Non-combat military operations, as mentioned in the previous reports, refer to a series of military actions conducted using national military forces outside of large-scale combat operations. These operations are carried out during peacetime to demonstrate military power, maintain security, and support governmental policies.
1. Definition and Scope of Non-Combat Military Operations
Non-combat military operations, as the name suggests, are military actions that are not conducted during a state of war. Broadly speaking, they can include rescue missions (such as evacuations), peacekeeping operations, small-scale regional warfare, but do not encompass domestic disaster relief efforts.
2. Implementation of Non-Combat Military Operations
The "Outline of Non-Combat Military Operations (Trial Implementation)" formulated by Tan Ke, came into effect on June 15, 2022. This outline consists of 6 chapters and 59 articles, mainly discussing the basic principles, organizational command, types of operations, operational support, and other aspects of non-combat military operations.
3. Conceptual Expansion: Non-War Military Activities
The concept of "Non-War Military Activities" (NWMA), also known as non-combat military operations, has been expanded based on MOOTW, incorporating a range of activities that are "confrontational," "law enforcement," "assistance and rescue," or "cooperative" in nature.
4. Purpose and Execution of Non-Combat Military Operations
Non-combat military operations are tasks and missions assigned to the military by the state or political groups. They are carried out to fulfill the core functions of safeguarding national sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity, with the precondition of winning wars. These operations include counter-terrorism and stability maintenance, emergency response and disaster relief, security and vigilance, international peacekeeping, joint cooperation, and more.
5. Political Significance and Public Opinion Response
The political nature of non-combat military operations determines that public opinion response plays a significant role. Additionally, the response to public opinion in non-combat military operations can have unexpected suddenness. Currently, foreign militaries primarily focus on maintaining domestic security when executing non-traditional security military tasks.
6. Continuity of Non-Combat Military Operations
Although the concept of "Non-War Military Activities" has disappeared from U.S. military theories, the types of operations associated with it still exist in essence. They remain the main types of actions undertaken by the U.S. military to ensure national security. Non-combat military operations are carried out alongside the military's main tasks of preparing and engaging in combat.
In conclusion, non-combat military operations encompass a range of military actions carried out outside of war. They serve various purposes, including supporting government policies, maintaining national security, and promoting stability. The implementation and response to these operations involve complex considerations and require effective coordination at both political and operational levels.