Accession Number:

ADA172836

Title:

Low Intensity Conflict as Practiced by John Singleton Mosby in the American Civil War

Descriptive Note:

Master's thesis

Corporate Author:

ARMY COMMAND AND GENERAL STAFF COLL FORT LEAVENWORTH KS

Personal Author(s):

• Gutwald, Rick

Report Date:

1986-06-06

Pagination or Media Count:

185.0

Abstract:

This study is an historical analysis of three Civil War partisan insurgent operations conducted by the 43d Battalion, Viriginia Cavalry and its Confederate leader, John S. Mosby the raid on Fairfax Court House, 8-9 March 1863 the attack on Loudon Heights, 9-10 January 1864 and the Berryville raid, 13 August 1864. Each operation is analyzed by using the following factors situation and organization mission and planning execution of the operation equipment and logistics communications, command and control results the element of chance and leadership. In addition, Mosbys backgroun and character are also discussed and analyzed. Among the many conclusions that could be drawn from this study are intelligence is paramount to a partisan units survival partisan activities are not always acceptable to its supporting government Civil War partisan operations are characterized by simple mission orders, hit- and-run tactics, surprise, stealth, speed, deception, and audacity and partisan operations have the potential to physically and psychologically affect all levels of the enemys government. The study concludes that partisan warfare is still viable today and that the U.S. Army should expand its focus to include its use. Keywords Conflict, Low intensity.

Descriptors:

• *CONFLICT
• *INSURGENCY
• *UNCONVENTIONAL WARFARE
• ARMY PLANNING
• COMMAND AND CONTROL SYSTEMS
• COMMUNICATION AND RADIO SYSTEMS
• COUNTERINSURGENCY
• LOGISTICS
• MILITARY EQUIPMENT
• MILITARY ORGANIZATIONS
• MISSIONS
• PSYCHOLOGY
• UNITED STATES

Subject Categories:

• Government and Political Science
• Unconventional Warfare

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE