APUS ePress: Military Studies

Adam R. McQuarrie
Program: Military Studies: Capstone-Thesis: Master of Arts (MA)
Awarded: February 2016
Capstone Instructor: Dr. Jerome Sibayan
Abstract: This paper reports on the utility of drone strikes in the strategic defeat of Al Qaeda. This paper employed a mixed method approach that saw the use of existing published literature in the development of qualitative and quantitative data, as well as the use of quantitative data from databases. This paper also utilized the SWORD model of counterinsurgency in operationalizing data. The research showed that over the last decade, drone strikes became increasingly accurate due to the development of the Reaper drone, and new CIA targeting techniques. Those improvements in accuracy ultimately generated greater tactical losses for Al Qaeda, but those tactical losses did not generate equal strategic losses. Despite tactical losses, Al Qaeda was still capable of conducting v regional and global operations while expanding its sphere of influence throughout the Middle East. The research showed that drone strikes were not achieving the desired strategic effects because they of Al Qaeda’s unique organizational structure, and because they failed to affect Al Qaeda’s centers of gravity.

David A. Brown
Program: Military Studies: Capstone-Thesis: Master of Arts (MA)
Awarded: February 2015
Capstone Instructor: Dr. Vincent R. Lindenmyer
Abstract: Given the demographic and economic trends of urbanization and globalization, the future battlefield for most modern military forces is an urban one. Joint publications have failed to prescribe any doctrinal decision making tools for the comparative employment of Field Artillery and Air Force assets in urban operational environments. This paper comparatively analyzes Field Artillery and Air Force delivered fire support during the joint targeting process as applied in urban terrain with the aim of discovering the doctrinal principles or variables that should underlie weapon platform selection.

Shawn P. Connor
Program: Military Studies: Capstone-Thesis: Master of Arts (MA)
Awarded: August 2015
Capstone Instructor: Dr. Jerome Sibayan
Abstract: The purpose of this capstone project is to study the influence of individual personality traits on the leadership and operational decision making of military commanders engaged in high-intensity conventional campaigns when faced with uncertain or rapidly changing situations. Using the case study method and a qualitative content analysis of existing relevant literature, the project analyzed the personality traits of General George S. Patton and Field Marshal Erwin Rommel through the framework of the Five Factor Model of personality and psychological hardiness. Research was based on the hypothesis that the World War II leadership and operational decision making of General Patton and Field Marshal Rommel, when faced with uncertain or rapidly changing situations, was significantly influenced by high conscientiousness, openness, extraversion, and psychological hardiness, as well as low neuroticism. The findings suggest that the personality traits of conscientiousness, openness, extraversion, and psychological hardiness are positively and significantly related to effective leadership and operational decision making in uncertain or rapidly changing situations. The findings further suggest that conscientiousness and psychological hardiness have the strongest and most consistent correlation, while openness and extraversion make significant contributions in context. The findings do not support neuroticism or agreeableness as significant influences.

David J. Hernandez
Program: Military Studies: Capstone-Thesis: Master of Arts (MA)
Awarded: February 2015
Capstone Instructor: Dr. Vincent R. Lindenmyer
Abstract: The purpose of this research paper was to make a comparative analysis of the current US Asia-Pacific strategy versus the Cold War strategy in terms of US military capability, diplomacy, and economics. At the present, US strategy towards China appears as containment. A qualitative analysis was selected as the primary method of research. The analysis examined several government documents including the National Security Strategy, Quadrennial Defense Review, and peer reviewed studies regarding current US-China relations. Investigation was necessary for assessing the extent of the current strategy of containment versus engagement. The findings showed US military posture and capability toward China indicates engagement with lesser lines of effort toward containment. Also, diplomatic and economic stance reflected a desire to open up avenues for financial gain while still maintaining security in Asia-Pacific via Japan and the Philippines. Simply, the overall US stance toward China is engagement based on economic interdependency. Nevertheless, elements of containment remain in the form of necessity for the US military to ensure it still has the ability to defend itself and regional allies.

Isaac L. Henderson
Program: Military Studies: Capstone-Thesis: Master of Arts (MA)
Awarded: November 2014
Capstone Instructor: Dr. Edward J. Hagerty
Abstract: Maj. Gen. Ulysses S. Grant was an ordinary man who achieved extraordinary success. Grant’s Siege of Vicksburg is considered one of the greatest offensive operations in military history. Grant understood the context and operational environment of the Vicksburg Campaign, so he was able to influence culture through the command climate. The mission command concept emphasizes the need for leaders to be critical and creative thinkers who can exercise adaptive leadership and foster a learning environment within their organization.1 Grant encouraged his subordinate commanders to exercise initiative, accept responsibility, and take ownership. A commander’s decisions ultimately guide the actions of the force. The quality of understanding the commander’s intent enhances the quality of decisions made. The modern-day leader must understand the culture and climate of an organization to be successful. In order for the Army to develop leaders to meet in a complex and uncertain strategic operational environment; Army leaders must adopt and apply the concepts of mission command as the standard and assume a historical case study of Grant’s Vicksburg Campaign can contribute to the effort to foster such an environment.