Counterinsurgency

David Donovan is the pen name of Terry T. Turner, a former advisor in a counterinsurgency program in Vietnam. For the last 35 years he has been a scientist and university professor and is currently professor emeritus at the University of Virginia. He lives in Moultrie, Georgia.

• Table of ContentsAcknowledgmentsPrefaceOne—The Test: Five QuestionsTwo—The Program: Five RequirementsThree—The Campaign: Five ChallengesFour—Those Who Do Counterinsurgency: The AdvisorsFive—Donovan’s Dozens: Rules for CounterinsurgencySix—Counterinsurgency Failure: A Dozen Ways to Do ItSeven—Counterinsurgency Program Organization: It Can Work in Its Specifics but Still Be OverwhelmedEight—Counterinsurgency and the Potemkin VillageNine—The Soldiers They SendBibliographyIndex

“clearly written...presents the fundamentals of counterinsurgency and, most important, contains a wealth of practical tips for Americans working as advisors with host-nation counterparts...excellent handbook...well-organized, straightforward, easily digested...a ‘must read’”—Vietnam; “this is a work that deserves a place on professional military and U.S. foreign policy reading lists. It reinforces a respect for historical experience that inform future readiness. Counterinsurgency’s tenets are timeless and transcend technology. This particular book is arguably the best place to begin studying counterinsurgency as it establishes the relevance of the topic and provides a sturdy bridge between theory and practice. Consider it the newest and best foundational primer on its subject for American audiences”—Military Review; “Donovan has crafted another incredible book...superbly written, impecably organized, and will unquestionably benefit everyone who reads it. It clearly exceeded the high expectations I had for it”—Infantry; “this is a work that deserves a place on professional military and the U.S. foreign policy reading lists. It reinforces a respect for historical experience that can inform future readiness. The work dispenses practical advice to both senior strategists and junior leaders coping with the demands of fighting indigenous insurgencies. Arguably the best place to begin studying counterinsurgency. Consider it the newest and best foundational primer on its subject for American audiences”—Soldier of Fortune Magazine.