Complex operations often require the development of specialized teams with multidisciplinary perspectives. Examples of these groups include human terrain teams, provincial reconstruction teams, and, most recently, female engagement teams (FETs). These specialized programs are tasked with engaging local populations to ascertain information on civil-society needs and problems; address security concerns; and to form links between the populace, military, and interagency partners.
History has taught us that most insurgent fighters are men. But, in traditional societies, women are extremely infl uential in forming the social networks that insurgents use for support. Co-opting neutral or friendly women — through targeted social and economic programs — builds networks of enlightened self-interest that eventually undermines the insurgents. To do this effectively requires your own female counterinsurgents. Win the women, and you own the family unit. Own the family, and you take a big step forward in mobilizing the population on your side.
Men, women, and children are part of the triangle of knowledge that must be targeted for information collection. In Afghanistan, we observe rather consistent themes. Men interpret information and tell you what they think you want to hear. Women see and hear what goes on behind the walls. Children run free in the community and see, watch, and are involved in nearly every activity in the community.
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Initial Female Engagement Team Concept
FETs are not a new concept in Afghanistan. They have existed in one form or another for more than nine years. Civil affairs teams have performed this type of mission on a regular basis for years in both Afghanistan and Iraq, along with countries like Bosnia and Kosovo, but not under that name. The Marines picked up on the FET concept and employed it on a large scale well before the Army and they have had great success using it. Currently, there is little consistency in the FET programs between deployed Army brigade combat teams (BCTs) in Afghanistan. The BCTs are having varying degrees of success in contributing to the information repository covering the total Afghan population that is required to be understood as part of the COIN environment. The Army has been slow picking up on the FET concept; it is now being codifi ed and an Army wide FET training program is being developed based on the U.S. Army Special Operations Command (USASOC) Cultural Support Team (CST) program.
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Bernd Pulch 