Just as an interesting aside to the earlier discussion regarding soldier's role as diplomat; I was just reviewing the 1940 USMC Small Wars Manual, and in para 2-2 "The Mission" one finds:

“If there is an organized hostile force opposing the intervention, the primary objective in small wars, as in a major war, is its early destruction. In those cases where armed
opposition is encountered only from irregular forces under the leadership of malcontents or unrecognized officials, the mission is one of diplomacy rather than military.”


Just found it to be an interesting statement, and one timely to the current discussion. I haven't sorted out yet exactly what they meant by that, or how I think about it. Perhaps it serves as bridge between WILF's oft stated position and some of the others.