An operational concept for the transformation of SOF into a fifth service
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Authors
Riga, Christopher N.
Mahla, Philip L.
Subjects
Strategic utility
SOF in Afghanistan
Special Operatons Forces missions
Regional commands
Special Operations Forces employment
SOF as a fifth military service
SOF in Afghanistan
Special Operatons Forces missions
Regional commands
Special Operations Forces employment
SOF as a fifth military service
Advisors
Simons, Anna
Date of Issue
2003-06
Date
June 2003
Publisher
Monterey, California. Naval Postgraduate School
Language
Abstract
This thesis defines the strategic utility of Special Operation Forces (SOF), identifies why SOF only provide limited strategic utility, and presents an operational concept for the reorganization, alignment, and employment of SOF to overcome these shortf alls. The thesis is presented in a deductive manner that argues that SOF were designed for strategic purposes, and leads the reader to conclude that reformation must occur for SOF to provide strategic utility and meet their intent. SOF would be in an optimal position to meet their organizational intent by becoming a fifth armed service within the Department of Defense (DoD). Through the creation of mission-based units and a holistic employment strategy, SOF would become a strategic instrument capability of assisting national decision -makers in blending the elements of national power. Finally, the thesis concludes with additional required areas for research to make this concept become a reality, but that are beyond the scope of this study.
Type
Thesis
Description
Series/Report No
Department
Defense Analysis (DA)
Organization
Identifiers
NPS Report Number
Sponsors
Funder
Format
x, 131 p. : col. ill.
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.