The Use of Security Professionals in Counterinsurgency Operations

Abstract

From Vietnam to Panama, Afghanistan to Iraq, history demonstrates an overwhelming need to address security as the primary factor to achieving sustainable stability in the aftermath of conflict. The consequences of not establishing security immediately are televised throughout the world and used to the advantage of those elements that thrive in this environment of lawlessness and plant the seeds of insurgencies. Despite this knowledge, the use of law enforcement organizations to prevent or reduce the impact of insurgency has been greatly ignored by military strategists. Failing to recognize the unique qualities that military and civilian law enforcement bring to bear on the environment of an insurgency lead to over application of maneuver-centric approaches when considering the proper force to apply for restoration of security and order among indigenous populations. This paper explores options and provides recommendations for the use and employment of Police and Security professionals as a strategic alternative to current methodology to counter insurgency operations.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Mar 25, 2008
Accession Number
ADA480183

Entities

People

  • Marco E. Harris

Organizations

  • United States Army War College

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical
  • Human Systems
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Counterinsurgency
  • Employment
  • Governments
  • Joint Military Activities
  • Law Enforcement
  • Military History
  • Military Personnel
  • Military Police
  • Military Science
  • Psychological Operations
  • Security
  • Terrorists
  • Training
  • Unconventional Warfare
  • United States
  • War Colleges
  • Warfare

Readers

  • Political Violence and Terrorism Studies.
  • Strategic Security Studies