All matters Canadian / Canada

[Jedburgh]

SSI, 3 Aug 07: Shaping Commitment: Resolving Canada's Strategy Gap in Afghanistan and Beyond

Release of Canada’s first-ever National Security Policy (NSP) in 2004, followed by the International (Foreign) Policy Statement and Defence Policy Review in 2005, has publicly articulated Canada’s principal security interests for the post-September 11, 2001 (9/11), world. Nevertheless, the realities of Canada’s present engagement in Afghanistan have highlighted a gap between stated national security and foreign policy goals on one hand, and the Canadian military, diplomatic, and development effort in theater, on the other. National interests and values, articulated within the NSP and the International Policy Statement, are insufficient to frame the context for such a complex endeavor. Only a clearly defined strategy based upon rigorous analysis of ends, ways, and means and assessment of risk can enable informed national and political debate, provide the required guidance for campaign planning among government departments, and determine Canada’s preferred stake in the wider international arena, including the Global War on Terrorism (GWOT). Recommendations are provided with respect to resolving Canada’s strategy gap in both the immediate and longer term.

[marct]

A very interesting article. I think he does capture a lot of the core cultural questions going on right now. I'm going to have to think about this one a bit more and reread it.

Marc

[Jedburgh]

For those with access, a draft copy of the Canadian Small Wars Manual, dated 23 Oct 07, has been posted on the BCKS COIN forum: B-GL-323-004/FP-003 Counter-Insurgency Operations

Scope

This publication provides a wide range of material in support of commanders and staff at all levels of command. It reflects the concepts of Canadian doctrinal philosophies and principles. This publication addresses the following:

a. introduction to understanding insurgencies;

b. a description of insurgencies and their objectives;

c. the overarching philosophy and principles by which a COIN campaign and its operations should be conducted;

d. considerations for force employment at the strategic, operational and tactical levels;

e. considerations for intelligence staff in support of a COIN campaign;

f. considerations for information operations, specifically focused on influence activities;

g. considerations for sustainment in a COIN campaign; and

h. considerations for pre-deployment and in-theatre training in support of a COIN campaign.

[William F. Owen]

a. introduction to understanding insurgencies;

b. a description of insurgencies and their objectives;

c. the overarching philosophy and principles by which a COIN campaign and its operations should be conducted;

d. considerations for force employment at the strategic, operational and tactical levels;

e. considerations for intelligence staff in support of a COIN campaign;

f. considerations for information operations, specifically focused on influence activities;

g. considerations for sustainment in a COIN campaign; and

h. considerations for pre-deployment and in-theatre training in support of a COIN campaign.

That is the clearest set of useful headings I have ever seen relating to so called COIN. If anyone can direct me at a copy of this, I would be very grateful. - and BTW, traditionally, the old Beaver Chasers actually write good manuals. Not as BS free as Aussie manuals but a really good start.

[marct]

That is the clearest set of useful headings I have ever seen relating to so called COIN. If anyone can direct me at a copy of this, I would be very grateful. - and BTW, traditionally, the old Beaver Chasers actually write good manuals. Not as BS free as Aussie manuals but a really good start.

I wouldn't mind a copy myself. BTW, Wilf, I hope you realize what "beaver" is slang for in Canada .

[Steve Blair]

I wouldn't mind a copy myself. BTW, Wilf, I hope you realize what "beaver" is slang for in Canada .

In the US as well...

[William F. Owen]

I wouldn't mind a copy myself. BTW, Wilf, I hope you realize what "beaver" is slang for in Canada .

Where I come from it's not slang!

[Norfolk]

Hopefully this one will be as original as possible; B-GL-322-007/FP-001 Unique Operations - Urban was in some ways little more than a modified reprint of FM 3-06 Urban Operations. That said, it's about time the CF has its own COIN Pub; since the demise of the old 3-volume Aid to the Civil Power, COIN doctrine had almost disappeared (not that it was overly developed beforehand anyway).

If the pub does not have a "loss or suspected compromise" warning in the Preface, I would be most grateful for a copy from whomever may have access to it, please.