[Mr. Silverback]

than Gen Pertraiuos (the population will start respecting us when they see our soldiers die).

Is it just that I haven't had enough coffee yet, or is that pretty trollish?

[jackieaxe]

Mr Silverback: this is from the General P manual: 1-109. By its nature, insurgency is protracted. The conduct of counterinsurgency always demands consid erable expenditures of time and resources. Even if people prefer the host-nation government to the insur gents, they do not actively support that government unless they are convinced the counterinsurgent forces have the means, ability, stamina, and will to win. The insurgent’s primary battle is against the indigenous government, not the United States, but American support can be crucial to building public faith in that gov ernment’s viability. Insurgents and local populations often believe that a few casualties or a few years will cause the United States to abandon a COIN effort. Constant reaffirmations of commitment, backed by deeds, can overcome that perception and bolster faith in the steadfastness of American support.

The bolded part to me reads, as we keep dying, the population come around to our way of thinking. The whole manual talks to turning the other check.

I hope you have had your coffee.