Patriot Pirates: The Privateer War for Freedom and Fortune in the American Revolution by Robert H. Patton.

-Definately not the highschool mythology of the Revolution; much discussion of the economic factors behind the insurgency.
-Maritime insurgency is a neglected historical field, and this is a great in depth study.
-Great attention to the strategic, operational, and tactical issues of insurgency, especially when privateers are involved.

I could see basing an overview of COIN for sailors on this one, as it addresses COIN holistically, but with a clear nautical flavor. I'm not quite done yet, but it is worth taking a little extra time and is very enjoyable.

Van