THE APPLICATION AND EMPLOYMENT OF SPECIAL FORCES TO EFFECTIVELY OPERATE IN THE MULTI-DOMAIN OPERATIONS ENVIRONMENT OF LARGE-SCALE COMBAT OPERATIONS
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Authors
Dominiak, Artur M.
Bassette, John F., Jr.
Subjects
special forces
ARSOF
large-scale combat operations
LSCO
multi-domain operations
MDO
great power competition
anti-access area denial
A2/AD
ARSOF
large-scale combat operations
LSCO
multi-domain operations
MDO
great power competition
anti-access area denial
A2/AD
Advisors
Burks, Robert E.
Date of Issue
2021-12
Date
Publisher
Monterey, CA; Naval Postgraduate School
Language
Abstract
With the U.S. military’s shift in focus to large-scale combat operations (LSCO) in a multi-domain operations (MDO) environment, special forces (SF) must adapt and develop new strategies to operate and succeed in a new technologically enabled combat environment. MDO warfare has evolved and now includes the 4th dimension of information, electronic, and cyber warfare. The prevalence of information through open-source internet, radio, and television as well as a high reliance on electronic communications equipment has enhanced the offense opportunities for both the United States and its adversaries alike. Designed and assembled in an era prior to the MDO environment, the SF force structure currently lacks some of the capabilities to effectively operate and thrive on modern battlefields. Capabilities such as electronic warfare or employment and exploitation of cyber space hold significant influence on the battlespace, which SF units are ill prepared to employ or exploit. As a result, SF units should reconsider their capabilities when it comes to penetrating and disabling the anti-access area denial (A2/AD) bubbles established by our enemies. SF should also consider the tools required to destroy or disable A2/AD. Ultimately, SF must reanalyze how they are positioned and employed within LSCO. A look at modern-era case studies show that SF must adapt its capabilities and force structure if it is to remain relevant and effective in future conflicts.
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Thesis
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Department
Defense Analysis (DA)
Defense Analysis (DA)
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Distribution Statement
Approved for public release. Distribution is unlimited.
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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.