British COIN (merged thread)

[slapout9]

Wilf,I think Kitson had a lot more to do with Ireland than Thompson. They also had the great advantage of speaking English.

[William F. Owen]

Wilf,I think Kitson had a lot more to do with Ireland than Thompson. They also had the great advantage of speaking English.

Kitson is useful and from my Regiment. Regardless of the theatre, I never understand why Thompson is deemed such an expert.

[Mark O'Neill]

Kitson is useful and from my Regiment. Regardless of the theatre, I never understand why Thompson is deemed such an expert.

I suspect that you are being rhetorical, but for what its worth:

1. his performance as a practioner in Malaysia;
2. his observations from SVN; and
3. Defeating Communist Insurgency(you may argue that there is 'nothing new or original' in it, that does not detract from the usefulness of the text as a succint analysis and description of an insurgency phenomena).

Cheers

Mark

[William F. Owen]

I suspect that you are being rhetorical, but for what its worth:

1. his performance as a practioner in Malaysia;
2. his observations from SVN; and
3. Defeating Communist Insurgency(you may argue that there is 'nothing new or original' in it, that does not detract from the usefulness of the text as a succint analysis and description of an insurgency phenomena).

Not rhetorical in any way. I am well aware of Thompson's reputation, and his written work, some of which I have read. I see both Julian Paget and Frank Kitson as being better writers, practioners and more useful, but based on your advice I may give him another look.

[Wagram]

Thank you davidbfpo for having warned me...BAR is such a good read it's a shame it's so hard to find.