Counterguerilla Operations
“This is another type of war new in its intensity, ancient in its origins war by guerrillas, subversives, insurgents, assassins; war by ambush instead of by combat; by infiltration, instead of aggression, seeking victory by eroding and exhausting the enemy instead of engaging him…it requires in those situations where we must counter it. ..a whole new kind of strategy, a wholly different kind of force, and therefore a new and wholly different kind of military training.”
John F. Kennedy, 1962
The aims, objectives, and methods of guerrilla warfare differ greatly from those of conventional warfare. To be successful in countering this type of war, the planners of counter-guerrilla operations must understand the enemy and the unique environment in which he operates.
This manual provides commanders and staffs of brigade elements and below with concepts and doctrine concerning the conduct of counter-guerrilla operations by US forces in insurgency and conventional conflict environments.
It provides a general overview of US counter-insurgency strategy and the impact that strategy has on counter guerrilla operations. It provides planning, training, and operational guidance for commanders and staffs conducting counter-guerrilla operations.
The doctrine provides principles to guide the actions of US forces conducting counter-guerrilla operations. In applying these principles, the commander must be aware that the situation in each counter-guerrilla operation is unique. Techniques and tactics applied successfully in one situation may not be suitable if applied in the same manner in another situation.
The principles in this manual are guides to be adapted to each counter guerrilla situation.