ABSTRACT
This chapter describes the applicability of Manoeuvre Theory to military operations in Operations Other Than War (OOTW). The adoption of Manoeuvre Warfare Theory by the British and other armies has a dramatic impact on their conduct of conventional war. Its influence is all-pervading, carrying with it not just tactical innovation but changes to their very military culture. Manoeuvre theory is about amplifying the force which a small mass is capable of exerting; it is synonymous with the indirect approach. The insurgent achieves surprise by the denial of intelligence. This is possible for an enemy who by definition has at least the passive support of a large part of the population. Counter-Revolutionary Warfare (CRW) operations since the Second World War have seen a mixture of attrition and manoeuvrist approaches. The mix of delegated decision-making and the availability of greater than normal combat power at very low levels, does risk actions by junior commanders jeopardising the political aim.
