Conventional or Unconventional?

SSG Raymond Whitener — Mon, 14 Sep 2015 10:21:40 -0400

During the last two wars with Afghanistan and then Iraq, we have fought an unconventional enemy with conventional lessons learned tactics, with the exception of SOCOM forces. How do we, as a Military incorporate unconventional training into a conventional Army in preparation for the next fight?

Response by SPC Jan Allbright, M.Sc., R.S. made Sep 14 at 2015 10:34 AM

SPC Jan Allbright, M.Sc., R.S. — Mon, 14 Sep 2015 10:34:53 -0400

When was the last time the US engaged in a "conventional war"?
I was gobsmacked when I heard the the Army was "beginning to understand" asymmetric warfare when fighting in Afghanistan!
What the heck were we doing during those 10 years in Vietnam?

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 14 at 2015 10:35 AM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 14 Sep 2015 10:35:55 -0400

Urban training. Cultural training. There are going to need to be specialists in Cultural aspects in each unit in order to gain the trust of those we are fighting to protect over there. There is going to need to be an emphasis on change of tactics in an instant, instead of waiting for HQ to call back to say, yes, change your course of action.

I know it sounds simple, but sometimes people in charge make the simple difficult...

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Sep 14 at 2015 12:57 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Mon, 14 Sep 2015 12:57:56 -0400

The British often lived with local warriors in their area of influence. Together they would hunt down and fight the insurgents.