The FBI: A Partner in Counterinsurgency Operations

This paper will inform the operational commander how the FBI can participate in a counterinsurgency campaign. It will document what is already in place, how the FBI investigator attacks organized and or disorganized criminal enterprises and how the Bureau uses the task force approach to combat those groups. It will draw parallels between organized criminal enterprises and insurgency groups. The purpose of this paper is to provide some insight as to an effective way to implement FBI and other law enforcement agents in a counterinsurgency campaign. Because many of the current joint FBI and U.S. Military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan are classified, this unclassified paper will not be able to provide details on specific structures in place and the operational successes that have resulted from those arrangements. This paper will outline the existing relationships, point out parallels in methods and targets, and suggest a potential use for the assets.