You make valid points about not learning from history and nobody expects that to change. AL's observation about unconventional thinking and COL M's comments about multi-agency, inter-disciplinary approaches being the most effective are probably the best way to approach your thesis. Since Razor has already sent you to the library, pick up a copy of "The Sling and the Stone" by COL Thomas X. Hammes, USMC. Look at his argument for recognizing the emergence of 4GW - Fourth Generation Warfare. It will give you a better grasp of why we (everybody in the business of arms) should be concerned about all forms of insurgent/unconventional warfare. Since you're "abroad" for the summer check out
http://www.smallwarsjournal.com/. You might find some additional source material there. BTW - I despise business models as the pattern for small unit leadership. Business is about managing - small units (definitely Company and below, probably Batallion, rarely Brigade) are about "Follow Me" leadership. Your job as a (future) small unit leader is to win battles. Guys well above "small unit" paygrades have the responsibility to "manage" - actions/mindsets properly reserved for campaigns and strategy, especially in today's world where there are limited opportunities for large formations to engage in "maneuver warfare". (Yes - it is a "black vs. white" outlook. Troops don't make sacrifices for managers.) Take time to "down a pint" for the rest of us. Peregrino