Defeat Through Deceit: A Study On Deception In Special Operations
Abstract
This thesis uncovers how the application of tactical deception to special operations can improve the likelihood of achieving mission completion. By inducing hesitation, confusion, and chaos into the operational environment, special operations forces could potentially influence and manipulate the psyche of an adversary to amplify friendly capabilities on the objective. Three historical case studies are presented where tactical deception was successfully implemented during surgical strike operations, such as direct action or hostage rescue missions, to evaluate how deception affects the assault force's progress during the course of a mission. The author shows that the assault force's advantage over an adversary is highly dependent on the duration and effectiveness of the deception when it is applied at the initial point of vulnerability. Through the use of the special operations deception curve, this thesis illustrates how successful tactical deception in a mission can be used to achieve relative superiority earlier, maintain relative superiority longer, and reduce the area of vulnerability experienced by special operation forces.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 2020
- Accession Number
- AD1114664
Entities
People
- Thomas P. Macneil
Organizations
- Naval Postgraduate School