The rules of engagement in the conduct of special operations
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Authors
Reilly, Michael S.
Subjects
Rules of engagement (ROE)
Special operations forces (SOF)
Special operations
Command and control
Operation Just Cause
Panama
UNOSOM II
Somalia
Special operations forces (SOF)
Special operations
Command and control
Operation Just Cause
Panama
UNOSOM II
Somalia
Advisors
Arquilla, John
Date of Issue
1996-12
Date
December 1996
Publisher
Monterey, California. Naval Postgraduate School
Language
en_US
Abstract
This thesis examines the effect that ROE have on the conduct of special operations in order to contribute to an increased understanding of the proper employment of elite forces. It argues that 'inappropriate' ROE can result from (1) an imbalance in the natural tension between the requirements of statecraft and military efficiency present in all military operations and (2) organizational friction resulting from inaccurate translation of broad political objectives, through various levels in the chain of command, into an inappropriate tactical ROE for a specific unit. Additionally, it argues that the nature of special operations missions, and the principles vital to their proper employment, cause them to be most sensitive to these sources of inappropriate ROE in either crisis or conflict. This thesis concludes that ROE can be used to achieve indirect political control over special operations but achieving this control is more difficult and more hazardous with special operations than with conventional forces.
Type
Thesis
Description
Series/Report No
Department
National Security Affairs (NSA)
Organization
Naval Postgraduate School
Identifiers
NPS Report Number
Sponsors
Funder
Format
xviii, 223 p.
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.