The Impact of Hybrid Warfare on Traditional Operational Rationale

摘要

In this article we will describe how certain non-traditional means and methods could be used to undermine a military's capacity to respond effectively to an emerging threat. We will do so by focussing on the Netherlands and showing how some of its specific (non-military) vulnerabilities may be targeted by opponents using non-traditional means in an indirect manner. We will structure the sequence of events along an artificial 30-day period leading up to 'D-day'. Starting at D minus 30 (D-30), we have divided our actions into a preparation phase, a shaping phase, and an intensification phase. At each step we will discuss the means or methods used, the specific vulnerabilities exploited, and the likely consequences. We will show how the use of non-traditional means can be highly effective in disrupting a regular opponent and may fundamentally alter traditional operational rationale.