I'm more interested in the progression of historical approaches to COIN than getting useful information for current ops. Though the 1940 USMC manual is packed full of stuff that are good to know.
I'm more interested in the progression of historical approaches to COIN than getting useful information for current ops. Though the 1940 USMC manual is packed full of stuff that are good to know.
Have you looked at The Guerrilla Reader: A Historical Anthology, edited by Walter Laquer? Published in '77, it is a collection of essays and excerpts from larger writings on the subject throughout history. It is the companion volume to his outstanding book Guerrilla: A Historical and Critical Study, which was published the year prior.Originally Posted by 120mm
No, but I'll get on it.
Small Wars: Their Principles and Practice (review)
The author is one of the earliest and most influential writers on counter-insurgency. He was a British military officer writing to teach junior officers on how to defeat non-European forces. While many of his tactics seem rather tough and barbaric, one must be careful to judge him by the standards of his time (early 20th century), not by the whims of today. If one is able to look past many of tougher stances, like destroying the food and water sources of uncooperative local citizens, there is quite a bit worth learning. The Marine Corps Small Wars Manual of 1940 owes much to this work. While more modern counter-insurgency writers have overshadowed Caldwell's teachings, he still deserves credit for being one of the first to record the lessons and basic tenets of counter-insurgency. It is amazing the see how little has changed and how well this book holds up. I understand why this book is still required reading at the Marine Corps Command and Staff College.
http://www.amazon.com/Small-Wars-The...097696-4450507
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