Words of Wisdom

The Army and Marine Corps Counterinsurgency Center blog this week featured two fascinating briefings outlining the experiences of Afghan soldiers and U.S. Marines during operations in southern Afghanistan.

The slideshow showcasing the 1st Bn, 5th Marines lessons learned emphasizes the need to develop a good rapport with the local population.

* Listen to people’s problems and ideas. Never be in a rush to end a conversation.
* Drink tea when it is offered. You’ll get more and better information.
* Be prepared to speak in a mosque. What you say here will be remembered.

The Marines' slides also include some tactical tips.

* Make the Taliban afraid to go into the corn.
* Sheep and goats are a form of route clearance.
* Watch what people sell in the bazaars. Know how to recognize ((Improvised Explosive Device)) components.

The ANA commander's tips are more general in nature. Among other things, he writes:

* Do not clear if you cannot hold; do not hold if you are not prepared to build.
* Execute small achievable essential needs for great enduring effects. The people know what they need.

Much more, including lots of photographs, is in the complete presentations.