An Assessment of Conventional and Special Operations Forces Integration in Haiti.

Abstract

Abstract : This monograph discusses the role and appropriateness of operations other than war (OOTW) doctrine during the planning and conduct of Operation UPHOLD DEMOCRACY, 1993 through 1995 in Haiti. Operation UPHOLD DEMOCRACY involved both special operations and conventional forces in the application of OOTW doctrine. The monograph provides a brief historic review leading up to the operation and describes OOTW doctrine, emphasizing the principles of OOTW. The monograph describes the organizations involved in the operation and analyzes specific events where special operations and conventional forces worked together. Examples of some associated problems are force protection and the cooperation between the two types of forces at the tactical level. This monograph shows that the principles of OOTW and the integration of conventional and special operations forces are directly related to the success or failure of specific events in UPHOLD DEMOCRACY. The study concludes that the principles of OOTW are the basis for success in operations like UPHOLD DEMOCRACY in terms of force integration and inter-relationships. Military operations in Haiti during Operation UPHOLD DEMOCRACY confirm the doctrinal requirement for close cooperation between conventional and special operations forces in OOTW environments. p2