Understanding Complex Military Operations

Reviews / Votes

'The case method is a natural addition to training and education for complex operations. When the Case Center of the Georgetown University Institute for the Study of Diplomacy was asked to participate, we shared an analytical technique that would apply experiential learning in a new way. The central question for students of complex operations is: confronted by a new environment, how does an expert practitioner interpret the situation and reach new insights? There are many similarities that practitioners face in Iraq and Afghanistan, but successful operations in one environment is not wholly a recipe for success in the other. Teaching with the case method builds the analytical, decision-making skills that are not case, or lesson, dependent. The case study method and the practitioners who contributed to this volume have established a solid foundation for future complex operations' --- Charles Dolgas, Institute for the Study of Diplomacy, Georgetown University

'The origins of this case studies volume was a collaboration between the nascent Center for Complex Operations and the Naval Post Graduate School, with the aim of improving the ability of the U.S. Government to prepare for civil-military cooperation in counterinsurgency, irregular warfare and stability operations. Complex operations are tough! As soldiers, policy makers, peacekeepers, academics and other experts engaged in complex operations, we continue to face challenges, even after a decade of civilian-military cooperation in Iraq and Afghanistan. These case studies are designed to enhance the learning and analytical processes and better prepare professionals for the range of complex operations. And maybe, the next time we find ourselves shoulder-to-shoulder doing the difficult and necessary work inherent in complex operations, things will be just a little bit easier' ---David A. Sobyra, Office of the Secretary of Defense

'Among the challenges of complex operations and practical learning broadly is ensuring that the experiences of individuals, and their collective insights, are integrated into training and education. With the staccato operational tempo, the rapid turn-over of personnel, and the time-urgency of two ongoing hot wars at the time, the challenge was how best to refine analysis and decision making skills of those who would be called into field operations. These case studies provide pertinent facts derived from first-hand experience, with scenarios drafted by practitioners and others. With the accompanying teaching notes derived from personal insights, this volume provides a method for conveying valuable experiential learning even in situations of ambiguity and uncertain outcomes' --- Michael Miklaucic, Center for Complex Operations, National Defense University

'This book of case studies will be an invaluable resource for students and practitioners of complex operations across its spectrum from conflict prevention and stabilization to peace-building, as well as in political transitions of various kinds. The business school case study format places the student in a real- world scenario, where they must make decisions that require difficult trade-offs and derive an understanding of many different perspectives. This time-tested teaching method helps to ground the learning experience in a solid foundation. This case studies book brings to life the academic literature while giving students practical exposure to a wide range of situations in response to which they can develop their own insights and conclusions. The authors provide an impressive array of cases, ranging from the British in Aden in the 1960s to separatist movements in the Former Soviet Union, unrest during Kenya's elections, humanitarian engagement in the Horn of Africa, and the interventions in Afghanistan and Iraq. This book will be an indispensable classroom tool for the teaching of complex operations in educational and training environments. This also is a memorial for conveying lessons for years to come.' -- Clare Lockhart, co-founder and CEO of the Institute for State Effectiveness

'National security is more an essential than a phrase. For it to be strong is for it to be studied. To think strategically about it is strengthened by looking back at examples of the past. The case studies contained herein offer both context and content to do things better and to make life better.' -- F. William Smullen, Director, National Security Studies, The Maxwell School, Syracuse University