This is the most political form of warfare, and lacks large-scale maneuvers above battalion level.
Insurgency/COIN is the most familiar to us at the moment, as we are engaged in this type of Warfare in the Middle East and Africa. We will start by describing COIN and Continental warfare, to show what Expeditionary Warfare is not, and then describe what Expeditionary War is. Understanding the differences between the three is crucial to avoid using the wrong tool for the job. Although distinct, they are not mutually exclusive, and blending 2 or more at the strategic level should be the definition of “Hybrid Warfare:”Ī Style of Fighting that blends elements and strategic end-goals of two or more styles of Modern Warfare: Continental, Expeditionary, and/or COIN. These are: Continental Warfare, Expeditionary Warfare, and Insurgency/COIN. There are three distinct styles of modern warfare, based on missions and methods, and their principles have not fundamentally changed since the 1970s. These three campaigns had vastly different objectives, organizations, and methods, with few similarities besides being fought in a foreign country, yet JP 3-0 would call them all “Expeditionary Forces.” A more specific definition is warranted to avoid confusion, particularly when planning a campaign or developing a permanent force structure. This broad official definition does not distinguish between Pershing’s punitive chase of Pancho Villa in 1916, Patton’s 3rd Army in 1944, or the SOF-dominated Invasion of Grenada in 1983. However, not everything is an “Expeditionary Force,” simply by virtue of being overseas, as JP 3-0 currently defines it:Įxpeditionary Force: An Armed Force organized to achieve a specific objective in a foreign country.ĭefining it this way turns every war America has fought since 1815 into one fought by an “Expeditionary Force,” regardless of the vast differences between the campaigns. Thus, it’s only natural we want to call everything our military does abroad an “Expeditionary Force.” Expeditionary forces are comprised of tough, competent men who travel light in remote areas, and rely on their wits to survive and win in unfamiliar environments. The term “Expeditionary Force” sounds cool, as it evokes feelings of adventure and risk-taking in far-away places. What is an “Expeditionary Force?” No, Really, What is It?įor a Pioneer nation like America, built on exploration and a seemingly endless frontier, the romance of expeditions is part of our national psyche.