Blain:
Thanks for the insight into difficulties being faced in moutain warfare even though some of the points raised in the presentation are really representative of fighting above ten thousand feet. However, a lot of it is pertinent in FATA. Thanks for sharing -- it helps most of us understand the difficulty of fighting in that terrain.
My question is than what should be the battle tactics of PA in FATA?? And, if the terrain is so difficult and surpirse is lost when helo noise can be heard for miles in canyons and deep valleys -- than is Predator one of the most effetective type of active engagement tool avialable to PA? (And yes I am saying PA as PA is now calling the shots on a number of strikes by Predators in FATA).
Would like your insight on best tactics that can be utalized by PA in FATA. THX
Aamir
I quoted specifically the challenges in higher terrain because the current challenges are common with those highlighted in the presentation. Maj Gen Bashir's presentation also had quite a few salient points specific to the problems faced during operations in the Peochar region where the elevations are higher, but the remoteness of N. Waziristan etc. also poses similar trafficability and logistics problems (how far do you extend the vehicular patrols before they become susceptible to ambushes etc.)
In my humble opinion, real stand-off capability would help the Army considerably. This does not have to be UCAVs, it could be up-gunned (or upgraded missiles on) helicopter gunships that can loiter and launch ASMs against targets from standoff ranges (Hellfire category - 6-12 km range). However short of some long term peace agreement, there is no alternate to troops holding the ground (where possible given the vastness of the area). In terms of moving troops, heliborne insertion (as Jigs pointed out), would remain the preferred method.
Also the longer the distance to cover by the heliborne troops, the earlier the warning to the opposing side, thus there may be a need to deploy PAA assets closer to where the action is so troops can be inserted quickly without a lot of warning to the other side.
In reality, there is no one quick solution. Each tactical problem has to be worked out with a solution that does not have to be off-the-Western shelves. We are and continue to come up with our own solutions. They may not be perfect, but will help in developing our own tactics over time and in turn will be more optimal for the terrain and environment in which we are operating.
Air assault will have to be the spearhead of our approach and faster and quieter helicopters would be helpful. Unfortunately our options are limited and our budget is even more constrained. I think if we can hold-off the Taliban ingress into the lower country and keep them bottled up and off-guard, we could consider that success. There is no way to beat this threat off entirely given what we have observed ever since we deployed force to put the militants down back in 1960-62.
