Special Operations Forces in Conventional Conflict - Prospects for Future Employment

Abstract

Special operations as they relate to mid- and high-intensity conflict are examined, especially as related to direct action and special surveillance missions. Military principles of maneuver, surprise, and security are discussed as they relate to utility of special operations forces, followed by a conceptual discussion of SOF organization, capabilities, and employment principles. SOF provide a valuable tool to conventional warfare commanders in mid- and high- intensity conflict. Their employment has not always been as effective as possible, due in large part to ignorance on the part of planners and staffs as to their capabilities and limitations. Closer coordination and enhanced communication between the SOF community and military planners are critical to their proper employment.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Feb 11, 1991
Accession Number
ADA236726

Entities

People

  • James M. Hoey Iii

Organizations

  • Naval War College

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical
  • C4I
  • Human Systems

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Battlefields
  • Classification
  • Combat Areas
  • Contingency Operations (Military)
  • Conventional Warfare
  • Employment
  • Green Berets
  • Military Operations
  • Military Organizations
  • Military Science
  • Reconnaissance
  • Special Operations Forces
  • Students
  • Surveillance
  • Unconventional Warfare
  • United States
  • Warfare

Readers

  • Irregular Warfare and Special Operations Cyberspace Operations against Adversarial Threats.
  • Joint Military Operations and Doctrine.