Finding the Right Tool to Tell a War Story

Damon Winter in Afghanistan - NYTimes.com
Great set of photos taken by a camera phone. Proof that sometimes the better camera may not be the right camera. But perhaps more importantly, the stark photos show the realities of fighting a war in Afghanistan.

1 RCR conducts counter-insurgency operations

Candid comments on the operational side of things. Also great to see a female officer commanding a combat unit.

Buying Peace?

Kings of War blog: Department of War Studies, King's College London
Fantastic idea. Instead of directly thinking about buying shiny new equipment, or planning a shift in doctrine, it would be great if the armed forces of the world are able to start from the basis of how much the change will enable "more peace" (bad English notwithstanding).

Really needs a paradigm shift (I hate to use this overused phrase), and apt since I'm currently in camp, undergoing reservist training...

The Defense of Jisr Al-Doreaa

Homepage

Picked up a gem on New Year's Eve at the Central Public Library by chance, while waiting for a dinner gathering that evening.

Written in the style of The Defence of Duffer's Drift, The Defense of Jisr Al-Doreaa is a great tactical guide book on counterinsurgency. The fictional story in the form of 6 recurring dreams allow a platoon commander to learn 16 lessons, step by step.

US Afghan war review: On track, down a cul-de-sac

Editorial | The Guardian

"Mr Obama's war strategy will fail because the two essential ingredients for a successful counterinsurgency campaign are missing: a legitimate and functioning national government, and the ability to deprive insurgents of external support."

'It's taken a year to move 20km'

A video clip from the Guardian newspaper on US Marines in Helmand, and also US Air Force para-jumpers.

IDF officers finish course on reducing civilian casualties

The Jerusalem Post
Signs of a positive reaction to the Goldstone report. However, it would be more ideal if all combat troops underwent Law of Armed Conflict (LOAC) training, instead of only relying on a staff officer.

Marksmen share skills during AFSAM

Video showing the participation of the Canadian Army in the Armed Forces Skill-at-Arms Meeting (AFSAM) organised by the National Guard Marksmanship Training Center (NGMTC).

Some of the competition events included obstacle clearing and simulated casualty evacuation.

The effects of mines on the battlefield

It's supposed to be a video on the trials of leadership, but I found it painful to watch the effects of an anti-personnel mine. Really glad that the Mine Ban Treaty is in place, although countries like the United States and Singapore have yet to ratify the Treaty.

NATO Singapore assistance