A STUDY ON THE FEASIBILITY OF NETHERLANDS SPECIAL OPERATION FORCES CONDUCTING UNCONVENTIONAL WARFARE
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Authors
Zoontjens, Nico
Subjects
Netherlands Special Operations Forces
NLD SOF
unconventional warfare
UW
irregular warfare
IW
support to resistance
NLD SOF
unconventional warfare
UW
irregular warfare
IW
support to resistance
Advisors
Sepp, Kalev I.
Date of Issue
2022-06
Date
Publisher
Monterey, CA; Naval Postgraduate School
Language
Abstract
In the past three decades, The Netherlands’ Special Operations Forces (NLD SOF) operated in various geographical regions and executed the three principal tasks of SOF: (1) Military Assistance, (2) Special Reconnaissance, and (3) Direct Action. In the execution of these operations that focused on fighting terrorism, no consideration was given for Unconventional Warfare (UW) operations. Therefore, this study seeks to address the following research question: “To what extent can NLD SOF conduct UW operations given the NLD political-strategic setting?” To answer the research question, this study uses a qualitative approach. Besides information from existing literature, government documents, and media reports, interviews with key subject matter experts provide first-hand assessments on UW operations. It turns out that NLD SOF are not adequately educated, trained, and equipped to conduct UW operations, because UW is not currently a doctrinal task for NLD SOF and, therefore, is not taught during NLD SOF qualification courses. The Netherlands’ policy documents such as the Integrated International Security Strategy, the Defence Notes and The Netherlands’ Defence Doctrine provide interpretation for the NLD government to consider UW as a viable option for ensuring stability and security on NATO and EU territories. These documents and the Dutch Constitution also provide a legal basis for the NLD government to deploy its armed forces for these missions.
Type
Thesis
Description
Series/Report No
Department
Defense Analysis (DA)
Organization
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NPS Report Number
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Distribution Statement
Approved for public release. Distribution is unlimited.
Rights
This publication is a work of the U.S. Government as defined in Title 17, United States Code, Section 101. Copyright protection is not available for this work in the United States.