Special Operations Forces Civil Affairs in Great Power Competition
Abstract
The purpose of this research is to articulate the role of Special Operations Forces (SOF) civil affairs (CA) in the return to great power competition. More specifically, the ideas offered here are directed toward the 95th Civil Affairs Brigade more than the U.S. Army Reserve CA brigades; the reasons for this distinction are elaborated upon in chapter 2. Analyzed through the lens of how SOF CA can help the U.S. military as it specifically faces a rising China and a dissatisfied Russia, this monograph details primary roles and needed adjustments for SOF CA under current and future international competition. Rather than inventing new roles or ways to use SOF CA, this monograph intends to codify the overall framework of where SOF CA currently fits in the range of military operations conducted in the competitive environment. A secondary purpose is to provide the SOF CA branch a consolidated way to express its role within great power competition so that, when asked by a non-CA professional, "What does CA do?" it offers a unified and well-structured answer.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 2020
- Accession Number
- AD1131100
Entities
People
- Travis Clemens
Organizations
- Joint Special Operations University