Joint Force Quarterly
Abstract
This article argues that the U.S. military needs a dedicated stability policing capability to establish public order, protect civilians, uphold the rule of law, and consolidate gains during the transition from combat operations to postconflict stability. Drawing on U.S. experiences in Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan, the author contends that military forces have often been ill prepared to perform civilian policing or train indigenous police forces, leading to overly militarized approaches that can undermine legitimacy and public trust. The article emphasizes that stability policing requires personnel with civilian law enforcement expertise, particularly during the critical period immediately following major combat operations. It proposes creating a deployable stability military police battalion, drawing heavily on Army Reserve and National Guard personnel with civilian policing backgrounds and incorporating expertise from across the joint force. The author also highlights the value of NATO stability policing, interagency cooperation, and specialized law enforcement skills in supporting host-nation police and justice systems. Establishing this capability, the article concludes, would give commanders a more effective means of securing populations, strengthening host-nation institutions, and translating military success into durable political and strategic outcomes.
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