HYBRID WARFARE 

Here is the definition of hybrid warfare- 

Hybrid warfare is a modern approach to conflict that combines conventional military force with non-traditional methods to achieve strategic objectives. It blends elements of conventional warfare (like armed conflict) with irregular tactics, cyberattacks, disinformation, economic pressure, and influence operations. The goal of hybrid warfare is often to exploit vulnerabilities, sow confusion, and achieve objectives without triggering a full-scale military response. 

At this time, western nations are, and have been, engaged in hybrid warfare against Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea. Only recently, we have seen- 

• Undersea cables cut between Sweden and Lithuania, and Germany and Sweden 

• An arson attack on a warehouse in London containing Starlink internet equipment destined for Ukraine 

• Parts of the German railroad network damaged by sabotage 

• NHS sites in the UK hacked and brought down 

Countries know that it is possible to wage war against an opponent without declaring war, and bring a country to its knees without having to destroy the country. 

Consider how you would feel, and how you would react, if- 

• You could not access money from an ATM  

• Your debit/credit cards would not work when paying for goods 

• You suddenly had no access to your heating, lighting, and water supply 

• The roads you use were gridlocked because all traffic management systems had failed 

• Your mobile phone network stopped 

There are of course even more truly horrible situations that could arise such as the GPS navigation systems used by ships and aircraft ceasing to work, with aircraft in the sky and ships at sea. 

Now that you know that your country is most likely engaged in a hybrid war, what should you do? Apart from being aware and keeping yourself updated with what is really going in the world, you should look at how your life would be impacted upon by the downtime of critical resources in your country and prepare accordingly. The following list is by no means exhaustive, but should include- 

• At least a few days of dried/tinned food 

• A quantity of bottled water 

• If possible, a source of heating not dependent on mains supply, if that is not possible, some warm clothes 

• Torches and candles 

• Some cash 

• Consider at least a portable gas cooker which could be used to cook food and heat water 

• A jerry can of petrol/diesel