Quote Originally Posted by SteveMetz View Post
OK but I still insist that the deification of Thompson, Galula, Kitson etc. can be a problem. It leads to a tendency to approach counterinsurgency by asking, "What would Sir Bob do?" or "What would Frenchie Dave do?"

Along these lines, I'm giving the first major presentation based on my Rethinking Insurgency study to the Army War College Distance Education Class today (I'm a substitute for Ahmed Hashem, who developed bronchitis). If anyone is interested, email me and I'll send the slides to you.

Agreed in that none of these guys said anything that had not be said or done in one fashion or another. But it is very human to want to attach a name to a theory; it puts a human face on things and makes it more comfortable. One of the things I like about Dave Kilcullen is that he often reminds those who would do the same to him that what he offers is not new but merely adapted to today's world.

On the need for strategy, no argument there.

best

Tom

PS
Steve, send me the slides, please.