The War Lab: Exploring the Future of Conflict

Beyond the Frontlines: How "By, With, and Through" Won the War Against ISIS

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The fight against ISIS in Iraq wasn't just about bombs and bullets. It was about a new way of war, a strategy called "by, with, and through." In this episode, we delve deep into the U.S. Army's critical role in Operation Inherent Resolve (OIR), revealing how American forces, while not on the front lines, were instrumental in the victory.

We'll explore the "by, with, and through" concept, a phrase that's become central to modern warfare but is often misunderstood. We trace its evolution from a niche Special Forces tactic to a guiding principle for working with partner forces, and uncover the challenges and ambiguities that come with its broader application.

Join us as we unpack:

  • The "No Ground Combat" Myth: Discover how U.S. forces, despite the official policy, were deeply engaged in the fight, providing essential support that tipped the scales against ISIS.
  • The Power of Partnership: Learn how American advisors embedded with Iraqi and Kurdish forces, empowering them with intelligence, fire support, and crucial enabling capabilities.
  • The Crucial Role of U.S. Firepower: We'll examine how American artillery and airpower, including the AH-64 Apache, provided devastating support to partner forces, often in situations with no precedent since the early days of the Iraq War.
  • Command and Control Challenges: The complex "hybrid" command structure used in OIR to coordinate air and ground assets, and the lessons learned from it.
  • Key Battles Unpacked: We'll analyze the battles of Ramadi, Fallujah, and Mosul, highlighting the challenges and successes of the "by, with, and through" approach in urban warfare.
  • The Importance of "Tactical Directive #1": Discover how this crucial directive changed the game, allowing closer engagement with partner forces and more effective fire support.
  • Doctrinal Dilemmas: Explore the debate over whether "by, with, and through" should be formalized as a stand-alone military doctrine and the challenges of applying lessons learned to future conflicts.
  • The Legacy of OIR: We'll assess the long-term implications of this new approach to warfare and its impact on how the U.S. military operates in the 21st century.

    • We'll hear:

    • Analysis of official reports: Breaking down the key findings and recommendations of military assessments.
    • Expert opinions: Discussing the strategic and operational implications of "by, with, and through" warfare.

      • This episode provides a nuanced understanding of modern warfare, revealing the complexities of working with partner forces and the vital role of enabling capabilities in achieving victory. Tune in to discover how "by, with, and through" redefined the battlefield and shaped the outcome of Operation Inherent Resolve.

      Tags: Military Strategy, Operation Inherent Resolve, ISIS, Iraq, Counterterrorism, "By, With, and Through", Security Force Assistance, Partnered Operations, Military Doctrine, U.S. Army, Special Forces, Coalition Warfare, AH-64 Apache, ISR, Command and Control.

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      The War Lab: Exploring the Future of ConflictBy CJH