Operateurs Sans Frontiers: (Operators Without Borders) SOF's Answer to the Transnational Terrorist Threat
Abstract
Like global corporations, today's terrorists are inextricably linked across borders and around the world. Terrorists can operate as easily around the block as they can around the globe. To better enable the employment of Special Operations Forces to effectively combat the transnational terrorist threat, new command and control architectures and authorities must transcend the current boundaries of Combatant commands and international borders to allow SOF the operational freedom of maneuver against an enemy not bound by traditional limitations. This paper examines the current command and control architectures in place since the late 1980s and predicated on the paradigm of the Cold War and nation-state adversary. It then outlines the nature of the enemy's current method of operations and identifies the obstacles inherent to the legacy system that limit operations against that threat. Finally it identifies proposed changes to C2 relationships and authorities that will better enhance operational flexibility for the special operator.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 14, 2005
- Accession Number
- ADA464570
Entities
People
- Keith A. Pellegrini
Organizations
- Naval War College