Generation of Combat Power by Insurgents: An Historical Analysis

Abstract

Is there commonality in how insurgent and counterinsurgent forces develop combat power? Elements of Combat Power remain an essential element of operational doctrine through the USADRP 3-0, "Unified Land Operations." If the Elements of Combat Power are essential to a military force, then they may be equally important to insurgent forces. Case studies of the insurgencies in Dhofar, Oman (1962-1976), and Post-911 Afghanistan (2001-Present) are analyzed to determine whether insurgent forces develop combat power in a similar manner to the U.S. Army. The Elements of Combat Power used to conduct this research are Leadership, Information, Movement and Maneuver, Intelligence, Fires, Sustainment, and Protection. The analysis demonstrates that insurgents generate combat power in ways that do not violate the principles outlined in USADRP 3-0. The analysis also demonstrates that counterinsurgent forces may conduct a Center of Gravity Analysis using the insurgent military force as the CoG and the Elements of Combat Power as the Critical Capabilities.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jun 13, 2013
Accession Number
ADA589723

Entities

People

  • Michel D. Dinesman

Organizations

  • United States Army Command and General Staff College

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical
  • Energy and Power Technologies
  • Human Systems
  • Space
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Doctrine
  • Employment
  • Explosives
  • Geography
  • Health Services
  • Improvised Explosive Devices
  • Information Operations
  • Insurgency
  • Interagency Coordination
  • Military Organizations
  • Military Science
  • National Security
  • Personnel Management
  • Surveillance
  • Terrorists
  • Warfare
  • Weapons Effects

Fields of Study

  • Engineering
  • Sociology

Readers

  • Computer Vision.
  • Military and Counterinsurgency Studies.
  • Systems Analysis and Design