Unconventional warfare

Soviet instructors with SWAPO insurgents

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Unconventional warfare (UW) refers to the use of unconventional strategies and tactics by a military, paramilitary, or other combatant group to achieve military, political, economic, or psychological objectives. Unlike conventional warfare, which typically involves direct, large-scale confrontations between organized military forces, unconventional warfare often involves guerrilla warfare, subversion, sabotage, intelligence operations, and other forms of irregular warfare.

Overview

Unconventional warfare is characterized by its reliance on irregular forces and asymmetric tactics. It often involves the use of special operations forces and other specialized units trained in unconventional tactics. The primary goal of unconventional warfare is to achieve strategic objectives by undermining the enemy's ability to wage war, disrupting their operations, and influencing the political and psychological landscape.

History

Unconventional warfare has been a part of military strategy for centuries. Historical examples include the use of guerrilla tactics by Sun Tzu in ancient China, the Mongol Empire's use of psychological warfare, and the American Revolutionary War's use of irregular militias. In the 20th century, unconventional warfare played a significant role in conflicts such as the Vietnam War, the Soviet-Afghan War, and various insurgencies and counterinsurgencies around the world.

Tactics and Techniques

Unconventional warfare encompasses a wide range of tactics and techniques, including:

• Guerrilla Warfare: Small, mobile groups of combatants use hit-and-run tactics to harass and weaken larger, more conventional forces.
• Subversion: Efforts to undermine the authority and stability of an enemy government or organization from within.
• Sabotage: Deliberate destruction or disruption of enemy infrastructure, supplies, and communications.
• Intelligence Operations: Gathering and analyzing information to support unconventional warfare efforts.
• Psychological Operations: Using propaganda and other means to influence the perceptions and morale of the enemy and civilian populations.

Modern Applications

In contemporary conflicts, unconventional warfare is often employed by both state and non-state actors. Special operations forces from countries such as the United States, United Kingdom, and Russia are frequently involved in unconventional warfare missions. Non-state actors, including terrorist organizations and insurgent groups, also use unconventional tactics to achieve their objectives.

Challenges and Controversies

Unconventional warfare presents several challenges and controversies. The use of irregular forces and tactics can blur the lines between combatants and non-combatants, raising ethical and legal issues. Additionally, the effectiveness of unconventional warfare can be difficult to measure, and its long-term impact on stability and security is often uncertain.

See Also

• Asymmetric warfare
• Guerrilla warfare
• Special operations
• Psychological warfare
• Counterinsurgency
• Irregular warfare