The Roles of Decision Makers in Special Operations

Abstract

This thesis examines the roles of decision makers in three phases of a special operation: the approval phase, the preparation phase, and the execution phase. The author argues that the level of decision makers involvement should be high in the approval phase, medium in the preparation phase, and low in the execution phase. Four special operationsOperation Thunderbolt, Operation Nimrod, Operation Eagle Claw, and the Moscow Theater Hostage Crisiswhich were conducted by different countries Special Forces, are studied in order to test the argument. Ultimately, this thesis seeks to draw attention to the specific roles that decision makers should perform for a successful special operation. It concludes by offering these specific activities for decision makers: Examining Less Risky Options, Gaining International and Domestic Support, Delegating Authority, Establishing Clear Chain of Command, Selecting Appropriate Units, Gaining Time, Coordinating, and Preserving Secrecy.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Dec 01, 2016
Accession Number
AD1030684

Entities

People

  • Kazim Aykac

Organizations

  • Naval Postgraduate School

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical
  • C4I
  • Human Systems

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Aircrafts
  • Contingency Operations (Military)
  • Counterterrorism
  • Crisis Management
  • Delta Force
  • Governments
  • Medical Personnel
  • Military Operations
  • National Security
  • Personnel Management
  • Special Forces
  • Special Operations Forces
  • Terrorism
  • Terrorists
  • United States
  • Warfare

Readers

  • Irregular Warfare and Special Operations Cyberspace Operations against Adversarial Threats.
  • Military History / Militaries and War Studies
  • Team-Based Human-Centered Cognitive Task Decision Making and Information Performance.