National SOF C2: NCA-Direct or Via the CINC
Abstract
The command and control of national special operations missions has been a topic of debate for almost 20 years. National command authorities stay abreast of strategic special operations capabilities and can make a case for controlling them on strategic missions, based upon operations security, political expediency, or additional considerations. On the other hand, geographic unified commanders have come to expect responsibility for all military activities in their respective regions, as a matter of law and doctrine. Foremost, a chain of command should facilitate the success of a mission. Secondly, special operations tend to be singularly unique, and, as such, should not be tied to doctrine thoughtlessly. National command authorities who determine whether a national special operation is led from Washington, D.C., or from a geographic unified commander's headquarters, should allow the elements of the specific situation to influence which command line is more appropriate to%accomplishing the mission. I propose that an "estimate calculus" based upon operations security considerations, intelligence requirements, staff competence and leadership expertise, be conducted per situation to determine or validate a particular chain of command. The elements of the "calculus" have been shown historically to influence the successes and failures of national special operations.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 18, 1998
- Accession Number
- ADA351760
Entities
People
- Sean A. Pybus
Organizations
- Naval War College