Ground Surveillance in Depth: A Reappraisal of Practice and Doctrine

Publisher Marketing: Given the nature of the international environment and the proliferation of communist-inspired and other insurgency movements, one cannot preclude United States involvement in stability operations in an insurgency environment. It is, consequently, incumbent on the military commander to fully understand the nature of such operations. In a situation in which his forces are usually isolated, the loyalty of the surrounding indigenous population is indeterminable, and friendly units are frequently overextended in zone, the need for timely and accurate intelligence is vital. Operating base and logistic installation defense are of particular concern in an insurgency environment since friendly forces are most highly vulnerable to harassing artillery, mortar and rocket fire, espionage, sabotage and intermittent surprise ground attack. This paper investigates whether current United States Army combat surveillance doctrine available to the maneuver battalion responsible for base security in stability operations is valid. Applicatory and doctrinal aspects of combat surveillance are investigated using the historical research approach. The investigation concludes that current doctrine is invalid. The study provides the necessary introspection upon which a proposed battalion ground surveillance plan can be constructed. The proposed plan is intended to rectify the inadequacies discovered in current combat surveillance doctrine for use in stability operations.