NSSD 5-86 Development of a National Policy and Strategy for Low Intensity Conflict

2 UNCEASSIFIED -- Determine what instruments of national power are appropriate fbr dealing with Low Intensity Conflict. What instruments already exist that can be utilized in Low Intensity Conflict? How well suited are these instruments? How might they be modified to increase their effectiveness? (The group should consider all relevant instruments, including military forces, security assistance, economic and humanitarian assistance, diplomatic efforts, and international communication.) LST(u) Determine interagency coordination requirements for Low Intensity Conflict. What sort of planning, command, and control arrangements do we need to deal with Low Intensity Conflict? Should there be a permanent task force at the NSC? Should one exist at other levels or outside Washington? Can past ad hoc coordination arrangements be modified and institutionalized to create a more permanent structure for dealing with Low Intensity Conflict? How should the management of responses to short-term Low Intensity crisis differ from the management of U.S. responses to longer-tern Low Intensity situations? 151 (u) Determine the capacity of national intelligence and political/analytical capabilities to anticipate where instability may evolve into Low Intensity Conflict. If we can reliably identify the preconditions for Low Intensity Conflict, how can we develop and implement appropriate political, economic, and security policies to resolve the situation? 8 (u) -- Consider ways in which public understanding of the threat posed by Low Intensity Conflict and public support for U.S. responses might be enhanced. (ST(u) I look forward to full participation by all Departments and Agencies of the government that have a role to play. A united effort is essential in meeting this most important challenge. (U) Ronald Reague UNCLASSIFIED SECRET