NTC/JRTC Shift from COIN to Decisive Action Rotations...

MAJ Bryan Zeski — Tue, 17 Dec 2013 10:16:29 -0500

Now that the military is shifting from COIN operations (or at least shifting away from TRAINING for COIN operations), how effective will we be at regaining our fighting edge in Decision Action conflicts?  How effectively do you think the NTCs will be in refocusing the combat units on executing their combat missions?  What skill sets have we lost in the last decade of COIN ops that we should focus on during DA rotations?

Response by SSG Robert Burns made Dec 17 at 2013 12:05 PM

SSG Robert Burns — Tue, 17 Dec 2013 12:05:01 -0500

What are some of the difference between COIN and Decisive Action?

Response by MAJ Bryan Zeski made Dec 18 at 2013 12:14 AM

MAJ Bryan Zeski — Wed, 18 Dec 2013 00:14:07 -0500

<p>COIN - https://rdl.train.army.mil/catalog/view/100.ATSC/41449AB4-E8E0-46C4-8443-E4276B6F0 [login to see] 841878/3-24/chap5.htm</p><p><br></p><p>An article that discusses the concepts of both - http://ncojournal.dodlive.mil/2013/05/28/decisive-action-how-to-fight-and-sustain-in-the-armys-future-battles/</p><p><br></p><p>Past DA - Gulf War.  The initial invasions of Iraq and Afghanistan.  They became COIN when we started trying to stabilize and rebuild.</p><div class="pta-link-card"><div class="pta-link-card-picture"><img src="http://ncojournal.dodlive.mil/files/2013/05/web-thumb-running-DBC3670-620x300.jpg"></div><div class="pta-link-card-content"><div class="pta-link-card-title"><a href="http://ncojournal.dodlive.mil/2013/05/28/decisive-action-how-to-fight-and-sustain-in-the-armys-future-battles/" target="_blank">Decisive Action: How to fight and sustain in the Army’s future battles</a></div><div class="pta-link-card-description">Having done COIN for so long and working out of FOBs with sustainment and logistical support already in place, many have observed that Soldiers’ expeditionary skills have atrophied. To remedy that, th...</div></div><div style="clear: both;"></div><div class="pta-box-hide"><i class="icon-remove"></i></div></div>

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 18 at 2013 9:03 PM

CSM Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 18 Dec 2013 21:03:41 -0500

We will have to adapt quickly to the Decisive Action TTPs, this doesnt mean we throw all the COIN lessons learned and think that we will never go back to this. We need to have forward thinking leaders that can develop training opportunities to mix each effectively and add stability operations. I assure you this is a huge undertaking with the draw down and the budget issues but we have weathered this storm before and will again. i remember training with sand, chalk, and det cord to simulate explosives to save money and resources. That's what we need to drive home now that not training time or resource can be wasted due to poor leadership, planning or execution. That will be a hard sell to a force who has been asking, and receiving everything they have ever wanted.

Response by CPT Joseph K Murdock made May 26 at 2016 8:16 PM

CPT Joseph K Murdock — Thu, 26 May 2016 20:16:05 -0400

Thank you for the question. I think the biggest problem lies between the ears of the POTUS, SECDEF, and generals. We have lost the most important variables: The passion of the people, The capability of the host military, and The legitimacy of the Host Government. I will use Iraq as an illustration. The passion of the people are divided by Sunni and Shia. The host military is barely functioning, and the government discriminates against the Shias. Instead of focusing on that, we focus on the thousands of tasks of COIN.

Response by SPC John Lebiecki made Jul 26 at 2016 6:24 PM

SPC John Lebiecki — Tue, 26 Jul 2016 18:24:32 -0400

I think it should be more hybrid. Keep both mindsets going to avoid the constant flapping back and forth.