“Advancing Marines Test New Afghan War Doctrine:”
BARCHA, Afghanistan (Reuters) – Winning ground is one thing. Convincing Afghan villagers you will not leave, abandoning them to a vengeful Taliban, is a bigger challenge for U.S. Marines advancing deep into southern Helmand province.
The Marines, part of a 10,000-strong force sent to Afghanistan this year, have pushed south into hostile terrain, winning ground and pledging to build the long-term trust and security needed to prevent insurgents from returning.
A day after taking over the former home of a local doctor which had been used as a post by the Taliban, the Marines were building it into a base and trying to win over local people.
“You have to make a decision, please. You want to work with us or you want to work with the Taliban?” the clean-shaven young Marine Captain Junwei Sun asked a wizened and bearded village elder at the first “shura” — or meeting — with local people.
Although the title says “new,” this ain’t anything new. This is COIN 101, what the higher leadership should have been pushing since Day One. Security comes first; mutual trust follows. Believe me, it works.
