Combined Special Operations in World War 2

Abstract

This study is an historical analysis of combined special operations units in the European Theater during World War II. The study examines the Dieppe Raid Force, the First Special Service Force, and the Jedburghs to determine common strengths and weaknesses in organization, training, command and control, and effectiveness. The study also analyzes the adequacy of current United States combined and special operations doctrine based on the results of the historical analysis. The study concludes that current U.S. doctrine does not adequately address the organization, training, and command and control of combined special operations. Current doctrine provides sufficient strategic guidance, but requires supporting doctrine at the operational and tactical level. One of the contributing factors is an over-reliance on Operation DESERT SHIELD/DESERT STORM. The study provides planning considerations that should be incorporated into current doctrine. The historical examples illustrate the criticality of establishing clear goals and objectives and the use of training to achieve unity of effort Combined operations, Special operations, Jedburghs, First special service force, Commandos.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
May 09, 1993
Accession Number
ADA272855

Entities

People

  • James C. Nixon

Organizations

  • United States Army Command and General Staff College

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical
  • C4I
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Amphibious Operations
  • Combat Operations
  • Doctrine
  • Employment
  • Governments
  • International Relations
  • Lessons Learned
  • Military History
  • Military Organizations
  • National Security
  • Personnel Management
  • Second World War
  • Security
  • Special Operations Forces
  • Students
  • United States
  • Warfare

Readers

  • Irregular Warfare and Special Operations Cyberspace Operations against Adversarial Threats.
  • Joint Military Operations and Doctrine.
  • Military History / Militaries and War Studies

Technology Areas

  • Fully Networked C3
  • Fully Networked C3 - Command and Control