MARSOC SOF-MAGTF Capabilities Integrations Analysis and Operational Modeling of SSR
Authors
Burks, Rob
Appleget, Jeff
Subjects
wargaming
campaign analysis
expeditionary advanced based operations
EABO
marine air ground task force
MAGTF
marine forces special operations command
MARSOC
strategic shaping and reconnaissance
SSR
Standard Marine Special Operations Teams
MSOT
Marine Raider Detachments
MRD
campaign analysis
expeditionary advanced based operations
EABO
marine air ground task force
MAGTF
marine forces special operations command
MARSOC
strategic shaping and reconnaissance
SSR
Standard Marine Special Operations Teams
MSOT
Marine Raider Detachments
MRD
Advisors
Date of Issue
2023-10-12
Date
Publisher
Monterey, CA; Naval Postgraduate School
Language
Abstract
This research is a continuation of the Special Operations Forces Marine Air Ground Task Force (MAGTF) Capabilities Integrations Analysis and Operational Modeling work started in 2022 (Burks & Appleget, 2022). It also supports ongoing NPS efforts examining Expeditionary Advance Base Operations (EABO) and the potential of United States Marine Forces Special Operations Command (MARSOC) forces serving as a bridge for capabilities integration between Special Operations Forces (SOF) and deployed MAGTF. This effort examined the MARSOC Strategic Shaping and Reconnaissance (SSR) operating concept and how various SOF force structures can best support the EABO concept for 21st Century warfighting in the contact, blunt, and surge layers of competition and conflict. This research examines SSR activities across the spectrum of cooperation and competition and how SSR activities can augment and support deterrence and prevention in a South China Sea conflict scenario in the Contact Layer. The research leveraged the Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) Warfare Innovation Continuum (WIC) and multiple Joint Campaign Analysis (JCA) and Wargaming Applications courses to develop its insights. The focus of this effort was to explore how MARSOC can operationalize SSR to achieve effects in competition while postured to transition to conflict. The effort was based on an exchange of ideas between MARSOC and NPS researchers to better understand SSR operational concepts and Marine Raider Detachments (MRD) operations; it identified three critical MARSOC issues for exploration. The research identified potential SOF force structures that best supports strategic shaping and reconnaissance missions in a non-kinetic environment.
Type
Report
Description
NPS NRP Executive Summary
Series/Report No
Department
Defense Analysis (DA)
Operations Research (OR)
Organization
Naval Research Program (NRP)
Identifiers
NPS Report Number
Sponsors
N7 - Warfighting Development
Funder
This research is supported by funding from the Naval Postgraduate School, Naval Research Program (PE0605853N/2098). https://nps.edu/nrp
Chief of Naval Operations (CNO)
Chief of Naval Operations (CNO)
Format
5 p.