This monograph directly addresses the problem posed when considering the question 'Who says what right is?' or 'Justice according to whom?' The relative nature of the term 'justice' creates a problem for military ethics, particularly when soldiers...
The Command and General Staff College endeavors to instill critical thinking as a skill practiced by its graduates. To this end the college has introduced the concept of critical thinking as a class within the core curriculum. Students must take a...
"Toward a Universal Society and the United States Army" is a research thesis examining social and political theories relevant to defining the post-Cold War era operationally. Two prevailing schools of thought are examined; the school of pacific...
The evolving U.S. stabilization, reconstruction and development doctrine displays the tenets necessary to stabilize a state following conflict; however, this doctrine remains insufficient for insuring long-term stability. To adequately guide...
This study investigates military moral problems from the perspective of situation ethics. It explores the feasibility of a situational military ethic using the supreme moral imperative of universal concern which underlies all moral action and from...
The explanation to the phenomenon of how a military unit, which seemingly on the verge of annihilation, still manages to survive and fight effectively, lies in the understanding that a military organization is a living system. Recognizing the...
This study analyses the influence of the German idealist philosopher G.W.F. Hegel (1779-1831) on the method and thought of the Prussian military theorist Carl von Clausewitz (1780-1831). The study contends that a complete understanding of the...
This monograph questions the utility of military deception (MILDEC) given its decidedly different dynamics inside counterinsurgency (COIN) operations. It examines relevant theoretical touchstones and doctrinal frameworks to determine whether the...
The intent behind this paper was to develop a set of key principles that would support both planners and operators in the conduct of counterinsurgency operations. This set of principles would also be morally acceptable on an international level,...
In the past decade or so there has been increased discussion about ethics and its potential to the United States Military. Since work done by ancient ethicist such as, Aristotle on virtues like, courage, integrity, and honesty, all appear to have...
Bias caused by organizational culture is a constant companion of military planning. Cognitive models dominated by Newtonian, mechanistic, and reductionist thinking, have all but entrenched bias at the operational level of war where contextual, or...
In recent years there has been increased discussion of virtue ethics and its potential value to the United States Military. Since work done by ancient virtue ethicists such as Aristotle on virtues like courage appear to have special application to...
This monograph discusses the dilemma that current logistical thinking and doctrine face as they enter the 21st Century. Current logistical thinking is grounded in the structures, organizations, strategy, and equipment of the Cold War. As the Army...
The recognition of the failure at the strategic and operational levels of war during the Global War on Terror, specifically in Iraq, has resulted in a quest for intellectual solutions to complex operational and strategic problems. To date this has...
This monograph sets forth a theoretical model for strategic analysis. The purpose of the paper is to determine how the components of a strategic plan relate to each other. It examines and critiques contemporary and classical definitions of strategy...
Over the past 60 years, the Sino-Indian relationship has swung from a cool détente to all out war. Many Western international relations theorists applying the "realist" school of thought view China as a dangerous threat to not only the region but...
The catastrophic events of September 11, 2001, actively thrust the U.S. government into a war against terrorism, principally against the form of terrorism most closely associated with radical Islam, born in the Middle East region. The dark clouds...
Soldiers, including us here at USASMA, are presented with the dilemma of vying for assignment during a time of war. What role should the war play in a Soldier's decision regarding desired assignment? One alternative is to fulfill ones' obligation...
For military operations, the counterinsurgency environment is perhaps the most complicated and arduous environment in history. Often, government and military leaders are unsure how conventional forces should deal with an inferior enemy who stays...
This study investigates the codification of ethics within the Marine Corps. The study analyzes the advantages and disadvantages of codification. It also presents a comparative analysis between several proposed codes and historic sources of ethical...