Accession Number:

ADA172505

Title:

Improving NATO Force Planning Process: Lessons from Past Efforts.

Descriptive Note:

Interim rept.,

Corporate Author:

RAND CORP SANTA MONICA CA

Personal Author(s):

• Wendt,James C.
• Brown,Nanette

Report Date:

1986-06-01

Pagination or Media Count:

56.0

Abstract:

This report examines several past efforts within NATO to improve conventional force capabilities. Its purpose is to identify a set of broad guidelines for how best to manage future such initiatives in NATO. All major initiatives considered in this report were motivated by a perception that the regular NATO Force Planning system generated insufficient leverage to make countries respond. To help ensure a successful outcome to new major initiatives, several criteria should be applied 1 The timing of the initiative must be right. 2 The initiative proposed must demonstrate clear military benefit to the Alliance. 3 The time frame for any inititative should be carefully selected, 4 Projects must consider costs. 5 Consideration should be given to the political benefits of the initiative. 6 The economic benefits of the initiative need to be considerated. 7 The initiative must consider priorities. If an initiative by the United States seems to be necessary, the U.S. position must be coherent and cohesive and the allies must give their informal support. It is important to elicit formal support of the heads of state to increase the pressure to comply. The Finance Ministers should be involved in the process, the NATO bureaucracy must be involved in the implementation, and a follow-through procedure must be instituted.

Descriptors:

• *NATO
• *DEFENSE PLANNING
• UNITED STATES
• POLITICAL SCIENCE
• ECONOMICS
• MILITARY FORCES(FOREIGN)
• TIME
• COSTS
• CONVENTIONAL WARFARE
• PLANNING
• MILITARY APPLICATIONS
• BENEFITS
• PERCEPTION

Subject Categories:

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE