Technology: Force Multiplier for Special Operations
Abstract
The global war on terror has brought new attention to Special Operations Forces (SOF). Although SOF operators, regardless of mission or service, remain the essence of the force, they often rely on advanced technology to achieve superior speed, stealth, precision, survivability, and lethality. Today, U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) is developing technology in a radically different environment from just a few years ago. Through streamlined development and acquisition processes, maximized use of commercial technologies when feasible, and technology applications modified to its requirements, USSOCOM provides the technology solutions that will enable its warfighters to become even more capable. Four areas are central to technology development in USSOCOM: the SOF warrior-as-platform concept, sensor technology, advanced power and energy, and support systems. The warrior-as-platform development area focuses on the individual and the mission equipment carried. In terms of survivability, the greatest potential is in developing a passive, tunable signature management capability for the dismounted operator. As for lethality, SOF is interested in low-weight, low-volume directed energy systems. The second development area is sensor technology, which includes sensors for manned and unmanned platforms, sensors for remote and fixed site placement, man-portable sensors, and sensors for identification and tagging, tracking, and locating (TTL). Power sources must be small, lightweight, inexpensive, high-performance, high-power, durable, rechargeable, and versatile enough to power a variety of equipment. Support systems constitute the final development area. These are all the other vital systems and include command, control, communications, computers, and intelligence systems; information operations systems; logistic systems; fire support systems; training systems; and mobility platforms.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 2006
- Accession Number
- ADA481637
Entities
People
- Dale G. Uhler
Organizations
- United States Special Operations Command