IRREGULAR FORCES – TODAY’S ADVERSARY OF ARMED FORCES Cover Image

IRREGULAR FORCES – TODAY’S ADVERSARY OF ARMED FORCES
IRREGULAR FORCES – TODAY’S ADVERSARY OF ARMED FORCES

Author(s): Ryszard Bartnik
Subject(s): Security and defense, Military policy, Peace and Conflict Studies
Published by: Carol I National Defence University Publishing House
Keywords: irregular forces; partisan; terrorist;

Summary/Abstract: In the majority of cases, modern wars are not waged exclusively by states. Groups identifying themselves by ethnicity, nationality or religion can also act as parties to a conflict. In such circumstances a classic division into soldiers and civilians loses its bearing, as every member of the society is a soldier – realistically or potentially. This, in turn, undermines the meaning of uniforms as indicators of the identity of persons who participate in combat. The civilian-soldiers who are members of irregular forces prefer warfare that is conditioned by the aspects of time, space, authority legitimization and social support. The main weapons of irregular forces in this type of warfare are personal arms capable of destroying even technologically advanced armament. The warfare philosophy adopted by irregular forces would be unsuccessful without a strict observance of the established rules.

  • Issue Year: 2012
  • Issue No: 44
  • Page Range: 75-85
  • Page Count: 11
  • Language: English
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