Unconventional Warfare Pocket Guide/UW Phase II: Initial Contact

by the United States Army Special Operations Command

UW Phase II: Initial Contact

Before the USG decides to render support to a resistance, it establishes contact with representatives of a resistance organization to assess the compatibility of U.S. and resistance interests and objectives. This assessment is largely a political negotiation between the USG and the resistance organization. Once the USG establishes compatibility, it assesses the resistance potential. During the initial contact, planners may arrange for the dispatch and reception of a pilot team. When possible, planners exfiltrate a resistance representative, referred to as an asset, from the operational area to brief the pilot team during its planning phase. The asset may accompany the team during their infiltration into the operational area and facilitate their linkup with resistance forces.

Activities

• Determine Mission Command Requirements
• Establish Contact with Resistance
• Prepare Pilot Teams and Synchronize with IA Partners
• Continue PE: Civil, Military, Physical, Virtual Domains
• Conduct MISO and CA Support to UW
• Conduct JIPOE and continue R&S
• Synchronize Activities with IA Partners
• Establish Non-Standard Logistics (NSL) Stocks and Build Capacity to Support Irregular Forces
• Continue PR Analysis in Support of PR Mechanisms