Small Wars Manual facts for kids
The Small Wars Manual is a special book used by the United States Marine Corps. It teaches soldiers how to handle certain types of military actions. These are often called "small wars" because they are not full-scale wars between large armies. Instead, they involve things like helping a country keep peace or dealing with rebel groups.
The Marine Corps has a long history of being involved in these kinds of operations. In the early 1900s, the Marines were often seen as America's quick response team overseas. They were ready to go anywhere needed, often from ships, to help solve problems.
Contents
What is the Small Wars Manual?
This manual helps Marines learn how to act in situations that are not big wars. It covers how to deal with local conflicts and keep peace. The book teaches them how to work with local people and governments. It also helps them understand different cultures.
Why was the Manual Created?
The Marines learned a lot from their experiences in Central America and the Caribbean. From the late 1890s to the early 1930s, they were involved in many military actions. These were sometimes called the Banana Wars. During these times, the Marines often faced guerrilla fighters. These are small groups who use surprise attacks.
Because of these experiences, the Marine Corps realized they needed a guide. They wanted to understand how to handle these "small wars" better. They started studying these types of operations very carefully.
Early Ideas for the Manual
In 1921, a Marine officer named Major Samuel M. Harrington wrote an important report. It was called The Strategy and Tactics of Small Wars. Later, in 1923, Major C. J. Miller wrote another big report. This one was about the Marines' work in the Dominican Republic. These reports and other articles helped form the ideas for the manual. Many of these ideas were first shared in military magazines.
The Manual Today
The first version of the manual was published in 1935. It was called Small Wars Operations. In 1940, it was updated and renamed The Small Wars Manual. Many people consider it a very important book in military science.
Even today, the Small Wars Manual is still useful. Its ideas are part of how the military thinks about these types of operations. For example, General James Mattis encouraged his troops to read it. This was before the 1st Marine Division went to the Iraq War as an occupation force.
What the Manual Teaches
The Small Wars Manual has many different sections. Each section covers an important part of these special military operations. Here are some of the topics it covers:
- How to get started in a new area.
- How to organize troops and supplies.
- How to train soldiers for specific tasks.
- How to conduct patrols and protect convoys.
- How to use aircraft and operate on rivers.
- How to work with local armed groups.
- How to help set up a new government.
- How to supervise elections in other countries.
- How to safely leave an area after a mission.
