Tactical Economics

Scholars and military professionals agree on the importance of economic development during stability operations. They also recognize its complexity. Current policy mandates Army participation in economic development, but how does the U.S. Army contribute effectively when it lacks expertise to do so? This study, drawn from the work of seven influential scholars and other government agencies with expertise in economic development, develops a framework military professionals may use to contribute effectively to economic development. By combining the work of these scholars and other government agencies, framework is integrated into the Army design methodology to operationalize it. The study is significant insofar as it (1) develops a framework that soldiers may use to contribute to economic development without the required expertise, (2) informs commanders on how to visualize, describe, and direct economic development operations more effectively, and (3) extends situational understanding to different echelons and levels of war.