Liberator or Occupier: Indigenous Allies Make the Difference

摘要

This monograph examines the potential roles of indigenous forces in the transition period from decisive combat through post-conflict reconstruction. More specifically, should Unconventional Warfare (UW) doctrine assess, train, and develop suitable resistance forces for a post-conflict security role. Minimizing U.S. ground presence in future conflicts asks the question, what missions are indigenous resistance forces suitable for. Within the Contemporary Operating Environment (COE), resistance forces can bring unique skills, abilities, and legitimacy to post-conflict operations. In this era of U.S. military supremacy, asymmetric opponents will focus on post conflict to defeat U.S. goals. This monograph evaluates the potential doctrine of developing indigenous resistance forces in terms of three security-related criteria: protection of populace; protection of key individuals, institutions, and infrastructure; and reform of local security institutions. A review of the COE and its impact on UW Doctrine establishes a baseline for developing criteria, assessing Operation Provide Comfort, and delineating potential critical tasks and events. UW doctrine focuses on Guerilla Warfare followed by demobilization of the resistance force. Changes in modern warfare suggest a larger role for indigenous forces across the range of military operations. The case study explores how Special Forces trained Kurdish resistance forces in stability operations using the collateral activity of Humanitarian Assistance. Operation Provide Comfort both strengthened the legitimacy of the Kurdish forces and facilitated combined combat operations during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Advising resistance leadership also provided a venue to assess the resistance group's suitability for security operations, shape the leader's strategic goals, and build long-term bonds. The monograph concludes that irregular forces are a critical component to post-conflict success. A bibliography is included.