Quote Originally Posted by SteveMetz
I wonder why they ignored the reinvention during the 1980s?
I don't think the '80s is really comparable, in the level of involvement of private and public entities, let alone academics from the soft sciences, with the military in conducting COIN-focused research and analysis in support of operations and doctrinal development. Although there was some output during that time frame, it was sparse, and was more like isolated individuals shouting into the wind rather than a coordinated, sustained effort. Sure, the '80s saw the publication of FM 100-20, Military Ops in LIC (1981, and a new version in '89) But that had just one chapter on insurgency & COIN, as did '92's FM 7-98, Ops in LIC. There was FM 90-8 Counterguerrilla Ops (1986) - but what was the effort expended relative to the other two periods? The '80s certainly didn't see any quality supporting material like the '60s DA Pam 550-series pubs on insurgency and COIN.

But that's just my perception....