After discussion of the case studies , the WG participated in two table top exercises ( TTX ), in which participants were asked to develop stabilization strategies consistent with the 3D approach , and then identify training and education requirements to equip people for this approach . The TTX scenarios focused on North Korea and Mosul , Iraq .
In debriefing , the groups were asked to address the following questions :
• How did you address the political problem at the core of your case study ?
• What did you prioritize to be addressed during the “ acute ” phase of stabilization ? What did you intentionally not prioritize ?
• How did you use partnerships in your strategy ?
• How did you address the question of transitioning from acute to sustainable stabilization ?
• Did you identify any necessary USG necessary structures to support your approach ?
Finally the group addressed the training and education implications .
• Will the training audience ( i . e . those working on stabilization moving forward ) be different under this approach ? If so , how ?
• What are key KSAs that need to be emphasized to equip people to carry out this approach ?
• What tools are most needed to prepare people for the new approach and challenges ?
• What training gaps did you identify as you developed the strategy ? What are the tangible takeaways ?
While the approach to stabilization is changing , the existing knowledge , lessons and training on stabilization remain relevant ; the causes of instability have not changed . However , the emphasis in how to address instability has changed , and needs to be reflected in our curricula .
The following training priorities were recommended :
1 . Analysis . Skill in assessment , analysis , and Center of Gravity identification is paramount to prioritize and sequence the US Governmental response . 2 . “ How do we make a deal ?” Understanding who holds power and is perceived as legitimate is critical in seeking political solutions . Those engaged in stabilization efforts need to know the range of viable political formulas that can support stability .
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3 . Prioritize to make difficult decisions . Prioritization is the most significant characteristic distinguishing sustainable stability from prior approaches . Training must get beyond ranking the relative importance of the “ essential ” tasks of stabilization in our planning processes , and make the tough choices about what not to do . Training audiences should be given tools and taught decision-making processes to prioritize in a manner which makes the most efficient use of limited resources , matches tailored responses to specific problems , and leverages partners to the maximum extent practicable . 4 . Culture Shift – Share Information ! Information sharing with our partners ( interagency , host country , NGOs , bilateral , and multilateral ) is a key to success in stabilization environments , but bureaucratic cultures tend towards stove-piping and over-classifying information . Solutions to some of these challenges exist , but the knowledge and products are not being adequately propagated and communicated to the community of interest . Information management in future USG interventions need to provide for a shared operating picture , which can adapt as the lead shifts throughout the intervention . 5 . Complexity . Stabilization is inherently complex ; we must equip our training audiences with better tools to grapple with it , and cultivate an environment open to experimentation and risk-taking that is grounded in sound analysis .
What is the road ahead ?
State ’ s CSO and PKSOI encourage all those engaged in stabilization-related training to post their curriculum , syllabi , and references on PKSOI ’ s Blackboard site at the USAWC , particularly those related to the above identified training priorities . This platform can serve as the hub for an enduring and expanding stabilization community of interest , and assist with interagency collaboration , focusing not only on designing new courses , but also establishing longer-term channels for collaboration , education , and training .
Representatives from the working group committed to work toward injecting stabilization elements into all DOD exercises , case studies , and developing professional military education material . PKSO and CSO will collaborate to develop new training modules focused on the findings of this WG .
Notes :
1
Gorur , Aditi , “ Defining the Boundaries of UN Stabilization Missions ,” Stimson Center , 2016 . https :// www . stimson . org / NODE / 28030 .