text: Chapter 3
  alliances of convenience by combining criminal networks, terrorists, state and nonstate actors, insurgents,
  transnational groups,proxies,and paramilitaries to attain short-or near-termobjectives. For example,during
  the Iraq war, a variety of organizations operated in the country, some of whom posed threats to the U.S.
  mission. Nonstateorganizations included Al Qaida,the Islamic State of Iraq,Jaysh al-Mahdi,Asaab al Haq,
  Khattaib Hizballah,the Sons of Iraq,and a variety of Kurdish militia groups. Energy Logistics Iraq Ltd and
  other corporations with their private security forces operated inside the country, also. At times, the United
  Nations and other transnational organizations or nongovernment organizations operated within the country.
  Each of the organizations that operated in Iraq had different, frequently opposing goals. Many of the
  organizations were directly opposed to U.S. forces,but even the organizations that were not overt enemies
  had separate goals that did not align with U.S. interests. The BCT commander, therefore, must understand
  andprepare to work with and fight against a wide variety of organizations,many of which may be tied directly
  to sovereign states.
  CRIMINAL NETWORKS AND OPPORTUNISTS
  3-14. Criminal networks are often stakeholders in state weaknesses. The government institutions’
  weaknesses allow criminal networks to have freedom of movement and to divert state resources without
  repercussions from law enforcement and rule of law. Criminal networks often ally other state and nonstate
  organizations to engage in and facilitate a rangeof illicit activities (intimidation and coercion) to capture and
  subvert critical state functions and institutions. These networks often align regionally and ethnically. The
  networks build alliances with political leaders,financial institutions,law enforcement,foreign intelligence,
  and security agencies to pursue political and criminal agendas. Many networks operate with impunity,
  consistently avoiding meaningful investigations and prosecution, by exerting influence within law
  enforcement,investigativeand judicial institutions within a nation state government.
  Note.The rule of lawis a principle under which all persons,institutions,and entities,public and
  private, including the state itself, are accountable to laws that are publicly promulgated, equally
  enforced,and independently adjudicated,and that are consistent with international human rights
  principles(ADP 3-07).
  3-15. Opportunists often take advantage of unstable conditions to pursue their personal goals and agendas.
  Opportunists can work with,for,or against an insurgency. Their interests determine their actions,operations,
  and conduct. An opportunist can work both sides to gain a positional advantage,to maximize influence,to
  maximize profits,or to avoid retribution. Opportunists can facilitate movement of insurgents while providing
  intelligence to counterinsurgents. Counterinsurgent or insurgent objectives do not restrict or govern
  opportunists.
  3-16. The BCT commander and staff must identify the presence of criminal networks and opportunists. The
  commander and staff assess criminal networks and opportunists’impact on the mission and protection while
  planning and executing actions to mitigate those negative impacts. The BCT works with local,federal,U.S.
  Army, unified action partners, and law enforcement personnel to mitigate the threat of these groups and
  individuals. The BCT integrates law enforcement personnel into their operations and synchronizes their
  operations to facilitate the reduction and elimination of criminal networks and the threat posed by
  opportunists, ultimately creating an environment where local law enforcement agencies can assume
  responsibility in this effort.
  Note. Military police possess the capabilities to identify,deter,mitigate,and defeat criminal actors
  and networks, crime-conducive conditions, and other factors from within the criminal
  environment that can destabilize an area or threaten short-and long-term operational success (see
  FM 3-39). The BCT provost marshal is responsible for planning, coordinating, requesting, and
  employing military police assets.