Mission Integration: Irregular Warfare and Complex Operations

Glenn Harned is a Principal with Booz Allen Hamilton, a leading strategy and technology consulting firm. His specialty is Irregular Warfare and Complex Operations.

In today’s complex world, the United States faces a different type of opponent from that of yesterday. Today’s opponents do not necessarily use the same type of war fighting strategies and tactics as used in a conventional war. As evidenced by the events of September 11, our opponents have adopted an irregular approach to fighting.

As an expert on irregular warfare and complex operations, Booz Allen Hamilton Principal Glenn Harned understands these tactics. In an interview for Booz Allen’s web video series “Ready for What’s Next: Mission Integration,” Harned offers his insight into the world of irregular warfare.

Harned says that to successfully deal with irregular warfare, U.S. government agencies need the following:

Common understanding of irregular warfare
Common lexicon for discussing irregular warfare
Common understanding of what each agency brings to the table to address irregular warfare

As prime examples of irregular warfare, Harned cites the bombings in Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, and East Africa. He also cites the September 11 attacks as a wakeup call for the U.S. Government to understand irregular warfare.

Harned states that the solution requires a whole-of-government approach to the problem, with the military taking a supporting role. Social, economic, political, and informational components also need to be working together to address the problem.

Mission Integration: Irregular Warfare and Complex Operations

View more discussions with Glenn Harned on Irregular Warfare and Complex Operations: