Article

2005-10-25 International-UN-NGOs

Assymetrical warfare forcing Western militaries to rethink strategy

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Posted by Dan Darling 2005-10-25 13:22|| || Front Page|| [1 views since 2007-05-07] Top

#1 But it said conventional armies have been sucked into messy conflicts, often in towns, where they face enemies invulnerable to the advanced gadgetry that was supposed to dissipate the fog of war and herald a new era in warfare.

Considering the advance in man portable UAVs and their exploitation by ground pounders, it appears a lot of fog of war for the grunt has been lifted. Throw in hovering air support to deliver ordnance on target in seconds, the think tank boys need to take their product to sale elsewhere.

What we have seen is the flexibility of the American forces to get within the decision cycle of the enemy faster, to adapt new tactics faster, to share information faster, and to integrate their resources faster and far more effectively. I'd say a lot of advancement has been achieved.

But it said conventional armies have been sucked into messy conflicts

What conflict isn't messy. Yeah, and water is wet.

Using suicide bombers and roadside bombs, Iraqi insurgents have killed U.S. and British soldiers and thousands of civilians. U.S. campaigns to dislodge fighters embedded in Iraqi towns have also involved losses.

As say oppose to what? D-Day, Okinawa, Gettysburg?
Even the aboriginal natives of the American west inflicted casualties. Ask Custer or Fetterman.

I get the sense of this that these people think you can fight a war without losses. Guess their concept of warfare was "Bomber" Clinton's campaign in Yugoslavia which in the end had to carry the threat of ground forces to finally get leverage. Given that 4,000 years of recorded history says you have to have ground pounders to occupy territory, these guys must be smoking that special blend.

Posted by Claving Speart7152 2005-10-25 13:46|| 2005-10-25 13:46|| Front Page Top

#2 Claving Speart7152 the problem with your reasoning is that the UAVs dont flood the battle field yet. Looking at paquidermic US procurement system and the hype gold plated stuff i doubt that in less than 10 years US will have much needed improvement in it's land gear.
HUMVVES must be replaced ASAP with a better protected anti-IED veichle.
IED detectors eventualy UAV based are needed. And much more.

Posted by Unetch Flinetch3868 2005-10-25 14:49|| 2005-10-25 14:49|| Front Page Top

#3 We need more tools to disrupt communication of telephone and cell phone useage while raiding. It seems that early warning to the terrorist is main advantage.

Whoever is first in the field and awaits the coming of the enemy, will be fresh for the fight; whoever is second in the field and has to hasten to battle will arrive exhausted.
- Sun Tzu

Move not unless you see an advantage; use not your troops unless there is something to be gained; fight not unless the position is critical. If it is to your advantage, make a forward move; if not, stay where you are. Anger may in time change to gladness; vexation may be succeeded by content.
- Sun Tzu

"The art of using troops is this:
......When ten to the enemy's one, surround him;
......When five times his strength, attack him;
......If double his strength, divide him;
......If equally matched you may engage him;
......If weaker numerically, be capable of withdrawing;
......And if in all respects unequal, be capable of eluding him,
..........for a small force is but booty for one more powerful."
- Sun Tzu, the Art Of War

Posted by Slererong Crose8790 2005-10-25 16:14|| 2005-10-25 16:14|| Front Page Top

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