Surfing the First and Second Waves in 2025: A SOF Strategy for Regional Engagement.
Abstract
Special Operations Regional Engagement (SORE) is the topic of this study. Its enduring qualities are timeless in comparison to technological advancements. To frame the function, assume the challenges faced by the fictional Yankee moving back to face a medieval King Arthur's Court, or by the more contemporary Star Trek travelers 'teleported' onto a planet resembling the earthly world of 1996. Although the travelers possess a multitude of techno-gadgets capable of mystifying and destroying the masses of earthly dwellers, they must abort the notion of dominating the planet with their intergalactic capabilities and, instead, work within the population they have encountered. They must assimilate the language, culture, clothing, and times; they must be familiar with the mores and values of the population they encounter. The travelers cannot influence the behavior of the 'barbarian' dwellers if they do not possess the ability to evaluate the populace; wisdom to integrate and communicate on the local level; the knowledge and familiarity with the local methods of barter and trade; and collectively, operate at the inferior technical level they encounter-a level vastly different from which they have come. With this as a frame of reference, we expect the SORE forces of the next century to be faced with the same dilemmas challenging the fictional Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court. This paper focuses on the ability to advance those forces technologically and firmly plant the need to retain specific rudimentary, but extremely perishable, skills which may fall prey to the 'cyber- warrior' quest.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 1996
- Accession Number
- ADA332717
Entities
People
- Alfredo E. Rackauskas
- Michael J. Irwin
- Sandra R. Bignell
- Thomas F. Berardinelli
Organizations
- Air War College