Security of Rear Areas
Abstract
This paper deals with the problem of Rear Area Security, a subject that gained great importance during World War II. While being identified as one of the main causes for the defeat of the German Wehrmacht, Rear Area Security fell to oblivion quickly during the Cold War due to the lack of depth in the areas of operation on both sides of the Iron curtain. Armed conflict was too strongly aimed at achieving a quick military decision, focusing almost exclusively on the front and the terrain before it. Due to nuclear weapons, conventional warfare seemed unlikely in the Post World War II era. Contemporary German command and control regulations, for instance, contain hardly any standards on coping with this specific military challenge. Only in the recent past, that is, in the context of the Peace Support Operations and Enduring Freedom/Iraqi Freedom, has the problem come back into focus and most likely will remain there. Therefore, the author deemed it necessary to write about this almost forgotten subject and to develop ideas for measures to be considered by responsible commanders. He recommends that, in future planning, an augmented employment of specialized forces for Rear Area Security should be considered. It is no longer a question of having enough soldiers or units, but of using the right ones. Operational doctrine/manuals must give increased consideration to rear area security as part of Force Protection. A separate chapter specifically dedicated to this topic should be included in the future operations concept of the German Armed Forces. Also, a comprehensive sub-concept in the German Armed Forces Operations manual dedicated to rear area security should be established. (2 figures, 31 refs.)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 19, 2004
- Accession Number
- ADA424118
Entities
People
- Harald Fugger
Organizations
- United States Army War College