It has long been predicted that counterinsurgency will be the predominant style of American warfare in the 21st century: Thus far, the prediction has proven true.
Written for those who study counterinsurgency from a policy perspective as well as for those who do counterinsurgency in the field, this book demonstrates that the U.S. has had difficulty meeting the challenges of this special form of warfare because it has not properly processed important lessons from the past. Based on the author’s wartime experiences, a broad range of topics are covered—from factors to be considered in accepting a counterinsurgency partner to “rules” for advisors in the field—with points illustrated by real-life examples.

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 Coolidge, Georgia.

David Donovan
Format: softcover (6 x 9)
Pages: 224
Bibliographic Info: 18 photos, bibliography, index
Copyright Date: 2015
pISBN: 978-0-7864-9769-0
eISBN: 978-1-4766-1921-7
Imprint: McFarland

Table of Contents


Acknowledgments iv

Preface 1

One—The Test: Five Questions 3

Two—The Program: Five Requirements 29

Three—The Campaign: Five Challenges 44

Four—Those Who Do Counterinsurgency: The Advisors 65

Five—Donovan’s Dozens: Rules for Counterinsurgency 85

Six—Counterinsurgency Failure: A Dozen Ways to Do It 134

Seven—Counterinsurgency Program Organization: It Can Work in Its Specifics but Still Be Overwhelmed 157

Eight—Counterinsurgency and the Potemkin Village 179

Nine—The Soldiers They Send 197

Bibliography 207

Index 211

“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.