Guerrilla operations are those military actions executed with selected commands and combatants. For this reason, it is necessary to obtain specific enemy information, and to know the enemy’s situation by observation. In guerrilla operations, attacking by surprise and having control of key terrain are essential.
Everyone who engages in guerrilla operations, besides being elusive, must have had excellent training and preparation. The following are general prerequisites or priorities for the preparation of an individual guerrilla fighter:
Guerrilla operations include:
In every guerrilla operation, the execution of the mission must be guaranteed.
Current and accurate enemy information, including terrain and weather knowledge, are key to prepare, plan, and execute the mission. Every small detail must be covered in the plan, and nothing should be overlooked.
For each guerrilla operation, training or simulated attack must be conducted and verified; these must be in terrain which closely resembles the site characteristics where the operation will be carried out.
Individual guerrilla training must be continuous; it must always strive for superiority in all aspects of training. Training must focus on the prerequisites mentioned above.
Coordination is a high priority during each guerrilla operation. Coordination ensures teamwork and helps to guarantee the success of the operation.
Selected commands and combatants, as well as weaponry, are key ingredients for the operation. Each guerrilla fighter must make full use of weapons and must not fire continuously. It is very important that strict fire discipline be followed.
Terrain knowledge, appropriate camouflage, and surprise are essential elements during the execution of a guerrilla operation.
Surprise, security, rational use of resources, and economy of force are the key principles of guerrilla warfare tactics. These must be followed in every guerrilla operation.
Guerrillas around the world typically fight the same way. They use surprise, night operations, careful planning and selection of targets, and timing to inflict the greatest damage. They are particularly sensitive to the propaganda value of the psychological impact of every action they take, from a single terrorist act (bombing or political assassination) to a major assault on a critical installation.
Guerrillas can best be described as capable, all-weather soldiers who live off the land, thus reducing the amount of rations they need to carry. They operate in their own domain and, because of their familiarity with it, can negotiate the most difficult terrain in any kind of weather, at any time of the day. They usually attack at night to ensure the element of surprise. The overall combat effectiveness of these fighters is usually good.