Revising FM 3-24: What needs to change?

[Cavguy]

All,

At the organization I work for (COIN Center) there is some discussion of revising and updating FM 3-24/MCWP 33.3.5.

There is certainly a wide body of criticism of FM 3-24, to which most of the regulars here are familiar with. Many units who have employed the FM have found strengths and shortfalls in the manual when put into application.

Here's some starter questions, but don't limit yourself:

1) What was helpful/useful in FM 3-24?

2) What is missing in FM 3-24?

3) What needs amplification?

4) What needs de-emphasis?

5) What is flat wrong or needs removal?

6) Does the manual strike the balance between specific, applicable knowledge and theory of operations?

7) How does the manual hold up in application in Iraq/Afghanistan, and does its principles hold up outside of Iraq/Afghanistan?

Chapter/paragraph would help in the discussion, but is not necessary.

If you need to read the good book, (wink to Gian), it's here.

We are considering a conference here at Leavenworth early next year to flesh out some of these issues, I thought this would be a good place to start.

Niel

[slapout9]

Cavguy, I am not sure which section this belongs in but in the future I would look at expanding the use of the MP's. They should be the primary force used in the Hold phase of clear, hold and build. Slap

[selil]

Can I add onto what SLAP said and state they need a better write up on corrections and jails for all phases?

[SWJED]

I would say that COIN intelligence needs some expansion in the update and a good section on religious influencers should be added.

[Rank amateur]

I don't know if you saw this on AM, but the PDF had some excellent points:

Wednesday, June 25, 2008
FM 3-24 Roundtable

One of Charlie's favorite members of the Sosh Mafia emailed this morning to say that the recent Perspectives on Politics roundtable on FM 3-24 is now available to the huddled masses. Steve Biddle, LTC Doug Ollivant, Stathis Kalyvas, and Wendy Brown all weigh in (that, btw, is a serious murder's row of COIN commentary).

The PDF

[SWJED]

I don't know if you saw this on AM, but the PDF had some excellent points:

Wednesday, June 25, 2008
FM 3-24 Roundtable

One of Charlie's favorite members of the Sosh Mafia emailed this morning to say that the recent Perspectives on Politics roundtable on FM 3-24 is now available to the huddled masses. Steve Biddle, LTC Doug Ollivant, Stathis Kalyvas, and Wendy Brown all weigh in (that, btw, is a serious murder's row of COIN commentary).

The PDF

Yes, it was posted to the SWJ Blog - thanks for adding it here.