Modernizing Irregular Warfare: The Army's Strategic Vision • Spotter Up

Members of Charlie Company, 5th Battalion, 19th Special Forces Group (Airborne); Bravo Company, 92d Civil Affairs Battalion (Airborne); Bravo Company, 6th Psychological Operations Battalion (Airborne); 193rd Special Operations Medical Group; 4th Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company; 4th Civil Affairs Group; and the 4th Marine Corps Advisor Company Alpha, participated with allies and partners from multiple nations in the Ridge Runner Irregular Warfare Exercise throughout West Virginia for two weeks in May and June 2023. (Staff Sgt. Jake SeaWolf)

In the ever-evolving landscape of modern conflict, the U.S. Army’s Irregular Warfare (IW) doctrine emerges as a vital framework for addressing the multifaceted challenges posed by both state and non-state adversaries. Rooted in the recognition that today’s conflicts transcend traditional battlefields, this doctrine emphasizes the significance of understanding human terrain, integrating diverse military capabilities, and fostering adaptability.

The U.S. Army’s current IW doctrine is a dynamic and evolving framework designed to address the complexities of modern conflict. It emphasizes the importance of adapting to the changing character of warfare while maintaining a focus on its fundamental nature. Here’s an in-depth look at its key aspects:

Overview of Irregular Warfare

One of the earliest documented uses of the term “irregular warfare” can be traced back to Charles Edward Callwell’s seminal 1896 work for the United Kingdom War Office, Small Wars: Their Principles and Practices. This influential publication provided a comprehensive examination of the unique challenges associated with unconventional conflicts, which Callwell referred to as “small wars.” In this foundational text, he explored the nature of these engagements, often characterized by asymmetry in tactics and objectives, and emphasized the need for tailored strategies to address the specific demands of irregular operations. Callwell’s insights laid the groundwork for the development of modern doctrines in irregular warfare, cementing his legacy as a pioneer in the study of unconventional military conflicts.

IW represents an enduring form of conflict that is deeply intertwined with the complex socio-political and economic realities of the modern world. Unlike conventional warfare, which is primarily focused on direct military engagement, IW encompasses a broader spectrum of activities aimed at influencing populations, undermining adversaries, and achieving strategic objectives. These activities can include counterinsurgency, unconventional warfare, and stability operations, as well as cyber and information warfare.

The U.S. Army’s IW doctrine emphasizes the importance of understanding the dynamics of human behavior, cultural contexts, and political landscapes in order to effectively address the root causes of instability. It seeks to empower allies and partners while countering the influence of adversaries, both state and non-state actors.

Strategic Context

The strategic environment has evolved significantly over the past two decades, prompting a reevaluation of the Army’s approach to IW. While counterterrorism dominated the focus of U.S. military operations after the 9/11 attacks, recent years have seen a shift toward addressing Great Power Competition. This shift recognizes the challenges posed by peer and near-peer adversaries such as China and Russia, who employ irregular tactics to undermine U.S. interests. For example, gray zone conflicts—characterized by actions below the threshold of war—are increasingly common and require innovative responses.

The IW doctrine aligns with the broader National Defense Strategy, which emphasizes the need to compete across all domains, including information and cyber spaces. This strategic pivot reflects the Army’s commitment to maintaining a balance between countering irregular threats and preparing for large-scale conflict scenarios.

Core Components

People-Centric Approach At the heart of IW lies the understanding that conflicts are fundamentally human-centric. The doctrine stresses the importance of engaging with local populations, recognizing that success often hinges on winning the “hearts and minds” of communities. This involves nuanced approaches such as addressing grievances, empowering local governance, and fostering economic opportunities to undermine the appeal of adversarial narratives.
Integration of Conventional and Special Forces The seamless collaboration between conventional forces and SOF is a cornerstone of IW. Conventional forces bring scale and sustainability, while SOF offer precision and expertise in unconventional missions. Together, they form a cohesive force capable of addressing a broad spectrum of challenges, from counterinsurgency to hybrid warfare.
Leveraging Technology and Innovation The doctrine highlights the role of emerging technologies in enhancing IW capabilities. This includes the use of artificial intelligence, drones, and cyber tools to gain an operational advantage. The ability to rapidly adapt to technological advancements ensures that the U.S. Army remains ahead in the evolving character of warfare.

Challenges and Misconceptions

Irregular Warfare is often misunderstood, leading to misconceptions about its scope and application. One of the most common myths is that IW is synonymous with counterterrorism or exclusively the domain of Special Operations Forces (SOF). While SOF play a critical role, the doctrine underscores that conventional forces also have a significant part to play.

Another challenge is the perception that IW is less relevant in the context of Great Power Competition. On the contrary, IW tactics are increasingly employed by adversaries as part of hybrid warfare strategies, blending conventional and irregular approaches to achieve their goals. Additionally, IW operations face practical challenges such as navigating complex cultural dynamics, managing resource constraints, and addressing ethical considerations in influencing populations.

The doctrine seeks to overcome these hurdles by promoting a comprehensive understanding of IW, fostering collaboration across the joint force, and leveraging technological advancements.

Future Directions

As the global security environment continues to evolve, the U.S. Army recognizes the need for constant innovation and strategic recalibration in IW doctrine. Future efforts include:

Enhanced Training Simulations: Leveraging virtual and augmented reality technologies to create immersive training environments that simulate real-world IW scenarios.
Partnership Building: Strengthening alliances and partnerships with other nations to enhance interoperability and share best practices in IW operations.
Focus on Information Warfare: Developing sophisticated capabilities to counter misinformation and propaganda, ensuring that the U.S. narrative resonates with global audiences.
Resilience in Great Power Competition: Balancing IW competencies with preparedness for large-scale conflicts against near-peer adversaries, ensuring a versatile and responsive force.

Final Thoughts

Irregular Warfare remains a cornerstone of the U.S. Army’s approach to addressing the complexities of modern conflict. By emphasizing adaptability, integration, and a people-centric focus, the doctrine not only equips military forces to counter present-day challenges but also lays the groundwork for future innovation and strategic evolution. As adversaries continue to employ unconventional tactics to advance their agendas, the U.S. Army’s commitment to refining and implementing its IW doctrine ensures that it stays ahead in an ever-changing security landscape. Through continuous learning, collaboration, and technological integration, the Army reaffirms its resolve to safeguard national interests and promote global stability.