Do we make a difference?

[jcustis]

It helps if you can acknowledge something other then a singular point of view. The SWJ forum is superb for that (and people know it) because it provides a very public discourse on a wide range of tough, relevant issues by professionals with a diverse background and experience range.

This statement by Mr. Thornton brought me to a question I've been asking myself for some time, and that is what (if any) impact the SWJ/SWC is making on the discourse about Small Wars.

The poll doesn't aspire to capture all the possible responses, but inquiring minds want to know...

My going-in position is that the efforts put forth here make an impact that is more wide-ranging than we can possibly know...mostly because many power players who drift by and rub their chin for a while are actually afraid to admit it.

[John T. Fishel]

Between members and registered users there are a large number of folk who are in positions to influence policy. Look too at the contributors to the blog and the magazine. You can be sure that the site is read by senior members of MNF-I. And Marct struck some nerves in his profession. So, there is a lot of evidence that the message is reaching any number of intended audiences.

[Culpeper]

I like to check out the world map showing the latest 500 visitors.

[Van]

On the one hand;

Yes and no...I learn a lot, but our audience is limited to ourselves.

My initial thought, but on second consideration, this is short sighted and pessimistic.

I like to think that

Yes...It opens my mind to differing opinions and I carry them into my projects/tasks.

Our discussions certainly open my mind and shape my work. In time, we could have a significant impact on future policy. To really make this come to pass, we should actively seek out E-4 and below guys and gals, O-3 and below, and DoD/Intel community/White House & Congressional (civilian) interns to participate in our forum. Hook'em while they're young and educate them well before they ossify into the mould the system wants them in.

I am profoundly concerned that

No...There is too much inertia and parochialism that keeps folks' minds closed.

Looking at the narrow range of views represented by our elected leaders, and the intensely and increasingly polarized nature of our country's political landscape, this seems more and more like an accurate observation. Hopefully this view is too cynical, but maybe we can make some small progress at turning back this tide.

[Jimbo]

Van,

I think your poll questions were a little skewed, in that you gave very specific areas for reasoning no or yes. As far as searching people out, I would suggest that all good things take on a life of their own. You have to give them time. I would also suggest that when you actively seek people out you are going to turn off other groups of people.

[skiguy]

To really make this come to pass, we should actively seek out E-4 and below guys and gals, O-3 and below, and DoD/Intel community/White House & Congressional (civilian) interns to participate in our forum. Hook'em while they're young and educate them well before they ossify into the mould the system wants them in.

Although I don't fit the "young" part, I am a beginner who is learning from you guys. I find the differences in opinion (many times polar opposites) interesting and mind opening. Criticism is necessary....even of things that, with my "Rightie" attitude, I normally wouldn't critisize. SWC is good for one who just started towards an intelligence degree and hoping, at some capacity, to work in this field.

I'm listening. So keep educating me.

[Van]

Jimbo-
Not my poll questions, I was quoting the ones supplied.

I would also suggest that when you actively seek people out...

You have a good point that folks can be turned off when we seek a specific audience, but... There are degrees of "actively". Whenever I run into junior folks who express an interest in "Small Wars" issues, I point out that there is a community of like minded people here at SWJ/SWC. I only mention it once, and only to folks who have already expressed an interest. "Actively" can be with a light touch.

"Hook'em while they're young" was flippantly worded, but important in principle. Consistently, I run into senior (GO/SES/CEO level) people whose habits (good and bad) were shaped by what they were exposed to 30+ years ago, when they were in their twenties. This is one way we can make a difference. Also, what the younger folks bring to the fight is a willingness to think outside the stock, doctrinal answers, and frequently without an agenda. This is good. The SWC seems to play like this anyways, but it doesn't hurt to try to reinforce this pattern of behavior. Having that fresh look from folks smarter than me, combined with outside-the-box perspectives, has always improved whatever I work on (if only to force me to maintain a higher standard of intellectual rigor).

You're right that we have to be careful not to turn off perspective members, but we should, tactfully, invite an expanded membership, especially if we want to be a catalyst for change.

[Old Eagle]

Some of us are still engaged in SW policy, doctrine, etc. The feedback on this site, from experts, from practicioners, and from people with interest but no particular background are all exceptionally interesting and useful!

Whenever I am out in the informed community, I try to recruit new members, especially ones who are placed where they can make a difference.
We need to keep up the discussions.

[SWJED]

You'd be surprised who visits the Council and Journal on a regular basis - well, at least I am amazed based on our stats and comments (in person as well as by e-mail).

Visitors (based on domain) include Congress, DoS, OSD, Joint Staff, COCOMs, all services (to include PME institutions), coalition services, universities and major news outlets - to name but a few.

Who exactly from the above - I don't know - could be a principle or maybe a staffer. Either way - like like an ink spot - we will seep into the conventional institutions.

Keep at it - change is painfully slow but we are helping it along - in our own "small wars" way.

[Ski]

Guys, this place is awesome. Don't ever think that we aren't making a difference. As long as one has an open mind, this place offers a great deal to offer. I've used information from here to help with my Master's program and at work within DoD.

Lots of good things happening with the firewalls of this joint!

[Strategic LT]

I for one have taken many posts & articles from here and have used them in training in my unit. The CDR, LTs NCOs and Soldiers in my Battery have benefited from this site to varying degrees. I check the site a couple times a day and frequently print off stuff to hand out. It has helped us develop TTPs that we have incorporated into training. I don't know about the rest of the military, but I and my unit are watching, listening and learning from this great source of knowledge and expertise. I’m sure everyone here knows it, but the US military as a whole is making this stuff up as we go. This site and those that contribute to it are the voice of change and reason that will get us on the right track for the future. I hope that through the site and my own experiences that I will one day be a large contributing member of this society. Thanks for building it guys!

Also, I love the large strategic posts, but I would love to see more contributed to the "Boots on the Ground."