I always hate to quibble with Steve because he's usually right on target
However, ever now and then I do think I need to throw a cautionary wet blanket (with sand) on the beach party...:o
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Originally Posted by
Surferbeetle
...As you know well, it’s a tough nut/moving target and this is reflected in the progression of US Doctrine for these situations: Small Wars, Low Intensity Conflict, Operations Other Than War, Military Operations Other Than War, Stability and Support Operations, Security Force Assistance, etc., etc.
I suggest there is not so much a progression of doctrine as a plethora of names which have by themselves fragmented effort to an extent by precluding a consistent doctrine. Everyone wants to make big tracks when they're on watch...
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IMHO Germany and Japan are examples of adequately resourced CA/CMO operations and Iraq and Afghanistan are poster children for what happens when we don’t adequately resource CA/CMO operations. Who is the
Four Star General Lucian Clay of Afghanistan or Iraq?
You keep using these and I keep pointing out that the circumstances and the people were and are totally different -- that's a bad comparison, the politics of the day, the economics, the troop strength and several other factors make those literally dangerous and misleading comparisons. Such an effort is not going to be made today. Not even close.
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Ken, however brings out some pithy points that need to be reflected upon as well. If I may paraphrase: Since capabilities/tools are often used in emergencies without respect to long term impacts is this capability something that we as a nation want to invest in?
We need to invest in it and will -- the real question is to what extent and for what use...
We have a very different view of politicians and
unfortunately, mine is historically and actualities of a long life based and thus is far less benign. :wry: