Framing the Post-2020 Afghan Environment: Thoughts and Recommendations

Abstract

This research aims to augment the reader’s strategic appreciation for the post-2020 environment in Afghanistan. As such, the authors consider this a “thought piece” versus a policy prescriptive decision briefing or white paper. The near-term goal is to inform the NATO Special Operations Component Command – Afghanistan/Special Operations Joint Task Force – Afghanistan (NSOCC-A/SOJTF-A) Commander and his staff on crucial variables that may prove consequential in the forthcoming development of a campaign design for the future utilization of Special Operations Forces (SOF) in Afghanistan, while also providing a collection of ‘creative options’ that could be injected into future SOF campaign plans in order to influence the aforementioned variables. For this analysis, the authors consciously present a holistic look at Afghanistan, accounting for variables and circumstances beyond SOJTF-A’s authorities or sphere of influence. The expanded scope was purposefully chosen to present a comprehensive understanding of the environment in which SOJTF-A leadership employs the SOF enterprise.