I like to collaborate when I write for professional purposes. You'll notice that I frequently include more than 2 authors when writing articles. The inclusion of multiple authors provides a richness in the text which comes from multiple perspectives and areas of expertise. The articles listed below represent my written contribution to the academic effort Dr. Richard Ledet and I are making to improve our ability to better accomplish goals. Click on the titles/links below to access the body of the article.
Transition Operations: A Discussion with 29 ArticlesAbsractAbstract: The purpose of this essay is to address the doctrinal vacancy that exists regarding Transition operations. Recognizing that much discussion is required to accurately establish what Transition is, when it occurs, and when related operations should proceed, we argue that COIN doctrine needs to be expanded to include Transition themes. Doing so will provide strategic guidance to tactical commanders handling multi-tour problem sets, and operating in relatively short rotation cycles. |
On the Advancement of Human Rights: Exploring the Ethical Pitfalls of Female Engagement OperationsAbstractAbstract This paper focuses on problems encountered when Western-led military forces attempt to improve the condition of women in conflict zones by conducting female engagement operations. Examples come from recent conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq, where commanders were required to direct some capabilities toward female-based initiatives. Critics have charged that such initiatives were not adequately linked to doctrine-based training, and also that the methods used to build relationships with women were unsuccessful because they were not properly integrated into the broader mission. We go further, and argue that female-based initiatives essentially contributed to instability because they created multiple ethical pitfalls for military commanders, male leaders in conflict zones, and the women intended to be beneficiaries of those initiatives. However, the ethical concerns we identify can be addressed in ways that create stability, are more humane, and more successful. |