What Effect Did General Order Number 1 and the Force Protection Measures Have on Task Force Eagle Operations in Bosnia During Implementation Force?

This thesis is a historical study to determine the effect General Order Number 1 and the Force Protection Measures had on Task Force Eagle operations during the deployment of the NATO Implementation Force between December 1995 and November 1996. The study examines the effects the measures had in particular on faction liaison and morale during the operation. The study also examines whether the two blanket orders nested with the concept of mission type orders. The study draws heavily on interviews and lessons learned from individuals who took part in the operation, including those who were not subject to the Task Force Eagle measures. The study concludes that both measures had a noticeable impact on operations resulting in exemptions and exceptions being granted to both orders. Whilst the impact on morale was significant it did not detract from the overall mission accomplishment. The force protection measures, however, had a more noticeable impact and the continuation of such a robust approach potentially undermined the intended effect on the factions. The thesis also concluded that the application of blanket orders did not fit well with mission type orders and recommends a more flexible approach in the future.