Irregular Warfare in the Conventional Theater: An Operational Perspective

Abstract

The purpose of this monograph is to determine a conceptual framework for the analysis of the problems involved of integrating irregular and conventional forces into the same theater of operations. The problem is considered from the perspective of the operational planner or commander who seeks to use irregular forces as an economy of force measure in conjunction with a conventional force. The elements of irregular warfare in the conventional theater are derived through the examination of the irregular fighter and irregular units to determine their unique attributes. These attributes are then used to determine the cases where an irregular force can be applied in a conventional theater as an economy of force asset. The elements of irregular warfare in the conventional theater are then used to describe a classic irregular-conventional campaign, the British and Arab effort in Palestine and the Hejaz Desert during World War 1. This campaign provides a historical basis for the examination of the problem of integrating irregular and conventional forces, and is used as a medium to consider the elements of operational design and the operational planning process. A conceptual framework is developed from the considerations identified in the case study, and from the elements of irregular warfare in a conventional theater. The framework uses six concepts that integrate the ideas presented into a unified model that describes the interaction between the two types of forces, and can be used to analyze the factors that bear on the problem of irregular-conventional force integration in a conventional theater. Conclusions are drawn that stress the need for the judicious, and considered application of irregular forces as an economy of force measure.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
May 14, 1993
Accession Number
ADA274361

Entities

People

  • Jim Mcnulty

Organizations

  • United States Army Command and General Staff College

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Ground and Sea Platforms
  • Human Systems
  • Space
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Arabia
  • Asymmetric Warfare
  • Center Of Gravity
  • Combat Forces
  • Department Of Defense
  • Employment
  • Geographic Regions
  • Geography
  • Insurgency
  • New Jersey
  • New York
  • Red Sea
  • Terrain
  • Unconventional Warfare
  • United States
  • Warfare

Readers

  • Economics
  • Irregular Warfare and Special Operations Cyberspace Operations against Adversarial Threats.
  • Joint Military Operations and Doctrine.