Rhodesian COIN (consolidated thread, inc original RLI)
Moderator's Note
I have consolidated four RFI threads into this:All matters Rhodesian / Rhodesia (merged thread)
A lot of information sits in the main thread: Rhodesian COIN (consolidated thread, inc original RLI) and the recently published book: Africa's Commandos - new book on the RLI (Now in Historians arena).
As the war in Rhodesia was within a region wracked by conflict it is worth checking another thread: South Africa's COIN war in SWA/Namibia/Angola and COIN in Africa: The Portuguese Way of War, 1961–1974 (Now in Historians arena).
A debate over the Rhodesian tactic 'Fireforce' is found in the Afghan context: Moving the Rhod. Fire Force concept to Afghanistan?
A general search finds Rhodesia / Rhodesian appears in over a hundred threads, often in book lists for example. (Ends).
H/T to Erik who sent in a link to this online book - Counterinsurgency in Rhodesia (link no longer works) by J. K. Cilliers. The book was written in 1985; here are the chapters:
- Brief History of the War for Zimbabwe 1890 - 1979
- Command and Control
- Protected and Consolidated Villages
- Border Minefield Obstacles
- Psuedo Operations and the Selous Scouts
- Internal Defence and Development
- External Operations
- Operation Favour: Security Force Auxiliaries
- Intelligence
- The Security Situation by Late 1979
- Conclusion
Was a separate thread and merged today
For others who may be interested
I will be sending two documents to sgmgrumpy. One is a visualization of Fireforce tactics given to me by Chuck Melsom (another Rhodesian military follower) of the History and Museums division. The second is a copy of an external operation OPORD. It is similar to the basic SMEAC format, but the coordinating instructions are a gem because there is insight into how the
Rhodies thought and planned.
I only have them hardcopy now, but intend to scan and build into a .pdf. PM me if you'd like a copy.
Another on COIN in Rhodesia
Here is a link to download an out of print book from the Institute for Security Studies in South Africa
http://www.iss.co.za/index.php?link_...e=12&tmpl_id=3
Just found it so I can't comment on it.
Best
Tom
"Fireforce" by Chris Cocks
One of the best primary sources I've read on the Rhodesian Light Infantry. This book is worth reading and rereading. I thought it was particularly interesting how all their vehciles were designed to survive mine explosions, and this was back in 1979.
Fireforce...Concur wholeheartedly
That was where I was going to share the op order with sgmgrumpy. Great book.