Footage of Russian soldiers complaining of the destruction of their vehicle by Ukrainian-laid mines. These soldiers are apparently in a secure rear area and their SUV was destroyed by a mine purportedly laid by a Ukrainian team operating behind enemy lines. It is also possible that the mines were laid by drones. In my day, Marine Corps doctrine identified four types of security operation: screen, guard, cover, and rear area security. The Army’s FM 3-90 recognizes five types of security operation, differentiating between area security and site security. Regardless, security operations behind the forward line of troops are a critical element of modern military doctrine. Penetration of rear areas by special forces, guerrillas, or partisans can have a disruptive effect of activities which are critical for supporting those forces actively engaged in combat. Not only can it interrupt the flow of food, fuel, and ammunition to forward areas, operations in an enemy’s rear can require a reallocation of forces to secure those areas. This siphons combat units from the front, making it difficult for a commander to mass combat power at the point of contact.

About the Author

Cam

Cam served as an infantry officer in the Marine Corps, deploying to the Horn of Africa and participating in combat operations in Iraq. He currently works in the maritime industry and in the defense sector as an instructor of combined arms planning and operations. An avid sailor, Cam founded and directs Triumph Sailing, a nonprofit that supports veterans and first responders through adventure and fellowship on the water. Triumph Sailing just completed its big yearly event, an offshore race in the Gulf of Mexico with an all veteran crew. You can support the mission and next year's sailing season at Tri-Sail.Org.