Topeka ? After 11 months of development, the Army is preparing to release its new manual for how it will conduct stability operations overseas.

The document will be released to the public on Monday by the Combined Arms Center at Fort Leavenworth. The manual was produced under an accelerated schedule by writers of the center’s doctrine directorate.

Lt. Gen. William Caldwell IV, commander of the Combined Arms Center and Fort Leavenworth, said the manual “fills a critical gap in our knowledge base” by providing guidance to forces already conducting stability operations around the world.

“It is truly a doctrine for the 21st century, a manual that confronts the most significant threats to our national security by providing the principles and fundamentals that guide operations conducted among the people,” said Caldwell, adding that the document was the “most-widely vetted” of any produced by the Army.

The manual’s theme is a comprehensive approach that uses all instruments of government to build a unified effort, including the military, diplomatic, economic and private sector agencies. It is the follow up to the Army’s revised operations manual, which put stability operations – nation-building – on par with offensive and defensive combat. Army officials said that document, released in February, reflects a focus on fighting terrorism.

The Combined Arms Center has created an elaborate presentation on its web site to detail the development of the manual and the thinking behind it. It includes video interviews with Caldwell, an official with the U.S. Agency for International Development and Col. Dan Roper, Director of the Joint Army/ Marine Corps Counterinsurgency Center.

Recent publications from the center have proven popular reads, such as the 2006 counterinsurgency doctrine developed under the direction of Gen. David Petraeus when he was commander at Fort Leavenworth. That manual was downloaded 1.5 million times in three weeks after its release.

That doctrine was the backbone of Petraeus’ tenure in Iraq from 2007 through this September.

Bad dog

Fort Riley has changed its policy regarding pit bull dogs or any cross of the breed.

As of Wednesday, civilians are no longer allowed to bring the dogs on post to Rex’s Bark Park or any event on post. Soldiers and families that own a pit bull that was registered with Fort Riley’s veterinary clinic before Wednesday will be allowed to keep their dogs on post.

“Soldiers and families become very attached to their pets; however, (this policy) also takes in to account the fact that the safety of everyone on the installation is the primary concern,” said Col. Richard Piscal, Fort Riley garrison commander.

Violation of the policy is subject to the Uniform Code of Military Justice or federal prosecution, as deemed necessary. In addition, violators could be barred from family housing areas.