The Operational Arch

Irregular Warfare and the Operational Level of War w/ the Irregular Warfare Center's COL (Ret.) Derek Jones

Apr 1, 2023

Retired U.S. Army Special Forces officer COL (Ret.) Derek Jones discusses irregular warfare and operational art. Topics include framing irregular operations, defining irregular warfare, enhancing partner forces, building resistance forces, and historical anecdotes in strategic adaptation.

49:56

Creator website

Episode guests

COL (Ret.) Derek Jones

AI Summary

AI Chapters

Episode notes

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Integrating regular warfare concepts at the strategic level is vital for preparing resistances to both invasion and occupation scenarios.

Lessons learned from the situation in Ukraine highlight the importance of the effectiveness of resistance to invasion versus occupation and the nuances of strategic sabotage.

Recognizing the significance of resistance to combat operations and enhancing the interagency integration are key for strategic success.

Deep dives

The Importance of Integrating Regular Warfare Concepts at the Strategic Level

Integrating regular warfare concepts at the strategic level is vital for preparing resistances to both invasion and occupation scenarios. The focus on professionalizing resistance forces and understanding the transition from overt actions to clandestine operations is crucial. Lessons from historical anecdotes emphasize the need for strategic thinking and preparation for various conflict scenarios, ensuring readiness for resistance efforts at different strategic levels.

Introduction

2min

Establishment of the Irregular Warfare Center

6min

Exploring the Complexities of Irregular Warfare

28min

Enhancing Partner Forces Through Irregular Warfare Investments

6min

Building Resistance Forces and the Challenges of Occupation

4min

Exploring Historical Anecdotes and Strategic Adaptation in Irregular Warfare

3min

Season 1 Episode 5 of the Operational Arch focuses on how irregular warfare fits into the operational level of war and operational art. Our guest, COL (Ret.) Derek Jones, representing the Irregular Warfare Center, discusses how irregular warfare is just one aspect of an irregular approach to campaigning and provides insights on how to perceive and frame irregular operations across the range of military operations. COL Jones is a retired U.S. Army Special Forces officer, special plans officer for the Irregular Warfare Center, Chief Strategy Officer of Valens Global, a 2009 graduate of the Advanced Military Studies Program at SAMS, and 2017 graduate of the U.S. Army War College. He is a well-respected subject matter expert in irregular and unconventional warfare with decades of operational experience spanning the globe. Derek holds four master's degrees from the U.S. Army CGSC, American Military University, SAMS, and the U.S. Army War College.

MAJs Josh Bedingfield and Jonathan Janos. You can contact them at operationalarch@gmail.com with any questions you may have.

Irregular Warfare Center: https://irregularwarfarecenter.org

School of Advanced Military Studies: https://armyuniversity.edu/CGSC/SAMS/SAMS
Twitter: https://twitter.com/us_sams
Intro and Outro Music: "On and On" by Christian Bedingfield

Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts

Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.

The Operational Arch

Irregular Warfare and the Operational Level of War w/ the Irregular Warfare Center's COL (Ret.) Derek Jones

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Deep dives

The Importance of Integrating Regular Warfare Concepts at the Strategic Level

Lessons Learned from Ukraine and Future Applications

Embracing Resistance to Combat Conventional Operations

Strategic Thinking for Effective Resistance

Advancing Irregular Warfare Concepts for Strategic Resilience

Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts