Irregular Warfare Essay

During Irregular Warfare Operations leadership and ethics are imperative to the success of the mission. Irregular Warfare situations often place military professionals in dynamic and ambiguous environments where one participates in stability, defensive, and offensive operations. It is vital that all Marines of every rank know what Irregular Warfare encompasses: to utilize their best judgement when making the myriad of complex decisions that one would face in the Irregular Warfare environment. The Marine Corps Leadership traits of Knowledge, Judgement, and Decisiveness are the most prominent traits when operating against irregular threats. Knowledge is the back bone of success in accomplishing any mission, especially in regards to Irregular Warfare. The conduct of these type of operations is dependent on the thorough understanding of the society and culture of the population within the Area of Operation (AO). The knowledge of the enemies’ strengths and weaknesses are just as important as the same knowledge of local or friendly forces. Insurgencies are very efficient at adapting political and military tactics to support their efforts within the environment. Knowledge of all aspects of the AO is the only way that all Marines can accurately make observations, correctly orient, make critical decisions, and take suitable and appropriate action. Judgement allows a …show more content…
It involves weighing options and making timely, well announced decisions. With an enemy that is incredibly flexible and adaptive the speed and accuracy of decisions is most imperative. It is essential that all Marines understand the Commander’s Intent and demonstrate disciplined initiative to accomplish missions. In order to counter a fast, adaptive enemy, all Marines, no matter their rank, need to be empowered to make appropriate decisions to accomplish the mission as quickly as the situation