Clear, Hold, Build: Modern Political Techniques in COIN

Abstract

Abstract : Clear, Hold, is stated policy and doctrine for U.S. military to succeed in counterinsurgency fight in Iraq. This paper discusses leveraging of domestic political campaigning tools as a way to improve Clear, Hold, strategy at Brigade and Battalion level. The paper highlights role of S-2 in leveraging domestic political tools, how these tools might be used, and importance of using political tools in a localized, proactive, and comprehensive approach. The Clear, Hold, method was doctrinally established in FM 3-24 and endorsed by Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice in 2005. This tactic is divided into three phases: (1) Clear area by destroying, capturing, or forcing withdrawal of insurgent combatants; (2) Hold area with security forces (ideally host nation forces) to effectively reestablish a host nation government presence at local level; and (3) Build support for host nation government by protecting populace and improving economic, social, cultural, and medical conditions. FM 3-24 provides commander on ground considerable freedom in deciding how to implement Clear, Hold, in his Area of Operations (AO). Importantly, FM 3-24 cites need for a coordinated Information Operations campaign at all stages to support COIN effort. Also, it notes that the most important activities during build stage are conducted by nonmilitary agencies. This statement highlights importance of coordinating with groups that are not typically associated with military activities. Key to this coordination is leveraging assets that allow commanders to understand social relationships in their AO.