The Korean War and Mismanaging Protracted Conflict

The specter of protracted large-scale ground combat has grown more real in the wake of Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine. As the United States and its partners debate the best way to prepare for such a conflict, it would be wise to review the experience of the U.S. Eighth Army during the Korean War. Facing a growing set of defense priorities, the Department of Defense was not prepared for a protracted conflict at the war’s outset. A series of strategic manpower decisions — including mobilization, the draft, and a rotation system — eroded the combat efficiency of Eighth Army so that, by late 1952, it no longer provided options to militarily coerce China and North Korea. Devoid of options, U.S. leaders publicly proposed escalation of the conflict, not only risking a wider war, but also risking disrupting America’s wider alliance network. Policymakers today should prepare for protracted conflict by pursuing innovative changes to current force structure and manning. Read Full Article »