Military Review English Edition November-December 2013 | Page 69

Applying Principles
of Counterinsurgency
to the Fight Against
Sexual Assault in the
Military
Countering the Insurgency within Our Ranks
1st Lt. Chad R. Christian

A

FTER OVER A decade of operations in Iraq and Afghanistan combating a violent insurgency of extremists, the U.S. military is now
facing a new fight with another violent enemy—one hidden within our own
ranks. Failures in leadership and the lack of personal accountability within
our formations ensure this enemy’s survival. Leaders fail to create a culture of respect and professionalism, provide an environment that is safe
and supportive of victims, deliberately investigate accusations, and ruthlessly prosecute offenders. While the battlefield and enemy have changed,
the principles of warfare remain the same. The Army should use the lessons
learned in Iraq and Afghanistan to more effectively combat the current war
against sexual predators in the Armed Forces.
Counterinsurgency (COIN) operations are very complex and have been the
topic of numerous books, articles, and debates over the last decade. There
are six fundamental principles of COIN that apply to all counterinsurgency
operations. Examining these principles and applying them in conjunction with
lessons learned in Afghanistan may help the military to end sexual assault.
1st Lt. Chad R. Christian is the
executive officer for Headquarters
and Headquarters Company, 172nd
Infantry Brigade, and is transferring to
7th Army Joint Multinational Training
Command. He holds a bachelor’s
degree in finance from the University
of Alabama.

PHOTO: (DOD)

MILITARY REVIEW

Fundamental Principles of COIN

Department of the Army Field Manual (FM) 3-24, Counterinsurgency,
defines COIN as military, paramilitary, political, economic, psychological,
and civic actions taken by a government to defeat an insurgency.1 COIN is a
combination of offensive, defensive, and stability operations spanning multiple
agencies. To be successful, COIN requires cooperation on all levels. Just like
COIN, the Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention (SHARP)
program includes multiple organizations, such as the Army Community Service, Family Advocacy Program, and the Criminal Investigations Division.

• November-December 2013

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