Horse-Mounted Troops in Low Intensity Conflict

Abstract

This paper argues for the development of a horse-mounted capability within US Special Operations Forces to support the conduct of counter insurgency operations. Horse-mounted troops are an asset that cannot be ignored given the likelihood that the US will be involved in assisting friendly governments combating insurgencies to some degree into the next century. Horse-mounted troops provide the capabilities of: Mobility; Surprise; Security; Intimidation. Several recent historical examples of the effective use of horse-mounted troops in a counter insurgency role are presented and discussed. The operational concept calls for 'Horse Qualified' teams within the special forces structure capable of providing advice and assistance to host government forces. The horses utilized would be locally obtained in the area involved. Other than for training and proficiency maintenance, no horse-mounted establishment in CONUS is envisioned.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jun 01, 1991
Accession Number
ADA237625

Entities

People

  • Peter W. Onoszko

Organizations

  • United States Army War College

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms
  • Human Systems
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Africa
  • Armored Personnel Carriers
  • Classification
  • Doctrine
  • Employment
  • Low Intensity Conflict
  • Mechanical Equipment
  • Military Operations
  • Military Training
  • National Politics
  • Reconnaissance
  • Special Forces
  • Students
  • Training
  • United States
  • War Colleges
  • Warfare

Readers

  • Irregular Warfare and Special Operations Cyberspace Operations against Adversarial Threats.
  • Military and Counterinsurgency Studies.