text: Support to Host Nation Security Forces
  Organizational Types
  8-34. The day-to-day troops-to-task requirements and priorities of effort requires a wide assortment of
  Host Nation security forces to conduct counterinsurgency operations. Although the police force should be
  the frontline of COIN security forces, other units are required to assist the police on a temporary basis until
  the police can conduct operations on their own. Police forces are not equipped or trained in operating
  in high intensity situations.
  Military
  8-35. Military forces might have to perform police duties at the start of an insurgency; however, it
  is best to establish police forces to assume these duties as soon as possible. Few military units can match a
  good police unit in developing an accurate human intelligence picture of their AO. Because of their
  frequent contact with populace, police often are the best force for countering small insurgent bands
  supported by the local populace.
  8-36. Although the long term objectives in training Host Nation militaries need to focus on foreign
  defense, realities of counterinsurgencies often dictate that the military establish civil security and civil
  control. Commanders must ensure that military units coordinate with local police with respect
  to intelligence gathering, interacting with civilians, and civil affairs.
  8-37. A Host Nation security force unit will be task-organized into elements that can accomplish one
  of three functions—conducting offensive operations, conducting defensive operations, and implementing
  civil control. These organizations’ sizes vary based on the operational environment; the components, the
  elements and dynamics of the insurgency; and the phase of the counterinsurgency. A Host Nation security
  force must also have C2, a reserve, and some form of sustainment support.
  Offensive Force
  8-38. A HN unit needs the capability to conduct offensive operations as well as specific
  counterinsurgency operations, such as search and attacks, raids, cordon and searches, ambushes, and site
  exploitation (SE). Due to the elusive nature of the insurgent, this force may be the smallest organization in
  the unit.
  Defensive Force
  8-39. A HN unit needs to have the ability to conduct defensive operations. Typically, HN
  counterinsurgency units focus on executing area defense at the tactical level that includes securing
  important events, critical infrastructure, and bases. Depending on the phase of the counterinsurgency
  and insurgent capabilities, this force may be quite large.
  Civil Control or Constabulary Force
  8-40. A HN unit needs to have a force that contributes to national security, as well as performs police
  duties and civil functions. Typically, this type of force conducts tasks associated with the civil control LOE
  such as manning checkpoints, gathering intelligence, conducting investigations into crimes and attacks,
  and performing reconnaissance. Often the largest force, it has constant interaction with the population
  which increases security of both the unit and the population. Historical and current examples include the
  Philippine Constabulary, the Italian Carabinieri, the Iraqi National Police, and Haitian Constabulary.
  Police
  8-41. The primary frontline COIN force is often the police—not the military. However, the police are
  only a part of the rule of law. Common roles of the police forces are to— investigate crimes, provide traffic
  control, preserve the peace by resolving simple disputes and civil disturbance control. Police require
  support from a code of law, judicial courts, and a penal system. Such support provides a coherent
  and transparent system that imparts justice. Upholding the rule of law also requires other civil institutions
  and an HN ability to support the legal system. If parts of the rule of law do not work, then commanders
  must be prepared to meet detention requirements.