DEFEAT THROUGH DECEIT: A STUDY ON DECEPTION IN SPECIAL OPERATIONS
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Authors
MacNeil, Thomas P.
Subjects
deception
direct action
hostage rescue
irregular warfare
multinational
relative superiority
risk mitigation
special operations
special operations forces
surgical strike
tactical deception
war
direct action
hostage rescue
irregular warfare
multinational
relative superiority
risk mitigation
special operations
special operations forces
surgical strike
tactical deception
war
Advisors
Jones, Michael W.
Rothstein, Hy S.
Date of Issue
2020-06
Date
Publisher
Monterey, CA; Naval Postgraduate School
Language
Abstract
This thesis uncovers how the application of tactical deception to special operations can improve the likelihood of achieving mission completion. By inducing hesitation, confusion, and chaos into the operational environment, special operations forces could potentially influence and manipulate the psyche of an adversary to amplify friendly capabilities on the objective. Three historical case studies are presented where tactical deception was successfully implemented during surgical strike operations, such as direct action or hostage rescue missions, to evaluate how deception affects the assault force's progress during the course of a mission. The author shows that the assault force's advantage over an adversary is highly dependent on the duration and effectiveness of the deception when it is applied at the initial point of vulnerability. Through the use of the special operations deception curve, this thesis illustrates how successful tactical deception in a mission can be used to achieve relative superiority earlier, maintain relative superiority longer, and reduce the area of vulnerability experienced by special operation forces.
Type
Thesis
Description
Series/Report No
Department
Defense Analysis (DA)
Organization
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NPS Report Number
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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.