<1. A guerrilla war is not a war of technology versus peasantry. Rather, it is a contest of endurance and national will. The side with the greatest moral commitment (ideological, religious or patriotic) will hold the ground at the end of the conflict. Battlefield victory can be almost irrelevant, since victory is often determined by morale, obstinacy and survival.

It can also depend on how far the country with the superior technology is willing to go. I think we all realize that pounding Afghanistan with nuclear weapons would certainly win the war decisively by obliterating the opposition, however brave and committed they may be. History is full of brave committed armies who were annihilated by a superior force with few scruples. Genocide always works.

3. Weapons systems, field gear, communications equipment and transport which are designed for conventional war will often work less effectively or fail completely on rugged terrain.

You'd think the Russians would have learned this particular lesson after the Nazis invaded the Soviet Union with their tanks and armies and got clobbered by the winter.

4. Tactics for conventional war will not work against guerrillas. Forces need to be reequipped, restructured and retrained for fighting guerrillas or for fighting as guerrillas. The most effective combatants are light infantry.

I like to think our military is currently working Afghanistan this newer way, and that our future military plans are in this direction.

Tanks have a limited utility for the counter-guerrilla force, but can serve as an effective reserve on the right terrain. Infantry fighting vehicles and helicopters can play an important role in mobility and fire support. Mechanized forces usually fight effectively only when dismounted and when using their carriers for support or as a maneuver reserve. Ample engineer troops are essential for both side.

I don't know this for sure, but I don't think the U.S. has hardly any tanks in Afghanistan. Anyone else know this? Certainly we are using plenty of helicopters.

7. Journalists and television cameramen are key players in guerrilla warfare. The successful struggle can be effectively aided when championed by a significant portion of the world's press.

Boy, you can say THAT again. A lot depends on whose side the press is on.

10. Domination of the air is irrelevant unless airpower can be precisely targeted. Seizure of terrain can be advantageous, but is usually only of temporary value. Control of the cities can be a plus, but can also prove a detriment. Support of the population is essential for the winning side.

Some of this is more true than other parts. Airpower certainly worked well for us in the initial phases of the Afghan war. Support of the population is fickle at best. Let's hope eventually we get enough of it.