Counterinsurgency, Consequences for Swedish and Austrian Infantry Companies’ Organization By Cadet Daniel Görgen Johansson A thesis submitted in partial satisfaction of the requirements for the degree of Bachelor of Arts in Military Leadership at the Theresan Military Academy in Wiener Neustadt, Austria To be recognized at the Swedish National Defence College In War Studies; Methodology and Thesis Committee in charge: LtCol Dr. GELL Harald, MSc, MSD, MBA Wiener Neustadt, June 2011 Declaration of honour I solemnly declare that; the work was made entirely by me, any use of other’s work has been cited and referenced correctly, the thesis has not been submitted to any other university or institute, and that I have not violated any third person’s rights. Wiener Neustadt, June 2011 Daniel Görgen JOHANSSON, Cdt I Abstract This thesis explores organizational features, which facilitate counterinsurgency operations on a company level. The framework used is the infantry company. Two factors were found through literature studies to be extra important for conducting successful counterinsurgency operations: intelligence and presence. Regarding intelligence, the results show beneficial effects from organizing a company level intelligence cell. The recommended size is three individuals. The next factor, presence, originates from the concept of maintaining a persistent presence as opposed to conducting raids in the assigned area of operations. Here, a force structure of four subordinates at both company and platoon level was found to be effective. Further, a Swedish and an Austrian European Union Battlegroup company was studied and compared to each other from the previously found aspects. Next, the two companies receive suggestions for how to reorganize themselves with the already existing personnel and equipment available. In the final part, the thesis discusses the structural rigidity of military organizations evident in the lack of organizational adaption to counterinsurgency even though such operations have been conducted in the past, present and most certainly will be a part of the future. Key terms: Counterinsurgency, company, organization, structure, Austria, Sweden, company intelligence, decentralization. II Table of contents Declaration of honour ............................................................................................................... I Abstract .................................................................................................................................... II Table of contents ................................................................................................................... III Foreword ................................................................................................................................... 1 1. Preface ................................................................................................................................... 2 2. Introduction .......................................................................................................................... 3 2.1 Preview ............................................................................................................................ 4 2.2 Disciplinary connection ................................................................................................. 5 2.3 Current research ............................................................................................................ 5 2.3.1 What is counterinsurgency? .................................................................................... 5 2.3.2 Kilcullen’s Twenty-Eight Articles .......................................................................... 8 2.3.3 Organizing for intelligence ...................................................................................... 9 2.3.4 Organizing for presence ........................................................................................ 13 2.4 Lack of research ........................................................................................................... 13 2.5 Research questions ....................................................................................................... 14 2.6 Method .......................................................................................................................... 14 2.6.1 Which organizational features are important for a company in a counterinsurgency environment? ......................................................................................................... 16 2.6.2 How are these features implemented at Austrian and Swedish company levels? . 16 2.6.3 What can be suggested for improvement? ............................................................. 16 3. Results ................................................................................................................................. 17 3.1 Optimizing a counterinsurgency-force ...................................................................... 18 3.1.1 Optimizing for intelligence.................................................................................... 18 3.1.2 Optimizing for presence ........................................................................................ 22 3.1.3 Other capabilities ................................................................................................... 23 3.1.4 Conclusions ........................................................................................................... 25 3.2 The Austrian European Union Battlegroup 107 infantry company ....................... 28 III 3.2.1 Organization for intelligence ................................................................................. 29 3.2.2 Organization for presence ...................................................................................... 30 3.2.3 Other capabilities ................................................................................................... 30 3.3 The Swedish European Union Nordic Battlegroup 2011 infantry company .......... 31 3.3.1 Organization for intelligence ................................................................................. 32 3.3.2 Organization for presence ...................................................................................... 33 3.3.3 Other capabilities ................................................................................................... 34 3.4 Comparison .................................................................................................................. 34 3.5 Suggestions for improvement...................................................................................... 35 3.5.1 Austria ................................................................................................................... 36 3.5.2 Sweden .................................................................................................................. 40 3.6 Answers to the research questions.............................................................................. 43 3.6.1 Which organizational features are important for a company in a counterinsurgency environment? ......................................................................................................... 44 3.6.2 How are these features implemented at Austrian and Swedish company levels? . 44 3.6.3 What can be suggested for improvement? ............................................................. 44 4. Discussion............................................................................................................................ 44 4.1 Conclusions ................................................................................................................... 46 4.2 Limitations on validity ................................................................................................. 46 4.3 The lost symmetry of war ............................................................................................ 47 4.4 Resume .......................................................................................................................... 49 5. Summary ............................................................................................................................. 50 6. Preview for further research ............................................................................................. 52 7. Annexes ............................................................................................................................... 53 7.1 List of Abbreviations ................................................................................................... 53 7.2 Bibliography ................................................................................................................. 55 7.2.1 Printed sources....................................................................................................... 55 7.2.2 Internet ................................................................................................................... 56 7.2.3 Interviews .............................................................................................................. 58 IV 7.3 List of Figures ............................................................................................................... 59 7.4 Sources in Swedish ....................................................................................................... 60 V Foreword This thesis was a good opportunity for the author to personally explore the