MCWP 3-02 — Insurgencies And Countering Insurgencies

MCWP 3-02 governs doctrine for understanding insurgencies and planning and executing operations to counter them.

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  • Publication number: MCWP 3-02
  • Title: INSURGENCIES AND COUNTERING INSURGENCIES
  • Date: 27 May 2014
  • Proponent: 03000 Operations & Readiness
  • Status: Current

View MCWP 3-02 on armypubs.army.mil

It covers strategic context, operational environments, culture, insurgency characteristics, command and control, intelligence, host-nation forces, assessments, and legal considerations. It requires approved detainee handling methods and interrogation techniques and addresses the use of force, information operations, transitions, and security cooperation.

Topics covered

  • Strategic context
  • Operational environment
  • Culture assessment
  • Insurgency threat characteristics
  • Information operations
  • Host-nation security forces
  • Rules of engagement
  • Detention and interrogation

Questions and answers

What should counterinsurgency commanders say about projections and promises?

Effective counterinsurgency commanders tell the truth; they refuse to give projections; and they do not promise more than can be provided. (paragraph 1-86)

How should counterinsurgency forces normally use force around local populations?

Normally, counterinsurgency forces can use escalation of force procedures to minimize unnecessary loss of life or suffering. (paragraph 1-88)

What does increased network density indicate in an insurgency?

An increase in network density indicates an increased likelihood that the insurgent group can conduct coordinated attacks. (paragraph 4-102)

When does assessment begin and end?

Assessment begins as soon as a military force receives an alert or warning and does not end until after that force has ceased operations and left the area of operations. (paragraph 12-9)

What interrogation methods may Soldiers and Marines use with detainees?

Soldiers and Marines adhere to only approved detainee handling methods and interrogation techniques. (paragraph 13-39)

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