COIN for aviators: Herb opens fire
Exum went and hired away my star piracy columnist, Cdr. Herb Carmen. I’m not gonna get into a bidding war, but the door’s open whenever that Tennessee moonshine wears off, Herbal. Meantime, while Herb mulls his journalistic options, here is a link to the very good statement he wrote for Ex on how an aviation unit ...
Exum went and hired away my star piracy columnist, Cdr. Herb Carmen. I'm not gonna get into a bidding war, but the door's open whenever that Tennessee moonshine wears off, Herbal.
Meantime, while Herb mulls his journalistic options, here is a link to the very good statement he wrote for Ex on how an aviation unit can prepare to operate in support of counterinsurgency operations. He has a lot of thoughtful advice, such as:
Bring in guys who have been there to talk about their experiences. Aviators are keenly interested in hearing from the folks that have 'been there.' That knowledge and wisdom is soaked, and aviators build a human connection to the unit they're supporting. JTACS, company commanders, battalion commanders would all make great guests.
Exum went and hired away my star piracy columnist, Cdr. Herb Carmen. I’m not gonna get into a bidding war, but the door’s open whenever that Tennessee moonshine wears off, Herbal.
Meantime, while Herb mulls his journalistic options, here is a link to the very good statement he wrote for Ex on how an aviation unit can prepare to operate in support of counterinsurgency operations. He has a lot of thoughtful advice, such as:
Bring in guys who have been there to talk about their experiences. Aviators are keenly interested in hearing from the folks that have ‘been there.’ That knowledge and wisdom is soaked, and aviators build a human connection to the unit they’re supporting. JTACS, company commanders, battalion commanders would all make great guests.
Speaking of Ex, he challenges my view that the surge worked tactically but failed strategically. Knock yourself out, Ex Man. (Fwiw, I’d be more persuaded by a chart that didn’t begin with the outbreak of a civil war, but rather with the outbreak of the insurgency two years earlier. "Hey, casualties are way down since Antietam!") But luring away the staff…
More from Foreign Policy

Lessons for the Next War
Twelve experts weigh in on how to prevent, deter, and—if necessary—fight the next conflict.

It’s High Time to Prepare for Russia’s Collapse
Not planning for the possibility of disintegration betrays a dangerous lack of imagination.

Turkey Is Sending Cold War-Era Cluster Bombs to Ukraine
The artillery-fired cluster munitions could be lethal to Russian troops—and Ukrainian civilians.

Congrats, You’re a Member of Congress. Now Listen Up.
Some brief foreign-policy advice for the newest members of the U.S. legislature.