Small Wars 102

Certain principles are human universal. And this is a repeat post dressed up another way.

For a first world country and its people to win a small war against a third world country and its people involves two principles. This is a repeat discussion which certainly will go on in the 21st century as we learn again. The Navy and Marines and State Department went through this drill in the early 20th century in the Caribbean and Central America, and even published a book called the Small Wars Manual circa 1940. When it came out there was a raging debate about whether the USMC should organize around amphibious warfare, or small wars. Now in 2007 the Army is entering the exact same debate and discussion as to how to organize for America’s future. Of course Iraq and the focus on brigades being task organized reflects the world today. So does the leaders education, which has been more Clausewitz and war in Europe against the Soviets.

But both in 1940 and 2007 there are things that should be asked in Small Wars 102. Number one is security, as is where is the police training, often called the gendarme or constabulary? Any training that focuses on the military misses the point, as did much of our training of locals in Iraq. Most militaries are intended to expand the borders, albeit to the suffering of local citizens in peril. Number two in the class is treating local politicians as equals, since they are not. Small Wars 102 demands cooperation with the State Department in imposing our American will. They can all revert later, as they always do. Seldom is the reversion adverse to our national interest in the long term. But to expect locals to dictate our military and foreign policy in their country is not in our objective. Is there anything wrong with being selfish? After all, they are doing the same.