Quote:
Originally Posted by hoot72
As a civilian, I can see lots of logical reasoning and common sense being applied, judging from what is written in the article. I tend to think if you can start at the very root of any problem and to work your way up, it tends to have a better chance of success than trying to start at the top to impress people....
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Agreed. I read recently in Galula's book "Counterinsurgeny Warfare" that the roots of all successful insurgencies are the grass roots - so that's where a successful counter-insurgency must start as well. If you start at the top, the vast majority of the population may remain disconnected from the message or, worse yet, disconnected from any aid intended for them. They remain able and willing to support the insurgency.
As an Armor guy, we were trained to "crush-kill-destroy". It made for a pretty difficult transition to winning hearts and minds. Which increases my respect for what these guys here do - they can be both. it's impressive.