The Chechen Insurgents MILS671: The Non State Soldier American Military University Martin S. Catino, Ph.D.

Instructor

We find an initial success of the Chechen forces over the Russian Federation, a fact no doubt do to the following variables, which answers our Forum Question. 1. Creation of strategic depth and support. The Chechen opposition effectively engaged Turkey, Iran, Pakistan, and global jihdadists in order to create strategic depth, allowing for movement of supplies, personnel, and finances, in addition to creating sanctuary. 2. Ideological appeal and support created. The Chechens effectively mixed nationalism and Islamic jihad into an ideology that rallied not just local support, but also international support of Islamists, who later hijacked the movement or at least pressured it to conform to international

and not national aspirations. 3. Financing acquired, broadened, and secured. The Chechens gained ample funding due in large part to state support (Pakistan's ISI, and Iran), non state support (Islamic charities; and the Russian Mafia, in addition to other means including drug trafficking. 4. Force multipliers created at the strategic, operational, and tactical level. Chechen insurgents used training, specialized training, equipment, basing, sanctuary, and specialized units and tactics to gain surprise, momentum, agility, and ultimately victory. 5. Leadership exploitation of the Yeltsin gov't. The indecision and vacillation of Boris Yeltsin was exploited by the Chechen forces, which used mediation as tactical pauses to build and deploy forces. 6. Strategic targeting rather than just operational targeting. Note that the Chechens targeted Russian oil supplies and pipelines through the area/region. This potential disruption of Russian energy sources, resources, and trade would have a major and strategic effect.