Over the next four weeks the US Army COIN Center will feature guests discussing key aspects of FM 3-24 Counterinsurgency. On 18 August 2011, the COIN Center is pleased to host Dr. Sean Kalic, Associate Professor of History, and Dr. Jon Mikolashek, Assistant Professor of History, for the US Army Command and General Staff College. They will be discussing their observations that many combat experienced officers "produce a simplified "strategy" for the current fight. The problem with this "solution" is that it overlooks the true complexity of the counterinsurgency fight. Their brief is Thursday, 18 August 2011 at 10:00 CDT (1100 EDT, 15:00 ZULU).
The next speaker on 25 August 2011 will be COL Gian Gentile. He believes there are fundamental problems with doctrine as expressed in FM 3-24 and that the Army's current fixation on COIN is a "straightjacket" that prevents thinking about alternative models of irregular conflict. Finally, on 8 September 2011, Dr. Christopher Paul will discuss the demonstrated efficacy of the COIN principles embodied in FM 3-24.
Those interested in attending may view the meeting online at https://connect.dco.dod.mil/