Counterinsurgency From Vietnam to Iraq
Abstract
War, as defined by Websters dictionary is the waging of armed conflict against an enemy. In two of the larger military campaigns in recent United States history, Vietnam and Iraq, the prolonging of the armed conflict was not the result of conventional warfare but of the back alley fighting tactics referred to as insurgencies. While the terrain may differ, insurgencies and counterinsurgencies causes and operations have shown to have the same roots throughout history. Especially when the cultural history of a nation is one of violence. The United States must start using this knowledge of a countries history of conflict and struggle in a more proactive plan before the first shots are fired, instead of the reacting force that seems to dominate the overall battle plan at the conclusion of conventional conflict. The cultural differences of Vietnam and Iraq are like the difference between water and sand, yet there is one fabric that binds both countries together, they have both known conflict and struggle for decades. It is our abilities to understand this history and plan accordingly that will shape the battle space of the future.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 15, 2009
- Accession Number
- AD1117336
Entities
People
- Gary L. Sr Ortega
Organizations
- United States Army Sergeants Major Academy