10 truths from the last decade that you could tattoo on an arm — or maybe a leg
Lt. Col. Don Theime rightly pointed out in the August issue of Marine Corps Gazette that the same old lessons keep on getting repeated in our discussions of the current wars. Here is his summary of the “10 truths” that simply need to be heeded: –Take the high ground at night so you own it ...
Lt. Col. Don Theime rightly pointed out in the August issue of Marine Corps Gazette that the same old lessons keep on getting repeated in our discussions of the current wars. Here is his summary of the "10 truths" that simply need to be heeded:
Lt. Col. Don Theime rightly pointed out in the August issue of Marine Corps Gazette that the same old lessons keep on getting repeated in our discussions of the current wars. Here is his summary of the “10 truths” that simply need to be heeded:
–Take the high ground at night so you own it in the morning.
–It may be counterintuitive, but you are probably safer dismounted than in your vehicles, preferably before contact.
–The bait and ambush is a classic from the ancient Greeks up to today.
–Why do we keep using the column formation in what is clearly an advance to contact, rather than using wedges and echelons?
–Every Marine a rifleman, and every NCO a leader and fire support coordinator.
–These are seasoned fighters with a wealth of experience fighting against Jomini-type tactics and a sense of personal honor and bravery that means they are looking to close and kill, not snipe and run.
–If you are not using Small Wars Journal and Company Command, you should be.
–Afghanistan is a battle for the provision of governance from the ground up, from the outside in, not from the top down, Kabul out.
–The Taliban, while at some level perhaps associated with al Qaeda, is not al Qaeda.
–Is this the right war?
More from Foreign Policy
A New Multilateralism
How the United States can rejuvenate the global institutions it created.
America Prepares for a Pacific War With China It Doesn’t Want
Embedded with U.S. forces in the Pacific, I saw the dilemmas of deterrence firsthand.
The Endless Frustration of Chinese Diplomacy
Beijing’s representatives are always scared they could be the next to vanish.
The End of America’s Middle East
The region’s four major countries have all forfeited Washington’s trust.
Sign up for World Brief
FP’s flagship evening newsletter guiding you through the most important world stories of the day. Delivered weekdays.
By submitting your email, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use and to receive email correspondence from us. You may opt out at any time.