The Role of the Armed Forces in Counterterrorism

Kiss, Álmos Péter (2023) The Role of the Armed Forces in Counterterrorism. DEFENCE REVIEW: THE CENTRAL JOURNAL OF THE HUNGARIAN DEFENCE FORCES, 151 (Spec). pp. 70-85. ISSN 2060-1506

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Abstract

The armed forces are organized, trained and equipped to fight the external enemies of the state, and they have a role to play in maintaining internal security as well. However, such “military assistance to the civil power” missions are fraught with risks. This paper addresses three of those risks. The armed forces’ national defence capabilities are affected and their budget is burdened with non-military expenditures. Performing law enforcement duties (especially without adequate training beforehand) carries with it the risk of poisoning the civil-military relationship for a long time – and once it is lost, it is very difficult to regain the trust of the population. Employing the armed forces in the counterterrorist role may also turn a dangerous, but manageable terrorist threat into a deadly, no-holds-barred armed conflict. In spite of the many potential problems, the armed forces do have a role to play in counterterrorism.

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