Strategic Impact of Terrain Analysis on Chad’s Military Operations Against Transnational Security Threats in The West African Sub-Region.

Abstract:

Military operations across the globe have taken numerous dimensions, becoming more dynamic, dangerous and complex, and of course, entail an acceptance of risks, while the African states’ military formations are not spared. Over a decade, the Chadian Armed Forces have suffered more non-combat than combat loss from Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists and other transnational security threats in the West African sub-region. This is due to a rapid change in physical environment, equipment failures, speed and high frequency of operations and human factors, arising from poor terrain analysis of battle space. Previous studies focused on Boko Haram insurgency in Chad and implications on national security, with little attention paid to the strategic impact of terrain analysis on the country’s military operations against transnational security threats. This study examines the key elements of terrain analysis, methods of conduct, strategic impacts, and its challenges in the Chadian military operations. The paper reveals that terrain analysis encompasses the process of evaluation and interpreting the natural and man-made features on the earth’s surfaces for the purpose of planning military operations, and environmental studies with the tools like digital elevation model, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for accelerated accuracy. Systematic evaluation, field surveys, aerial reconnaissance utilizing aircraft, among others were the methods of conducting it. Terrain analysis plays strategic roles in the evaluation of landscape, allows for understanding the nuances of terrains for advantageous positioning of the forces for war, among others; while the problem of integrating diverse data sources, poor understanding of terrain analysis, among others remain the challenges of terrain analysis in military operations. The study recommends the need for integrating artificial intelligence, and leveraging the real-time data in terrain analysis in adapting to all dynamic changes in Chad’s military operations.