This monograph assesses the feasibility of providing tactical units of the U.S. Army's objective force with specific missions other than conventional combat roles. 2002 information pertaining to the objective force only address conventional offensive operations in detail. The purpose of this monograph was to identify deficiencies faced by the objective force conducting stability operations. After identifying those deficiencies, this monograph presents possible solutions to enhance the objective force's ability to accomplish all missions across the spectrum of conflict. The research conducted on this topic looked at two case studies in which conventional army units were given specific missions in support of two different stability operations. The first case study, the U.S. Constabulary, was established in Germany following WWII with the purpose of enforcing law and order within the U.S. Zone of Occupation. The U.S. Constabulary was an organization composed of conventional specialty soldiers assigned to the unit for performing a law enforcement role. The second case study, the British Army in Northern Ireland, examines how British Army units rotate through a tour of duty in Northern Ireland as they provide support to law enforcement services in Northern Ireland. Both case studies analyze the intricacies of the missions they performed in relation to conventional warfare preparedness. The case studies emphasized the importance of using conventional soldiers to execute the mission. This monograph does not advocate the implementation of a military police organization to meet the demands of stability operations. Objective force concept planners appear to have inadequately considered the threat assessments of the CIA, leading authors, and academics. If the planners do not understand the future threat, they cannot accurately predict objective force capabilities and limitations. The U.S. is not expected to be challenged by a peer competitor whom it must a fight a major theater war. Future assessments portray conflicts as being regional in nature with a large requirement for the armed forces of the United States to be involved with stability operations such as peace and humanitarian assistance missions. It would be beneficial to objective force planners to assign specific units tactical tasks that focus on stability operations. Information about the objective force indicates that the full spectrum of conflict will likely occur simultaneously due to the increased tempo of operations and the ability to converge on objectives from different directions. When the two case studies are combined with the future threat assessment and the operational and organizational concept of the objective force, it supports the requirement for tactical units to be assigned specific tasks other than conventional warfare. The objective force will likely face numerous challenges in having adequate time to prepare or transition from conventional to stability operations. The case studies highlight when specific units are identified and assigned stability operation missions, it enhanced the individual army's overall capabilities. The objective force would benefit if some units were assigned tactical missions other than conventional war to ensure mission success across the spectrum of conflict.

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.)