Why the Army’s Messaging About COIN Is Dangerous

Abstract The Army has made large-scale combat operations (LSCO) its highest training standard. LSCO stresses the force in ways counterinsurgency does not. Yet Army messaging suggests the institution is moving away from COIN entirely. This signal is wrong. LSCO should be the training priority. Counterinsurgency (COIN) should remain part of the operational toolkit. Senior leaders need messaging that…