Indigenous Police Forces in Counterinsurgency
Abstract
Given the importance of security force assistance in an era of persistent conflict and the need for counterinsurgency operations, what makes indigenous police forces effective in counterinsurgency? This monograph proposes that, if the Army faces an era of persistent conflict and chooses to assist indigenous forces, then paramilitary organization and U.S. military leadership make for effective indigenous police in counterinsurgency operations. To test the hypothesis, this study explores two related areas. The paper begins with an analysis of several cases to analyze what type of organization makes for effective indigenous police in counterinsurgency operations. It continues with an analysis of who should lead the effort to effective indigenous police during counterinsurgency operations. Case research indicates that indigenous police are most effective in counterinsurgency efforts when structured along paramilitary lines. Analysis of these cases suggests that paramilitary police forces are survivable and effective against insurgent elements. Exploration into cases in Iraq and Afghanistan illustrate how civilian government agencies are challenged to lead efforts contributing to effective local police forces during counterinsurgency. The research indicates the military is better able to lead efforts to make effective indigenous police for counterinsurgency operations. Based on the research, the monograph provides recommendations. First, establish paramilitary police organizations in Iraq and Afghanistan resembling the successful Philippine Constabulary. Second, expand Army doctrine to greater cover host-nation paramilitary force employment. Third, amend the Foreign Assistance Act to allow the military to lead indigenous police support efforts during counterinsurgency conflicts. Fourth, establish a centralized agency with definite lines of authority over indigenou
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 27, 2010
- Accession Number
- ADA523119
Entities
People
- Timothy R. Mungie
Organizations
- United States Army Command and General Staff College