Success in Counterinsurgencies Depends on Clear and Achievable Political Objectives
Abstract
To succeed as an archer, one needs a clearly defined, well-observed target within range. If it is camouflaged, not present, or out of reach, it is futile to shoot. The archer could be highly trained, have the best equipment, and strong motivation, but he will waste all his arrows; he needs a target to succeed. This short analogy can be applied to any war, even a counterinsurgency. In classic military theory there are three requirements for victory: A clear and achievable objective, a good strategy, and the necessary means to conduct war. The objective (i.e., what one wants to achieve with the war) dictates the other two. Counterinsurgency is a type of war that can take many characters and forms. Its overall purpose is to maintain status and rule of law for the existing power. Political objectives in counterinsurgencies vary greatly from situation to situation. Nevertheless, even with an inherent overall purpose, a need exists for clear and achievable political objectives. First, for the purpose of tailoring the strategy and the means to match the objective; second, for deciding when victory is achieved and the war ended; and third, for acting as a guide for future actions and in particular as a "firewall" for temptations that might occur during the war. If the political objective is not clear and achievable, counterinsurgency can take its own life, experience several changes in objectives and move away from the original cause.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 19, 2008
- Accession Number
- ADA507829
Entities
People
- Terje Bruoeygard
Organizations
- Marine Corps University