Military leaders must study history. The battles of the past enable the leaders of today's military to study and analyze the lessons learned to better prepare our military for the battles of the future. History provides a record of past battles and conflicts. Most of all, it shows what went wrong or what went right. Through the study of history, we can seek to not repeat the same mistakes. The military has been involved in counterinsurgency operations that date back to the American Indian Wars. In today's Global War on Terrorism, our Soldiers are heavily involved in counterinsurgency operations across the globe. This paper will focus on how lessons from the American Indian Wars, the Philippine Insurrection, and Vietnam are being used today and why our Soldiers must have a knowledge of past counterinsurgency operations.

Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.