Booz Allen Hamilton understands that the United States must develop new warfighting strategies and tactics to defeat the unconventional adversaries we face across the globe. Three Booz Allen experts in irregular warfare and complex operations spoke at the Irregular Warfare Summit 2010 held May 24-26 in Arlington, Va., offering fresh insights from U.S. experiences in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Booz Allen Senior Defense Analyst Linda Robinson presented a keynote speech highlighting the major themes in the Irregular Warfare Joint Operating Concept Version 2.0, which was released May 17 by Adm. Mike Mullen, Chairman of the Joints Chiefs of Staff. Robinson says the central idea of the new Joint Operating Concept is that the U.S. military must apply a blend of counterterrorism, unconventional warfare, foreign internal defense, counterinsurgency, and stability operations to counter irregular threats.
In a panel discussion, Booz Allen Senior Defense Analysts Alexandra Courtney and James “Steve” Foster discussed how U.S. Joint Forces can integrate their mission activities with civilian agencies, allies, non-governmental organizations and host nations. Courtney says the United States must pursue civil-military programs that acknowledge the local population’s unique vision of society, rather than projecting our own vision and values.
Foster says the United States also must emphasize the civilian dimensions of security—such as professional police forces—along with the military dimensions. A trusted civilian security force is essential to promoting the legitimacy of the local government.
Learn more about Booz Allen Hamilton's capabilities in Stategic Planning for Irregular Warfare