The Philippine Insurrection: America's First Venture into Military Operations Other Than War.

Abstract

Abstract : The Philippine Insurrection was America's venture into the realm of what we now know as Military Operations Other Than War (MOOTW). This conflict began as a declared war against Spain and ended as a fight to gain control of a nation in chaos. It provides a good case from which today's military and civilian leaders can learn significant lessons about planning and executing operations in MOOTW. Pertinent lessons can be derived by examining key issues and events using the principles of MOOTW, with particular attention on the principles of objective, legitimacy, security, and restraint. The preparation and conduct of this campaign exemplifies the difficulties involved in the development of national policies and the complications in executing those policies. This case also illustrates the interconnectivity of the six principles and the need to consider them as a whole and not independently. More significantly, it will demonstrate that the principle of objective is the cornerstone from which all the other principles are derived. Without sound, clear objectives it will be impossible, just as in the Philippines, to maintain a collective unity of effort, the perseverance necessary to win, or the legitimacy required for continued support. The ability of this nation's leadership to properly assess the critical issues within each of the principles of MOOTW will determine not only the magnitude but the intensity in which we will participate in these type of operations. Therefore, it is imperative that our leadership take every opportunity to study and learn from our past endeavors to ensure that our mistakes are not repeated at the cost of America's sons and daughters or her dignity.