Is Army Aviation Doctrine Adequate for Military Operations Other Than War?

This thesis is a study of Army aviation doctrine and its suitability for military operations other than war (MOOTW). It uses four case studies of operations in which Army aviation played a significant role: Operation Restore Hope in Somalia, United Nations Operations in Somalia (UNOSOM II), Operation Uphold Democracy in Haiti, and Operations Joint Guard and Joint Endeavor in Bosnia-Herzegovina. The case studies analyze the missions conducted during these operations and highlight the challenges encountered as well as the applicable doctrine, where it exists. The thesis continues with an analysis of aviation doctrine and its guidance for operations other than war. This thesis concludes that Army aviation doctrine is only partially adequate for MOOTW. It provides a sound basis but is lacking in some respects. Many doctrinal combat missions are easily employed in a MOOTW environment. Some, however, are executed so differently that the doctrinal guidance proves to be inadequate. Further still, there are missions for which there is no doctrinal basis. The thesis recommends updating doctrine to reflect the realities of military operations other than war.