Somalia Operations contains many valuable lessons for the C2 world, especially for coalition and peacekeeping C2. It is intended as `an initial look' at the problems encountered in and experience acquired in Somalia; in his words, `it is best described as a composite after-action review-a preliminary look at the operation's major insights based on the best data currently available.' Allard divides it very straightforwardly into Operational Context, Operation Lessons Learned, and Conclusions. In describing the context of US action in Somalia, Allard provides the United Nations context of such operations, then touches on Joint doctrine, the political and geographical environment, and US situations and missions. The book concludes with three appendices: a select bibliography, a listing of the humanitarian organizations active in Somalia, and the missions and tasks statement of the Civilian Military Operations Center.