Seeking Balance in the Scaffolding of Progressive Counterinsurgency

In examining five short case studies—the small hill, Linok, Gata, Bacolod, and Taraca—this chapter looks back on the previous three chapters and analyzes the counterinsurgency strategy developed by Capt. Pershing in 1902–1903. That strategy emphasized the importance of relationship building, learning from ground-level experience, molding tactics to fit each local situation, being adaptable and flexible, and always seeking the middle ground. Two other words—balance and practicality—also applied. Pershing encouraged balance in the American treatment of Moro customary law versus modern criminal law, and he stressed practicality in gradually phasing out slavery as practiced by Moros. Before he left for the United States, he also helped to build a long-term structure for American governance of the new Moro Province.