Download or read book The Integration of Special Operations and General Purpose Forces written by Michael M. Kershaw and published by . This book was released on 1994 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Special Operations Forces (SOF) are frequently employed to conduct missions not within the limited boundaries of unilateral special operations. These operations often involve cooperation with general purpose forces (GPF) and are often under their command. This thesis argues that these cooperative efforts are better examined as integrated operations rather than special or conventional operations. These operations require SOF to conduct specialized tasks facilitating the introduction of follow-on GPF to complete the mission. This thesis develops a theory of integrated operations by examining six operations, previously considered under conventional wisdom as either special or conventional. It rejects much of the myth which surrounds these operations and offers a revisionist interpretation of the necessary and sufficient conditions for success in these endeavors. The thesis then goes on to compare cases of these special units using organizational theory to determine the sources of integration. The cases examined indicate a causal relationship between organizational factors related to command and training and a special units ability to integrate with GPF. The thesis concludes by recommending the realignment of select SOF in the current force structure to better meet the challenges of future integrated operations.
Download or read book The Integration of Special Operations and General Purpose Forces written by Michael M. Kershaw and published by . This book was released on 1994 with total page 179 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Special Operations Forces (SOF) are frequently employed to conduct missions not within the limited boundaries of unilateral special operations. These operations often involve cooperation with general purpose forces (GPF) and are often under their command. This thesis argues that these cooperative efforts are better examined as integrated operations rather than special or conventional operations. These operations require SOF to conduct specialized tasks facilitating the introduction of follow-on GPF to complete the mission. This thesis develops a theory of integrated operations by examining six operations, previously considered under conventional wisdom as either special or conventional. It rejects much of the myth which surrounds these operations and offers a revisionist interpretation of the necessary and sufficient conditions for success in these endeavors. The thesis then goes on to compare cases of these special units using organizational theory to determine the sources of integration. The cases examined indicate a causal relationship between organizational factors related to command and training and a special units ability to integrate with GPF. The thesis concludes by recommending the realignment of select SOF in the current force structure to better meet the challenges of future integrated operations.
Download or read book Command Control and Integration of Special Operations Forces Into the General Purpose Force written by and published by . This book was released on 2000 with total page 20 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: With the ever-increasing number of "non-traditional" missions the United States military is faced with in the twenty-first century, operational commanders will be required to form unique joint organizations designed to complete these missions. While not a new problem, joint force commanders of General Purpose Forces (GPF) must identify the appropriate way in which to integrate Special Operations Forces (SOF) into their plans. More specifically, GPF and SOF Commanders must agree upon the proper command and control structure for Special Operations that meets the needs of the GPF Commander, while ensuring that the SOF element is utilized correctly. Current joint and SOF doctrine specifies proposed command relationships between SOF and the GPF Commander, yet we continually face problems within this arena. Because of the unique nature of Special Operations, many conventional commanders and planners are not familiar with SOF capabilities, limitations, roles and missions. As a result, the conventional planning staff typically expects more than the SOF unit can deliver or conversely under utilizes the SOF unit's capabilities. A revived command and control architecture rich with liaisons designed to assist joint force planners and commanders would help the United States military take a large step in the right direction of maximizing our joint capabilities, while minimizing mis-management in a time of shrinking forces and expanding missions.
Download or read book Planning and Training Considerations for Emerging Trends in Special Operations and General Purpose Force Operational Integration written by and published by . This book was released on 2004 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Evidence from recent operations shows an increasing tendency of employing Special Operations Forces (SOF) with General Purpose Forces (GPF). The larger degree of cooperation and mutual support necessitates Joint Forces Command (JFCOM), United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) and the Services change current planning and training framework to better reflect present and future operational employment expectations. Previously SOF and GPF planners primarily focused on deconfliction of operations when needed, but Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) and Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) have demonstrated a need for greater cooperation and SOF/GPF integration at all levels. Integration of SOF and GPF is happening on the battlefield now. Recent changes to doctrine necessitate changes in military education and training to reinforce the successes and mitigate shortcomings and risks found in current SOF and GPF integration. JFCOM can drive this with initiatives in these areas with the support of the Services, USSOCOM, and the training proponents and centers. Implementation of this training and education will increase employment options for Combatant Commanders, JTF Commanders, and unit leaders at all levels. The changing nature of conflict under the Global War on Terror (GWOT), limited resources, broad operational scope, and increased operational tempo require all assets be employed to the greatest effect and as efficiently as possible. More effective integration of SOF and GPF is a step towards this end.
Download or read book The American Way of Irregular War written by Charles T. Cleveland and published by . This book was released on 2020-09-15 with total page 276 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The United States has failed to achieve strategic objectives in nearly every military campaign since Vietnam. This memoir describes how the United States can begin to build the American way of irregular war needed for success in modern conflict.
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 Sof Integration with Conventional Forces written by United States Army Command and General S and published by CreateSpace. This book was released on 2014-12-04 with total page 42 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Throughout the history of the United States, the American military has integrated capabilities from diverse military units. From the regulars under Washington and the local militias in the American Revolution to the airborne Divisions of World War II to the Special Operations Forces in the Global War on Terror, all of these units developed an organizational culture all their own due to the background of their soldiers and the function of their units. These different organizations and cultures have led to friction whenever they are employed together. The same is true today for discussion of the integration of Special Operations Forces (SOF) and the General Purpose Force (GPF). This paper will examine the doctrine within the scope of two case studies: OPERATION ANACONDA and Operations in northern Iraq during OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM in 2003. In both cases, doctrine provided clear guidance in organizing command and control structures. With no gap in doctrine, the problems of integrating GPF and SOF capabilities arise from other areas such as organizational culture, personalities, or understanding.
Download or read book SOF Integration with Conventional Forces a Doctrine Gap written by Gregory M. Stroud and published by Createspace Independent Pub. This book was released on 2013-03-07 with total page 48 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Throughout the history of the United States, the American military has integrated capabilities from diverse military units. From the regulars under Washington and the local militias in the American Revolution to the airborne Divisions of World War II to the Special Operations Forces in the Global War on Terror, all of these units developed an organizational culture all their own due to the background of their soldiers and the function of their units. These different organizations and cultures have led to friction whenever they are employed together. The same is true today for discussion of the integration of Special Operations Forces (SOF) and the General Purpose Force (GPF). This paper will examine the doctrine within the scope of two case studies: OPERATION ANACONDA and Operations in northern Iraq during OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM in 2003. In both cases, doctrine provided clear guidance in organizing command and control structures. With no gap in doctrine, the problems of integrating GPF and SOF capabilities arise from other areas such as organizational culture, personalities, or understanding.
Download or read book U S Army Special Operations Forces written by and published by . This book was released on 2010 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This latest installment of AUSA's signature Torchbearer series discusses how Army special operations forces, teamed with general purpose forces, achieve strategic effects through tactical and operational level excellence on the battlefield and in lesser-known areas around the world. The type of support necessary to sustain this enduring capability is identified.
Download or read book Integration of Special Operations and Conventional Forces in Unconventional Warfare written by Christopher M. Bado and published by . This book was released on 1996-03-01 with total page 139 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Special operations forces (SOF) and conventional forces (hereafter referred to as general purpose forces (GPF) frequently operate together under a unified chain of command. When they do, conventional wisdom places SOP in command. In unconventional warfare operations, however, this subordination of SOF to GPF may hinder the ability of the integrated force to design an appropriate solution. This thesis examines the integration of SOF and GPF in unconventional warfare (UW) from an organizational perspective. It begins by examining the unique challenges posed by UW problems and establishing the organizational culture and functional specialization of SOF and GPF. It posits that SOP is, from an organizational perspective, better suited to designing solutions to UW problems than GPF. It further posits that by subordinating SOP to GPF the likelihood of the integrated force designing a campaign strategy appropriate for a UW problem is greatly reduced. It then uses the US involvement in Vietnam to test these hypotheses. The thesis concludes that organizational factors do, in fact, play a role in the formation of strategy, and that careful consideration of the command relationships in future unconventional warfare operations is warranted.
Download or read book Throw Away the Box written by Dennis H. Levesque and published by . This book was released on 2015 with total page 24 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: "The relationship between US General Purpose Forces (GPF) and Special Operations Forces (SOF) has been logistically challenging since SOF's various inception dates. The GPF and SOF organizational and cultural biases severely limit the effectiveness of both organizations and ultimately limit the ability to achieve our National interests more effectively. The overall intent of this paper is to critically examine the logistical relationship between the GPF and SOF over the last decade and into the future. The paper uses a historical and doctrinal approach to argue that the relationship between GPF and SOF must be optimized in the Pre/Post-conflict phases; through logistic structure improvements; continuous Joint logistics professional development and joint professional education. The benefits of improving GPF and SOF logistics integration far outweigh the cost of continuing the negative relationship dynamics of the past. The author critically examines the relationship, responsibilities, and requirements between GPF and SOF in order to maximize global effects into the future. The underlying intent is to ensure SOF readiness through improved integration while informing Special Operations Command's (SOCOM) and GPF logistics future design strategy. The evidence presents the phenomenal level of Joint logistical integration advancements of the last decade as specifically illustrated in Operations Enduring Freedom and Inherent Resolve.The author highlights the potential hazards which will occur if we fail to capture the positive advancements and the implications of a reversion back to the status quo prior to 2005. The paper proposes three core recommendations which could correct and overcome the institutional and cultural friction points of the last decade. Successful implementation will greatly enhance the overall effectiveness of the US Military in achieving National objectives. The first recommendation has two subsets. The first subset is for the GPF to leverage SOF ability to conduct Logistics Preparation of the Environment (LPE) globally during phase 0. The second subset is to leverage SOF during the transition from Phase V back into a Phase 0 environment. The second recommendation proposes changes to both the personnel and physical supporting structure of forward-deployed logistics nodes. The third recommendation suggests changes to the Joint logistics Professional Military Education (PME) system. As a nod to our future I quote Conrad Crane when he says,' To shape security environments and prepare for a broad range of missions ... conventional and special operations forces contribute to a global land network of relationships resulting in early warning, indigenous solutions, and informed campaigns'"--Abstract.
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 Special Operations Forces written by United States, Government Accountability Office and published by DIANE Publishing. This book was released on 2007 with total page 46 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:
Download or read book Tactical Integration of Special Operations and Conventional Forces Command and Control Functions written by and published by . This book was released on 2003 with total page 57 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This monograph addresses the question, Is the 1999 edition of FM 100-25, Doctrine for Army Special Operations Forces, adequate to integrate the actions of special operations forces (SOF) and conventional forces on the contemporary battlefield? Operations in Afghanistan in 2001 and operations in Iraq in 1991 showed two different degrees of physical integration between SOF and conventional forces on the battlefield. Forces in Afghanistan routinely conducted operations in close proximity to each other, measured in meters. This proximity required close, tactical-level cooperation between SOF and conventional forces. Forces in Iraq in 1991 however, rarely operated in close proximity to each other. Instead, SOF forces supported operational objectives, operating in areas physically separated from conventional forces by hundreds of kilometers. Evidence presented in this monograph shows that although the degree of physical integration was different, the method used to integrate the C2 functions of the two forces was similar, emphasizing a SOF centric approach to command and control of SOF forces. This monograph examines the integration of command and control (C2) functions of SOF and conventional forces in two case studies. Focus is placed on describing the relationships between physical integration of SOF and conventional forces on the battlefield, the command structure used to control the respective forces, and the methods used to integrate the C2 functions between SOF and conventional forces. This monograph concludes that effective integration between SOF and conventional force C2 was not observed in Afghanistan. A root cause of this ineffectiveness was that the doctrine that governs SOF and conventional force C2 integration, FM 100-25 dated 1999, was inadequate.
Download or read book Conventional and Special Operations Forces Integration at the Operational Level written by Naval Postgraduate Naval Postgraduate School and published by CreateSpace. This book was released on 2014-11-13 with total page 72 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Combat operations in Afghanistan and Iraq demonstrated that different types of military forces must be integrated to effectively counter evolving threats. Senior Army leaders have identified the need to retain the ability to effectively integrate conventional and special operations forces. Integration should not aim to combine forces to the point they are indistinguishable, but should maximize the effects of each force's unique capabilities. This thesis concludes that in the future, conventional and special operations forces integration should be addressed with the following tenets: integration should be determined by the task, not the unit integrated operations require a dedicated staff at the joint task force level the supported/supporting command relationship is most appropriate and should be determined by task It also proposes a methodology that enables the identification of task interdependencies between conventional forces (CF) and special operations forces (SOF). Identifying these interdependencies informs staffs and commanders where integrated operations are best conducted. The design structure matrix, an approach used in the business and systems engineering sectors, provides a basis for the methodology. The goal of this campaign planning tool is cross-force synergy emerging from utilization of the unique capabilities of CF and SOF for maximum gains.
Download or read book GTA 31 01 003 Special Forces Detachment Mission Planning Guide written by Department Of the Army and published by Independently Published. This book was released on 2022-08-06 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This publication outlines the planning process as it relates to a Special Forces (SF) operational detachment-alpha (ODA) conducting deliberate planning for special operations. Planning is an essential task common to all aspects of SF operations. More content available at: doguedebordeauxsurvival.com
Download or read book The Command and Control of Special Operations Forces written by Harry S. Brown and published by . This book was released on 1996-12-01 with total page 138 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Today integrated operations are a prime requirement of Special Operations Forces (SOF) and General Purpose Forces (GPF) of all services. None can unilaterally conduct operations because of strategic lift and logistic limitations. No unit is capable of all types of missions nor should any unit or its leadership believe it is capable of all types of missions. SOF must become more able to integrate jointly with all branches and services to secure its future effectiveness. This thesis looks at historical examples of four integrated operations and illustrates some definitive problems associated with them. It shows how four variables are especially significant to all levels of an operation. These variables may affect the outcome of operations significantly enough to be considered essential. The thesis summarizes the problems associated with each operation and looks at some future implications for joint warfare.
