Foreign internal defense (FID)

Definition

Foreign Internal Defense (FID) is a term used in military operations to define the assistance provided by one country’s armed forces to another country to help them resist insurgency, subversion, terrorism, or other threats to their security. The assistance typically involves the provision of advisors, trainers and support personnel. Its purpose is not only to enhance the foreign country’s internal defensive capabilities but also to promote regional stability.

Key Takeaways

1. Foreign Internal Defense (FID) is a term applied in military operations referring to the support given by the armed forces of a foreign nation to their domestic civil authorities and population to secure them from insurgent, criminal, terrorist, or other threats.
2. FID primarily focuses on training, advising, and assisting host nation security forces in enhancing their capability to fight again internal threats. It serves as a proactive measure to prevent conflicts from escalating, thus reducing the potential need for more direct military involvement.
3. The overall objective of FID is not just focused on conflict resolution but also involves building sustainable institutions, promoting good governance, human rights, and supporting the growth of civil society. Hence, it integrates both military and non-military actions in its strategy.

Importance

Foreign Internal Defense (FID) is an important term in military operations as it refers to the participation of external forces in aiding a nation’s internal defense and development measures.

This strategy is crucial in preventing conflicts and fostering stability, as it assists countries in establishing effective defense mechanisms against internal threats such as insurgency, terrorism, or other forms of hostilities.

FID, often employed by the U.S.

military, helps in strengthening alliances, enhancing partner nations’ military capabilities, and in some cases, human rights and rule of law.

By promoting national sovereignty, political stability, and preventing the expansion of hostile influences, FID plays a crucial role in the global security landscape.

Explanation

Foreign Internal Defense (FID) is a military concept developed primarily by the United States Armed Forces. It is a strategic approach aimed at empowering allied or friendly nations to quell internal threats and establish stability within their territories.

The purpose of FID extends beyond merely military operations; it strives to support the host nation in asserting control over its sovereign space by providing assistance across a variety of fields, including humanitarian efforts, infrastructure development, and improvement of governance standards. Instead of a direct intervention, FID focuses on training and equipping the native forces of the host nation to combat insurgencies, terrorism, or other internal threats, alleviating the need for direct foreign military intervention.

Although the armed forces spearhead the operations, it is an interagency effort. Economic, political, psychological and civic actions are also integrated into the FID to ensure a comprehensive approach towards stability.

The guidance and support offered under the FID program can potentially aid the host nation in creating a secure environment for its citizens and foster long-term development and growth.

Examples of Foreign internal defense (FID)

Operation Enduring Freedom – Philippines: This is an example of a U.S. military operation in partnership with the Philippines that aimed to provide foreign internal defense after the attacks on September 11,

The objective was to help the Philippine military to counter terrorist groups such as Abu Sayyaf and Jemaah Islamiyah.

U.S. Military Training Mission to Saudi Arabia (USMTM): The USMTM is a security cooperation organization with the mission to advise and assist Saudi Arabian armed forces through security cooperation efforts in developing, training and sustaining capable deterrence and defense capabilities. This has been an enduring partnership demonstrating FID tactics.

U.S. Support to Colombia: The U.S. has supported Colombia’s counterinsurgency campaign for decades. The U.S. has aided the Colombian government in its fight against Marxist guerrillas like the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), as well as against drug kingpins and cartels. The U.S. has provided both equipment and training to Colombian forces, in compliance with Foreign Internal Defense policies.

FAQs on Foreign Internal Defense (FID)

What is Foreign Internal Defense (FID)?

Foreign Internal Defense (FID) is a military term that refers to the participation by civilian and military agencies of a government in any created program taken to free and protect its society from subversion, lawlessness, and insurgency.

What are the primary goals of FID?

Foreign Internal Defense is aimed at helping a host nation (HN) establish its own internal defense and development(IDAD) strategy. FID can offer a U.S. military presence and the ability to pursue U.S. objectives without the need for large-scale operations.

How does FID differ from other military operations?

FID involves a more comprehensive approach than traditional military operations. It focusses not only on military aspects but also emphasizes on the so-called “soft power” elements that include diplomatic and economic action, information management, and institutional development.

What is the significance of FID in global military strategy?

FID plays a crucial role in global military strategy as it contributes to preventing wars before they start. It helps in setting up a stable environment that can resist internal threats and reduce the need for larger-scale military intervention.

Who are the primary executors of Foreign Internal Defense (FID) missions?

Foreign Internal Defense missions are primarily executed by Special Forces or Green Berets, although other units of the military often contribute including Civil Affairs teams and Psychological Operations units.

Related Military Operation Terms

• Military Assistance Advisory Group (MAAG)
• Security Cooperation (SC)
• Indirect Support
• Insurgency Resistance
• Security Force Assistance (SFA)

Sources for More Information

• Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS): The JCS has updated guidelines and documents on FID.
• United States Special Operations Command (SOCOM): As an integral part of the U.S. military, SOCOM often conducts FID missions.
• National Defense University (NDU): NDU’s resources often include research and educational material on topics like FID.
• U.S. Department of State: The State Department often coordinates with military operations and may have relevant information on FID.