Blue and Purple: Optimizing the Command and Control of Forward Deployed Naval Special Warfare
Abstract
This study examines naval special warfare's roles, missions, and command structures from various periods in its evolution to determine a set of principles for effective and efficient command and control. The study examines selected case studies utilizing joint publication 3-05, Doctrine for Joint Special Operations, as the framework for analysis. The case studies examined include World War 2 and the formation of underwater demolition teams (UDT); the Korean War and UDT's initial raids ashore; Vietnam and the creation of SEALs; Operations Earnest Will, Just Cause and Desert Shield/Storm; and concludes with current theater special operations command (SOC) and fleet taskings. The analysis reveals two primary requirements for effective and efficient command and control of naval special warfare forces. The first requirement is a command and control structure that can coordinate and integrate with conventional and unconventional supporting assets. The second requirement is a formalized mechanism to ensure that employed forces are designed, organized, and integrated in support of the theater commander's operational or strategic objectives. The study concludes that past commanders most effectively exercised these principles by assigning in theater naval special warfare assets under the command and control of a single, forward deployed senior officer responsible for the planning, coordination, and execution of assigned roles and missions.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 07, 1997
- Accession Number
- ADA331532
Entities
People
- James W. Collins
Organizations
- United States Army Command and General Staff College