THICKENING THE CONTACT LAYER: ACCOUNTING FOR THE PARADOX OF PURPOSE IN THE JOINT COMBINED EXCHANGE TRAINING PROGRAM TO ANCHOR SPECIAL OPERATIONS IN GREAT POWER COMPETITION
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Authors
Manley, Richard L.
Bailey, Gilbert R.
Subjects
special operations
special operations forces
SOF
joint combined exchange training
JCET
great power competition
United States Indo-Pacific Command
USINDOPACOM
United States Special Operations Command
USSOCOM
National Defense Strategy
NDS
People's Republic of China
PRC
global operating concept
GOC
contact layer
gray zone
special operations forces
SOF
joint combined exchange training
JCET
great power competition
United States Indo-Pacific Command
USINDOPACOM
United States Special Operations Command
USSOCOM
National Defense Strategy
NDS
People's Republic of China
PRC
global operating concept
GOC
contact layer
gray zone
Advisors
Borer, Douglas A.
Date of Issue
2020-12
Date
Publisher
Monterey, CA; Naval Postgraduate School
Language
Abstract
The joint combined exchange training (JCET) has been a cornerstone of special operations forces (SOF) engagement in the Indo-Pacific region since its original legislation in 1991. These training events are the platform by which U.S. SOF maintain access to partners and allies across the United States Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM) theater while remaining in compliance with U.S. Title 10 oversight and authorities. This thesis describes how the United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) can integrate the JCET further into the National Defense Strategy’s (NDS) global operating concept (GOC) and allow for SOF to campaign more effectively in pursuit of competition with the People’s Republic of China (PRC). Using the traditional ends, ways, and means model, this thesis details the additional platforms and resources available to SOF in Asia, explains the JCET’s role in that assortment of actions, and asserts that a change in JCET policy is required to best capitalize on the uniquely flexible event. Finally, recommended updates to current policy that account for the new demands on SOF relative to the NDS goals are provided. These recommendations focus on considerations specific to the current resource-informed environment by taking into account available SOF resources, manpower, and focus.
Type
Thesis
Description
Series/Report No
Department
Defense Analysis (DA)
Defense Analysis (DA)
Organization
Identifiers
NPS Report Number
Sponsors
Funder
Format
Citation
Distribution Statement
Approved for public release. distribution is unlimited
Rights
This publication is a work of the U.S. Government as defined in Title 17, United States Code, Section 101. Copyright protection is not available for this work in the United States.