Economics is arguably the second most important line of operation in irregular warfare from the strategic to the tactical level. Economics is mentioned many times in JP3-24, FM3-24, FM3-07, etc. How many of our commanders from the theater level down to the company commander understand the dynamics of economics. Who decides what type of economy should be established (Free market economy, state controlled, mixed, etc)? Can the programs established at the tactical level be sustainable by the local or national government? How much capital do we invest? There is a litany of other questions to this topic.

I ask this because we know that the other cabinets within our government lack the resources to project substantial personnel outside our nation’s borders. Therefore, this responsibility has fallen onto the hands of the military and now PRTs. Do our CPTs through COLs understand the impact they are having at the municipal level? Do our division commanders understand the impact at the state/provincial level? How do we prepare them for this task?

Interested to hear your comments on this.....