Securing Land Lines of Communication in Insurgent War -- A Proposed Doctrine
Abstract
The purpose of this thesis is to determine a tactical concept for securing land lines of communication (LLOC) useable by US military advisors to an underdeveloped nation engaged in fighting an insurgency. In considering the problem, the following elements of that problem were identified: (1) what threat does an insurgent pose to the security of lines of communication? (2) What are the essential elements of a solution to the threat posed by an insurgent? (3) Does current US doctrine provide an acceptable solution? (4) Does the current doctrine of a typical indigenous force provide an acceptable solution? (5) Do typical Indigenous units possess the capability of employing an effective solution? and, (6) What is the solution to the problem? While seeking a solution to this problem, it was assumed that future nations to which the US may provide assistance, involved in an insurgency, will be underdeveloped nations with the same limitations in manpower, training, technology, and economic power an the Vietnamese of today. It was also assumed that a LLOC would be considered secure when: (1) the insurgent was deprived of its use, (2) it was available and useable for long enough periods of time to meet the economic needs of the nation, and (3) protection was provided for key installations along the LLOC so as to prevent their destruction. The writings of the most successful and articulate revolutionaries, General Vo Nguyen Giap, Ernesto "Che" Guevara, and Mao Tse-tung provided the basis for the establishment of a set of strategic goals regarding LLOC security which insurgents feel will provide them with success. These strategic goals are: (1) preserve the guerrilla force, (2) annihilate the enemy, (3) gain and maintain the initiative, (4) provide a supply system for the insurgent, (S) deny the established government the free use of the roads, (6) gain the support of the people.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 14, 1969
- Accession Number
- ADA356433
Entities
People
- Dale R. Sweetwood
Organizations
- University of Illinois Urbana–Champaign