Download or read book Special Operations Forces in the 21st Century written by Jessica Glicken Turnley and published by Routledge. This book was released on 2017-08-09 with total page 541 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book sets out the major social scientific approaches to the study of Special Operations Forces. Despite consistent downsizing, over the past two decades the armed forces of the industrial democracies have seen a huge growth in Special Operations Forces (SOF). Through increasing numbers of personnel and more frequent deployments, SOF units have wielded considerable influence in conflicts around the world, with senior SOF officers having led major strategic operations. This increased presence and unprecedented expansion for SOF is largely a result of the ‘new’ kinds of conflicts that have emerged in the 21st century. At the same time, even with this high profile in the military, policy and media and popular cultural arenas, there is relatively little social scientific research on SOF. This volume aims to fill this gap by providing a series of studies and analyses of SOF across the globe, since the end of World War II. Analysing SOF at the micro, mezzo and macro levels provides broad and diverse insights. Moreover, the volume deals with new issues raised by the use of such forces that include emerging modes of civilian control, innovative organizational forms and the special psychological characteristics necessitated by SOF operatives. It concludes with a discussion of a question which continues to be debated in today’s militaries: what makes SOF ‘special’? Filling a clear gap in the literature, this book will be of much interest to students of strategic studies, civil-military relations, irregular warfare, security studies, and international relations.
Download or read book Special Ops America s Elite Forces in 21st Century Combat written by Fred J. Pushies and published by . This book was released on 2003 with total page 134 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:
Download or read book 21st Century SOF written by Department of Defense and published by . This book was released on 2017-08-22 with total page 95 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In this concise JSOU monograph, Dr. Rich Yarger considers the 21st century security environment, previous work on special operations theory, and various other perspectives of SOF gleaned from his research to synthesize an American SOF school of thought, which he argues provides a foundation for developing an American special operations theory for the 21st century. He offers definitions, premises, and principles that explain modern American special operations over the last 70 years and can serve SOF well into the future. Based on his research, he identifies major areas of concern for SOF leadership. As USSOCOM confronts the challenges offered by the 21st century and policymakers continue to look at SOF as a preferred means to address numerous and complex security issues, theory is essential in determining and explaining the appropriate roles and missions for SOF in the 21st century and for building and sustaining the forces. It explains the strategic utility of SOF, bolsters the strategic art within SOF, and informs doctrine. This monograph offers a basis toward such a theory. The timing for advancing a comprehensive theory of American special operations could not be more opportune for several reasons. First, with over 70 years of modern history, the American SOF reputation has never stood higher in the esteem of the public and policymakers. In the last two decades special operations have taken on a greater role in national defense, and policymakers and strategists have found utility in the kind of military power SOF projects. Such recognition is a double-edged sword. The nation has been confronted with significant challenges in the first half of the 21st century that have already strained the capacity of the United States and its strategic partners to deal with them. Policymakers and the 2012 Defense Strategy are correct to recognize the relevance of SOF to these threats and opportunities, but in advocating the greater use of special operations they clearly do not grasp what the SOF Truths imply about SOF capacity.5 As a result, U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) must parley the hard-earned esteem won by special operators over the past decade to build the force for the future while advising policymakers and senior military decision makers on how best to use a qualitatively constrained SOF capacity. Concurrently, a number of people question whether the greatest strategic utility is being made of SOF power.6 This is not a questioning of SOF personnel's efforts, but a genuine concern about how unique and limited capabilities are used, or not used, and how they might best be used in the future. A unified theory would inform how best to wield the SOF sword. Second, under USSOCOM, SOF have matured into a discrete military force with many of the distinguishing characteristics that define a separate service. Theories and schools of thought explain how each service fits into the nation's security, sets the parameters for roles and missions, lays the basis for a strategic art, and informs doctrine and the professional development of the force. In the past, SOF have relied on mentoring, on-the-job experience, a limited doctrine, and a high degree of flexibility and adaptability. Notwithstanding the great need for and value of the latter, a theory and school of thought provide perspective for strategy, mission planning, and improvising when in contact with the enemy, significantly shortening and lowering the cost of the learning curve at all levels of war.
Download or read book The Role of Army Special Operations Forces in Information Warfare in the 21st Century written by John H. Bone and published by . This book was released on 2000 with total page 14 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:
Download or read book Future Warriors written by John A. Adams (Jr.) and published by . This book was released on 1996 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Special operations forces have played a significant role in U.S. history when waging war or conduction operations during periods other than war. As the 21st Century approaches with the advent of the high-tech battlefield, will special operations forces continue to be relevant and how will they wage information warfare? This paper examines that question by exploring the current military revolution and how it shapes the future battlefield, information warfare and its application on the future battlefield, and the role of special operations forces in conducting information warfare. The result is that special operations forces have a role to play in the future.
Download or read book 21st Century SOF Toward an American Theory of Special Operations written by Harry Yarger and published by . This book was released on 2013-09-04 with total page 94 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In this concise JSOU monograph, Dr. Rich Yarger considers the 21st century security environment, previous work on special operations theory, and various other perspectives of SOF gleaned from his research to synthesize an American SOF school of thought, which he argues provides a foundation for developing an American special operations theory for the 21st century. He offers definitions, premises, and principles that explain modern American special operations over the last 70 years and can serve SOF well into the future. Based on his research, he identifies major areas of concern for SOF leadership. As USSOCOM confronts the challenges offered by the 21st century and policymakers continue to look at SOF as a preferred means to address numerous and complex security issues, theory is essential in determining and explaining the appropriate roles and missions for SOF in the 21st century.
Download or read book The Complete Idiot s Guide to the U S Special Ops Forces written by Marc Cerasini and published by Penguin. This book was released on 2002 with total page 342 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A guide to the face of modern US warfare in the 21st century. The US Special Operations Forces will be at the forefront of every battle that the US will wage against the war on terrorism.
Download or read book International Military Operations in the 21st Century written by Per M. Norheim-Martinsen and published by Routledge. This book was released on 2015-05-08 with total page 258 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book examines the challenges that military forces will face in multinational operations in the 21st century. Expanding on Rupert Smith’s The Utility of Force, the volume assesses the changing parameters within which force as a political instrument is ultimately carried out. By analysing nine carefully selected mission types, the volume presents a comprehensive analysis of key trends and trajectories. Building upon this analysis, the contributors break the trends and parameters down into real and potential tasks and mission types in order to identify concrete implications for military forces in future multinational operations. The context of military intervention in conflicts and crises around the world is rapidly evolving. Western powers’ shrinking ability and desire to intervene makes it pertinent to analyse how the cost of operations can be reduced and, how they can be executed more intelligently in the future. New challenges to international military operations are arising and this book addresses these challenges by focusing on three key areas of change: 1) An increasingly urbanised world; 2) The changing nature of missions; 3) The commercial availability of new technologies. In answering these questions and embracing some of the insights of a growing field of future studies, the volume presents an innovative perspective on future international military operations. This book will be of much interest to students of international intervention, military and strategic studies, war and conflict studies, security studies and IR in general.
Download or read book 21st Century SOF written by Harry Richard Yarger and published by . This book was released on 2013 with total page 83 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This report considers the 21st century security environment, previous work on special operations theory, and various other perspectives of SOF gleaned from the author's research to synthesize an American SOF school of thought, which he argues provides a foundation for developing an American special operations theory for the 21st century. The author offers definitions, premises, and principles that explain modern American special operations over the last 70 years and can serve SOF well into the future. Based on his research, the author identifies major areas of concern for SOF leadership. As USSOCOM confronts the challenges offered by the 21st century and policymakers continue to look at SOF as a preferred means to address numerous and complex security issues, theory is essential in determining and explaining the appropriate roles and missions for SOF in the 21st century.
Download or read book Special Operations Contracting written by Benjamin Tkach and published by Independently Published. This book was released on 2019-05-10 with total page 106 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: "Amateurs talk about tactics, but professionals study logistics." This quote is attributed to the Commandant of the Marine Corps, General Robert H. Barrow in 1980. The observation is especially relevant to the USSOCOM enterprise due to the command's dual role as a combatant command and an organization with legislated military department-like authorities. One of the chief tasks under those military department-like authorities is the procurement and fielding of SOF-peculiar equipment. Certainly within the past 15 years, many in the special operations community will argue that technology that is acquired and fast-fielded can save lives. Therefore, Dr. Tkach's monograph is an important read for SOF professionals. Dr. Tkach wrote this monograph for all professionals who study logistics and enable Special Operations Forces (SOF). As you review the work, consider how you can ensure SOF continues to receive the effective support it needs to carry out its mission.
Download or read book Special Operations Forces written by John M. Collins and published by DIANE Publishing. This book was released on 1994 with total page 211 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In this volume, John Collins speaks with the authority of one who was literally present at the birth of the low intensity conflict era. His long-term, intimate, and direct contact with the esoteric world of special operations has few parallels. Their roots go back in time and history considerably farther, but today's Special Operations Forces are largely products of the past three decades. Their development has been in response to the pressures of world-wide situations perceived to bear upon or which actually do affect American strategic interests. The use of raw military power may not provide solutions to the complex problems involved and may even be counter-productive. Special Operations forces, uniquely suited to fill the quasi-military gap, require the highest degree of professional competence in the application of the classical principles of war. This is a big order. It is difficult in a few words to pay John Collins the tribute he deserves for continuing efforts to educate both the Congress and the U.S. Armed Forces concerning the capabilities and limitations of special operations and the forces they involve. This latest addition to his carefully researched studies combines history, philosophy, factual data, and reference materials in a single document that should be on the desks of civilian and military leaders whose responsibilities relate in any way to special operations.
Download or read book The Competitive Advantage written by Michael E Krivdo and published by Independently Published. This book was released on 2019-05-23 with total page 276 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Volume 8 of the Army University Large Scale Combat Operations series. The Competitive Advantage: Special Operations Forces in Large Scale Combat Operations presents twelve historical case studies of special operations forces from World War I through Operation Iraqi Freedom. This volume sheds light upon the emerging roles, missions, and unique capabilities that have forged a path for Army Special Operations Forces today. These case studies set Large Scale Combat Operations in the center and place ARSOF's role in the forefront. If a reader were to take one piece from this volume, it would be the clear understanding of the close synergy that occurs between the Conventional Force and SOF in Large Scale Combat Operations for major wars in the 20th and early 21st century. That synergy should provide a broad azimuth for military planners and practitioners to follow as the Army, SOF, and the Joint Force combine to preserve the peace, defend the Nation, and defeat any adversary.
Download or read book Command and Control of Special Operations Forces for 21st Century Contingency Operations written by and published by . This book was released on 2003 with total page 26 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The establishment of the United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) in the late 1980's created a single command designed to correct serious deficiencies in the ability of the United States to conduct special operations and engage in low-intensity conflict. Among other things, the creation of USSOCOM intended to correct problems associated with the command and control of Special Operations Forces (SOF). However, these command and control problems still exist today. Recent contingency operations in Afghanistan and the Philippines have shown the command and control difficulties with SOF. The command and control structure established for Task Force DAGGER was ad hoc in nature and did not follow current doctrine. Although not perfect, the C2 structure established for Operation Enduring Freedom- Philippines followed current doctrine and proved much easier to work with. Current doctrine is a starting point for establishing command and control structures and combatant commanders should follow this doctrine when establishing lines of command. Creating a Standing Joint Task Force is not the way for combatant commanders to establish their staffs. In contrast, this paper argues that the optimal C2 for SOF operations in the 21st century should be a blend of doctrine and practical lessons learned during recent combat operations.
Download or read book Special Operations Forces and Great power Competition in the 21st Century written by Hal Brands and published by . This book was released on 2020 with total page 11 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: America is moving from one era of foreign policy to another: The primacy of counterterrorism has faded, and competition with authoritarian great powers is the dominant concern. While special operations forces (SOF) understand that they must play a role in great-power competition, they often lack a clear understanding of what that entails. SOF can support great-power competition in five ways: gathering information, working with allies and partners, imposing costs, handling crisis response, and undertaking strategic raids. In addition, retaining competency in counterterrorism is itself a crucial contribution to great-power competition, because suppressing non-state threats is the prerequisite to allowing the rest of the American government to focus on other things.
Download or read book US Army Special Forces Role In Asymmetric Warfare written by Major Heinz P. Dinter Jr. and published by Pickle Partners Publishing. This book was released on 2014-08-15 with total page 157 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The U.S. National Security Strategy is the basis of a preventive solution through global engagement, which fosters international interoperability and cooperation to defeat complex asymmetric threats. The study examined how U.S. Army Special Forces (SF) can advance this interoperability and cooperation, and identified three evolving roles; Strike Force, Warrior Diplomats, and Global Scouts. As they transition into the 21st century, the central research question is: will U.S. Army Special Forces need to redefine themselves in terms of mission, doctrine, training, or organization as a result of their evolving roles conditioned by an asymmetric threat environment? The study examined the relevance of core, collateral, and emerging missions. It concluded that basic SF doctrine remains sound, but the changing environment and evolving roles of SF will call for a certain amount of refinement. Tactics, techniques, and procedures will change as new technologies are introduced into SF organizations, but emphasis on the human element remains essential, and SF core competencies and warrior skills must be preserved. The study concluded with recommendations to preserve the relevance and efficiency of SF as the premier mechanism for extending U.S. influence in a world of increased global interaction, required to meet security needs.
Download or read book 21st Century Essential Guide to U S Navy SEALs Sea Air Land Special Warfare Command Special Operations Forces Training Weapons Tactics Dogs Vehicles History Bin Laden Killing written by Department of Defense and published by . This book was released on 2017-04-30 with total page 200 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: U.S. Navy SEALs, instrumental in the raid of Osama bin Laden's compound in Pakistan, are featured in this comprehensive report on U.S. special operations forces with complete coverage of the forces fighting terrorism worldwide, including the Special Warfare Command and USSOCOM. Coverage includes: Mission Types; Benefits; Prep School; BUD/S training; Advanced Training; Application Steps and How to Become a SEAL; Strength Training; Swim Training; Run Training; Nutrition Training; Injury Prevention Training; recommended reading list; frequently asked questions; nutrition guidelines; alcohol and performance; Hall of Heroes; special operations in World War II, Korea, Vietnam, and recent wars including Afghanistan and Iraq; Navy SEAL museum; Naval Combat Demolition Unit; duty stations in Coronado California, Little Creek Virginia, and Pearl Harbor; USSOCOM Special Operations Command including Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines; Fort Bragg, Hurlburt Field and MacDill Air Force Base; Army JFK Special Warfare Center and School; Rangers; Nightstalker, SEAL Team platoons; military working dogs and NSW dogs; tactical ground mobility; SWCC Western Maneuvering Area; ground mobility platforms; Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat; MKV special operations craft; special operations craft riverine; undersea platforms; SEAL delivery vehicle; Air Force Special Ops Aircraft; unmanned aircraft systems; dive assault gear; P226 Pistol; MK11 sniper rifle; M13 grenade launcher; SCAR Special Ops Combat Assault Rifle; machine guns; rotary wing helicopter support; dry deck shelter (DDS); controversies over training ranges; applying ethics; and much more. In addition to the coverage of special ops and SEALs, there is the complete story of the killing of Osama bin Laden by U.S. forces at a compound in Abbottabad, Pakistan as described by American government officials. Navy SEALs are a special breed of warrior who conduct special operations in any environment, but who are uniquely trained and equipped to operate from, around and in maritime areas. SEALs take their name from the environments in which they are trained to operate: sea, air and land. Their small highly trained teams usually work quietly at night conducting some of the nation's most important missions. SEALs are constantly deployed throughout the world to protect national interests. Navy SEALs and their high speed boat driving counterparts, Naval Special Warfare Combatant-Craft Crewmen, form the operational arms of the Naval Special Warfare community, which is headed by the Naval Special Warfare Command. NSW acts both as the Navy's special operations force as well as the Navy component of the U.S. Special Operations Command, which is responsible for all U.S. special operations forces. NSW training and preparation stresses an enduring commitment to individual initiative, personal responsibility and mission accomplishment. Naval Special Warfare goes to great lengths to ensure that its forces are capable and prepared.
Download or read book Special Warfare written by and published by . This book was released on 1997 with total page 56 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:
