The Case for an Army Stability Professional

The US Army is unprepared to occupy and stabilize territory because it does not adequately educate active-duty off icers to do so. One way to professionalize the Army’s ability to carry out mil itary government and stabi l it y operations is to develop active-duty functional area off icers who can advise commanders and integrate staff planning for these operations. This article analyzes case studies, doctrine, and commentary to envision specia l ized staff off icers with foreign language prof iciency, cultural sk i l ls, advanced academic abi l it ies, and a st rong professiona l ethic. These off icers would enhance the Army’s competence in stabilizing territory to achieve American policy objectives.