Best Defense comment of the day: The lack of COIN in the institutional Army
Yesterday’s post on the Army and COIN provoked a fascinating discussion, with an array of insightful comments, including this one from “Hunter”: Our BDE was designated as a SECFOR BDE so we didn’t rate a trip to a CTC. Indeed when I asked the two star why we weren’t going to a CTC I was ...
Yesterday's post on the Army and COIN provoked a fascinating discussion, with an array of insightful comments, including this one from "Hunter":
Yesterday’s post on the Army and COIN provoked a fascinating discussion, with an array of insightful comments, including this one from “Hunter”:
Our BDE was designated as a SECFOR BDE so we didn’t rate a trip to a CTC. Indeed when I asked the two star why we weren’t going to a CTC I was told, “You’re just a LTC, you need to see the big picture.” To which I say, Fuck you very much sir.
Also we got virtually no COIN training at the MOBSITE … only the training I forced on the unit. Indeed I am entirely self-educated on COIN since 2001 when I realized that I was gonna need it eventually. Actually, I had the help of Tom and a lot of really smart guys on an another internet forum I frequent.
My task force was extremely successful in no small part because they treated the local populace with respect and a COIN mentality — and I’ll take what small credit for that which I deserve. Care to see one (of 4) of my key tasks in my commander’s intent, oh, here it is:
“Improve the Iraqi people’s outlook of US and Coalition forces in order to gain their support and keep them from supporting anti coalition forces: “First do no harm.””
Because if I hadn’t beaten them about the head and shoulders over and over again about COIN they would have gone off and acted like our sister Bn down the road. Those guys were arrogant assholes, badge hunting for CIBS/CABS, never hesitating to pump a can of 7.62 or .50 out at any small arms potshot — even without PID. They compromised the overall mission in Iraq while, I am proud to say, my guys advanced it at every opportunity.
So it frustrates me that no one is learning the COIN basics in the institutional Army and the opportunity to learn anywhere else (like the CTCs) is compromised by time, and other demands. I really wish COIN was dogma in the Army right now, because it would mean that someone was taking it seriously. But that just ain’t happening at the level of fidelity it should, at every level of the force. Quantity and quality is in question here.
Tom again: Hunter, when you get a chance, send me an e-mail, ok?
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