Ill-Defined Problem Sets: A Discussion

[William F. Owen]

1. Control the Physical Terrain.
2. Control the Populace.
3. Conduct Intelligence Collection.

I'd actually make it even simpler.

1. Find the enemy - to kill/capture.
2. Do not cause harm to the population, or allow them to be harmed, by others.

Ferdinand Foch's "Core Functions" basically still apply - Find, Fix, Strike, Exploit - and Striking can be an arrest and Exploitation can be having a meeting the local head man, or digging him a well.

[MikeF]

I'd actually make it even simpler.

1. Find the enemy - to kill/capture.
2. Do not cause harm to the population, or allow them to be harmed, by others.

Ferdinand Foch's "Core Functions" basically still apply - Find, Fix, Strike, Exploit - and Striking can be an arrest and Exploitation can be having a meeting the local head man, or digging him a well.

Wilf, for the American Army, my suggestions are a bit unconventional...Your views are simply subversive or rebelious.

The typical view would state that one must maneuver along these lines of operation:

- Security
- Essential Services
- Tribal/Political Leadership engagement
- Security Force Development/Training

These views are simply too constrained and ambigious for me.

v/r

Mike