ECU Libraries Catalog

The battle behind the wire : U.S. prisoner and detainee operations from World War II to Iraq / Cheryl Benard [and others].

Format Book and Print
Publication InfoSanta Monica, CA : RAND, ©2011.
Descriptionxxiv, 102 pages : color illustrations, color map ; 23 cm.
Supplemental Content http://www.rand.org/content/dam/rand/pubs/monographs/2011/RAND_MG934.pdf
Subject(s)
Other author/creatorBenard, Cheryl, 1953-
Other author/creatorO'Connell, Edward.
Other author/creatorThurston, Cathryn Quantic.
Other author/creatorVillamizar, Andrés.
Other author/creatorLoredo, Elvira N.
Other author/creatorSullivan, Thomas.
Other author/creatorGoulka, Jeremiah E.
Other author/creatorInternational Security and Defense Policy Center.
Other author/creatorNational Defense Research Institute (U.S.)
Other author/creatorRand Corporation.
Other author/creatorUnited States. Department of Defense. Office of the Secretary of Defense.
Portion of title United States prisoner and detainee operations from World War II to Iraq
Portion of title United States prisoner and detainee operations from World War two to Iraq
Series Rand Corporation monograph series ; MG-934-OSD
Rand Corporation monograph series ; MG-934-OSD. ^A1010738
Contents The recurring importance of prisoner and detainee operations -- U.S. programs for German prisoners in World War II -- Korean war prisoner programs -- Prisoner and detainee operations in Vietnam -- Detainee operations in Iraq -- Conclusions and recommendations -- Appendix: The legal source of MNF-I's authority to intern for security.
Abstract Although prisoner of war and detainee operations ultimately tend to become quite extensive, military planners and policymakers have repeatedly treated such operations as an afterthought. In reality, such operations can be a central part of the successful prosecution of a conflict. Determining how to gain knowledge from, hold, question, influence, and release captured adversaries can be an important component of military strategy and doctrine, both during the conflict and in reconstruction afterward. This monograph finds parallels in U.S. prisoner and detainee operations in World War II, Korea, Vietnam, and Iraq: underestimation of the number to be held, hasty scrambling for resources to meet operational needs, and inadequate doctrine and policy. During the later phases of military operations, an attempt is often made to educate prisoners and detainees and influence their social and political values. The results of a survey by RAND researchers of Iraq detainees contravene many assumptions that had been guiding decisions related to detainee operations. The survey found that local and personal motives, along with nationalism, were more prevalent than religious ones and that detainees were often economic opportunists rather than illiterates seeking economic subsistence through the insurgency. Recommendations include that detailed doctrine should be in place prior to detention and that detainees should be surveyed when first detained.
General note"RAND National Defense Research Institute."
General note"This research was sponsored by the Office of the Secretary of Defense and conducted within the International Security and Defense Policy Center of the RAND National Defense Research Institute"--Pref.
Bibliography noteIncludes bibliographical references (p. 97-102).
LCCN 2010942311
ISBN9780833050458
ISBN0833050451
Technical rpt#RAND/MG-934-OSD

Available Items

Library Location Call Number Status Item Actions
Joyner General Stacks UB803 .B28 2011 ✔ Available Place Hold