The Role of Special Operations Forces in Global Competition

Abstract

Nations have a variety of options for exerting influence, such as through diplomatic, military, or economic means. In recent years, some nations have shifted to more ambiguous activities for exerting global influence, in attempts to achieve benefits normally obtained through conventional war, but without triggering such a war. In this report, we explored a different way of thinking about these ambiguous activities and their implications, which suggested a need to shift U.S. focus away from preparing to win tomorrow and toward winning today. From this shift, we described a different approach to U.S. activities in such competitive environments. We also identified the unique qualities of U.S. Special Operations Forces (SOF) as the military force having the best alignment with these different activities.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Apr 01, 2016
Accession Number
AD1033598

Entities

People

  • Brody Blackenship
  • David Broyles

Organizations

  • Center for Naval Analyses

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Counter WMD
  • Energy and Power Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Combat Areas
  • Contingency Operations (Military)
  • Conventional Warfare
  • Green Berets
  • Hybrid Warfare
  • Military Organizations
  • National Security
  • Psychological Operations
  • Seal Teams
  • Special Operations Forces
  • Unconventional Warfare
  • United States
  • United States Africa Command
  • United States Central Command
  • United States Pacific Command
  • United States Special Operations Command
  • Warfare

Readers

  • Irregular Warfare and Special Operations Cyberspace Operations against Adversarial Threats.
  • Strategic Security Studies