Reexamining ground SOF command and control: does one size fit all?
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Authors
Cogan, Thomas E., IV
Subjects
special operations forces
command and control
Joint Special Operations Task Force
Special Operations Command-Forward
Marine Special Operations Forces
Army Special Operations Forces
Naval Special Operations Forces
task force
Theater Special Operations Command
Joint Task Force
command and control
Joint Special Operations Task Force
Special Operations Command-Forward
Marine Special Operations Forces
Army Special Operations Forces
Naval Special Operations Forces
task force
Theater Special Operations Command
Joint Task Force
Advisors
Sepp, Kalev
Burks, Robert
Date of Issue
2016-12
Date
Dec-16
Publisher
Monterey, California: Naval Postgraduate School
Language
Abstract
The current designs employed by the U.S. Department of Defense for the command and control of special operations forces (SOF) in limited contingency environments require reexamination to see whether they are sufficient or can be improved to meet the needs of the current operational environment. Joint Special Operations Task Force (JSOTF) and Special Operations Command-Forward (SOC-FWD) structures provide a scalable response to identified problems but still primarily operate as closed organizations in complex turbulent environments that would be better influenced by an open organizational design. This research examines how existing Marine Special Operations Forces, Army Special Operations Forces, and Naval Special Operations Forces organizations can meet the demands of complex operational environments at the task force level more efficiently. JSOTFs and SOC-FWDs provide adaptive organizations when employed with clear unity of effort and command within a Joint Task Force. Performance is increased when homogenous organizations command and control ground SOF during operations, vice using a Theater Special Operations Command, as doctrine prescribes.
Type
Thesis
Description
Series/Report No
Department
Defense Analysis (DA)
Organization
Identifiers
NPS Report Number
Sponsors
Funder
Format
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.