Member Login Become a Member
Advertisement

The Closers Part VI: Dealing with the U.S. Military

  |  
07.22.2011 at 10:20am

The Closers Part VI:

Dealing with the U.S. Military

by Colonel Gary Anderson

Download the Full Article: Dealing with the U.S. Military

Many of the civilians who gravitate to counterinsurgency (COIN) work for the Departments of State and Justice have some knowledge of the military or have served in uniform. But many people from other agencies will not have such a background. Suddenly living among the military on a daily basis, and often depending on them totally for security can come as a culture shock that is almost as great as that experienced by stepping into a host nation’s culture. It helps to come somewhat prepared. The Provincial Reconstruction Team classes given by the State Department’s Foreign Service Institute are good but short, and they give out excellent advice, but it would help if you do homework on your own. This piece will attempt to give some background and perspective.

Download the Full Article: Dealing with the U.S. Military

Gary Anderson is a retired Marine Corps Colonel who served as a Special Advisor to the Deputy Secretary of Defense on Counterinsurgency from 2003-05. He served on an embedded Provincial Reconstruction Team in Iraq in 2009-10, and is currently an Adjunct Professor at the George Washington University Elliott School of International Relations.

About The Author

Article Discussion: