ENHANCEMENT OF SPECIAL OPERATIONS ORGANIZATION IN THE DHS

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Authors
Darden, Joseph C.
Subjects
U.S. Department of Homeland Security
DHS
special operations
law enforcement
homeland security
United States Special Operations Command
USSOCOM
BORSTAR
BORTAC
interoperability
joint force
organization
unity of command
unity of effort
Goldwater-Nichols
Eagle Claw
team of teams
task force
Australia
Australian Federal Police
specialist response group
AFP
Advisors
Dew, Nicholas
Morag, Nadav
Date of Issue
2022-09
Date
Publisher
Monterey, CA; Naval Postgraduate School
Language
Abstract
In 2020, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Inspector General found that the DHS is ineffective at executing cross-component operations. To address this deficiency, this thesis asks how can DHS special operations teams leverage collective capabilities to increase effectiveness, efficiency, and unity of effort? The thesis reviews academic literature on organizational integrating mechanisms and comparative case studies of U.S. military special operations forces, Operation Eagle Claw, the Goldwater-Nichols Act, United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM), Joint Special Operations Task Force, and Australian Federal Police Specialist Response Group to seek solutions for the DHS. The results show that organizational design, informal networks, and routines have been successfully used by these organizations to achieve collaboration and interoperability. This thesis recommends that the DHS: 1) create a DHS Joint Special Operations Working Group for interoperability recommendations; 2) create a professional forum for DHS special operations personnel to collaborate; 3) initiate joint training programs; 4) establish liaison roles and exchange programs between Component teams; 5) create a DHS Special Operations Command (DHSSOC) as a joint force structure to coordinate and advocate for special operations; and 6) create a Joint Special Operations Directorate within DHSSOC as a standing force to develop integrated routines and equipment.
Type
Thesis
Description
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Department
National Security Affairs (CHDS)
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Distribution Statement
Approved for public release. Distribution is unlimited.
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