Rare original Base Group Rhodesian Light Infantry Plaque
**Rhodesian Combined Operations**
The Rhodesian Combined Operations was a pivotal entity in the military structure of Rhodesia during the Rhodesian Bush War, which lasted from 1964 to 1979. It was responsible for the coordination and execution of joint military operations, bringing together various branches of the Rhodesian security forces to combat nationalist guerrilla movements.
**Origins and Formation:**
The need for a unified command structure became evident in the late 1960s as the guerrilla war intensified. The Rhodesian government, under Prime Minister Ian Smith, recognized that a fragmented approach to counter-insurgency would be ineffective. As a result, the Combined Operations (ComOps) was established to ensure a coordinated and strategic response to the guerrilla threat.
**Operational Role:**
The primary role of Combined Operations was to plan, coordinate, and execute joint military operations. This involved integrating the efforts of the Rhodesian Army, the British South Africa Police (BSAP), the Rhodesian Air Force, and other security elements. By doing so, ComOps aimed to maximize the effectiveness of each branch and ensure a unified approach to counter-insurgency.
**Key Operations:**
Under the banner of Combined Operations, several significant military campaigns were launched. One of the most notable was Operation Dingo in 1977, which targeted ZIPRA camps in Mozambique. This operation, like many others orchestrated by ComOps, involved a combination of airborne assaults, ground troops, and aerial support, showcasing the integrated approach that ComOps championed.
**Leadership and Structure:**
The head of Combined Operations held the title of Commander Combined Operations. This position was occupied by several notable figures during the Bush War, each bringing their strategic vision to the role. Under the Commander were various sub-commands and units, each responsible for specific operational areas, from intelligence gathering to direct combat.
**Intelligence and Strategy:**
A significant aspect of Combined Operations was its emphasis on intelligence. The Selous Scouts, an elite reconnaissance unit, often operated under the ComOps umbrella, gathering vital information on guerrilla movements and bases. This intelligence-driven approach allowed ComOps to launch preemptive strikes, disrupting guerrilla activities before they could pose a significant threat.
**Legacy and Controversy:**
The legacy of Rhodesian Combined Operations is multifaceted. On one hand, it is recognized for its innovative approach to counter-insurgency and the coordination of joint military efforts. On the other hand, the tactics employed during the Bush War, including the targeting of civilian areas believed to be supporting guerrillas, have been a source of controversy and debate.
With the conclusion of the Bush War and the transition of Rhodesia to Zimbabwe in 1980, the structures and units under Combined Operations were disbanded or integrated into the new Zimbabwean security forces. The experiences, strategies, and lessons from ComOps have since been studied by military scholars and strategists worldwide.
