A Study on the Feasibility of Netherlands Special Operation Forces Conducting Unconventional Warfare
Abstract
In the past three decades, The Netherlands Special Operations Forces (NLD SOF) operated in various geographical regions and executed the three principal tasks of SOF: (1) Military Assistance, (2) Special Reconnaissance, and (3) Direct Action. In the execution of these operations that focused on fighting terrorism, no consideration was given for Unconventional Warfare (UW) operations. Therefore, this study seeks to address the following research question: To what extent can NLD SOF conduct UW operations given the NLD political-strategic setting? To answer the research question, this study uses a qualitative approach. Besides information from existing literature, government documents, and media reports, interviews with key subject matter experts provide first-hand assessments on UW operations. It turns out that NLD SOF are not adequately educated, trained, and equipped to conduct UW operations, because UW is not currently a doctrinal task for NLD SOF and, therefore, is not taught during NLD SOF qualification courses. The Netherlands policy documents such as the Integrated International Security Strategy, the Defence Notes and The Netherlands Defence Doctrine provide interpretation for the NLD government to consider UW as a viable option for ensuring stability and security on NATO and EU territories. These documents and the Dutch Constitution also provide a legal basis for the NLD government to deploy its armed forces for these missions.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 2022
- Accession Number
- AD1184699
Entities
People
- Nico Zoontjens
Organizations
- Naval Postgraduate School