ARTICLE: U.S. to Raise 'Irregular War' Capabilities, By Ann Scott Tyson, Washington Post, December 4, 2008; Page A04

First para says it all:

The Pentagon this week approved a major policy directive that elevates the military's mission of "irregular warfare" -- the increasingly prevalent campaigns to battle insurgents and terrorists, often with foreign partners and sometimes clandestinely -- to an equal footing with traditional combat.

Another example of the impact of Gates, who is described as having "lobbied outspokenly" (odd construction) for the new policy. It's why I was so eager to see him stay another year or two, because I see the lock-in on things like this being so much more profound on that basis.