NEWS I HOPE WE NEVER HAVE TO USE: North Korea Plans to Defeat the U.S. Army in a War. Here’s How.

North Korean doctrine spans several types of offensive operations, most of which are standard for most armies, but two of which are particularly interesting. One is infiltration operations: a corps-sized offensive will will attempt to filter almost a division’s worth of troops through U.S. and South Korean lines. “In an infantry corps-level operation, approximately two-thirds of the light infantry brigade and sniper brigade or a total of eight battalions may be given the mission to conduct raids on key targets in the enemy’s rear—artillery positions, vital chokepoints on major roads, or command posts,” the U.S. Army study notes. “This focus on infiltration continues down to all levels: four of six companies from the division light infantry battalion at the division level, one regular infantry company in each regiment, and one regular infantry platoon in each battalion may all receive infiltration missions.”

A “besetment” operation involves surrounding an enemy strong point in order to inflict maximum casualties. “There are four types of besetments: front and one flank; front and two flanks; front and rear; and front, rear, and two flanks,” the U.S. Army study notes. “No matter what type of besetment is chosen, indirect fire will attempt to seal any enemy side not covered by the direct fire.”

Offensive tactics that emphasize constant infiltration into the enemy’s rear and surrounding enemy strong points? Does this sound familiar?

Indeed. It sounds an awful lot like a repeat of the 1950-1953 war, and as the author notes, might not be as effective against 21st Century troops armed with night vision, drones, smart bombs, and the like.