In U.S. military doctrine, unconventional warfare refers to activities that enable a resistance movement or insurgency to coerce, disrupt, or overthrow a government or occupying power by operating through an underground, auxiliary, and guerrilla force.
It is one of several core special operations activities, along with direct action, special reconnaissance, counterterrorism, and foreign internal defense. Task forces are temporary organizations formed to manage a mission and bring together personnel from different units.
Because such operations are sensitive, they are subject to legal authorities and congressional oversight.
