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Strategic Space Cooperation: U.S. Space Command And The National Guard’S State Partnership Program, David Moore, Jesse Morehouse, Patrick Mitchell

Space and Defense

In 2022, the U.S. Space Command (USSPACECOM) and the National Guard's State Partnership Program (SPP) began pursuing security cooperation objectives while integrating the space domain into greater deterrence efforts. As the newest combatant command (CCMD) with space as its Area of Responsibility (AOR), USSPACECOM has global strategic partnership interests and recognizes the value of the enduring relationships inherent in SPP. This cooperation allows the National Guard to offer its strong relationships, space expertise, and industry knowledge to USSPACECOM. This provides a foundation for USSPACECOM's security cooperation efforts. This article discusses the SPP's role in supporting USSPACECOM's engagement strategy and the …

A Premature Obituary For Conventional Deterrence, Jeffery S. Lehmkuhl

Space and Defense

As the United States (US) continues to shift its weight of effort towards great power competition, some scholars and practitioners have questioned the relevance of conventional forces and their ability to deter. Chief among them is Sean McFate, who asserts that “conventional war is unicorn hunting” and that “no one fights that way anymore.”1 Jim Sciutto echoes McFate’s claims in his book The Shadow War and states that the US is losing to Russia and China in a new way of warfare that is conducted below the threshold of conventional warfare.2 Leading Russian General Valery Gerasimov furthered this claim when …

Nuclear Regimes In The 21st Century, Stephen J. Cimbala, Adam Lowther

Space and Defense

The modern nuclear operations practitioner is facing a more complex future than at any point since the height of the Cold War. Understanding the past, present, and possible future of nuclear force structure and doctrine offers the policy maker a useful way to make sense of unfolding events and place them within a broader context. With China, Russia, and North Korea all posing a growing nuclear risk to the United States, a strong grasp on the available options for countering these threats is certainly important.

Table Of Contents Vol. 15 No. 2

Space and Defense

No abstract provided.

Space And Defense Vol. 15 No. 2 Fall 2024 (Whole Issue)

Space and Defense

No abstract provided.

Pretexts For War And The Preinvasion Crisis In Ukraine, Ron Gurantz

Books, Monographs & Collaborative Studies

©2024 Ron Gurantz

The US strategy in the run-up to the invasion of Ukraine appeared to undermine Russian efforts to justify the war. While studies of international crises typically focus on the goals of deterrence and escalation management, recent events in Ukraine show that counterjustification is another important objective. Russia used covert activities and deception to try and create a pretext for its invasion, and the United States aggressively countered these efforts. This monograph presents an exhaustive study of the US military, diplomatic, and informational strategy in the run-up to the invasion of Ukraine and derives lessons about counterjustification that …

Unraveling The Conflict-Ridden Weave: The Regional Security Of The Sahel Region Amidst Wagner Group’S Presence, Ghifarie Aulia Ramadhany, Mohammad Apridio Salahuddin Hakim, Abel Josafat Manullang

Journal of Terrorism Studies

Mercenaries or guns for hire have been a considerable force to reckon with in the international system. Their involvement in the conflicts of all scales have their share of contribution to the eventual outcome of the conflict. Such is the case of the Wagner Group. As a non-state actor, the Wagner Group has engendered numerous tempests across the world, one of them is the Sahel region. Their presence in the Sahel region has been a focal point of disputes within the international community. Against that backdrop, the paper seeks to shed light on how the regional security complex of the …

Fall Of Mosul To Isis: Jostle Of Narratives Between Conspiracy Theory And Betrayal, Hamied Al Hashimi, Moh Arak Alzghwabi

Journal of Terrorism Studies

This article examines the rise and conflict of narratives about the fall of the Iraqi city of Mosul to the Islamic State (ISIS), which marks its tenth anniversary this year (2024). ISIS occupied parts of Iraq from 2014 to 2017, and its defeat required Iraqi mobilization and international support from the international coalition. This article attempts to trace the narratives and their conflicts about the main cause of Mosul’s fall to ISIS. The fall of Mosul was like a snowball that rolled and grew, as it spread to a large area of Northwestern Iraq. It has been shown that several …

Korea: The Enduring Policy Blindspot, Justin Malzac, Rene A. Mahomed

The US Army War College Quarterly: Parameters

The threat posed by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea is a neglected and under prioritized problem across the US government, requiring a dramatic change of approach. Most proposals for Goldwater-Nichols reform focus on geography, either increasing or decreasing the number of geographic commands. Based on our personal experience as Joint military planners at strategic-level headquarters, we argue that the change needs to go further, focusing on global national security problems instead of geography. This article’s analysis and conclusions will provoke conversation across the national security enterprise about how the United States competes with multiple global threats.

Parameters Winter 2024-25, Usawc Press

The US Army War College Quarterly: Parameters

Welcome to the Winter 2024–25 issue of Parameters. This issue consists of an In Focus special commentary, three forums (Indo-Pacific, Security Cooperation, and Historical Studies), and the regular Civil-Military Relations Corner installment.

The American Way Of Studying War: What Is It Good For?, Michael P. Ferguson

The US Army War College Quarterly: Parameters

Academic military historians, government institutions, and defense practitioners have unique purposes for advancing the study of war that influence the way they consume and produce history. Although there is substantial scholarship covering how the discipline of military history has changed since the late nineteenth century, the literature surrounding why it changes and how it is used is less plentiful. Using primary and secondary sources to contextualize debates between historians, this study traces major developments in military historiography, considers the US Army’s relationship with its history, and explores potential connections between a history’s purpose and its use for military professionals.

Book Reviews, Usawc Press

The US Army War College Quarterly: Parameters

No abstract provided.

Giving Our “Paper Tiger” Real Teeth: Fixing The U.S. Military’S Plans For Contested Logistics Against China, Zachary S. Hughes

Joint Force Quarterly

This article explores the growing concerns about the U.S. military’s ability to deter or win a conflict with China in the Western Pacific, focusing on the role of logistics in future military success. China’s advanced missile systems pose a significant threat to the U.S.'s traditional deployment strategies, leading the Marine Corps, Army, and Air Force to adopt dispersed operations to enhance survivability. These strategies have proven logistically unsustainable due to their high resource demands and coordination challenges. The article also highlights technological innovations, such as sea-based resupply, additive manufacturing, alternative energy sources, and AI, which offer potential logistical improvements. However, …

The Joint Functions: Theory, Doctrine, And Practice, Matthew J. Tackett

Joint Force Quarterly

This article explores the complexities of military conflict and the frameworks used to navigate it. He begins by defining conflict as a serious disagreement that often leads to chaos, emphasizing the need for structure and order in warfare. Historical perspectives, including insights from Carl von Clausewitz, underscore the importance of understanding military functions to enable effective command and operational strategies. Tackett details the seven joint functions outlined in Joint Publication (JP) 3-0: command and control, information, intelligence, fires, movement and maneuver, protection, and sustainment. He highlights the ongoing tension between military theory, doctrine, and practical application, stressing the need for …

The Fragile Balance Of Terror: Deterrence In The New Nuclear Age, John William Sutcliffe Iv

Joint Force Quarterly

This book revisits the precarious nature of nuclear deterrence. Contemporary challenges—such as the multipolarity of nuclear powers, personalistic regimes, and the influence of social media—present new risks not seen during the Cold War. Contributors analyze these challenges alongside enduring issues, such as nuclear sufficiency and the survivability of nuclear forces. Deterrence cannot be taken for granted, especially in light of evolving technologies and the complex political dynamics of today’s nuclear powers.

The Military Legacy Of Alexander The Great: Lessons For The Information Age, Robert D. Spessert

Joint Force Quarterly

This book review examines the relevance of Alexander the Great's military strategies and leadership for contemporary national security challenges. The book addresses issues such as military organization, battle strategy, and the human dimensions of warfare. The authors illustrate how Alexander navigated political and military obstacles, emphasizing the importance of information in warfare and the consequences of mission creep during his campaigns in Central Asia and India. They highlight how his strategic choices after the Battle of Issus secured resources while underscoring the human aspect of conflict. The book also critiques Alexander's failures, including his treatment of Greek mercenaries, which raised …

Don’T Let’S Be Beastly To The Germans: The British Occupation Of Germany, 1945–49, Michael C. Davies

Joint Force Quarterly

In this book review, Daniel Cowling offers a compelling examination of the British efforts in post-conflict reconstruction following World War II. Drawing from his doctoral research and archival insights, Cowling narrates the complex dynamics of the British Army of the Rhine and the Control Commission Germany during the occupation. The book is organized into five parts, exploring the foundations of the occupation, the challenges of implementation, the ensuing crises, and the eventual adaptation that led to a successful transition towards German sovereignty. Cowling grapples with the paradox of balancing justice and empathy towards the German populace, raising critical questions about …

From Sparta To Hostomel: The Enduring Role Of Joint Forcible Entry Operations, Jonathan Maxwell Cohen

Joint Force Quarterly

Since World War II, the U.S. military has relied on global access to intermediate staging bases for the uncontested massing of combat power. However, recent advancements in antiaccess/area-denial (A2/AD) networks by strategic competitors like Russia and China threaten this capability. This article examines the historical context and current challenges of Joint Forcible Entry Operations (JFEO), emphasizing their necessity in future conflicts despite these threats. Analyzing the Russian military’s unsuccessful air assault at Hostomel Airport during the 2022 invasion of Ukraine provides critical insights into the complexities and risks associated with JFEOs. While the inherent risks of forcible entry operations have …

Better In Pairs: Divide The Indo-Pacific Theater In Half, Tim Devine

Joint Force Quarterly

This article explores the rationale for dividing the Indo-Pacific Theater into two geographic combatant commands to improve command and control, particularly in the face of growing strategic competition with China. The Department of Defense (DOD) reviews its Unified Command Plan (UCP) every two years, adjusting geographic boundaries and missions. Given the Indo-Pacific's vast size, rising security threats, and operational demands, USINDOPACOM's current structure may be insufficient. The article argues that dividing the theater, similar to the successful dual command model used during World War II in the Pacific, would ease command burdens, enhance strategic effectiveness, and better prepare the U.S. …

The Need For U.S. Stability Policing, John F. Hussey

Joint Force Quarterly

The article advocates for the creation of a U.S. Military Police Stability Battalion to enhance the country's ability to maintain peace in conflict zones. By integrating interagency law enforcement assets, such as the Department of Justice and the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, this battalion would rapidly deploy and tailor operations to regional needs, such as countering trafficking. While not involved in military or counterinsurgency training, the battalion would require military protection. Establishing this capability would reduce reliance on allies, provide greater flexibility for commanders, and help prevent fragile states from collapsing, ultimately saving costs by investing …

The Profession Of Arms: What Scholars, Practitioners, And Others Of Note Have Had To Say, Gregory D. Foster

Joint Force Quarterly

The article discusses the evolution of military expertise and national security management in the context of modern challenges. James Stavridis, Ervin J. Rokke, and Terry C. Pierce argue that the traditional concept of military expertise, as defined by Samuel Huntington—focused on the "management of violence"—is outdated. They suggest that today’s military professionals are better described as "managers of effects," which includes both kinetic (physical force) and nonkinetic (cyber, soft power) capabilities. They emphasize the importance of civilian leadership in defining strategic objectives while the military manages a broader array of tools to achieve desired outcomes. James Locher adds that the …

Ethical Leadership Development: Highlights From The Past And A Glimpse Of The Future, Elias Ursitti, Eric J. Weis, Donald P. Loren

Joint Force Quarterly

This article explores the critical role of ethical leadership in shaping organizational cultures, particularly within military contexts. It emphasizes that senior leaders must implement peer accountability and foster ethically healthy environments to prevent common ethical pitfalls. Organizational culture, shaped by leadership behavior, can either promote a virtuous cycle of ethical conduct or lead to negative consequences. Leaders are encouraged to create climates that value critical thinking, transparency, and the courage to challenge unethical behavior. Additionally, intercultural sensitivity is essential for inclusive leadership. The article also reflects on the future of ethical leadership, acknowledging the immense pressure to compromise ethics in …

Stop Talking To Yourself: Military Recruiting In The Modern Age, Richard R. Bell, Elizabeth Goldsmith, Robert Martinez, Donghyun Lee

Joint Force Quarterly

This article explores strategies to enhance military recruitment, particularly targeting Generation Z, by focusing on reconnecting veterans with society, implementing internships and mentorships, and engaging key influencers such as parents and educators. Key initiatives include partnering with veteran organizations to highlight military benefits, offering military internships to introduce youth to nontraditional military career paths, and strengthening outreach to influencers, especially parents, who significantly impact enlistment decisions. By improving media use and public engagement, the military can reshape its image for the next generation, aligning recruitment efforts with youth values and concerns.

Considering The Utility Of Modern Blockade In A Protracted Conflict With China, Thomas A. Krasnicki

Joint Force Quarterly

This article explores whether a U.S.-led maritime blockade could be an effective strategy in a prolonged conflict with China, particularly if China attempts to take Taiwan by force. Drawing from historical examples, such as the Union blockade during the Civil War and the Allied blockade of Germany in WWI, targeting China’s heavy reliance on maritime imports and exports could destabilize its economy and apply pressure on the Chinese Communist Party. However, China’s advanced naval capabilities, robust land-based defenses, and diplomatic challenges with neutral states add layers of difficulty. The article highlights the need to balance two conflicting approaches: countervalue operations …

Winners Of The 2024 Essay Competitions, National Defense University Press

Joint Force Quarterly

The 2024 Essay Competitions, hosted by NDU Press, saw a wide array of thought-provoking submissions across three categories, emphasizing civilian-military coordination and national security strategy. The competitions included the Secretary of Defense National Security Essay Competition, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Strategic Essay Competitions, and the Joint Force Quarterly Maerz Awards. Winners explored topics like U.S. military logistics in the face of Chinese threats, modern blockade tactics, and military recruitment challenges in the digital age. The awards continue to foster innovative ideas and strategic thinking within professional military education institutions.

Cbrn Defense Readiness Reporting, Jeffrey A. French-Lujan, Taylor Harrington, Ron Fizer, Domah Diggs

Joint Force Quarterly

This article advocates for the implementation of standardized Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) defense reporting metrics within military services. The need for such standardization is critical to accurately assess joint force preparedness, enabling commanders and planners to understand CBRN readiness, mitigate operational risks, and optimize training and modernization efforts. Standardized metrics will lead to better reporting, offering more insight into material readiness issues, trends, and force sustainability. Additionally, these metrics will support informed decision-making for defense investments and risk management, ensuring that forces are ready to defend national interests and respond effectively to CBRN threats.

The Implications Of The New Security Environment On The National Health Systems Enterprise, Martin Charles Bricknell, Derek Licina

Joint Force Quarterly

This article explores the strategic integration of military and civilian health systems in response to large-scale conflicts, emphasizing the critical role of civil-military cooperation. NATO's experience with the war in Ukraine highlights the importance of interoperable health systems across the Euro-Atlantic region, while the Asia-Pacific presents unique challenges due to its geographic dispersal and alliance structures. The U.S. National Disaster Medical System, strengthened by lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic, is positioned to manage medical evacuations and casualties in future contingencies. The article advocates for the U.S. military health system to be considered as strategically vital as the defense-industrial complex, underscoring …

The Key To Arctic Dominance: Establishing An Arctic-Focused Subordinate Unified Command, Joseph R. Blume, Nathan L. Golike, Geoffrey R. Latimer, Michael Stanski

Joint Force Quarterly

This article discusses the strategic importance of establishing an Arctic-focused subordinate unified command under USNORTHCOM to enhance the responsiveness and resilience of the U.S. Armed Forces. With climate change reducing sea ice and increasing shipping and resource exploration, the Arctic is becoming a critical region for global security. USNORTHCOM is well-positioned to lead these efforts, aligning with national strategies and leveraging its homeland defense mission through NORAD. The proposed Arctic Command would play a vital role in coordinating military operations and addressing emerging security concerns in this rapidly evolving region.

Joint Force Quarterly, Issue 115, 4th Quarter 2024, National Defense University Press

Joint Force Quarterly

This JFQ issue highlights a range of military and security issues, including Arctic defense, health system impacts, and military readiness, while celebrating the achievements of joint professional military education and student essays on national security topics.

Book Review: A Call To Action: Lessons From Ukraine For The Future Force, John C. Erickson, Timothy S. Martin

Parameters Bookshelf – Online Book Reviews

Authors: John A. Nagl and Katie Crombe

Reviewed by John C. Erickson, senior engineer, Axiom Technologies, and Lieutenant Colonel Timothy S. Martin, director, Defense Strategy Course, US Army War College

John C. Erickson and Timothy S. Martin review one of the US Army War College Press’s most-downloaded publications, A Call to Action: Lessons from Ukraine for the Future Force, an integrated research project that covers the first year of the Russia-Ukraine War. Erickson and Martin provide a useful overview and analysis, highlighting 10 key themes, with a special focus on the “Clausewitzian triad” and “mission command,” and explaining why members …