A Counterinsurgency Campaign Plan Concept: The Galula Compass
Abstract
This monograph describes the nature and dynamics of insurgency and counterinsurgency (COIN) operations citing David Galula's theory. In his book, "Counterinsurgency Warfare: Theory and Practice," Galula sets a clear mark for planning future COIN operations against the increased likelihood of insurgencies following an Orthodox Pattern in semi-authoritarian countries. This monograph extrapolates Galula's theory and frames it in contemporary campaign planning doctrine to demonstrate its applicability to COIN warfare. Joint doctrine serves as the common lexicon for commanders and planners to conceptualize COIN plans. But the application of doctrine alone does not address how to put the plan into context. David Galula's COIN theory and the Boer War serve as examples of theory and history to contextualize the plan. The Contemporary COIN Campaign Plan Concept, proposed by the author, illustrates how commanders may effectively synchronize the available resources and required capabilities. It attempts to be predictive, but not mistaken, as the definitive COIN campaign design concept. Instead, it aims to serve as a compass by pointing in a direction supported by history, theory, and doctrine.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 26, 2005
- Accession Number
- ADA436240
Entities
People
- Stephen Vrooman
Organizations
- United States Army Command and General Staff College