In the first hours after the Sept. 11 attacks, U.S. commanders understood they confronted a new enemy: one without borders, but capable of projecting power around the globe. Over the next 10 years the American military would confront terrorists and insurgents across a vast international battlefield who were no match for America’s technology, but who were adept at fighting an asymmetrical, open-ended war.

That challenge would force significant changes to America’s warfighting doctrine. Young military commanders who began their careers expecting to fight conventional wars were confronted with rebuilding communities and winning hearts and minds, while fighting a relentless, shape-shifting insurgency.

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