Quote:
Originally Posted by glyn
Thank you Shek, for your reasoned reply. It is quite clear that there are major differencies between our nations training methods. Of course, our numbers have been diminishing, whilst yours seem to be at a high level still, even after the 'peace dividend' cuts. Equally, both systems have developed over a long period of time so must suit the characteristics of the respective countries. It is inevitable that there will be subtle differences in outlook, but generally I would assume much of the ethos, if not the doctrine, will be closely matched. As has been remarked, we live in interesting times.
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Also, our military heritages are different. Small wars are not in the blood of the US Army, and so we don't have the benefit of just asking the "elders" in our units and learning through their example. For example, even for Vietnam, where you might think the popular literature could focus on counterinsurgency, the book that was typically recommended prior to Iraq had nothing to do with COIN, but rather, was about the first big battle in Vietnam, Ia Drang Valley - We Were Soldiers Once and Young by Joe Galloway.
The Marine Corps does have a heritage of small wars, but I don't know how much it still permeated through the mainstream of the USMC.