This post serves a dual purpose: 1) to promote a very new field manual available in the SHTFblog field manual store, and 2) have interesting commentary around this controversial subject. I pimped the print on the book so it’s in paperback and I created a more flashy, custom cover than the boring old olive drab cover the book would typically be issued in. See:
The situation with this manual is thus, the U.S. military in the past years has taken on a new role. They had previously been trained to go in and DESTROY the enemy – period. Then came phrases like “nation building” and “peace keeping” which were coupled with a changing role for the military. Given the new domestic powers granted to the military, it’s quite possible we may see these operations taking place on domestic soil during times of disaster.
The United States didn’t go into Afghanistan and Iraq, destroy the enemy and leave, oh no, we’re still there trying to “stabilize” the region. This has generated a bit of controversy even within military brass as some argue this is not the role for the military, the military’s role is to destroy the enemy as quickly as possible. Changing their role (and thus their training) toward a more “peace keeping” operation limits their skills and the focus of their skills on what they have historically done. Should more training and development focus on post-war environments, there’s less time and resources focused on actual war. Is it the role of the United States to “build” other nations?
Well, way back in the 2000 presidential debates George Bush went off on Clinton “nation building” policies saying that’s NOT what the U.S. military should be doing. I’m not saying he was wrong or he was right. I’m just saying the role has changed. You can hear Bush’s previous words on the subject right here:
Oh how times have changed. Blame 9/11, blame Katrina, blame whatever you want, but Bush has changed his mind, and the role of the United States military has changed forever. On October 6, 2008 the U.S. military published its new “Stability Operations” field manual to cement this fact in military doctrine.As the Small Wars Journal writes:
The release of FM 3.07, Stability Operations, is an important step in the Army’s – and the nation’s – process of understanding the fundamental changes in the international system since the end of the Cold War. In conjunction with FM 3.0, Operations, and FM 3.24, Counterinsurgency, this document codifies a longtime but unacknowledged reality – that it is the Army’s task not just to win the war, but to create a lasting peace in the aftermath of conflict.
By the way, FM 3.0, Operations, and FM 3.24, Counterinsurgency, are also available for sale in the SHTFblog field manual store.
Lt. Gen. William B. Caldwell IV said of the manual:
“Field Manual 3-07, Stability Operations, represents a milestone in Army doctrine. It is a roadmap from conflict to peace, a practical guidebook for adaptive, creative leadership at a critical time in our history. It institutionalizes the hard-won lessons of the past while charting a path for tomorrow. This manual postures our military forces for the challenges of an uncertain future, an era of persistent conflict where the unflagging bravery of our Soldiers will continue to carry the banner of freedom, hope and opportunity to the people of the world.”
Read the book yourself – you be the judge. These are the book’s contents:
- Chapter 1 - The Strategic Context
- Chapter 2 - Stability in Full Spectrum Operations
- Chapter 3 - Essential Stability Tasks
- Chapter 4 - Planning for Stability Operations
- Chapter 5 - Transitional Military Authority
- Chapter 6 - Security Sector Reform
- Lengthy and detailed Appendices
Interesting stuff for anyone with a keen interest in current events and/or military history. Coupled with the Counter Insurgency manual you’ll get a full picture of how the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq have helped to re-shape the role of the U.S. military. Buy a copy - today! They’re A LOT easier on the eyes than reading them on a monitor (psssst! - plus they’re EMP-proof ;-)).
- Ranger Man
BTW: Thanks to the person that made a recent purchase of SHTFblog grid-down field manuals. I don’t know who you are, but your support is appreciated.
5 responses so far ↓
1 theotherryan // Oct 10, 2008 at 10:10 pm
Got a stack of FM’s now. Odds are high that if I ever see a pile of these one will go into my collection.
2 Marine 83 // Oct 11, 2008 at 8:10 am
I have to disagree with your statement that nation building is a new concept for the U.S. military. The military has been in the nation building business since at least the Spanish American War, with varying degrees of success. For example, Germany, Japan and South Korea 100 % successful. Nicaragua and Haiti were successful…..as long as the Marines ran things. Philippines.. moderately successful. Lebanon and Somalia.. not so much. In general the success of any nation building exercise seems to depend on how long the U.S. Military hangs around to keep the locals from going back to the old ways of doing business.
3 SurvivalTopics.com // Oct 12, 2008 at 6:38 am
Mark my words - “insurgents” includes those in the USA who resist the defamation of the US Constitution that has been happening at an accelerated pace.
This manual can come in handy as a study of how they plan to enforce it and countermeasures that can be taken to protect our freedoms.
4 oldman in the boonies // Oct 12, 2008 at 8:03 am
I agree with Topics, The point of all that traing is learn how to suppress dissident American Citizen serfs who fight the Americqan Royaly. The President and VP now has two private Armies, BlackWater for Darth Vador and The Army Brigade that just moved in for G-dub.
5 3rd Man // Oct 12, 2008 at 8:40 am
My concern will be the lack of Law Enforcement. We have had a hard time controling Iraq. You really think anyone can control a population ten times that size with only approxmately 1.2 million troop and thats if you count every person in every branch of the military. There are also over 60 million gun owners in this country. We also only have 700,000 LE officers in this country. There is a good reason why it is called the thin blue line. Just look at N.O. Even with Marshal Law anyone in a city smaller than a million people would not even see a solider. Our biggest threat will be hunger and those who want what you have stored. The government will be the least of your worries at that point.
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