Submarines can be powered by nuclear reactors or by diesel engines paired with batteries. Nuclear boats can stay submerged for long periods, travel fast, and operate far from home without …
Diesel-Electric and Nuclear Submarines: Basic Trade-Offs Read More
The 2006 Lebanon war began in July after Hezbollah’s cross-border attack and the capture of Israeli soldiers. It lasted about a month and ended with a ceasefire under UN Security …
The 2006 Lebanon War: Background and Lessons Studied Read More
The International Security Assistance Force was established in December 2001 under a UN Security Council resolution to help provide security in Kabul. NATO assumed command in August 2003, and the …
Allied Contributions in Afghanistan: ISAF Basics Read More
Bedouin citizens of Israel are not subject to conscription but may volunteer, and a number serve in the military, often in reconnaissance and tracking roles that draw on knowledge of …
Bedouin Volunteers in the Israeli Military: Background Read More
Building partner capacity refers to efforts to help other countries improve their ability to provide security. Typical activities include training, equipping, advising, and exercises. In the United States, several legal …
Building Partner Capacity: What It Means and How It Works Read More
Special operations forces are small, highly trained units for particular missions. Here is what they do and how they are organized.
What Are Special Operations Forces? Read More
Fuel, food, ammunition, and spare parts are not glamorous, but without them operations stop. Here are the basics of military logistics.
Logistics Wins Wars: The Basics of Military Sustainment Read More
Operational control, or OPCON, refers to the authority to direct forces for a specific mission. On the Korean Peninsula, wartime OPCON of South Korean forces has been exercised by the …
Wartime OPCON Transfer on the Korean Peninsula: A Primer Read More
These terms appear constantly in defense debates. Here is what they mean and where the lines blur.
Irregular Warfare vs. Conventional Warfare: What’s the Difference? Read More
Israel’s military is made up largely of conscripts, but conscription does not apply equally to all citizens. Most Arab citizens are not conscripted, and some choose to volunteer. Druze men …
Minority Service in Israel’s Armed Forces: Background Read More