Military Tactics - Insurgency - Surviving an Invasion (Part 2)

[applications]

Let's stick with the Red Dawn scenario in the loosest form possible. A superpower has come and overthrown another country's government (doesn't have to be the U.S. specifically) and their goals are: occupation, control and complacency among the nationals.
They are not looking for complete annihilation of the country, but instead are looking for assimilation of the general populous and usability of natural resources. 
During a takeover of a country there are going to be huge gaps - at all levels of government. The transition time for government takeover varies by the complexity of the occupied country's infrastructure prior to the invasion - the more complex, the more challenging it will be for the occupying force to insert itself into every facet. 
As discussed in Part 1 the two foremost goals of this type of "insurgent warfare" whether violent or non-violent are:  
Survival 
&  
To convince the enemy’s political decision makers that their goals are either unachievable or too costly for the perceived benefit.

It may be tempting to immediately fight and attempt to repel an invading force, but if it's a full-scale invasion you'll most likely fail. Instead hide, regroup, plan and then take the fight back to the enemy when the time is right.

Information and communication are key. Radio or other forms of telecommunications may be knocked out or compromised so it may be required to use runners or people capable of quickly traveling from one place to another to transport information with notes or by word of mouth. Throughout history though this has been considered to be one of the most dangerous of jobs. World War I & II saw many runners who had to leave the safety of trenches or bunkers to get to another during combat to relay orders or field updates.

When a base of information has been established within a close-nit group (or multiple groups) operations can begin. Whether it be setting up a headquarters or multiple bases of command or even beginning to probe an occupy force's capabilities proceed with the utmost caution. Work with locals for support either with food and supplies or intel, but give them respect and even refuge when needed as supporting insurgents can be as dangerous and risky as being one.

When they're attempting to rebuild and restructure would be the best time to enact subversive acts. Much of the effort of the occupying force will be focused on rebuilding state infrastructure and using propaganda to quell uprisings, while at the same time cracking down on possible insurgenceies if they even exist yet. Remember if you're playing the part of insurgent you are the bad guy.

One of the greatest examples of insurgencies (in my opinion) is the Warsaw Uprising between August and October 1944. Although they did finally surrender - historically it was an amazing event considering the strength and aggressiveness of the Nazi army versus what was generally considered just a city's resistance. Granted there was some support from the Allies, but not much. To this day some Poles still feel betrayed by their allies for this, I would know because I've been there. The German causalities were quite high and frankly they had to level most of the capital before the resistance couldn't fight back anymore. That's a real fight from the heart right there.

Warsaw c. 1950

Getting back to our scenario at hand during the rebuilding state and initial hold of the country by the occupation will mark a weak point in the occupying forces. Subversive acts are hard to counter when the OPFOR are spread thin trying to "keep the peace" over a large blanketed area.

Setup small and specialized teams to attack small outposts and and others to stall any QRFs (Quick Reaction Force). It won't take long to demoralize occupying forces when doing this as it makes it more difficult for them to occupy a specific zone with any level of safety and confidence. Look at some of the more dangerous outposts in Afghanistan, such as the Korangal Valley (See: Restrepo). People are only human and can only be subjected to so much pressure and stress.

Observe MSRs (Main Supply Route) and look for openings for ambush or ways to disrupt them temporarily or permanently. It isn't always possible to airlift supplies or equipment - most armies still transport fuel, food, equipment and even vehicles by land. Long convoys always have vulnerabilities, usually in the middle whereas armed escorts are usually situated at the front and rear. Of course it's best to watch and take note of convoy layouts before taking a course of action.
Heavily-armed Russian convoys fell pray to endless ambushes by the Mujahideen during the Soviet War in Afghanistan (See: 9th Company) and did so again countless times during the first and second Chechen War.
Supplies HAVE to come in for units in the field to stay operational, which means there will always be something to disrupt.

 (More in Part 3...)