ABSTRACT
This chapter provides lessons in special warfare relevant for planning, preparing, and executing foreign internal defense operations. It is based on the author’s experience in 2001–2002 as a Special Forces battalion commander who commanded the first deployment to Mindanao in support of Operation Enduring Freedom–Philippines and in 2006–2007 as the commander of the Joint Special Operations Task Force–Philippines. The chapter examines how special warfare can be effective when conducted over an extended period of time. Repeated, long-term engagements build host nation trust, which is critical for successful advise and assist missions. The chapter demonstrates that counterterrorism operations can be effective with a small U.S. presence, provided it is based on an effective campaign plan and a fairly capable host-nation security force.
