Doctrine for Use of Limited Military Force in Today's Uncertain World - R. Pena

Throughout the history of our country, we have fought both wars of necessity - such as World War I and II - and wars of choice – such as Vietnam and Iraq. When we, as a country, march blindly into wars of choice the consequences often are catastrophic – both in terms of the toll it takes individually on our troops, their families, and the military, and in terms of the enormous amount of money spent, and often wasted, in these wars. Yet, there are times when our country should respond militarily to situations around the globe. But, we must be very thoughtful, careful, and use restraint in so doing.

With conflicts erupting at lightning speed throughout the world it is important that we as a country act when necessary. But it is also important that we not overreact. In the past, uncertainty to when and how to respond has sometimes led our country into conflicts that history shows were unwise and harmful to our country.  What follows are guiding principles for such responses. They are developed, in part,  from the lessons that we have learned from the past,  especially from the Vietnam and Iraq wars:

Military force may be used in limited situations, based on the following criteria:

1. It is of strategic importance to the United States, or
2. It is in response to a humanitarian crisis, or an emergency, or
   
3. The use of force will be effective and make a difference, and
4. The military engagement is designed to limit the loss of American soldiers, and
5. The use of military force Is not the product of emotions,  and the consequences to America have been carefully evaluated, and
6. There is a clear exit strategy, and
   
7. It is legal.
   

*Richard Pena is an attorney, Vietnam Veteran, and co-author of, Last Plane Out of Saigon.