We are in the 4th Generation of Warfare

[Archangel]

Got this from US Cavalry & based on the political division here in the US, I thought it was a good read.

Much has been written about fourth generation warfare, but one of the seminal authors on the subject is William S. Lind, who in 1989 identified four generations of modern warfare. During first generation war, the smoothbore musket dominated the battlefield. Its slow rate of fire, coupled with low training levels of conscripted troops, required linear formations to achieve mass firepower. First generation war was epitomized by classic Napoleonic warfare -- long lines of troops advancing under rigid discipline to face each other on the battlefield in attrition warfare.

Industrialization drove warfare into the second generation, which, according to Lind, was marked by rifled muskets, breechloaders, barbed wire, the machinegun, and indirect fire. Fire and maneuver ruled the day, and mass artillery barrages preceded short, linear advances. This focus on indirect fire marked a significant departure from first generation warfare, but other aspects, such as a focus on linearity, remained the same. This method of warfare began in the mid-19th Century and largely governed American tactics well into the Cold War.

In the third generation tactics, rather than technology, marked warfare. Originating with the Germans, third generation warfare broke the linear mold and relied on infiltration to bypass and collapse the enemy’s combat forces rather than seeking to close with and destroy them. Nonlinear tactics allowed a more fluid style and in-depth defense that even invited enemy penetration in order for friendly forces to counterattack.

Fourth generation warfare promises to continue the trend away from linear tactics. Future wars will continue the trend toward dispersion and will utilize smaller units operating on commander intent, rather than detailed instruction. Logistics will likewise be decentralized. Maneuver will achieve greater emphasis via small, agile forces. But perhaps the most important aspect of fourth generation warfare is that it will seek to collapse an enemy internally, rather than physically destroying him. Thus, fourth generation warfare will target things like popular support for the war and enemy culture. In broad terms, war will expand beyond traditional military constructs to blur the lines between “military” and “civilian.” Actions will occur throughout a culture, and not just on a physical level. In fourth generation war, the goal is to attack the enemy’s rear and deny him the popular and international support needed to continue the fight. What does this mean for a less powerful enemy seeking to defeat the US? It means engaging the US on all levels, particularly those where it has less of an advantage. It also means using America’s strengths against itself whenever possible.

[jon448]

There's actually a really good book,well really good in my completely uneducated civilian eyes, out about 4th Gen Warfare. It's called the Sling and The Stone by a Col. from the Marine Corps.
The book discusses the development of 4GW and how it is used. It also talks about various ways to counter 4GW as well.

The Sling and the Stone is recommended reading 2nd from the top on the front page of Small Wars Journal. Written by Thomas X. Hammes, available at Amazon.