Foreign internal defense

American soldier training Senegalese peacekeepers (Thiès, Senegal)

7 SFG explains air assault techniques to GDF soldiers

KilcullenEcosystem

Kilcullen3Pillars

COIN-McCormick

Foreign Internal Defense (FID) is a term primarily used by the United States military, referring to activities that assist a foreign government or group in protecting against subversion, lawlessness, insurgency, terrorism, and other security threats. FID operations are a critical component of counterinsurgency operations and are designed to build the host nation's ability to maintain its own security. These operations can include training, advisory roles, intelligence sharing, and logistical support. FID is part of a broader category of military operations known as Security Force Assistance (SFA).

Overview

Foreign Internal Defense is rooted in the principle of supporting a host nation in developing and sustaining a stable and secure environment. This support is not limited to military aspects but also includes economic, informational, and infrastructure development components to ensure a comprehensive approach to security and stability. FID operations are often conducted in environments where the host nation is facing internal threats that could destabilize the government and society.

Objectives

The primary objectives of FID include:

• Enhancing the host nation's military and security capabilities to defend against internal threats.
• Strengthening governance and the rule of law to improve the host nation's legitimacy.
• Supporting economic and infrastructure development to address root causes of instability.
• Promoting information operations to counteract propaganda and misinformation.

Components

FID operations consist of several components, including:

• Military Training and Advisory Support: Providing training and advice to host nation military and security forces to improve their tactical and operational capabilities.
• Intelligence Sharing: Sharing intelligence with host nation forces to improve their situational awareness and operational planning.
• Operational Support: Offering logistical and operational support to enhance the host nation's military operations.
• Civil-Military Operations: Facilitating operations that involve the military and civilian sectors to promote stability and security.

Challenges

FID operations face numerous challenges, including:

• Cultural and language barriers between foreign advisors and host nation forces.
• The complexity of the local political and social environment.
• The risk of exacerbating local conflicts or being perceived as foreign intervention.
• Ensuring sustainability and long-term effectiveness of the assistance provided.

Examples

Historical examples of FID include the U.S. involvement in the Vietnam War through programs like the Military Assistance Command, Vietnam – Studies and Observations Group (MACV-SOG), and more recent examples include U.S. and allied efforts in Afghanistan and Iraq to train and support local security forces in counterinsurgency and counterterrorism operations.

Conclusion

Foreign Internal Defense is a critical aspect of modern military strategy, focusing on building partnerships and enhancing the capabilities of host nations to maintain their own security. While FID operations can offer significant benefits in terms of stability and security, they require careful planning, cultural sensitivity, and a long-term commitment to be successful.