SPECIAL OPERATIONS
Special operations encompass the use of small units in direct or indirect military actions focused on strategic or operational objectives. These actions require units with combinations of specialized personnel, equipment, and tactics that exceed the routine capabilities of conventional military forces. Special operations are characterized by certain attributes that cumulatively distinguish them from conventional operations. Special operations are often politically sensitive missions where only the best-equipped and most proficient forces must be deployed to avoid detection and possible mission failure.
Four Factors for Successful Special Operations
1. Clear national and theater strategic objectives
2. Effective command, control, communications, computers, and intelligence support at the operational level
3. Competent tactical planning and execution
4. A force trained, equipped, and organized to conduct special operations
Characteristics of Special Operations
• Special operations normally require operator-level planning and detailed intelligence.
• Special operations require knowledge of the culture(s) and language(s) of the geographical area where the mission is to be conducted.
• Special operations require rigorous training and mission rehearsals. These are integral to mission success.
• Special operations are often conducted at great distances from the supporting operational bases.
• Special operations may employ sophisticated communications systems.
• Special operations frequently require discriminate and precise use of force. This often requires development, acquisition, and employment of equipment not standard for other Department of Defense (DOD) forces.
• Special operations employ sophisticated means of insertion, support, and extraction to penetrate and successfully return from hostile, denied, or politically sensitive areas.
The simple but time-tested phrase “Quiet Professionals” best describes Special Operations Forces (SOF) ethics and culture, the principles SOF live by, and the behaviors and beliefs they exhibit every day. SOF are a values-based organization—always mindful that their personal and professional conduct reflects not only on SOF but on the Nation as well. SOF are focused on contributing to the mission and being a wellintegrated part of the team—unconcerned with who gets the credit and recognizing that much of what SOF do will remain in the shadows. SOF support the geographic combatant commanders (GCCs)—if the GCCs are successful, SOF are successful; if GCCs fail, SOF fail.
SOF are expected to operate with the highest standards of ethics and honor. Trustworthiness and accountability are foundational to conducting the Nation’s most complex and high-risk operations. This ethos is at the core of the lethality and readiness of SOF and is essential to strengthening alliances. Special operators hold themselves and each other accountable to these high standards every day because lives depend on it. The higher-level guidance to the SOF operator is when tough decisions are to be made they should be made in accordance with American values. When SOF fall short—behaving in a way that does not meet with DOD, Service, or United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) standards—they take thorough and effective corrective action. In short, SOF serve with honor and integrity on and off the battlefield.
DOCTRINAL OVERVIEW OF SOF
SOF are small, specially organized units manned by carefully selected people using modified equipment and trained in unconventional applications of tactics against strategic and operational objectives.
Successful Conduct The successful conduct of special operations relies on individual and small-unit proficiency in specialized skills applied with adaptability, improvisation, and innovation against adversaries often unprepared to react. The unique capabilities of SOF complement those of conventional forces (CF).
United States Special Operations Command
USSOCOM:
1. Provides trained and combatready SOF to GCCs.
2. Provides trained and combatready SOF as directed by the President or Secretary of Defense (SecDef).
3. Plans and conducts selected special operations worldwide.
USSOCOM is assigned to develop military information support operations (MISO) capabilities in support of the Joint Staff’s information operations (IO) responsibilities and provides support to combatant commanders for theater MISO planning and execution.
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