BETWEEN WAR AND PEACE: TOWARD CREATING A NORSOF STRATEGY TO DEFEND AGAINST GRAY ZONE THREATS
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Authors
Kolstad, Daniel
Subjects
hybrid war
hybrid threat
countermeasures
gray zone conflict
operational environment
Russia
NORSOF
cross-sectoral collaboration
operational autonomy
rapid response
situational complexity
hybrid threat
countermeasures
gray zone conflict
operational environment
Russia
NORSOF
cross-sectoral collaboration
operational autonomy
rapid response
situational complexity
Advisors
Borer, Douglas A.
Maness, Ryan
Date of Issue
2020-03
Date
Publisher
Monterey, CA; Naval Postgraduate School
Language
Abstract
This thesis seeks to improve the Norwegian special operations forces’ tactical ability to counter domestic hybrid scenarios. The thesis answers two questions: which fundamental factors of the operational environment identify Russia’s new tactics, and how have allied nations’ special operations forces (SOF) improved their design after identifying similar challenges in their operational environments? Case studies of Russia’s hybrid warfare development in Georgia and on the Crimea Peninsula reveal that Russian cross-sectoral tactics create confusion and situational complexity. Russia exploits the confusion and hesitation and further complicates the situation by dominating the communicative domain to reach its strategic objective.
Through a series of interviews, this study finds that Norwegian special operations forces (NORSOF) should establish a liaison element for interdepartmental communication, establish a generic concept of operation plan to provide a legal framework and guide for a NORSOF ground force, and function as a manual for civil authorities describing NORSOF capabilities. The thesis recommends enhancing NORSOF’s ground forces command and control (C2) abilities to better face complex situations. These suggestions will support NORSOF’s trust-building interdepartmental relations and improve NORSOF operational autonomy.
Type
Thesis
Description
Series/Report No
Department
Defense Analysis (DA)
Organization
Identifiers
NPS Report Number
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Distribution Statement
Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.
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Copyright is reserved by the copyright owner.