This article “Swarming Tactics” by Sid Heal was published in the Spring 2011 issue of The Tactical Edge, the official publication of the National Tactical Officers Association (www.ntoa.org)

I just received the spring 2011 edition of The Tactical Edge, the official publication of the National Tactical Officers Association.

A Tactical Option To Stop Ongoing Deadly Action

“In tactics, the most important thing is not whether you go left or right, but why you go left or right.” ~A. M. Gray

Fourth generation warfare (4GW) is conflict characterized by a blurring of the lines between war and politics, soldier and civilian. ~William Lind

One of the ongoing themes of this column has been gangs and the role they play in a Fourth Generation world. Here in the United States they already serve as an alternative primary loyalty (alternative to the state) for many urban young men. Gangs will likely be a major player in 4GW because gang members are expected to fight. Those who won’t do not remain gang members.

A great article over on the Defense and the National Interest and Don Vandergriff’s web-site written by William Lind a man with and expertise on Conflict and Violence and who authored the Maneuver Warfare Handbook.

A LESC Discourse: Establishing the Discipline to Train and Invest in Preparedness is an ongoing series of articles discussing training and preparedness, learning, unlearning and relearning to develop insight, innovation and initiative to deal with conventional and unconventional problems and threats.