lectures

Scope and Contents This address delivered by Major General Victor H. Krulak, USMC, Special Assistant to the Director Joint Staff, Joint Chiefs of Staff for Counterinsurgency and Special Activities focuses on the tactics and techniques of insurgency and counterinsurgency, providing a comprehensive overview of the complexities and challenges faced in countering communist-inspired insurgencies worldwide.Krulak discusses the nature of insurgency, describing it as a condition resulting from a revolt against a constituted government, primarily communist-inspired, supported, or exploited. He emphasizes the multifaceted nature of insurgency, noting that it is not solely a military problem but involves economic, political, and social dimensions. Krulak highlights the vulnerability of emerging societies to insurgencies, pointing out that the communists exploit these societies' transitional phases for subversive activities.It outlines a two-fold problem faced by the United States and its allies: the failure to recognize the true nature of the insurgency threat and the inadequacy of organizational structures to counter it effectively. Krulak calls for a comprehensive approach involving all sources of national strength—diplomatic, economic, educational, propaganda, and military—to address the insurgency challenge.Krulak provides examples from various countries, including Ecuador, Bolivia, Guatemala, and Venezuela, illustrating the diverse causes of insurgency, such as...

Scope and Contents This address by Major General Victor H. Krulak, USMC, Special Assistant to the Director Joint Staff, Joint Chiefs of Staff for Counterinsurgency and Special Activities details the development of United States counterinsurgency policy and doctrine, emphasizing the complexities of global insurgency challenges and the U.S. military's strategic response.Krulak begins by defining insurgency as a condition resulting from revolt or insurrection against a constituted government, primarily inspired, supported, or exploited by communists. He highlights the multifaceted nature of insurgency, which can manifest in various forms, including economic imbalance, ignorance, political instability, and military vulnerabilities.His speech outlines the dual problem faced by the United States and its allies: a failure to fully grasp the nature of the insurgency threat and a lack of adequate organization to address it. Krulak stresses that insurgency requires a comprehensive approach involving all elements of national strength—diplomatic, economic, educational, military, and propaganda efforts—to effectively counter the threat.Krulak provides examples from countries like Ecuador, Bolivia, Guatemala, and Haiti to illustrate the diverse factors contributing to insurgencies. He argues that these countries need assistance to overcome their challenges, emphasizing the importance of international support and the concept of the "Country Team" in coordinating efforts...

Scope and Contents This address by Major General Victor H. Krulak, USMC, Special Assistant to the Director Joint Staff, Joint Chiefs of Staff for Counterinsurgency and Special Activities, discusses the development of United States counterinsurgency policy and doctrine, emphasizing the strategic approach taken by the U.S. to address global insurgency issues, particularly focusing on organization, policies, and doctrines. Krulak highlights the historical context of counterinsurgency, referencing the ancient wisdom of Sun Tzu and connecting it to contemporary strategies aimed at winning conflicts without direct combat, reflecting the Cold War era's avoidance of nuclear confrontation. He outlines the multifaceted nature of insurgency, characterized by economic imbalance, ignorance, political instability, and military vulnerabilities, illustrating how these factors create environments susceptible to insurgent influence.The address acknowledges the challenges faced in recognizing and organizing against the nuanced threat of insurgency. It underscores the necessity of a comprehensive approach involving diplomatic, economic, educational, military, and propaganda efforts, coordinated through a "Country Team" concept, to effectively counter insurgencies.Krulak provides examples from countries like Ecuador, Bolivia, Guatemala, and Haiti, demonstrating the diverse causes of insurgencies and the need for tailored responses. He also discusses the organizational efforts...