Military Review English Edition January-February 2015 | Page 27

ISAF JOINT COMMAND modules. In particular, transition-focused training modules with an emphasis on planning and management should be integrated into existing professional military education at the Command and General Staff College and the Army War College. Additionally, transition-focused scenarios should be adopted for use at the combat training centers so that units conducting mission readiness and other exercises can work through the challenges. Research. The Army should encourage a deeper exploration of the effect transitions have on conflict termination and the achievement of strategic objectives through seminars and research endeavors sponsored by the Command and General Staff College and the Army War College. The only way to truly understand a topic is to systematically study and prepare for it. Recent experience in Iraq demonstrates that the way conflicts are terminated has profound effects on long-term strategic objectives. More work is needed to understand the way transitions affect peace negotiations and conflict termination. Along those same lines, more work is needed to determine how to manage and execute transitions to link tactical actions with strategic objectives. Conclusion Transitions are an inevitable part of operati