Summary: This essay sketches out what might be our most reliable defense against fourth generation warfare (4GW) — a militia. Militia have deep roots in western history, and many of these advantages can work for America today. Militia also are problematic for several reasons. These issues must be considered when designing their recruitment, training, and organization. This …
Here is an question by Jason lifted from the comments on A solution to 4GW — the introduction. Fabius, if you reference “Masters of War” by Michael Handel (which I am reading), the author makes the point that even 4GW is Trinitarian since you still have the three components – the state, the populace, and the non-state actor. …
Western writers about military and political theory sees war as a largely rational activity, at least on a state to state level. Clausewitz sees it as an extension of politics, a tools of policy to advance the State’s goals. Marx looks at its economic basis. Much of the game theory that drives military simulations resembles chess more than anything done …
Valuable new insights about the culture of war… a preview Read More »
On 14 November 1965 the 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile) flew to the Ia Drang Valley of Vietnam, initiating the first major battle between the North Vietnamese and American armies. This marked our transition from our role as advisers to direct combatants. After the battle lessons were drawn by both sides that determined the course of the war. With …
Lest we forget: lessons for us from the Battle of Ia Drang Read More »
Summary: This post examines one of the best and most influential articles written to guide our Middle Eastern Wars, using it to illustrate serious — perhaps decisive — flaws in our thinking. Not just our strategic thinking, but the very way we see the world. On this site “we” usually means America, but in this …
