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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.

Book Reviews, Usawc Press

The US Army War College Quarterly: Parameters

No abstract provided.

An Interview With John Stevens, John Stevens

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

John Stevens is a retired PM/WRA Program Manager with extensive experience running multi-million-dollar conventional weapons destruction (CWD) programs in Vietnam, Sub-Saharan Africa, the Balkans, and Ukraine. Since December 2014, Stevens has been re-employed as a Senior CWD Advisor with PM/WRA. In this capacity, he conducted fresh CWD assessments in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Colombia, Guinea-Bissau, Lao PDR, Senegal, Serbia, and South Korea.

An Interview With Harry “Murf” Mccloy, Harry (Murf) Mccloy

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

Harry “Murf” McCloy, is a retired US Marine Colonel who transitioned from military service to become a pivotal figure in humanitarian demining with PM/WRA in the US Department of State. Heading the US State Department’s first demining program in Bosnia and Herzegovina in 1996, McCloy became the State Department’s Senior Demining Advisor in 1998, holding this position until his retirement in 2007. He continues to work parttime in the Office of Weapons Removal and Abatement and has played a crucial role in the strategic oversight and execution of mine action programs across forty-six countries, significantly enhancing safety and establishing essential …

Advancements In Mine Action: Enhancing Remote Reporting And Analysis Through Innovative Technologies, Rory Collins, Lionel Fragniere, Mateo Dulce Rubio

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

This paper examines the innovative initiatives undertaken by the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) Peace and Security Cluster (PSC) in advancing humanitarian mine action (HMA) through remote reporting and analysis technologies. It provides an in-depth analysis of key initiatives, including the development of a mapping tool in Gaza, the application of Natural Language Processing (NLP) for efficient data management in improvised explosive devices (IED) threat mitigation globally, and the utilization of advanced remote sensing and machine learning technologies in Syria and Afghanistan. Through these use cases, we demonstrate how innovative technologies can be incorporated into HMA to increase …

Phase Ii Testing Of Uav/Sensor Systems For Humanitarian Mine Action In Ukraine, Edward Crowther, Natalia Shepel

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) conducted the Phase II trials of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)/ sensor systems for humanitarian mine action (HMA) in Ukraine in May 2024. Seven organizations participated, four of which were Ukrainian. Each organization brought systems with differing combinations of unmanned aircraft system (UAS) platforms, sensors, and data processing, and were tested against a trial area set up in central Ukraine by UNDP. Run at the request of the Ministry of Economy, Phase II trials involving Ukrainian and international organizations yielded promising results. They demonstrated that combining technologies to detect both metal and plastic explosive remnants …

Dealing With Hidden Danger: Capacity Development Of Lao Pdr’S Unexploded Ordnance Sector, Kiengkay Ounmany

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR) suffered from the heaviest bombing in its history during the Second Indochina War (1955–1975). Two decades after the war, the Lao National Unexploded Ordnance Clearance Programme (UXO Lao) was established with financial and technical assistance from United Nations (UN) agencies and donor countries. The development of Lao PDR’s national UXO clearance capacity has been within the framework of multilateral and bilateral cooperation. The Lao PDR government is prepared to take ownership of the program, but additional capacity development is essential in the areas of strategic planning and funding mobilization if it is to meet …

Basic Identification Of Ammunition In Ukraine Guide: Version 6.0, Senior Lieutenant Perederii, Tony Salvo, Drew Prater

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

Ordnance identification is a critical tenet of any competent munition clearance operation, whether it be civilian or military. Ordnance identification information for first responders, especially safety procedures, is vital when shielding civilians from danger. This is even more important when the munitions being cleared are explosive remnants of war (ERW) from on-going conflict. To that end, Version 6.0 of the Basic Identification of Ammunition in Ukraine1 has been released and has some important updates to help ensure clearance personnel and first responders can help keep civilians safe.

The Explosive Weapons Trauma Care Collective (Extracct): A Roadmap For Reducing Preventable Death Among Civilian Casualties Of Explosive Injury, Hannah Wild, Aparna Cheran, Abby Willging, Christelle Loupforest, Sebastian Kasack, Tim Gargan, Barclay T. Stewart, Adam Kushner

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

In a previous issue of The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction, we introduced the rationale underpinning the need for increased emphasis on point-of-injury care as well as enhanced engagement between humanitarian mine action (HMA) and emergency care services for civilian casualties of explosive ordnance (EO).1 The initial working group under which this conceptual foundation was developed was called the Mine Action Trauma Care Collaborative. In the intervening months, that initiative was reconceived as the Explosive Weapons Trauma Care Collective (EXTRACCT) to encompass the broad range of EO and explosive weapons (EW) that inflict harm on civilians in conflict and post-conflict …

No Silver Bullet: Environment And Climate Funding In Mine Action, Christelle Mestre

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

Funding requirements, needs, and models are evolving to reflect the growing focus on environment and climate considerations in the mine action sector. This article examines current funding practices for environmental considerations within the sector and beyond, emphasizing the need for a holistic approach that looks at the broader impact of mine action. It underscores the importance of strategic partnerships, national mine action strategies, and awareness-raising efforts among donors and investors about the environmental and climate-related benefits of mine action. The article argues that while there’s no silver bullet, the integration of environmental and climate considerations into mine action can secure …

Innovative Finance For Mine Action: Needs And Potential Solutions, Danielle Payne, Camille Wallen, Chris Loughran

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

Chronic underfunding has significantly impacted the mine action sector, undermining its stability and predictability. This funding shortfall hampers both the efficiency and effectiveness of operations. This trend is further compounded by the nature of today’s operating environment in mine action; as new conflicts emerge while others are characterized by their protracted nature, the demands on the sector are multiplying. These conflicts not only prolong the threat of landmines but also introduce new hazards, such as the rising use of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) by non-state armed groups. With the nature of conflicts evolving, the variety of threats grows, necessitating a …

Greening Mine Action In Armenia As A Component Of Sustainable Development In The Economy Of The Country, Vaghinak Sargsyan

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

Contamination in Armenia stems from the long-term conflict with Azerbaijan, affecting four out of eleven regions in Armenia: Tavoush region, Syunik region, Gexarquniq region, and Vayots Dzor region. The contamination covers an area of more than 42 km2, with more than 10 km2 confirmed hazardous areas and over 31 km2 suspected hazardous areas. Land affected includes pasture (66 percent), arable (22 percent), and forest (12 percent). There are 805 registered victims of landmine and explosive remnants of war (ERW) incidents. Additionally, among the 120,000 displaced Karabakh Armenians, more than 700 are survivors of landmines and ERW, many of whom find …

Contextualized Transitional Justice Policy Development In Uganda: Differentiating Between Normativity Types In Evidence-Based Problem Analysis, Saghar Shahidi Birjandian

Genocide Studies and Prevention: An International Journal

This article discusses the fundamental impact of normativity on producing evidence-based guidance for context-sensitive transitional justice policy. It draws on lessons learned from Uganda’s complex transitional justice context and extensive fieldwork to demonstrate the necessity and the means to differentiate between belief-based normativity and evidence-based normativity in conducting problem analysis as a crucial site that determines the integrity of evidence-based guidance. It also establishes that evidence-based normativity guiding problem analysis must include empirical evidence of societal dynamics and views of affected communities or there is a significantly higher risk of belief-based normativity decontextualizing strategy development. Findings establish significant substantive differences …

The Journal Of Conventional Weapons Destruction Issue 28.3, Cisr Jmu

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

No abstract provided.

Selected U.S. Government Statistical Agencies And Their Data, Bert Chapman

Libraries Faculty and Staff Presentations

Provides introductory and detailed overview of U.S. Government agencies statistics. Includes examples of how an individual U.S. law authorizes government agencies to compile statistics for particular congressional committees and the general public. Statistics cover topics such as demography, defense, foreign assistance, economic growth, criminal justice, energy, Social Security, and Medicare.

An Extremely Important Document: Khea's Struggle For A Contract, 1974-1978, John L.S. Daley Dr

KNEA 50th Anniversary

In 1973, the Kansas State College, Pittsburg administration fired thirteen faculty members without cause. In order to improve administration-faculty relations, remaining faculty organized, petitioned for recognition, and drafted PSU/KNEA's first contract with PSU/KBOR, which went into effect five years later. The narrative covering this period draws on Axe Library's KNEA Collection and interviews of former faculty.

Exploring Strategy In India, Vinay Kaura

The US Army War College Quarterly: Parameters

This review essay discusses Rajesh Basrur's Subcontinental Drift: Domestic Politics and India’s Foreign Policy and Feroz Hassan Khan's Subcontinent Adrift: Strategic Futures of South Asia and explores Indian strategy, especially concerning domestic issues and the relationship between Pakistan and India. The review concludes by noting that the two books agree on the oversized role of the Pakistani military in India’s national politics, where most security and foreign policy decisions are directed toward Pakistan.

From The Acting Editor In Chief, C. Anthony Pfaff

The US Army War College Quarterly: Parameters

Welcome to the Autumn 2024 issue of Parameters. The Autumn issue consists of a special piece from the US Army War College Commandant and Provost on their strategic vision for the college, three In Focus special commentaries, three forums (Cooperative Partnerships, Professional Development, and Historical Studies), two regular forums (A Major’s Perspective and the Civil-Military Relations Corner), and a review essay focused on strategy in India.

Eisenhower As Supreme Allied Commander: A Reappraisal, Richard D. Hooker Jr.

The US Army War College Quarterly: Parameters

This article argues that the historical assessment of Dwight D. Eisenhower as Supreme Allied Commander of the Allied Expeditionary Force in World War II lacks objectivity and balance. It identifies several strategic errors and missteps attributable to Eisenhower, which resulted in severe casualties and prolonged the war in Europe. The conclusions can help US military practitioners and policymakers assess the background and qualities required for successful theater command during wartime and senior commanders’ performances.

Parameters Autumn 2024, Usawc Press

The US Army War College Quarterly: Parameters

Welcome to the Autumn 2024 issue of Parameters. The Autumn issue consists of a special piece from the US Army War College Commandant and Provost on their strategic vision for the college, three In Focus special commentaries, three forums (Cooperative Partnerships, Professional Development, and Historical Studies), two regular forums (A Major’s Perspective and the Civil-Military Relations Corner), and a review essay focused on strategy in India.

Book Reviews, Usawc Press

The US Army War College Quarterly: Parameters

No abstract provided.

Introduction To Strategies And Outcomes, Lisa A. Leitz, Socrates Mbamalu

Peace Studies Faculty Books and Book Chapters

"In this, Volume 48 of Research in Social Movements, Conflicts and Change, chapters contribute to scholarship on the strategies and outcomes of social movements, with only one (Corrigall-Brown, this volume) exploring the relationship between the two and others examining each aspect of social movement scholarship independently."

Local Is Possible: An Analysis Of Hma Localization Efforts And A Proposed Pathway For Future Projects, Mark Wilkinson Ph.D., Lisa Mueller-Dormann, Camilla Roberti, Lene Rasmussen

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

This paper aims to address the relevance of localization in humanitarian mine action (HMA), delineating principles, challenges, and advocating for increased attention. Drawing upon evidence from localization initiatives from DanChurchAid (DCA) and Danish Refugee Council (DRC) programming, we list tenets we believe should guide future project design and development. Contrary to the perception that localization offers limited value in mine action, this paper argues that applying it to HMA projects is both urgent and highly beneficial. As discussions on localization in the humanitarian sphere progress, so too should the implementation of localized approaches in HMA, driven by the evolving landscape …

Angola: Hidden Danger, Sean Sutton

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

Lucala-2 is a small village located in the northern part of Angola, with 750 residents situated by a bridge crossing the Lucala river. This area gained strategic importance during the Angolan Civil War (1975–2002), particularly due to the Lucala bridge, which served as a critical crossing point. Throughout the war, minefields were strategically laid at all four corners of the bridge, illustrating the extensive use of landmines that has continued to impact Angola. These mines remain a harrowing legacy, contributing to ongoing casualties and significantly hindering development efforts long after the war's conclusion. The community explained how they have been …

Navigating The Unintended Consequences Of Language, Imagery, And Meaning Has Never Been More Difficult Or More Important, Jon Brown

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

Words matter. The imagery we use matters. When we tell the wrong story (or the right story in the wrong way), it damages us as organizations, damages us as a sector, and, most importantly of all, causes distant but lasting harm to the very communities we exist to serve and of which we are a part of. Let’s be clear: we at Mines Advisory Group (MAG) are certainly as guilty as the rest of the sector in getting things wrong, but we are putting steps in place to try to get it right.

The world has moved on from the …

What Can Artificial Intelligence Offer Humanitarian Mine Action?, Russell Gasser Ph.D.

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

Would you walk on land declared safe by an unproven technology, developed by enthusiastic proponents who do not have long experience in the world of mine action? What if the system for locating hazards will be tested in only one or two trials, even though the type of machine learning system they are using is known to sometimes give false but completely plausible results (so-called hallucinations1)? Furthermore, in the proposed machine-learning system there will be no audit trail for analysis if a serious error occurs, and no way of knowing for sure how to prevent its repetition.

There is dangerously …

Preventing Arms Diversion In Wartime Ukraine: A Brief Overview, Olena Kryzhanivska Ph.D.

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

Ukraine has entered its third year defending against Russia’s full-scale invasion, and despite emerging as one of the largest importers of weapons, it manages to prevent their major diversion. Experts evaluate the current arms control and weapons and ammunition management efforts by Ukraine and its allies with cautious optimism. Although obtaining detailed information about the intricacies of weaponry management in Ukraine is challenging, open sources allow us to glimpse some of the current measures taken during wartime. This article presents a brief overview of Ukraine's counter-diversion efforts and those of its partners, encompassing monitoring and control of international military aid, …

The Prioritization Of Survey Through Open-Source Research In Ukraine, Anda Riza, Andro Mathewson

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

With the increasing quantity of available and relevant open-source information online, the mine action sector is well poised to take advantage of its accessibility for conducting research, analysis, and investigations. In current conflicts, such as in Ukraine and Yemen, online sources are a rich repository of information which can be leveraged for survey and clearance operations. Humanitarian mine clearance actors can harness this vast quantity of information to map conflicts and their effects, including the location of landmines and other explosive remnants of war (ERW). In turn, this can be used to help prioritize survey efforts, especially in contexts where …

Securing Land To Contribute To Food Systems: Preliminary Findings On Humanitarian Mine Action Cumulative Effects On Food Security In Lebanon, Riccardo Labianco Ph.D., Myriam Rabbath

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

In a country or region affected by explosive ordnance (EO), the related contamination and, when present, humanitarian mine action (HMA), should be considered as part of the country’s food systems. Accordingly, understanding the cumulative effects of HMA on food security can be better appreciated by considering the whole food system and how local citizens view the impact of contamination. Through a preliminary series of community-level interviews in southern and northeast Lebanon from August to September 2023, Mines Advisory Group (MAG) started a research project on the impact of EO contamination on people’s ability to produce and procure adequate food and …

The Journal Of Conventional Weapons Destruction Issue 28.2, Cisr Jmu

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

No abstract provided.