The Role of Operational Pause in War Termination

Abstract

Abstract : Operational pause can play an important role in war termination by encouraging negotiations. Current doctrinal publications offer little guidance to the operational commander on operational pause. A survey of doctrine and literature addressing operational pause, negotiation and war termination is accomplished. The resulting principles-are compared with experience in the Korean War, the Sino-Indian War of 1962, and the Yom Kippur War of 1973. The operational commander's most important task is providing sound advice to the political leadership on the suitability of operational pause to encourage negotiations. A correct evaluation of the enemy's relative ability to regenerate combat power is the key consideration. If a pause is ordered, the operational commander must provide operational protection and plan sequels for escalation, seizing bargaining chips, and a decisive follow-on offensive. The author recommends doctrinal treatment of the planning requirements for operational pause Operational pause, War termination, Negotiation, Korean war, Sino-Indian war, Yom Kippur war, Escalation, Doctrine, Operational protection, Regeneration