Small Wars in a Big Theater: Special Operations Air Component Integration with the Joint Air Component in Theater Operations

Abstract

In the 15 years since the formation of the U.S. Special Operations Command, the special operations forces (SOF) communities of all services have strongly emphasized the integration of their combat capabilities. However, Air Force Special Operations Forces (AFSOF) have not put this same degree of effort into the integration of combat capabilities with the rest of the U.S. Air Force. Consequently, AFSOF are experts at the joint tactical fight but are less proficient at integrating into larger conventional air operations. This deficiency is most evident when SOF air forces must work within the command and control (C2) system of theater air forces. This study addresses the issue and proposes measures to enhance the coordination between special operations air forces and conventional air forces in theater operations. The history of this issue is examined through three case studies: the 1st Air Commando Group in Operation Thursday, the Son Tay Raid, and SOF C2 in Operation Desert Storm. From these case studies, three main lessons stand out as applicable to the issues facing the SOF air component today: (1) SOF must integrate their operations into the larger set of theater operations, (2) SOF air assets should be centrally controlled by the theater SOF component, and (3) SOF cannot plan missions in a vacuum. Recommended measures are broken down into three specific areas: doctrine, personnel and training, and equipment. From an examination of these areas, the study proposes a set of nine reforms, including preventing the decentralized control of SOF airpower by forming one joint special operations air component (JSOAC) per contingency, balancing operational security with planning considerations to work within the constraints of the conventional airpower targeting cycle, establishing doctrine for JSOAC operations similar to that of the joint special operations task force (JSOTF), and realigning the operational support squadron (OSS) to function as a garrison JSOAC.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Mar 01, 2007
Accession Number
ADA489019

Entities

People

  • William P. West

Organizations

  • Air University

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical
  • C4I
  • Human Systems
  • Space
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Aerial Warfare
  • Air Force
  • Air Force Facilities
  • Air Power
  • Aircrafts
  • Combat Areas
  • Employment
  • Geography
  • Military Force Levels
  • Military History
  • Military Organizations
  • Military Science
  • Operating Systems
  • Organizational Structure
  • Students
  • Unified Combatant Commands
  • Warfare

Readers

  • Aerospace logistics and air mobility.
  • Irregular Warfare and Special Operations Cyberspace Operations against Adversarial Threats.
  • Joint Military Operations and Doctrine.

Technology Areas

  • Fully Networked C3
  • Fully Networked C3 - Command and Control