The Future of the Afghan Model: Unconventional Application of Conventional Counterland Doctrine

ISBN: 1288415524

Author: Mead, Brian E

Condition: New

As the title of this monograph suggests, it is my view that the Afghan model of warfare is simply the employment of conventional counterland operations by unconventional means. The unconventional means, a small number of SOF personnel imbedded with an indigenous infantry, represents an alternative to conventional counterland thinking that highlights some potential problems with command and control relationships between air and ground forces that need to be addressed. However, it is not a revolution in military strategy that some with a keen eye on an ever-shrinking defense budget would like to make it out to be. The Afghan model does require some preexisting conditions for success, not the least of which includes a clear evaluation of the indigenous allied force and it's capability in relation to the proposed military objectives as well as the enemy capabilities. It also has some distinct advantages over more conventional strategies by offering political and military leaders leaner more responsive options that are more affordable both politically and economically.