Transitions

Transitions

What is it'

Successful "transitions" - the empowerment of host nation governments and civil society, and the subsequent transition of responsibility and control to indigenous agencies and organizations - require close cooperation between the host nation, other governments and militaries, and civil society. They are complex, and they are critical to recovery from conflict or crisis.

As the Army's Stability Operations proponent, U.S. Army Peacekeeping & Stability Operations Institute (PKSOI) is focusing its expertise on this complex process. PKSOI develops concepts and doctrine, and supports practical application of doctrine at the strategic and operational level. PKSOI serves as a bridge between theory and practice, and as a catalyst for a diverse network of government and civilian partners who share a common interest in creating a better peace.

Why is this important to the Army'

Current operations in Iraq and Afghanistan make it clear that the success of a campaign is ultimately determined by the success of the transitions that bring it to a close. The large (and growing) body of knowledge, experiences, and lessons-learned on the topic is a valuable asset gained at a high price that must be distilled into doctrinal principles to guide the Army.

What has the Army done'

PKSOI hosts a three-day international Transitions Conference at the U.S. Army War College in Carlisle, Pa. from Nov.16-18, 2011. Key thinkers and practitioners from academia, civil society, government, and the military will come together to examine transitions on multiple levels as a crucial process in post-conflict and post-disaster environments. Panelists from organizations as diverse as RAND, The Marshall Center, and the Joint Center for Operational Analysis will present their innovative ideas and relevant experiences, and small-group discussions will develop key ideas and concepts.

Keynote speakers include Gen. (Ret.) David D. McKiernan, former commander of U.S. Forces-Afghanistan, Ambassador John Herbst, former Department of State Coordinator for Stabilization and Reconstruction, Leonard R. Hawley, former deputy assistant secretary of state, Bureau of International Organization Affairs and a former member of the National Security Council, and James Young, enterprise manager for Google DoD.

What is planned for the future'

This conference and the Transitions Text that follows from it are important parts of an ongoing process. The discussions that take place will establish a baseline and set the trajectory for further development of Army, Joint, and Interagency transitions doctrine and policy.

Resources:

<a href="http://pksoi.army.mil/" target="_blank">U.S. Army Peacekeeping & Stability Operations Institute </a>

<a href="http://pksoi.army.mil/events/transition/transition.cfm" target="_blank">Transitions Conference: Issues, Challenges and Solutions</a>