The Evolution of Irregular Warfare

US Army Signal Corps’ role

By Sgt. Maj. Noel DeJesus and LTG (Retired) James M. Dubik Writing Fellow

Article published on: September 1, 2024 in the Army Communicator Fall/Winter 2024 Edition

Read Time: < 5 mins

The U.S. Army of 2040 will need an adaptive, highly trained force capable of conducting large-scale combat operations in multidomain environments (Locklear, 2023). Since the end of World War II, the U.S. military has regularly engaged in irregular warfare environments. Learning from its experiences in Vietnam and Afghanistan, the Army can better understand the challenges posed by irregular warfare. By analyzing leadership, stress, and shared understanding, the Army can prepare for the future.

Irregular warfare differs from conventional warfare, focusing on indirect conflict between states or non-state actors (Fabian, 2021). In both Vietnam and Afghanistan, the Army’s conventional forces had to adapt to unconventional warfare tactics. These conflicts, though separated by decades and geography, presented similar challenges, revealing the need for flexibility in leadership and strategy.

Leadership Attributes in Irregular Warfare

The Army's leadership attributes of presence, intellect, and character are crucial in all forms of warfare (Department of the Army, 2019). In irregular warfare, leaders must adapt their presence, mental agility, and judgment to unconventional tactics. In Vietnam, the Vietcong used guerrilla tactics that forced U.S. leaders to adjust how they approached resilience and combat strategy (Greene, 1966). Similarly, leaders in Afghanistan faced challenges adapting to complex environments where non-combatant populations played a significant role. In Vietnam, U.S. leaders shifted from preparing for European mechanized warfare to adapting their intellect for small-scale, irregular combat. Use of helicopters for logistics and mobility was a vital innovation during this time (Palmer, 1984). The shift in tactics emphasized a need for adaptability in irregular warfare, where conventional strengths were less effective.

Managing Stress in Irregular Warfare

Combat stress is inevitable, but irregular warfare introduces additional stressors. In Afghanistan, U.S. forces were often restricted in their use of force, adding psychological stress as Soldiers had to switch between combat and stabilization roles (Poole, 2010). This shift in the rules of engagement caused uncertainty and increased the mental burden on Soldiers. Stress management became a critical task for leaders.The Army implemented several mental health programs, such as the Master Resilience Training program, to help manage stress (Adler, Bliese, & Castro, 2012). The prolonged nature of the conflict in Afghanistan, combined with irregular warfare’s inherent ambiguity, required new approaches to mental health and resilience.

Creating a Shared Understanding

Creating a shared understanding of mission success is critical in irregular warfare. In Vietnam, the ambiguity of guerrilla tactics blurred the definition of victory (Shay, 1994). The Army often found itself reacting to Vietcong attacks rather than taking the initiative, which created confusion among Soldiers about what success looked like. In Afghanistan, the mission evolved from eliminating the Taliban to stabilizing the region (Rothstein, 2006). This shift in objectives made it difficult to create a unified understanding of success, especially as Soldiers worked in complex environments involving both combat and reconstruction efforts. Moving forward, the Army must emphasize precision in defining success in future irregular warfare scenarios (Corum, 2007).

Signal Corps Heritage in Irregular Warfare

The U.S. Army Signal Corps has a long history of supporting operations in irregular warfare environments. During the Vietnam War, the Signal Corps introduced mobile communication systems, ensuring command and control despite the challenges of operating in dense jungles (Raines, 2018). In Afghanistan, they provided satellite communication systems that allowed commanders to maintain situational awareness even in the most remote areas (Morris, 2023). These innovations were crucial for maintaining flow of information across dispersed units, which is essential in unpredictable environments of irregular warfare. The Signal Corps has consistently adapted to new challenges, ensuring the Army can operate effectively in irregular combat scenarios (Raines, 2018).

Materiel Contributions of the Signal Corps

The development of specialized equipment has been a cornerstone of the Signal Corps' success in irregular warfare. Portable radios, like the AN/PRC-77 used in Vietnam, allowed infantry units to maintain communication while navigating difficult terrain (Snook, 1998). In modern conflicts like Afghanistan, satellite systems further enhanced communication capabilities. Beyond communication, these technologies have enabled intelligence gathering and reconnaissance, vital for understanding the complex dynamics of irregular warfare (Morris, 2023). The Signal Corps' ability to innovate with new technologies has ensured that the Army remains competitive in ever-evolving conflict scenarios.

Doctrinal Influence of the Signal Corps

The Signal Corps has significantly influenced Army doctrine, particularly in irregular warfare. FM 6-02: Signal Support to Operations outlines the importance of communication in maintaining operational success (Raines, 2018). In contested environments, where enemies employ electronic warfare, the Signal Corps developed protocols to ensure resilient communication networks (Gaines & Suh, 2023). Integration of spacebased communication assets into doctrine has been another key advancement. With the advent of satellite technology, the Army can maintain global communication links, ensuring effective operations in even the most remote areas (Morris, 2023). This capability is essential in irregular warfare, where consistent and secure communication is often the key to mission success.

Conclusion

The Army’s experiences in Vietnam and Afghanistan demonstrate the complexities of irregular warfare and the importance of adaptability in leadership, stress management, and mission success. The Signal Corps has played a pivotal role in these conflicts, ensuring reliable communication across dispersed and unpredictable battlefields.

As the Army looks to the future, the lessons learned from these conflicts, combined with the continued innovations of the Signal Corps, will be vital in preparing for future irregular warfare scenarios.