A question of relevancy: the RMA, transformation and counter-insurgency warfare

• Main Author: Salt, Alexander
• Other Authors: Fergusson, James (Political Studies)
• Published: 2014
• Subjects: Military; United States; RMA; Transformation; Iraq; Afghanistan
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/1993/23642

The concept of an emerging Revolution in Military Affairs (RMA) came to light in American military thinking in the late 1980s, and largely dealt with a new generation of military technologies which promised to alter the nature of modern warfare. In order to exploit these new technologies to their fullest, U.S. military planners set in motion the process of transformation. Significant questions, however, have emerged regarding the utility of RMA technologies and the transformation of the U.S. military and its ability to meet the challenges of insurgency and counter-insurgency (COIN). A central question then emerges as to whether or not the RMA is relevant to COIN? Although the impact of the RMA has failed to give the U.S. an unchallengeable advantage while waging COIN campaigns, it has certainly assisted in developing specific and vital capabilities in such operations.