This monograph examines how sustainment force multipliers work to optimize force capabilities during peacetime contingency operations. The concept of force multipliers is a key element of U.S. Army doctrine that asserts we can fight with limited resources and win. As we shift our focus from Europe to other regions of the world, this concept will be valuable for designing and planning complex peacetime contingency operations during an era of constrained resources. This monograph examines sustainment force multipliers from a theoretical, historical, and contemporary perspective. The aim is to determine how they work to optimize the specific capabilities that the commander must mass in order to be successful within the constraints and restrictions of peacetime contingency operations. The principle of mass combined with the imperatives for low-intensity conflict serve as criteria for the analysis. The monograph first evaluates the theoretical aspects of force multipliers. A survey of classical theorists such as Sun Tzu, Clausewitz and Jomini provides a backdrop for more recent theorists who treat force multipliers in detail. Next, the monograph examines two historical examples of peacetime contingency operations; Lebanon in 1958 and the Dominican Republic in 1965. In each case, sustainment force multipliers played a significant role by enhancing and amplifying key capabilities. Finally, an analysis of the contemporary contingency environment demonstrates that sustainment force multipliers will continue to play a significant role in future peacetime contingency operations. However, an examination of emerging U.S. capabilities shows that in many respects our doctrine, equipment and training focus are still geared for a conventional European scenario. Combining theoretical insights and historical observations with an analysis of contemporary conditions and capabilities, the study concludes that sustainment force multipliers will play a very critical role in optimizing force capabilities for peacetime contingency operations. As we expand our focus beyond Europe, to other worldwide contingencies, we must adjust our doctrine, equipment, and training to fully incorporate the valuable concept of force multipliers.

ADA 234153 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.)