Restoring and promoting rule of law is one of the most critical elements of stabilization reconstruction in failed, failing or fragile states. It is increasingly recognized as both a critical enabler of and contributor to security sector reform. U.S.-led stability operations in both Iraq and Afghanistan recognize rule of law as an essential component of a successful counterinsurgency strategy, and important lessons are emerging from both conflicts. This paper Rule of Law Activities: Lessons Learned will review some of the most important best practices emerging from U.S. rule of law activities. Read more...

This lessons-learned compendium contains just a sample – thus the title of “sampler” – of the observations, insights, and lessons related to the protection of civilians in conflict environments from the former SOLLIMS data repository. All data from SOLLIMS has been transitioned to JKO. These observations are worth sharing with military commanders and their staffs, as well as civilian practitioners with a Stability Operations-related mission / function – those currently deployed into conflict environments, those planning to deploy, the institutional Army, policy makers and other international civilian and military leaders at the national and theater level. Read more...

Much can be gained through a “combined approach” to partnership in Stability Operations. In Afghanistan, the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) and the
Host Nation Security Force have recently taken such a combined approach to their partnership. Their new combined partnership is essentially an “embedded” partnership – where forces and personnel are “embedded” through co-location. An “embedded’ partnership facilitates development of a common operating picture (COP), allows fully integrated operations, and improves effectiveness of the team – from planning through execution. Additionally, when the activities of the “embedded” partnership are synchronized with other civil component efforts – especially at the local level – greater efficiencies are gained toward building capacity and achieving stability. Read more...

SOLLIMS Sampler Volume 1 Issue 2- Rule of Law is the second release of a SOLLIMS Sampler and the focus is on RoL and legitimacy in governance. This lessons-learned compendium contains just a sample – thus the title of “sampler” – of the observations, insights, and lessons related to the protection of civilians in conflict environments available in the JKO data repository transferred from the former SOLLIMS database. These observations are worth sharing with military commanders and their staffs, as well as civilian practitioners with a Stability Operations-related mission / function – those currently deployed into conflict environments, those planning to deploy, the institutional Army, policy makers and other international civilian and military leaders at the national and theater level. Read more...

This paper Lessons Learned from U.S. Government Law Enforcement in International Operations has been produced as a part of the Law Enforcement Capabilities Project (LECP). The LECP is an initiative of the Emerging Capabilities Division (ECD) within the Rapid Reaction Technology Office (RRTO) of the Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD). Read more...

This report provides a selection of current lessons from the SOLLIMS database – highlighting the growing importance of civilian protection, its challenges for international forces, and the various actions they have taken to enhance mission success. Read more...

Recent stability operations have demonstrated the critical nexus between leadership and “understanding / engaging the people” during stability operations. This publication presents a number of lessons from the SOLLIMS database covering the impacts/influences of leadership through informed engagements with societal groups during stability operations. Read more...

This edition of the SOLLIMS Sampler focuses on “multinational operations” – presenting a number of lessons learned from the SOLLIMS database from recent peacekeeping and stability operations, and developing common threads and recommendations for future operations Read more...

In Academic Year 2013, U.S. Army War College students in PKSOI elective courses were given the opportunity to enter a Lesson Learned (gained from operational experience) into the SOLLIMS database. Over 80 Lessons Learned were captured, covering topics such as Governance, Security Sector Reform, Economic Stabilization, and Comprehensive Approach. The vast majority have Joint, Interagency, Intergovernmental, and Multinational (JIIM) applications. The overriding theme of their Lessons Learned is essentially: “Building upon the Past to Gain Economies and Success in the Future,” Read more...

This SOLLIMS Sampler presents several “enablers” for peacekeeping and stability operations – specific resources, systems, and tools that have worked particularly well in support of recent and ongoing operations, including Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) in Afghanistan and several peacekeeping operations in Africa. Read more...