This study explores the effect of two variables, threat and time compression, on the decision making patterns of the senior decision units in selected international crises. The investigation is focused on an analysis of decision makers and their actions during two major crises of the twentieth-century; the Greek crisis of 1947, and the US decision to intervene in Korea, 1950. Investigation reveals that there are some common distinguishing characteristics of decision units under high stress and perceived limited time. Further examination develops a series of proposals for application of these findings to the particular needs of the military.

ADA 058333 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.)