Future COIN, Present Doctrine: Assessing U.S. Counterinsurgency Guidance at the Operational Level of War

Abstract

Over the last decade, military counterinsurgent (COIN) operations have risen to a place of prominence. Much of the U.S. COIN doctrine was derived from an analysis of major COIN operations in the last century, before the rise of transnational terror groups fomenting uprisings fueled by radical ideologies. This paper will explore the basis for contemporary COIN principles, analyze the essential differences between historical and contemporary insurgencies, and discuss the adequacy of current COIN doctrine. Finally, the paper will offer recommendations for additional factors the commander should consider in planning for future COIN operations.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
May 03, 2010
Accession Number
ADA525098

Entities

People

  • William R. Peterson

Organizations

  • Naval War College

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Counter WMD

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Counterinsurgency
  • Department Of State
  • Doctrine
  • Governments
  • Information Operations
  • Insurgency
  • Joint Military Activities
  • Military Operations
  • National Governments
  • New York
  • Political Ideologies
  • Political Systems
  • Terrorism
  • Terrorists
  • United States
  • War Colleges
  • Warfare

Readers

  • Joint Military Operations and Doctrine.
  • Political Violence and Terrorism Studies.