French Ground Force Organizational Development for Counterrevolutionary Warfare between 1945 and 1962
Abstract
Evolving operations in the 21st century suggest a continued value for the historical study of previous counterinsurgency operations. The study of such operations tends to incorporate a degree of research into the operational theory of security forces against insurgents. The application of counterinsurgency doctrinal guidance requires tailored organizational models for the participating ground forces. An example of an army that developed specific ground force organizational models in support of counterinsurgency is the French Army in the period between 1945 and 1962. This time frame includes the major counterinsurgent wars in Indochina and Algeria. The first facet of study is the French experience and organizational development up to the beginning of the Indochina War, during which many colonial concepts were applied to counterinsurgency operations. Next, a study of French adaptations for the Indochina War and lessons learned from that experience is presented. The study points out many lessons for counterinsurgency. Finally, French organizational development in Algeria is studied as the penultimate example of the French model. Derived from previous colonial warfare experience, French organizations adapted to the modern counterinsurgency environment and ultimately claimed a military, if not political, success. Centered on the concept of the territorial organization of a theater, French organizational models for counterinsurgency possess enduring lessons for study and emulation.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 17, 2005
- Accession Number
- ADA436931
Entities
People
- Peter D. Jackson
Organizations
- United States Army Command and General Staff College