A Lesson in Futility for the Pentagon? Is U.S. military training of foreign forces hopeless, even counterproductive, or can allies be effectively trained to deal with common foes?

Of course it can be a lesson in futility especially for those who think this is the silver bullet and the holy grail and do not fully appreciate the strengths and weaknesses of such an approach.  But if such an approach is not based on a realistic assessment of the situation and a thorough understanding of the nature of the problems and development of a comprehensive campaign plan with an appreciation of the amount of time it takes to achieve results (and of course the proper analysis and measurement of results is critically important as well) then of course the efforts will be futile.

But as evidenced by some of the commentators below we definitely need number three of my key talking points:

Number 1.  The future is characterized by UW and and the ability to conduct "counter-UW"  (one activity of which is FID as part of Special Warfare)Number 2.   We have the greatest Surgical Strike capability in the world but we need to prioritize and resource equally our Special Warfare capabilities. Number 3.  We need Strategists and Policy makers who have a deep understanding of and value the strategic options of UW and Counter-UW. Number 4.  Effective Special Warfare is counter-intuitively characterized by slow and deliberate employment – long duration actions and activities, relationship establishment, development, and sustainment.

  

A Lesson in Futility for the Pentagon?

Is U.S. military training of foreign forces hopeless, even counterproductive, or can allies be effectively trained to deal with common foes? Read More »

http://www.nytimes.com/roomfordebate/2013/04/07/a-lesson-in-futilty-for-the-pentagon/american-military-assistance-is-too-widespread

DEBATERS

• American Assistance Is Spread Too Widely
  
• JOHN NORRIS, CENTER FOR AMERICAN PROGRESS
• Well-Trained Locals Can Be Vital
  
• LAWRENCE J. KORB, GEORGETOWN UNIVERSITY
• Learning to Kill Terrorists Isn’t Enough
  
• BOUBACAR N'DIAYE, THE COLLEGE OF WOOSTER
• A Wretched Record of Military Cooperation
  
• KATE DOYLE, NATIONAL SECURITY ARCHIVE
• Colombia Shows the Value of Cooperation
  
• OSCAR NARANJO, FORMER COLOMBIAN POLICE CHIEF
• Results Must Be More Rigorously Monitored
  
• LORA LUMPE, OPEN SOCIETY FOUNDATIONS

All Essays can be accessed at the link below:

http://www.nytimes.com/roomfordebate/2013/04/07/a-lesson-in-futilty-for-the-pentagon/american-military-assistance-is-too-widespread