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Rhodesian Fire Force: An Elite Counter-Insurgency Force in the African Bush War, 1966-1980

Holden Bell

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Published in Rhodesian Fire Force 1966 80 (Africa War 20)

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Rhodesian Fire Force 1966 80 (Africa War 20)

Rhodesian Fire Force 1966-80 (Africa@War Book 20)

by Kerrin Cocks

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	104888 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	72 pages

History

The Rhodesian Fire Force was formed in 1966 in response to the growing threat from nationalist guerrillas. The guerrillas were led by Robert Mugabe and Joshua Nkomo, who had launched a campaign of violence against the white-minority government of Rhodesia. The Fire Force was tasked with tracking down and destroying the guerrillas, and it quickly became one of the most effective counter-insurgency forces in the world.

The Fire Force was organized into small, mobile units that could operate independently in the bush. Each unit was typically composed of a mix of infantry, artillery, and air support. The Fire Force also made use of a variety of new technologies, including helicopters and armored vehicles.

The Fire Force was initially very successful in its operations against the guerrillas. The guerrillas were often outmatched by the Fire Force's superior firepower and mobility. However, as the war progressed, the guerrillas became more sophisticated and began to use hit-and-run tactics to avoid direct confrontation with the Fire Force.

In 1979, the Rhodesian government signed a peace agreement with the guerrillas. The agreement led to the establishment of a new, multi-racial government in Rhodesia. The Fire Force was disbanded in 1980, and its members were integrated into the new Zimbabwean National Army.

Tactics

The Rhodesian Fire Force employed a variety of innovative tactics to combat the nationalist guerrillas. One of the most effective tactics was the "fireforce" itself. A fireforce was a small, mobile unit that could be deployed quickly to respond to guerrilla attacks. The fireforce would typically consist of a mix of infantry, artillery, and air support. The fireforce would then use its superior firepower to overwhelm the guerrillas and destroy their base camps.

Another important tactic was the use of "cordons and sweeps." A cordon was a line of troops that surrounded a suspected guerrilla stronghold. The sweep was a search operation that was conducted within the cordon. The cordon and sweep operation was very effective in flushing out the guerrillas and destroying their supplies.

The Fire Force also made use of a variety of new technologies to combat the guerrillas. One of the most important technologies was the helicopter. Helicopters allowed the Fire Force to move quickly and easily through the bush, and they also provided aerial support for ground operations. Another important technology was the armored vehicle. Armored vehicles provided the Fire Force with protection from guerrilla ambushes.

Impact

The Rhodesian Fire Force was one of the most effective counter-insurgency forces in the world. The Fire Force played a major role in defeating the nationalist guerrillas and preserving the white-minority government of Rhodesia. However, the war also had a devastating impact on Rhodesia. The war led to the deaths of thousands of people and the displacement of millions more. The war also caused significant economic damage to Rhodesia.

The legacy of the Rhodesian Fire Force is complex and controversial. The Fire Force was a highly effective fighting force, but it also fought for a cause that was ultimately doomed to fail. The Fire Force was a product of its time, and its tactics and methods were often brutal and unforgiving. However, the Fire Force also played a role in preserving the white-minority government of Rhodesia for a number of years.

The Rhodesian Fire Force was an elite counter-insurgency force that fought against the nationalist guerrillas in the Rhodesian Bush War from 1966 to 1980. The Fire Force was known for its innovative tactics and its ability to operate in the harsh and unforgiving African bush. The success of the Fire Force was due in large part to the skill and dedication of its members, who were drawn from all walks of life. The Fire Force played a major role in defeating the nationalist guerrillas and preserving the white-minority government of Rhodesia. However, the war also had a devastating impact on Rhodesia, and the legacy of the Fire Force is complex and controversial.

Rhodesian Fire Force 1966-80 (Africa@War Book 20)

by Kerrin Cocks

4.6 out of 5