S. ambassador and the country diplomatic team also engage in complementary activities

(employing diplomacy) that do not involve control of military forces. Those forces remain under command authority of the combatant commander.

Personnel The primary personnel the diplomatic process relies on include

• Secretary of State: Serves as a member of the National Security Council and advises the National Command Authority.

• Ambassadors: The U.S. ambassador and the corresponding country’s team are normally in charge of diplomatic-military activities in countries abroad.

• Military Leaders: Leaders of the Armed Forces of the United States have a responsibility to understand U.S. foreign policy and to ensure that those responsible for U.S. diplomacy have a clear understanding of the

capabilities, limitations, and consequences of military action.

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Diplomatic,

Continued

Military-Diplomatic Coordination

Military strength is vital to diplomacy in protecting national interests. Without the credible threat of force, diplomacy has historically proven to be inadequate against a determined and powerful adversary. In simplistic terms, the military is the muscle behind the handshake and smile.

To maximize the credibility of force, combatant commanders are responsible for integrating military activities with diplomatic activities in their geographic regions. An example of this is military training operations near an area to support diplomatic needs such as executing Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) operations off the coast of a country, or basing combat aircraft in nearby countries.

Example The U.S. attempted to bring to justice Osama Bin Laden, who was implicated in the terrorist attack on military members in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia 1996. This individual was located in the country of Sudan where he was running training camps for terrorists. The U.S. Government used diplomatic pressure on the Sudanese government to force them to expel Osama Bin Laden and his supporters that same year.

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Economic

Broad View American individuals and entities have enjoyed broad freedom of action abroad. This is largely the result of a strong U.S. economy and U.S. dollar. Our strong domestic economy, with free access to global markets and resources, has become a great material asset to the U.S. Government and is the fundamental engine that has supported the following:

• General welfare of Americans, domestic and abroad

• Underwriting of a strong national defense through a strong base of industry and technology

• Potential for economic expansion by U.S. industry worldwide Government

Influence

The economic instrument of national power is partially controlled and influenced by the U.S. government which does its part by

• Developing an atmosphere where domestic companies can prosper and expand their business internationally

• Facilitating economic and trade relationships worldwide

• Supporting a basic U.S. objective by promoting the general welfare and supporting security interests and objectives of other countries

NSC

Coordination of Economic and Military

The National Security Council (NSC) has primary responsibility for the integration of the economic and military instruments of power abroad. The leaders of the armed forces, having an integral role in coordinating with U.S. government agencies, will ensure employment of military action to enhance the NSC’s abilities.

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Informational

Broad View The informational instrument of national power has a diffuse and complex set of components with no single center of control. In the American culture, information is freely exchanged with minimal government controls. • Information itself is a strategic resource vital to national security. • This reality extends to the Armed Forces at all levels.

• Information, readily available from multiple sources, influences domestic and foreign audiences including citizens, adversaries, and governments.

Personnel It is important for the official agencies of government, including the Armed Forces, to recognize the fundamental role of the media as a conduit of information, both incoming and outgoing.

The Armed Forces must assure that information access by the media is consistent with

• Classification requirements • Operation security (OPSEC) • Legal restrictions

• Individual privacy

Coordination The Armed Forces are responsible for

• Conducting defensive and offensive information operations • Protecting information that should not be disclosed

• Aggressively attacking an adversary’s information systems

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Informational,

Continued

Considerations The following principles must be considered when employing the informational instrument:

• Success in military operations depends on acquiring and integrating essential information and denying it to the adversary.

• Military operations, in particular, are dependent on many simultaneous and integrated activities that, in turn, depend on information and information systems.

• Information operations may involve complex legal and policy issues that require approval, review, and coordination at the national level.

The Armed Forces must also provide timely and accurate information to the public. However, constraints on public access to U.S. government

information may be imposed for national security and individual privacy reasons.

Example Consider the following scenario:

The United States has the specific goal of apprehending someone who is suspected of committing a terrorist act, which has inflicted irreparable damage to the country, such as the bombing of a building. The evidence we collect indicates the terrorist is located within a specific country. As part of its campaign, the U.S. allows the media access to specific

information, via press briefings and anonymous tips, that there is a buildup of military personnel in preparation of military action. While there may or may not be the buildup, the public and the world are led to believe there is, and we are seen to be in a very offensive posture. This offers a grim but powerful picture to the leaders of the foreign country that knowingly harbor the terrorist in its borders. As a result, the country’s leaders hand the terrorist over to the U.S. for questioning. In such a scenario, the information presented, coupled with the diplomacy, has provided a

combination that was exponentially greater than either instrument by itself, and without loss of additional life.

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Military

The Military Instrument

The military instrument is inseparable from all the other instruments. Notwithstanding this, wielding of the Armed Forces as an instrument of national power must be in adherence to the values and constitutional principles of American society. To achieve public support, employment of the military must also meet the standards for the profession of arms demanded by American society, which include but is not limited to these elements: • The U.S. Government must follow rules set forth by the Geneva

Convention, Hague Convention, Code of Conduct, etc.

• The U.S. Government must have exhausted all other reasonable

instruments, diplomatic, economic, and information, before using military force.

Coordination The following elements act to coordinate the application of military force: • The NCA establishes the rules for, and integrates, military power with the

other instruments of national power to advance and defend U.S. values, interests, and objectives.

• U.S. military leaders are responsible for providing the advice and

recommendations necessary to properly incorporate the military instrument with the other instruments of national power.

• The Armed Forces interact with the other responsible agencies to ensure mutual understanding of the capabilities, limitations, and consequences of military and civilian actions.

• Military leaders identify the ways in which military and nonmilitary capabilities best complement each other.

Example Had the Armed Forces extended the momentum of the decisive initial assault of the Gulf War beyond the President’s direction, the action could have undermined our economic as well as political goals. What it did was to strengthen the other instruments by demonstrating our nation’s ability to

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Lesson 2 Exercise

Estimated

Item 1 Who is normally in charge of diplomatic-military activities in countries abroad?

____________________________________________________________

Item 2 Who establishes the rules for, and integrates military power with, the other instruments of national power to advance and defend U.S. values, interests, and objectives?

___________________________________________________________

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Lesson 2 Exercise,

Continued

1 Ambassador and the corresponding

country’s diplomatic team. 2-15

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LESSON 3

STRATEGIC SECURITY ENVIRONMENT

Introduction

Estimated

Lesson Scope In the previous lessons, you learned about those primarily responsible to protect our national security and what instruments of power they have at their disposal. During this lesson, you will learn about the strategic security environment in which Marines operate.

After completing this lesson, you should be able to • Identify threats to the interests of the United States.

• Identify how a National Security Situation Assessment occurs.

• Identify the relationship between national political objectives and military action.

Introduction 2-23

Threats to United States Interests 2-24

National Strategic Situation Assessment 2-26 Relationship Between Political Objectives and Military Action 2-28

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Threats to United States Interests

World Wide Environment

The international security environment is dynamic and uncertain, with recurring disputes, crises, and conflicts in many regions. Challenges and threats may arise from adversaries who are inherently opposed to U.S. values, power, and international role or from adversaries for whom the United States presents an obstacle to their specific objectives.

Adversaries

Our adversaries may be states or groups of states as well as nonstate groups. Examples of nonstate groups include

• Terrorists • Criminals

• Ethnic, religious, and special interest organizations

While states have defined territorial and population bases of power, nonstate groups may rely on state sponsorship, have transnational bases of power, or rely on the support of adherents to their points of view regardless of

citizenship or place of residence.

Sources of Direct Threats to U.S. Interests

Some states aspire to global influence and act to achieve that influence in ways that are harmful to U.S. interests. Other states may seek to enhance their power and influence by opposing U.S. interests and objectives within their regions. Direct threats to regional and international peace include territorial disputes and armed conflicts spurred on by social, ethnic, and religious differences, as well as civil wars.

Manmade or natural disasters may also directly threaten U.S. interests within the United States and abroad.

The Two Primary Vital U.S. Interests

It is essential to understand clearly what is being threatened. The United States considers threats to its fundamental well-being, territory, and safety as most dangerous. The two primary vital interests of these are the U.S. social and economic infrastructures.

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Threats to United States Interests,

Continued

Major Threats to the Values of U.S. Allies

The United States also has an interest in promoting the values of individual worth, human rights, and democratic self-determination that are at the core of the American social contract. Threats to those values abroad compromise U.S. efforts to create a hospitable international environment. Threats also compromise

• Vital interests of U.S. allies

• International norms of state behavior • Global democratic and economic progress • The global environment

Sources of Global Threats

Threats may constrain or interrupt the flow of resources and commerce that are vital to the economic well-being of the United States, its allies, and other states. The following are threats to the values and existence of the U.S.: • Regional and Space Threats: Long-range delivery systems as well as

clandestine means to threaten the United States and its allies. Similarly, regional powers may have the capability to threaten the flow of vital information and communications that rely on space-based systems. • Transnational Threats: Nonstate groups, whose objectives directly

threaten U.S. vital interests, may include organizations that have the means and motivation to employ terrorism, attack critical infrastructures and engage in international crime.

• Weapons of Mass Destruction. Weapons capable of a high order of destruction pose a significant threat to U.S. interests worldwide. • Spread of Dangerous Technologies: Such technologies include

advanced weapon and missile technologies.

• Failed States. The uncontrolled violence in failed states, including loss of control of their armed forces and armed conflict with neighboring states, can threaten neighboring states and U.S. citizens and interests in the region. Dealing with this situation requires U.S. assistance.

• Foreign Intelligence Collection. Foreign threats may exploit the versatility of human intelligence as well as the advances in science and technology.

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National Strategic Situation Assessment

Roles Played in Assessing Security Effectiveness

U.S. national security demands periodic assessments of the adequacy of strategies and resources available to achieve national security objectives. Unity of effort is essential for timely and accurate assessments and for actions taken in light of the assessments. Ordinarily, the National Security Council (NSC) is the lead agency for this effort.

The armed forces routinely carry out assessments of the effectiveness of the military instrument in accomplishing national objectives and they also contribute to the assessment of the effectiveness of the other instruments (diplomatic, economic, and informational).

Military Role in Assessing National Military

Strategic Issues

Military leaders have fundamental responsibilities and roles in the assessment of national strategic issues. Participation will be stipulated in NCA directives and instructions from the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

To support national assessments of strategic issues, the combatant commanders provide assessments of the following

• Threats • Strategies • Resources

To fulfill military responsibilities in the U.S. system of civil-military

relations, senior military leaders provide advice and recommendations on the feasible military options, resources required, and anticipated consequences of military action.

Executive Committee Participation

The NSC may organize an executive committee consisting of high-level officials of participating agencies, including the following:

• Those not normally part of the NSC structure • Appropriate professional military representatives

This committee may develop organizational arrangements to integrate interagency efforts, monitor their progress, and assess their operations.

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National Strategic Situation Assessment,

Continued

Political-Military Plans and Rehearsals

Due to their complexity, situations that call for significant military and nonmilitary participation will require specific political-military plans

cooperatively developed by the participants. To the maximum extent feasible prior to execution of the planned operations, all participants at the appropriate level will rehearse these political-military plans.

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Relationship Between Political Objectives and Military Action

Commanders Intent

National political objectives guide military action. No matter how you look at it, the U.S. has a military to support the political objectives of the country.

Military Tasking

The military is tasked with establishment of supporting military objectives, development of strategies and plans to achieve the objectives, conduct of operations, and definition of criteria for cessation of operations (withdrawal plans). The national objectives also influence requirements for military operations and support to achieve the desired end state and maintain it in the theater following cessation of operations.

Political

Considerations

Military plans and operations support the attainment of the overarching political objectives that give rise to military involvement. This calls for planning based on the desired political end state, ensuring that the longer-term post conflict environment called for by U.S. political objectives is preserved following conclusion of military involvement.

Military Leader Responsibilities

Senior military leaders have a responsibility to clarify to the National Command Authority (NCA) the following:

• The manner in which military forces will achieve and sustain political objectives

• Considerations for conflict termination • The potential need for follow-on operations

Nevertheless, combatant commanders must be prepared to adapt to

unforeseen events and to the evolution of political objectives as the situation develops.

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Relationship Between Political Objectives and Military

Action,

Continued

Political and Military Dimensions.

Military advice and recommendations on conflict termination have political and military dimensions which include the following:

• Clear political objectives established in advance of military planning and operations to facilitate determination of supporting military objectives aimed at achieving the desired end state

• Preparation by combatant commanders to adapt to unforeseen events and to the evolution of political objectives as the situation develops

• The responsibility of the combatant commander to execute the military dimensions of conflict termination as directed by the NCA

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Lesson 3 Exercise

Estimated

Item 1 The United States holds as most dangerous the threats to its fundamental well-being, territory, and safety. What are the two primary vital interests of these?

____________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________

Item 2 Of what three areas does the combatant commander provide assessments to support national assessments of strategic issues?

____________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________

Item 3 No matter how you look at it, what must the military support?

____________________________________________________________

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Lesson 3 Exercise,

Continued

1 U.S. social and economic infrastructures. 2-24 2 Threats, strategies, resources. 2-26 3 The political objectives of the country. 2-28

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LESSON 4

UNITED STATES MILITARY POWER

Introduction

20 minutes

Lesson Scope In this lesson you will learn about the purpose of the United States military, as well as the national military objectives. Also covered are joint warfare values and fundamentals and considerations for the use of military force. This lesson will conclude with an overview of military strategies.

Learning

Objectives

After completing this lesson, you should be able to • State the purpose of the United States military. • Identify national military objectives.

• Identify the values of joint warfare.

• Identify the fundamentals of joint warfare.

• Identify the considerations for use of military force. • Identify military strategies to implement military power. Lesson Content This lesson contains the following topics:

Introduction 2-33

Military Purpose and Objectives 2-34

Values of Joint Warfare 2-35

Fundamentals of Joint Warfare 2-37

Consideration for Use of Military Forces 2-39

Strategies 2-40

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Military Purpose and Objectives

Constitutional Roles

The Armed Forces of the United States fulfills the constitutional imperative to provide for the common defense and is the sole instrument for enforcing national will by the threat or employment of organized violence.

Purpose Success in combat for the defense of national sovereignty, territorial integrity, societal values, and national interest is the essential goal and measure of value of the profession of arms in American society.

The first fundamental purpose of the Armed Forces is to win our nation’s war. It maintains, as its inherent secondary purpose, to advance and protect our national interest in Military Operations Other Than War (MOOTW), which include humanitarian relief, peacekeeping missions and multi-national task forces.

Two Primary Objectives of the Armed Forces

Operations of the Armed Forces focus on military objectives derived from preeminent national political objectives. The range of military capabilities determines how the U.S. applies its power. Its military objectives are to: • Promote peace and stability

• Defeat adversaries

The United States promotes peace and stability by maintaining a high

visibility to act rapidly and decisively in regions of U.S. interests. Deterrence is a central concept in shaping and employing the Armed Forces. If high visibility and deterrence fail, the military objective switches to winning the war. This is done with a decisive and combined use of all military assets available.

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Values of Joint Warfare

Five Joint Warfare Values

The American military is based on values that U.S. military experience has shown to be the bedrock of combat success. These values come from the most idealistic societal norms, are common to all the services, and represent the essence of American military professionalism. Listed below are the five joint warfare values.

• Integrity • Competence • Physical Courage • Moral Courage • Teamwork

Integrity Integrity is the cornerstone for building trust. Service members must be able to rely on each other, regardless of the challenge at hand. They must

individually and collectively say what they mean and do what they say. Integrity inspires confidence in others to carry out assigned tasks and is a fundamental requirement for building effective teams.

Competence Competence is at the core of the profession of arms. Competent performance includes both the technical competence to perform the relevant task to

standard as well as the ability to integrate that skill with others according to joint doctrine. Successful joint action relies on each service to deliver trained and ready, competent, and confident forces and leaders, able to fight

decisively under joint force commanders.

Physical Courage

Physical courage defines a warrior. Even in today’s military with all the sophisticated technology, individual fighting spirit and courage remain the inspiration that bond units in all conditions.

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Values of Joint Warfare,

Continued

Moral Courage Moral courage is the ability to stand up for what one believes to be right, even if the stance is unpopular or contrary to conventional wisdom. Other aspects of moral courage involve risk taking and tenacity, making bold decisions in the face of uncertainty, accepting full responsibility for the outcome, and holding to the chosen course despite the challenges and roadblocks.

Three Teamwork Requirements

Teamwork is the cooperative effort by the members of a group to achieve common goals. Every military organization to the lowest level is a team. Common goals for military teams are deterring the adversary and winning their nation’s wars. Successful teamwork requires:

• Trust and confidence • Delegation of authority • Cooperation

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Fundamentals of Joint Warfare

Eight Joint Warfare Fundamentals

The fundamentals that guide joint operations of the Armed Forces of the United States are anchored in the application of the time-tested principles of war and the actual experience of American arms in warfare. Listed below are the eight joint warfare fundamentals.

• Unity of effort • Concentration • Initiative • Agility • Extension • Freedom of action • Clarity • Knowledge

Unity of Effort Unity of effort demands that all undertakings be directed toward achievement of common aims. Common aims are first achieved at the national level when the President develops national security strategy.

Concentration Concentration of military power is a fundamental consideration. It is not only based on our ability to commit overwhelming forces and material, but also on the quality of our planning and ability to make full use of these forces and material in combat. Careful establishment of priorities aids concentration at the decisive point and time.

Initiative Seizing and maintaining the initiative is an American tradition. Retaining the initiative relies on the ability of military people to think for themselves and execute orders intelligently.

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Fundamentals of Joint Warfare,

Continued

Agility Agility is the ability to move quickly and easily. Agility is not primarily concerned with speed itself, but about timeliness; thinking, planning,

communicating, and acting faster than the enemy can effectively react to the ever-changing combat conditions.

Extension Extension means operating to the fullest breadth and depth feasible given political, physical, and logistic constraints. This fundamental requires the enemy to disperse forces over a broad area which can render them ineffective and complicate enemy planning.

Freedom of Action

Effective diplomatic, economic, military, and informational instruments of power are essential to providing freedom of action at a national level.

Deception plays a major role as well by confusing the enemy, causing them to miscalculate friendly strengths and weaknesses while helping to preserve friendly freedom of action.

Clarity Because modern warfare is inherently complex, plans and operations should be kept as simple as possible. Clarity of expression should predominate, using common terms and procedures. This is why it is so important to keep language clear and concise.

Knowledge Knowledge of self is a requirement for effective joint operations. Component commanders know best the unique capabilities that their forces bring to combat and how those capabilities can help attain military objectives.

Commanders should also know how these capabilities mesh with the forces of the other components.

Knowledge of the enemy is a preeminent but difficult responsibility. It is important to understand the enemy’s capabilities and his intentions. Anticipating the enemy’s intentions permits timely and effective action to blunt them.

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Considerations for the Use of Military Force

Introduction When force is used as a last resort, it adheres to its fundamental societal values and moral precepts. Uses of military force become the most important military decisions that the United States can make. Each decision must be weighed on its own merit and in its own context. However there are clear parameters and considerations, based on law, values, and experience, which inform decisions about managing crises and the use of force. Among these are the legality, propriety, and likelihood of success of the use of force; the commitment to decisive yet proportional action; the integration of the other instruments of national power; and accountability to the American people.

Military Force The use of military force can be broken down into three broad categories: • Protection of vital interests

• Protection of important national interests

• Protection of other interests including humanitarian interests

Vital Interests Vital interests are those that directly impact the survival and vitality of the United States and its way of life. Such issues as safety of American citizens at home and abroad, the security of U.S. territory or that of her allies, and protection of U.S. economic well-being are examples. When force is used in combat for defending these interests, it must be overwhelming and decisive.

Important National Interests

This category includes those sorts of issues, short of national survival, that affect national well-being and the character of the world in which Americans live. In these kinds of situations, where there is a threat to important interests, the use of military force is an option if the cost and risks associated with its use are commensurate with the threatened interest. In these situations, use of force must be selective, depending on circumstances at hand.

Other Interests, Including Humanitarian

Other interests frequently require the use of military organizational

capabilities and resources rather than their combat power and use of force. These efforts should have a clearly defined end state, entail minimal risk to the military, and be designed to give the affected country or region the opportunity to restore its own basic services.

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Strategies

Fundamental Principles Guiding National Military Strategies (NMS)

National military strategies (NMS) guide the Armed Forces in employing their resources in the most effective manner to achieve national security and defensive objectives. The NMS express the relationships between key U.S. national military objectives worldwide and the capabilities available to the Armed Forces in order to achieve their objectives.

Joint doctrine includes fundamental principles concerning how best to employ military power to achieve strategic ends. Therefore, joint doctrine influences professional military participation in the development of military strategy and provides authoritative guidance for its implementation. There are two

fundamental principles that guide strategy:

• Influencing the international security environment • Preparing for an uncertain future

Influencing the International Security Environment

The U.S. has developed capabilities, maintained readiness postures, and operated abroad as an arm of the nation to influence international events. Guided by inherently defensive national policies, the military has capabilities to influence the international environment in ways that advance and defend U.S. interests and support the following key U.S. objectives abroad: • Promoting stability

• Preventing or reducing conflicts and threats • Acting across the range of military operations • Deterring aggression and coercion in crises • Fighting and winning major wars

• Conducting multiple, concurrent, small-scaled contingency operations Preparing for

an Uncertain Future

The Armed Forces of the United States are living, learning institutions. Learning from the past and preparing for the future shape delivery of the military power of today. Senior military leaders providing advice and recommendations to the National Command Authority, Congress, and responsible civil authorities shape strategies for the future.

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Lesson 4 Exercise

Estimated

Directions Complete items 1 through 6 by performing the action required. Check your answers against those listed at the end of this lesson.

Item 1 State the purposes of the United States military.

____________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________

Item 2 List the two primary national military objectives.

____________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________

Item 3 List the five values of joint warfare.

____________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________

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Lesson 4 Exercise,

Continued

Item 4 List the eight fundamentals of joint warfare.

____________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________

Item 5 List the three considerations for use of military force.

____________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________

Item 6 List the two fundamental principles that guide military strategies.

____________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________

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Lesson 4 Exercise,

Continued

Solutions The table below lists the answers to the lesson exercise. If you have questions about these items, refer to the reference page.

1 • To win our nation’s war

• The advancement and protection of national interest in Military Operations Other Than War (MOOTW)

2-34

2 • Promote Peace and Stability

• Defeat the Adversaries 2-34

3 • Integrity • Competence • Physical Courage • Moral Courage • Teamwork 2-35 4 • Unity of effort • Concentration • Initiative • Agility • Extension • Freedom of action • Clarity • Knowledge 2-37

5 • Protection of vital interests • Protection of important national

interests

• Protection of other interests, including humanitarian interests

2-39

6 • Influencing the international security environment

• Preparing for an uncertain future

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