‘Mission Creep’: A Case Study In U.S. Involvement In Somalia

Main Themes and Topics

‘Mission Creep’: A Case Study In U.S. Involvement In Somalia by Major Michael F. Beech delves into the complexities of military operations beyond traditional warfare, specifically focusing on the phenomenon of mission creep. The book is centered around the U.S. military involvement in Somalia from 1992 to 1993, dissecting the evolution of national policy objectives and the associated military and political strategies employed. Beech tackles critical geopolitical, historical, cultural, and economic aspects that influenced and, to a significant extent, hindered successful U.S. operations. The primary themes involve the disjunction between political aims and military execution, highlighting how shifting political objectives complicate clear military directives, leading to suboptimal outcomes.

Writing Style and Tone

Major Michael F. Beech adopts an analytical and academic tone throughout the monograph. The writing style is methodical, providing a detailed examination of U.S. operations in Somalia. Beech presents a structured analysis, supported by empirical data and historical context, making the complex subject accessible to readers with varying degrees of familiarity with military operations. The tone remains objective and focused, which is suitable given the book’s purpose as a case study analysis.

Brief Summary

This monograph scrutinizes the concept of mission creep and the specific manifestations of this phenomenon in the context of U.S. military involvement in Somalia. By examining the policies and military strategies from Operation Restore Hope to United Nations Operations in Somalia II, Beech identifies critical misalignments between political objectives and military tactics. The discussion extends to the multi-faceted influences – including geopolitical and economic factors – that shaped the U.S. intervention's outcome. The work concludes that the lack of coherent national strategy and political policy, compounded by operational inefficiencies, largely contributed to the intervention's failure.