THE UTILITY OF IRREGULAR WARFARE IN SUPPORT OF LARGE-SCALE COMBAT OPERATIONS DURING HOMELAND DEFENSE, NATO'S EASTERN FLANK PERSPECTIVE
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Authors
Butko, Michal
Subjects
irregular warfare (IW)
large-scale combat operations (LSCO)
homeland defense
national resistance
popular resistance
nonconventional
irregulars
people’s army
militias
guerilla warfare
special operations forces (SOF)
defense plans
the Russo-Ukrainian war
NATO
battlespace
maneuver
unity of effort
deep fight
rear areas
communication lines
initiative
gray zone
wargames
large-scale combat operations (LSCO)
homeland defense
national resistance
popular resistance
nonconventional
irregulars
people’s army
militias
guerilla warfare
special operations forces (SOF)
defense plans
the Russo-Ukrainian war
NATO
battlespace
maneuver
unity of effort
deep fight
rear areas
communication lines
initiative
gray zone
wargames
Advisors
Burks, Robert E.
Date of Issue
2024-12
Date
Publisher
Monterey, CA; Naval Postgraduate School
Language
Abstract
Major conventional escalation on NATO’s eastern flank would produce large-scale combat operations (LSCO) fought in a multi-domain environment. If NATO fails to react in a timely manner, allied nations on NATO’s eastern flank may find themselves defending their homeland with a disadvantageous force ratio. This study explores the utility of irregular warfare (IW) to support LSCO under such circumstances. While IW provides functions specifically designed to overcome disadvantageous combat power, combining conventional and irregular warfare presents difficulties in synchronizing their efforts, as they favor opposing levels of intensity and decisiveness of engagements. LSCO is defined by decisive military combat executed through high-tempo maneuvers, but IW typically restrains from major engagements while favoring a protracted timeline to achieve its objective. This study utilizes qualitative methods, beginning with a conceptual analysis to lay out a theoretical framework. A case study of the 2022 Russo-Ukrainian escalation provides real-world context. Finally, wargaming is used to analyze interactions between LSCO and IW at a deeper level. This study concludes that conventional maneuvers may present opportunities for IW to achieve significantly decisive effects, facilitated by IW and delivered by conventional forces. For the defense of NATO’s eastern flank, the study recommends designing IW as an integral part of conventional defense plans.
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Thesis
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Distribution Statement A. Approved for public release: Distribution is unlimited.
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