Tactical campaign planning for COIN/SSTR

[burkestar]

I'm hoping to gain an appreciation from experienced operations folks (i.e. this community!) who can ground me in the realities of how tactical-level campaign design and planning is conducted, with a focus on the systems used and the potential for simple ways technology could help make a difference (or maybe even how they make things worse) I frequent here but haven't seen a focused discussion on this topic.

I'm researching tactical-level campaign planning for COIN/SSTR as practiced in A'stan. I've digested the relevant doctrine (principally FM 3-24, 3-07, and TRADOC Commander's Appreciation, ...) I'm a research engineer for a small R&D DOD contractor with projects at AFRL, ONR and in the past TEC/AGC.

Any insights, lessons learned, or pointers would be greatly appreciated.

Very Respectfully,
Dustin

[William F. Owen]

I'm researching tactical-level campaign planning for COIN/SSTR as practiced in A'stan. I've digested the relevant doctrine (principally FM 3-24, 3-07, and TRADOC Commander's Appreciation, ...) I'm a research engineer for a small R&D DOD contractor with projects at AFRL, ONR and in the past TEC/AGC.


What is tactical-level campaign planning? I understand Campaign planning, but I'm not sure what you are after. However I am sure there are many here happy to help, within the relevant OPSEC caveats.

...and is this information for commercial purposes or academic?

[slapout9]

Might try FM 3-24.2 Tactics in Counter Insurgency. Link below to download.


http://usacac.army.mil/BLOG/blogs/coin/archive/2009/05/07/tactics-in-coin-fm-3-24-2-published.aspx

[burkestar]

Sorry if I wasn't clear. I meant tactical-level campaign planning as defined by FM 3-24.2 "Tactics in COIN" (thanks slapout). Didn't see any mention of the software systems utilized to put this doctrine into practice, which is what I'm researching (for AFRL project).

I'm aware of DCGS, CIDNE, TIGR and MapHT which would be available to tactical-level commander. What other systems are used in practice? My understanding is lots of planning happens in Powerpoints. Data captured from TCAPF seems like its keyed into Excel templates. Google Earth seems to have its use as alternative to heavy-weight GIS like ArcGIS (or FalconView) due to its simplicity.

Hope that shines some more light on what I'm after.

[Hacksaw]

They have a web site...

https://coin.army.mil

In terms of systems.... I think you'll find that folks are mostly rolling their own and figuring out how to bend existing applications to their own purpose... but then again I'm dated...

Live well and row

[burkestar]

Thanks, Hacksaw. That was my impression too. The creative and unintended uses of systems is what intrigues me. For instance, many landscapers don't come to your house to give you a quote anymore, they use Google Earth to zoom on your property and give quote over the phone. Or look at the creativity of iPhone apps. What's the equivalent of "there's an app for that" in campaign planning and design, esp. at tactical level?

[RTK]

Thanks, Hacksaw. That was my impression too. The creative and unintended uses of systems is what intrigues me. For instance, many landscapers don't come to your house to give you a quote anymore, they use Google Earth to zoom on your property and give quote over the phone. Or look at the creativity of iPhone apps. What's the equivalent of "there's an app for that" in campaign planning and design, esp. at tactical level?

We started installing "Easy" buttons in the driver's compartments of Bradley Fighting Vehicles and in the trigger wells of M4s.

http://solid-orange.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/10/easy_button.jpg