Despite nearly a decade of fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan, the Defense Department “lacks a common understanding” of counterinsurgency, according to the Defense Science Board. Further, DOD has assumed responsibility for COIN intelligence-surveillance-reconnaissance “by default” since the US government “is not employing all elements of national power” for COIN operations, stated the DSB Task Force on Defense Intelligence in its recently issued report. “ISR capabilities have not been applied effectively against COIN operations that deal with populations in part because a comprehensive set of intelligence requirements for COIN does not exist,” wrote ret. Maj. Gen. Richard O’Lear, task force co-chairman, in the document, released in May, but dated February. O’Lear said counterinsurgency intelligence is often “overshadowed” by counterterrorism and force-protection requirements. However, an increased focus on ISR for COIN would “reduce the need for major commitment of military forces” by providing more “whole-of-government options,” he wrote. (Full report; caution, large-sized file.)
US Space Command Should Always Be Led by a Guardian
Sept. 12, 2026
General Stephen Whiting took command of U.S. Space Command in January 2024, and if customary three-year tenures hold, his tour would end in January 2027. The question now before the President and Senate is who should follow him? Whoever they choose, it has to be a Guardian—and so should every successor…
