Measuring effectiveness in conflict environments

Abstract

Traditional warfare has taken on a new meaning in the wake of the September 11 terrorist attacks. Winning peace has become just as important as winning the war. In the military operations in Afghanistan and Iraq that followed the terrorist attacks, it has become increasingly clear that winning peace is a complicated process. In this regard, the concept of stabilization and reconstruction is no simple task and requires planning in advance of combat operations. Unfortunately, current measures of effectiveness are either too narrowly constructed or far too complex for application in the hostile environment that accompanies stabilization and reconstruction. This thesis examines the concept of stabilization and reconstruction and exposes the weaknesses and strengths of measures of effectiveness (MOE). The underlying goal is to formulate a simplified and effective MOE for the successful post-combat stabilization and reconstruction efforts. It is the author's position that the success of stabilization and reconstruction depends in large part on the ability to monitor progress and to respond to obstacles that arise in the course of stabilization and reconstruction.