Biometrically Supported Census Operations as a Population Control Measure in Counterinsurgency

This monograph examines the conduct of biometrically supported census operations as a population control measure in a counterinsurgency campaign. First, the monograph explores why the conduct of such an operation is relevant in the current operating environment. Then the monograph examines the current gap in United States Army doctrine discussing the use of a census as a population control measure in counterinsurgency. To address this gap, the monograph next focuses on several multidisciplinary theoretical concepts that support the use of biometrically supported census operations in counterinsurgency. This portion of the monograph concludes with a conceptual model based on these theories for the conduct of the census operation. The appendix includes a methodology for the actual conduct of the census. The monograph then analyzes the benefits to the counterinsurgent force by conducting census operations to control the population. The monograph discusses how census operations place the counterinsurgent force in direct contact with insurgent forces for lethal operations. Two vignettes illustrate this process. The monograph then discusses the second and third order effects of gathering census information that enables the counterinsurgent force to influence the indigenous populations as a whole. This section of the monograph concludes with a discussion of the internal benefits to the counterinsurgent force at the soldier, group, and organizational levels. The monograph concludes with challenges to consider and recommendations. The challenges to consider when conducting biometrically supported census operations center on sovereignty and privacy issues and the potential abuse of biometric identities. The monograph recommends closing the gap in United States Army doctrine by adding a discussion of census theory and methodology to both the operational and tactical level counterinsurgency manuals. The monograph also recommends specific training measures and policy guidance to ensure future applications of biometrically supported census operations are both effective and ethical.