ARE AMERICANS AND THEIR CULTURAL VALUES ADAPTABLE TO THE CONCEPT AND TECHNIQUES OF UNCONVENTIONAL WARFARE?

In: The annals of the American Academy of Political and Social Science, Band 341, S. 82-92

Abstract

Relations of values to unconventional warfare (UW) may be analyzed at 3 levels: (1) decision-making & policy at the nat'l level, (2) generalized PO, & (3) formation &use of special military forces. Attention is concentrated on (3). It is argued that the main US values are not incompatible with UW at the operational level, but that conflicts of values do result in uncertainty & ambiguity in nat'l policy. Certain common beliefs and stereotypes about UW are found to be in need of critical examination. US value-systems tend to stress ethical individualism & Active Mastery of Life. Values of technical competence & achievement would be important in the behavior of the highly selected & specially trained US forces which would participate in UW. Convictions concerning the justice of the nation's position, coupled with group involvement & the values attached to teamwork, are important in the behavior of US forces. Understanding of the complex nat'l value-pattern can aid in determining basic policy concerning UW. AA.