ABSTRACT
In international peace support operations, the political goals must be clear, and only objectives consistent with international and humanitarian law are accepted in Sweden as rationales for the use of military force in such operations. With respect to military action, there are strategic, operational and tactical subgoals. These goals have to be flexible to some extent, since armed conflicts involve external as well as internal ‘friction’. Military operations have an inner dynamic, with actions and counteractions leading to new situations and demands on the military personnel and equipment. External friction includes, for example, the physical conditions set by geography and climate (Sivertun 2012). Availability of resources, including basic material and industrial capacity, transport, energy and human resources are other important constraints. These factors, however, interact sometimes in compensatory ways so that, for example, high quality in equipment, education and training can make up for shortcomings in other areas. A capability to respond quickly and adapt to changing conditions and requirements also counts. As Lorber (2002) describes, a carefully designed, interdisciplinary process built on deep insights is important in deciding what systems of equipment to choose and how to use them. Learning organizations and processes for lessons learned, including the capacity to add or replace equipment and methods and introduce more suitable ones, are also important.
