As the face of modern warfare changes, the threat of the appearance of guerrilla forces on the battlefield increases. Whether in the form of insurgent forces or partisan forces employing guerrilla tactics in support of conventional forces, their actions on the battlefield must be understood to be countered. Current operations in the Middle East lend special significance to an understanding of counterguerrilla operations. Guerrilla doctrine and tactics spring from an enormous body of theoretical works, not the least of which are the writings of Mao Tse-tung. On the other hand, our current counterguerrilla doctrine and tactics are not based in theory. They represent the "how" without the "why" of counterguerrilla warfare. Through the critical analysis of guerrilla and counterguerrilla tactical operations encompassing guerrillas in support of both insurgent and conventional forces I have identified theoretical concepts that can be used in the operations. These concepts were evaluated against the criteria that determine the adequacy of theory, namely that they explain and describe this type of warfare, and that they are succinct, supportable, and retrodictive. This monograph concludes that the five concepts that emerge to form the framework are as follows: (1) the necessity to determine and understand the nature of the conflict and the ability to adapt; (2) the necessity to recognize the linkage between the political aim and the military application of force; (3) counterguerrilla warfare is conducted in an environment that is deeply submersed in the moral domain of battle and is a battle of will conducted over time; (4) the counterguerrilla must set the terms of battle through leadership, intelligence, and mobility; (5) the counterguerrilla force must isolate the guerrilla, internally and externally.

ADA 234197 Approved for public release; Distribution is unlimited. The opinions and conclusions expressed herein are those of the student-authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College or any other governmental agency. (References to these studies should include the foregoing statement.)