Although the role of the military advisor to senior foreign officials is honored in political history, it became almost a forgotten art when it was needed in Afghanistan and Iraq. American military services are now fully engaged in nation-building in the Iraqi and Afghan conflict zones, and the advisory responsibility seems certain to be needed elsewhere. Advisors have become an invaluable part of the nation-building process, and whether they are assigned to counsel and work with governors, generals, or Cabinet Ministers, their role has an impact on America's overall political and military strategy. This guidebook draws on the experiences of diplomats and military officers who have served in such roles, and whose work with senior foreign officials was carried out in conflict zones at critical times. Although examples are drawn from life in the Islamic world, the precepts have widespread application, and the examples will be an important part of any future advisor's preparation.

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.

A thorough survey of the key issues that surround the relations between the military and its civilian control in the US today.

A primary requirement in achieving strategic aims in Iraq is the reestablishment of a functional health care system. Currently, there is no agreed solution among the stake-holder agencies regarding strategic health policy in support of this objective. Health care is a component of basic human needs and should be accessible, affordable, and effective. Following combat operations and phasing into stabilization operations, basic health care infrastructure and systems have often been either disrupted or degraded altogether. To address this situation, the U.S. Government requires a coordinated interagency approach to formulate a strategic health care plan. Incorporating all relevant players into this endeavor will promote sound organizational design, unity of effort, and a culture favorable to synchronization. This paper contains specific recommendations and advocates a renewed effort toward addressing them. The primary constructs under review are U.S. Government organization, leadership, and culture as they relate to a strategic healthcare policy. This approach will reduce redundant efforts, conserve resources and augment the legitimacy of the new Government of Iraq while supporting U.S. national strategic aims.