War Termination: Why, When, Who, What, Where, and How.

Abstract : Classical military thought dictates that a state should never start a war without knowing how it plans to end the war never take the first, step without considering the last. War termination plans are that last step. Despite the general acceptance of this maximum war termination plans receive little emphasis or attention in the military. This paper examines both the theoretical and practical aspects of war termination plans focusing on the Korean, Vietnam, and Gulf Wars. The basic questions related to war termination (why, when, who, what, and how) are examined in detail. Understanding the answers to these basic questions will enable military planners to realize the importance of war termination plans and will facilitate successful incorporation of war termination plans in future conflicts. Since the United States is likely to participate in future conflicts as part of a coalition the role of coalitions in war termination plans is also considered.