Sine Qua Non

This paper provides a critical analysis and assessment of interagency-Department of Defense (DOD) support during combat operations, specifically stability operations during or post-conflict. The general reluctance of the Department of Defense to conduct stability operations combined with the still-inadequate capabilities of the civilian agencies and departments to support a whole of government approach to modern warfare reveal tenets for improved efficacy of the stability enterprise in conflict areas. During combat operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, organizational, best practices, and educational elements combined to provide the fundamentals for improving the whole of government approach to stability operations. This paper synthesizes multiple reports, documents and a case study of stability operations in the War on Terror to develop recommendations for improving the interagency-DOD integration and performance for future contingency operations.