THIS BOOK HAS BEEN REPLACED BY A NEW FM 3-24, Insurgencies and Countering Insurgencies, dated May 2014- WHICH IS ON THIS WEB SITE.

This field manual (dated 2006) /Marine Corps warfighting publication establishes doctrine (fundamental principles) for military operations in a counterinsurgency (COIN) environment. It is based on lessons learned from previous counterinsurgencies and contemporary operations. It is also based on existing interim doctrine and doctrine recently developed. 

Counterinsurgency operations generally have been neglected in broader American military doctrine and na­tional security policies since the end of the Vietnam War over 30 years ago. This manual is designed to reverse that trend. It is also designed to merge traditional approaches to COIN with the realities of a new international arena shaped by technological advances, globalization, and the spread of extremist ideologies—some of them claiming the authority of a religious faith. 

The manual begins with a description of insurgencies and counterinsurgencies.

The primary audience for this manual is leaders and planners at the battalion level and above. This manual applies to the United States Marine Corps, the Active Army, the Army National Guard/Army National Guard of the United States, and the United States Army Reserve unless otherwise stated.

  This book is a "mini" (7 1/4 inches high by 5 1/2 inches wide) size - A popular size to carry anywhere (briefcase, large pocket, purse) but the print is large enough for easy reading.

The covers are laminated for weather protection with black and white inside printing.

Table of Contents