Combined Operations (Rhodesia)

Combined Operations (Rhodesia) refers to the coordination and integration of different branches of the Rhodesian Security Forces, primarily the Rhodesian Army, the British South Africa Police (BSAP), and the Rhodesian Air Force (RhAF), during the Rhodesian Bush War (1964-1979). This concept encompassed joint planning, intelligence sharing, and the execution of military and counter-insurgency operations. The goal was to maximize the effectiveness of the security forces against guerrilla forces operating within Rhodesia and from neighboring countries.

Combined Operations Headquarters (COMOPS), established in Salisbury (now Harare), served as the central command and control center. COMOPS facilitated the flow of information and resources between the various security branches, enabling a more unified and responsive approach to the escalating conflict. It was responsible for strategic planning, resource allocation, and overall coordination of the war effort.

The effectiveness of Combined Operations varied throughout the war, facing challenges related to inter-service rivalries, resource limitations, and the decentralized nature of the guerrilla warfare. However, the concept remained a central tenet of Rhodesian counter-insurgency strategy, aiming to utilize all available resources in a cohesive and coordinated manner.