USMC Small Wars Manual 1940

This document is the USMC Small Wars Manual, originally published in 1940. The Small Wars Manual is often cited as the first text on counterinsurgency or guerilla warfare. While much has been learned over the more than half-century since Small Wars Manual was first published, the lessons imparted here are still valid, even urgent.

This download is a reprint of the original 1940 Small Wars Manual, distributed by the U.S. Navy as document NAVMC 2890 on 1 April 1987. The cover letter (contained in this download) states:

The Small Wars Manual is one of the best books on military operations in peacekeeping and counterinsurgency operations published betore World War II.

The download contains 492 pages in PDF format, including charts and illustrations. The manual is organized into fifteen chapters:

1. Introduction
2. Organization
3. Logistics
4. Training
5. Initial Operations
6. Infantry Patrols
7. Mounted Detachments
8. Convoys and Convoy Escorts

9. Aviation
10. River Operations
11. Disarmament of Population
12. Armed Native Organizations
13. Military Government
14. Supervision of Elections
15. Withdrawal

See also: FM 3-24 Counterinsurgency.

Today in WW II: 17 Sep 1939 Soviet troops invade Poland from the east. More ↓

17 Sep 1944 Thousands of Allied planes begin airborne assault on Holland, Operation Market Garden.
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