Hybrid Threat Definition

The Hybrid Threat (HT) is one of the driving forces in combating US Army doctrine, and a way of planning and preparing for military operations to overcome a powerful adversary. HT—as defined in Field Manual 7-100— is the diverse and dynamic combination of regular forces, irregular forces, and/or criminal elements all unified to achieve mutually benefitting effects. A fight of this nature is an evolving threat and is the basis for how the US military plans and fights to tackle the adversary’s tactics, techniques and procedures (TTP) that have adapted to counter ours. Due to the “cat and mouse” game of modern warfare, a HT is an ever changing force due to the application of natural and directed adaptation processes.

Defining the adaptation process of a HT can be classified into two categories—natural and directed. The natural adaptation process is how the enemy asserts its influence through multiple means across the spectrum of operations—et al. technology, media, information, conventional and non-conventional warfare. The basics of the …show more content…
It is similar to US soldiers conducting after action reviews (AARs) to discuss issues and recommendations of a particular event or operation, then to ensure success when that future operation is carried out. Whether it is how a terrorist organization emplaces an IED to defeat a RINO system on a convoy, or a conventional adversary recording reactions of US aircraft when marking with air defense systems, the enemy can adjust their tactics to ensure future engagements are a success. Either way, the directed adaptation process is the result of changing a TTP by applying lessons learned after an event has taken place—further adapting the abilities of a hybrid threat