DIRECT ACTION RAIDS AS ESTSOF KEY TASK: BUYING TIME FOR CONVENTIONAL FORCES IN A NATIONAL DEFENSE CAMPAIGN
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Authors
Kiis, Madis
Subjects
Estonia
SOF
SOF
Advisors
Rice, Ian C.
Date of Issue
2024-12
Date
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Monterey, CA; Naval Postgraduate School
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Abstract
In reaction to Russia’s aggression in Ukraine, Estonia has increased its defense expenditure and strengthened its defense capabilities in concert with NATO’s enhanced deterrence and defense posture. This thesis focuses on the most dangerous scenario for Estonian independence: Russia's large-scale attack in the land domain to invade the Baltic states. Specifically, it addresses how the Estonian Special Operations Forces (ESTSOF) can best support conventional forces in defending Estonia's territory during the critical period from the outset of such an attack until NATO reinforcements arrive. Employing a qualitative research method, the study examines four case studies of special operation raids from the Second World War: Green Room, Bulbasket, Longcloth, and the Battle of Cisterna. Based on the analysis, the study finds that SOF direct action raids, deployed against operational-level objectives with sustained effects, cause the highest degree of disruption to enemy campaigns. The findings suggest two recommendations for ESTSOF. First, in addition to its strategic role in developing unconventional warfare capabilities, ESTSOF should adopt direct action as its secondary task to support the national defensive operations to buy time for NATO’s response. Second, short-duration, small-team raids have a better chance to preserve SOF capability than prolonged and large formation operations and, therefore, make a greater impact over the course of sustained operations
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Thesis
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