McChrystal identifies lessons learned
The former commander of NATO’s International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) and US Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC), Stanley McChrystal, today identified a series of critical tenets regarding recent operations in Afghanistan and Iraq.
Addressing RUSI members in London on 3rd March, McChrystal highlighted a series of lessons learned in both operational theatres and stressed how coalition forces ‘didn’t do as well as we could have’.
First, he discussed the importance of theatre-specific situational awareness, describing how initial efforts to rid Afghanistan and Iraq of Al-Qaeda and Saddam Hussein respectively, had morphed into different mission sets.
Highlighting the presence of ‘thousands’
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Defence Notes
-
Amazon Project Kuiper emphasises user-friendly solutions for multi-domain connectivity (Studio)
At DSEI 2025, Shephard's Alix Valenti spoke to Project Kuiper's Rich Pang about the importance of enabling seamless communication between allied forces such as NATO members in challenging operational environments.
-
Israel defence ministry pushes ambitious spending plans for tanks, drones and KC-46 aircraft
The procurement and acceleration production plans – some of which still await approval – across the air and land domains will aim to strengthen the operational needs of the Israel Defense Forces.
-
US reforms its defence acquisition system to focus on commercial capabilities
This shift is planned to accelerate the procurement and fielding of capabilities. As part of this strategy, the US also intends modernise its regulations in an attempt to change its bureaucratic and risk-averse culture.