Saint, Sinner, or Soldier - Liberation Theology and Low Intensity Conflict

摘要

This monograph discusses the Army's Low Intensity Conflict (LIC) doctrine and howit applies to Liberation Theology. Both Operation Urgent Fury and Just Cause demonstrated the potential for conventional combat forces to be thrust into a LIC environment. The recent implication of a US Army major in the murder of six Jesuit priests in El Salvador highlights the need to examine LIC doctrine in the context of Liberation Theology. This study will show that Liberation Theology is an ideological base of support for Central American insurrection. This monograph examines LIC doctrine to determine if it provides the tactical commander with the necessary tools to operate in a LIC environment encompassed in Liberation Theology. The monograph begins with an examination of Liberation Theology and its relationship with Marxism. Next, Liberation Theology is traced from its mid-1960s origins to its present level of political and military influence in Central America. SPECIAL OPERATING FORCES, LOW INTENSITY CONFLICT, COUNTER-INSURGENCY, LIBERATION THEOLOGY, GUERRILLA WARFARE.