We're the Military and Airpower Guys of Jonah Goldberg of National Review Online + a stray we found wandering around looking lost. All original material JHD, BHD, JR, WT, and KA 2003-2007 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2008/04/whats_a_fella_t.html Sun, 03 Aug 2008 15:56:50 Z Movable Type 4.12 en Copyright 2008 http://www.rssboard.org/rss-specification ...and facing a fanatically persistent and destabilizing Insurgency? SGM Curtis L. Regan CJTF-82, CJ-3 Bagram, Afghanistan, has some thoughts. (Cue angst-ridden Homo Neanderthalensis) Counter-Insurgency - so easy a caveman could do it. Okay, maybe not that easy. Admittedly, Counter-insurgency operations are inherently complex and place great demands on everyone involved. Nation Building is equally difficult – the complexities even greater when insurgents are allowed to meet political and ideological objectives. Historically U.S. Forces have supported insurgents in toppling oppressive governments, and given the historical success of insurgencies, the task of executing a well-planned counter-insurgency strategy takes on greater significance. These... http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2008/04/whats_a_fella_t.html http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2008/04/whats_a_fella_t.html Mon, 28 Apr 2008 06:54:29 -0600 Ah, it's nice to read such... clarity! #4 sees little gray! http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2008/04/whats_a_fella_t.html#comment-72581 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2008/04/whats_a_fella_t.html#comment-72581 Mon, 28 Apr 2008 19:13:24 -0600 As Sahab media arms in a coordinated effort to magnify all imperfections, exaggerate all negative aspects, accept at face value all enemy narratives, treat all friendly narratives with withering scorn and total skepticsm, and hamsting any effort to employ American power. ]]> http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2008/04/whats_a_fella_t.html#comment-72580 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2008/04/whats_a_fella_t.html#comment-72580 Mon, 28 Apr 2008 17:05:09 -0600 The media alone can make the difference between success and failure, particularly in elongated military operations and global campaigns like the ones we are currently engaging in Iraq and Afghanistan. These Counter-Insurgency operations on both sides of the conflict occur in the public view. This includes continuous observation by domestic and international media as well as face-to-face interaction with the local population. Knowing this, opponents will size on relatively minor incidents to achieve political advantages. Potentially, a single act of indiscipline or rash application of force can undo months or even years of disciplined efforts. Likewise, actions that are destructive to the natural or cultural environment may introduce negative perceptions that must be overcome at a later date. The intent is to demonstrate strength and resolve without provoking an unintended consequence. It is our own media that neuters us, making it necessary to pussyfoot around instead of killing enough people and breaking enough things to convince the survivors to return to the reservation, prolonging the war and getting Good Guys killed. Jacksonians detest such pettifoggery. Defecate or get off the pot. • Western News Media The western press is here in Iraq, and they are curious about what we do. Again, transparency is essential, and our enthusiasm in providing access speaks volumes of our intentions. The same can be said of the so-called “hometown” news agencies, which might not have a presence in Iraq, but can certainly be targeted through direct communication. Enthusiasm. I'm glad I'm out. There ain't enough mouthwash.]]> http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2008/04/whats_a_fella_t.html#comment-72579 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2008/04/whats_a_fella_t.html#comment-72579 Mon, 28 Apr 2008 16:22:40 -0600 I'm interested in the communal take on the piece is, and I also just wanted to sneek in a gunpic. http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2008/04/whats_a_fella_t.html#comment-72566 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2008/04/whats_a_fella_t.html#comment-72566 Mon, 28 Apr 2008 12:04:33 -0600 It could have been written years before Afghanistan. Another is it's marketing tone. Isn't that what counter-insurgency is? A marketing program. Each group is trying to sell their audience on their "product"? It's why I think that people with some nice marketing skills (madison ave?) should have been recruited for our efforts. We need salesmen. fortunately, our men and women in uniform are what you might call "the product speaks for itself". The best kind of marketing in the world of sales. Suddenly, everybody is talking about this fantastic product they tried out in the market place of ideas and, guess what? Freedom and Democracy really works!]]> http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2008/04/whats_a_fella_t.html#comment-72563 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2008/04/whats_a_fella_t.html#comment-72563 Mon, 28 Apr 2008 10:45:18 -0600 To me there is something wrong with the article. It looks fine on the surface but there are aspects which are unsettling. I wish I could pinpoint the exact problem i have with it. One is the obvious nature of it. It could have been written years before Afghanistan. Another is it's marketing tone. I'll let you know if i figure it out. http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2008/04/whats_a_fella_t.html#comment-72562 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2008/04/whats_a_fella_t.html#comment-72562 Mon, 28 Apr 2008 10:38:51 -0600 So I note, under each section of things to accomplish in counter-insurgency, is the "physical" and the "moral". hmmm.... Now to translate that to global comms. http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2008/04/whats_a_fella_t.html#comment-72559 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2008/04/whats_a_fella_t.html#comment-72559 Mon, 28 Apr 2008 10:10:31 -0600