History as a Blueprint

The United States successfully fought both a symmetric war and counterinsurgency campaign during the American-Philippine War from 1899-1902. The United States military, after a comprehensive effort was finally able to defeat the Philippine insurgency. While the Filipino insurgents scored small successes against US forces, significant problems with their overall strategy and leadership was one of the reasons for their defeat. Another reason was the adaptability of US forces in conducting both military and civil efforts to gain the support of the population. This seems particularly relevant today, since the US is entering its third year in attempting to defeat the insurgency in Iraq. The tactics and strategies used against the Filipino insurgents are also having success in Iraq.