How are conventional and unconventional warfare different?

Key Takeaways

Conventional warfare involves traditional battlefield tactics and weaponry, excluding biological, chemical or nuclear weapons.
The U.S. Navy SEALs are a prime example of unconventional warfare specialists, trained in guerrilla warfare, building foreign relationships, counterterrorism, special reconnaissance and preparing for invasions.
Becoming a Navy SEAL requires intensive training, including combat swimming, explosives training and rigorous physical fitness tests.

Conventional warfare is the use of conventional - traditional -- means to wage war. The two sides face each other on the battlefield using weapons against each other, with these weapons usually not including biological, chemical or nuclear substances. Unconventional warfare, on the other hand, uses unconventional weapons, targets the civilian population as well as the armed forces, and specializes in unconventional tactics.

In the U.S. Navy, unconventional warfare is often the purview of the SEALs, the Sea, Air and Land troops who go through an incredibly intensive training program, including Hell Week. After this specialized training, SEALs are capable of using guerilla warfare in battle, including infiltrating into the enemy's camp, destroying enemy supplies and creating diversions. In addition, they build relationships with foreign nationals, move against enemy targets through ambushes and rescuing hostages, serve in counterterrorism squads, and engage in special reconnaissance, spying, gathering information and doing the preliminary work to prepare for an invasion of armed forces.

Aside from training in teamwork, SEALs spend more than 30 months learning how to dive and drive, engaging in combat swimming, training with explosives, and parachuting and swimming with their hands and feet bound. Of course, before you even get into the SEAL program, you have to be in good enough shape to swim 500 yards (457.2 meters) in 12.5 minutes or less; take a 10-minute break; do 42 push-ups in less than two minutes; take a two-minute rest; do 50 sit-ups in less than two minutes; rest for two minutes; do six pull-ups;, then run a mile and a half (2.4 km) in less than 11.5 minutes. Still interested? Join the Navy first, and you may be on your way to participating in unconventional warfare.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do international laws affect the use of unconventional warfare?

International laws, including the Geneva Conventions, restrict the use of certain unconventional warfare tactics, especially those that target civilian populations or involve the use of prohibited weapons. Nations engaging in unconventional warfare must navigate these laws to avoid international condemnation and potential legal consequences.

What role does cyber warfare play in unconventional warfare strategies?

Cyber warfare is increasingly becoming a critical component of unconventional warfare, involving attacks on an enemy's information systems to disrupt communications, steal sensitive data and damage critical infrastructure, all without the need for physical force or traditional military engagement.