Bridging the Gap: Why Conventional Forces Need Irregular Warfare Training

By Austin Wesley, a US Army officer.   This essay argues that the US Army must break its cycle of neglecting irregular warfare (IW) by fully integrating IW concepts into its Professional Military Education (PME) for conventional forces. Drawing lessons from Vietnam and Iraq, the author demonstrates how the Army's focus on Large Scale Combat Operations (LSCO) has repeatedly left it unprepared for irregular conflicts. The piece emphasizes that IW is not solely the domain of Special Operations Forces, but a critical competency for all Army personnel. It proposes specific changes to PME, including early and frequent exposure to IW concepts, incorporation of IW into planning exercises, and instruction by conventional force leaders. The author contends that these changes are essential for preparing the Army to effectively wage both conventional and irregular warfare in support of joint force operations. The views expressed are those of the author(s) and do not reflect the official position of the Irregular Warfare Initiative, Princeton University’s Empirical Studies of Conflict Project, the Modern War Institute at West Point, or the United States Government. The essay can be found on the Irregular Warfare Initiative's website. If you value reading the Irregular Warfare Initiative, please consider supporting our work. And for the best gear, check out the IWI store for mugs, coasters, apparel, and other items. Subscribe to this podcast and leave us a review.   Until next time,   Keep Warfare Irregular