Historically, the U.S. Army faces numerous challenges planning for counterinsurgency (COIN) operations. Insurgencies by their very nature occur within the context of a complex operating environment that typically last years if not decades. The insurgency that erupted at the conclusion of major combat operations in Operation Iraqi Freedom represents an example of the complex operating environment that planners will continue to face in the future. The best available planning method for operational planners to frame operations over the duration of a protracted campaign is called logical lines of operation. Logical lines of operation provide a method for commanders to visualize and adjust operations over time, space and purpose to contribute to operational objectives and strategic end-state(s). This monograph analyzes the theoretical and historical underpinnings of lines of operation (physical and logical) as well as counterinsurgency operations. Subsequently, an analysis and assessment of both U.S. and British planning and counterinsurgency doctrine provides a look at the effectiveness of current doctrine in addressing the use of logical lines of operation in the complex operating environment. Case studies are analyzed to examine the practical application of logical lines of operation in COIN operations and subsequently determine whether the concept informs current doctrine. The monograph argues that a void exists in both U.S. Army and Joint doctrine with respect to the use of logical lines of operation-particularly with respect to planning COIN operations within protracted campaigns. Consequently, the monograph makes the following recommendations to improve the description and depiction of logical lines of operation in U.S. Joint and Army planning and counterinsurgency doctrine. First, "operationalize" counterinsurgency doctrine by including logical lines of operation as a planning framework. Second, clarify language and terminology across current joint and army doctrine, which features the effects based approach to operational design. Third, clearly differentiate between national insurgency (insurgency during Foreign Internal Defense (FID)) and liberation insurgency (insurgency during state building similar to the operating environment in Iraq). Doctrine minimizes the importance of COIN by nesting the operation as a subset of stability operations and FID. Finally, doctrine should provide conceptual examples of logical lines at each level of war to emphasize unity of effort at the theater strategic and operational level. The analysis, assessment, and recommendations in this monograph inform existing doctrine and bring to light the importance of conceptualizing long-term solutions to the problem of regional and global insurgency.

ADA449976 Approved for public release; Distribution is unlimited. The opinions and conclusions expressed herein are those of the student-authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College or any other governmental agency. (References to these studies should include the foregoing statement.)