got geoint?

On April 6, Defense Secretary Robert Gates unveiled what many consider to be a radical plan to divert money away from legacy weapons systems like the F-22 fighter plane. The new thinking is that defense spending should go towards “Irregular Warfare” programs. So, what exactly is Irregular Warfare (IW) you ask? We found this very detailed 2007 Department of Defense JOC on IW for your enlightenment. In addition, here’s the definition from the document:

Irregular warfare (IW) is defined as a violent struggle among state and non-state actors for legitimacy and influence over the relevant populations. IW favors indirect and asymmetric approaches, though it may employ the full range of military and other capabilities, in order to erode an adversary’s power, influence, and will. It is inherently a protracted struggle that will test the resolve of our Nation and our strategic partners.

Our adversaries will pursue IW strategies, employing a hybrid of irregular, disruptive, traditional, and catastrophic capabilities to undermine and erode the influence and will of the United States and our strategic partners. Meeting these challenges and combating this approach will require the concerted efforts of all available instruments of US national power.

In addition, Special Operations Technology magazine just came out with this most interesting article about what the U.S. Navy is currently doing to expand it’s current IW capabilities. We have not yet addressed the defense budget cuts on got geoint?, and Gates seems to be winning early battles when it comes to selling the plan. So, what do you all think about this change in defense priorities? It certainly seems to address the uncertainties and realities of warfare in this day-and-age.

Tags: Defense, Department of Defense Spending, GEOINT, geospatial intelligence, Irregular Warfare, Military, Robert Gates, Secretary of Defense