This monograph examines the role of fire support in peacekeeping and peace enforcement operations. Peacekeeping and peace enforcement are unique operations. Peacekeeping relies more on forces to accomplish its mission, whereas peace enforcement relies on the measured use of force. The United States military is capable of supporting either mission. Presently, Army doctrine does not address the use of fire support in peace operations. This monograph serves as an initial assault into the doctrinal void regarding the role of fire support in peacekeeping and peace enforcement. The first two sections review the definitions of peacekeeping and peace engagement, examine rules of engagement, and provide an overview of the doctrinal foundations for fire support in operations other than war. The third section discusses the fire support Battlefield Operating System, highlighting the implications for the use of force and fire support. The fourth and fifth sections analyze historical case studies for each operation from the fire support perspective. This monograph concludes that although peacekeeping and peace enforcement are distinct missions, fire support can play a role in each. The application of the capabilities inherent to fire support should not be rejected out-of-hand, but considered an integral part of the planning and execution of peace operations.

ADA 289062 Approved for public release; Distribution is unlimited. The opinions and conclusions expressed herein are those of the student-authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College or any other governmental agency. (References to these studies should include the foregoing statement.)