DO YOU KNOW WHAT IRREGULAR WARFARE IS? NEITHER DOES THE MILITARY

Do you know what irregular warfare (IW) is? Neither does the military. The complex method of winning a conflict has multiple definitions, plenty of disagreements, a lack of real training, and oddly enough, may never have been more important for our nation than right now. But, you may be surprised to learn that while this method could potentially help our military, the US has a less-than-stellar track record of utilizing IW.

What Is Irregular Warfare?

Irregular warfare is the use of tactics that are outside of traditional warfare, where sides use direct conflict to attack one another.

This includes unconventional warfare (UW), stabilization, foreign internal defense (FID), counterterrorism (CT), and counterinsurgency (COIN).

There are several tactics used in IW where one side is working to declare its influence throughout the losing belligerent’s once-held area.

In irregular warfare doctrine, the goal isn't just to defeat an enemy but to build societal power, gain credibility, and challenge stronger opponents indirectly.

IW weakens enemies before a decisive push if necessary to secure or maintain government legitimacy, a point often overlooked in doctrinal descriptions that focus more on means than on achieving the right end state.

This misalignment may weaken the ability to effectively counter adversaries who better understand the ultimate objectives of warfare, which is why the US should work to better educate its force on IW.

IW and Asymmetric Warfare

Asymmetric warfare is a type of IW, and is often closely associated when such terms are mentioned.

Here, you’ll note that one belligerent often includes unconventional methods, such as guerrilla warfare and terrorism, to defeat their opponent.

Due to their similarities, the terms "asymmetric warfare" and "irregular warfare" are sometimes used interchangeably; however, they are not always the same.

Irregular Warfare Doctrine Continues to Be Debated

What irregular warfare actually is and its definition continues to evolve. This is part of the challenge for American forces working to improve at IW.

The doctrine that once saw IW as violent now looks at broader methods, including challenges to the legitimacy of governments while influencing and establishing power in a region.

This change highlights a key debate about whether violence is essential to IW, as some argue that war, by definition, involves violence, so the two cannot be separated.

The new definition suggests IW can occur across the competition continuum, emphasizing the military's role in both deterring and conducting war, reflecting broader strategic goals beyond just violence.

How to Legally Fight Irregular Warfare

As powerful as the United States is, IW continues to be a tactic that eludes us. There have been several instances in which the US has not seen ideal success through IW tactics, seen during the Vietnam War and more recently in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Particularly, as the use and definition of IW evolve over time, the techniques continue to be an important part of national security.

Researchers have found that there are several ways in which the American Armed Forces can improve for better operational success when implementing irregular warfare:

Organize and Educate

One of the biggest issues facing the irregular warfare initiative is simply getting everyone on the same page.

Having leadership understand the clear, actionable goals and definitions of IW will go a long way.

Once organized, having troops truly understand their roles in IW is a major part of getting the entire military operating as it should.

While the Irregular Warfare Center (IWC) aims to assist in this area, there is still a way to go for the US military, despite its opening in 2008.

Some experts believe moving the IWC within the United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) can benefit the cause.

Utilize Brilliant Minds

Having smart people solve complex problems is typically the way to go. Therefore, it makes sense for the US Department of Defense to reach out to academic minds for help in making IW a success.

Not only does the DoD have an opportunity to find help in a variety of top-level universities but many academic institutions have already expressed interest in assisting in implementing irregular warfare for the military.

Hold the IWC Accountable

Having the IWC available, getting everyone on the same page, and partnering the center with top academic minds is a great start but there is a call for more accountability for those within the military to put the IW systems in place.

Irregular warfare is seen by many as an important focus as multiple superpowers have urban and rural settings that may require an American response should war break out. Now, more than ever, it appears that many of our leaders see conquering IW as a critical component for national security.

Sources:

CRS Reports. Accessed October 2024.

Modern War Institute. Accessed October 2024.

AU. Accessed October 2024.

RAND. Accessed October 2024.

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