The Military Instrument of Power in Small Wars: The Case of El Salvador.

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Abstract:

This monograph discusses the role the American military instrument of power played in supporting the government of El Salvador during its battle against rebel forces during the period 1980-1992. The U.S. provided extensive military, political and economic assistance to the Salvadoran government during this period. This study determines the specific contributions of the U.S. military assistance. This study first examines the geographic, economic, and political background of El Salvador. It then examines the course of the Salvadoran revolution, with emphasis on the American military involvement. Next, it analyzes the specific contributions the U.S. military made in supporting the Salvadoran government. Finally, this monograph highlights the unique contributions of the U.S. military instrument of power and also the military lessons learned from the involvement in El Salvador. This evaluation of the military instrument of power, and the lessons learned from its use in El Salvador, help provide insight into the potential uses of the military instrument of power in future small wars.

Author(s):
Pinkston, Bobby R.
Author Organization(s):
ARMY COMMAND AND GENERAL STAFF COLL FORT LEAVENWORTH KS SCHOOL OF ADVANCED MIL ITARY STUDIES
Descriptive Note:
Monograph rept.,
Pagination:
0058

Security Markings

DOCUMENT & CONTEXTUAL SUMMARY

Distribution:
Approved For Public Release

RECORD

Collection: TR
Identifying Numbers
Monitor Series:
USACGSC
 Subject Terms
Joint Capability Areas:
JCA_8_Building Partnerships; JCA_8.2_Shape; JCA_1_Force Support; JCA_1.2_Force Preparation; JCA_8.2.1_Partner with Governments and Institutions; JCA_1.2.1_Training; JCA_5_Command and Control; JCA_5.3_Planning; JCA_3.2_Engagement; JCA_3_Force Application; JCA_3.2.1_Kinetic Means; JCA_5.3.2_Apply Situational Understanding; JCA_8.2.2_Provide Aid to Foreign Partners and Institutions; JCA_1.3_Human Capital Management; JCA_2_Battlespace Awareness; JCA_1.2.3_Educating; JCA_1.2.5_Lessons Learned; JCA_1.3.1_Personnel and Family Support; JCA_4.6.1_General Engineering; JCA_4.6_Engineering; JCA_2.4.3_Interpretation
Communities of Interest:
Human Systems
Descriptor(s):
*MILITARY FORCES(UNITED STATES), *FOREIGN POLICY, *LESSONS LEARNED, *MILITARY ASSISTANCE, *GOVERNMENT(FOREIGN), *EL SALVADOR, *LIMITED WARFARE, MILITARY HISTORY, ECONOMICS, MILITARY FORCES(FOREIGN), MILITARY CAPABILITIES, POWER, MILITARY TRAINING, MILITARY PLANNING, GEOGRAPHY, POLITICAL REVOLUTION, POLITICAL NEGOTIATIONS, FOREIGN AID, INSURGENCY
Field(s)/Group(s):
Government and Political Science, Humanities and History, Military Forces and Organizations, Unconventional Warfare
Keyword(s):
HUMAN RIGHTS
Report Date:
1996 Apr 01
Creation Date:
1996 Oct 16