Mitigating the Cultural Challenges of SOF/Conventional Force Interdependence
Abstract
This paper supports efforts by Strategic Land Force leaders to emphasize greater Conventional Forces/Special Operations Forces (CF/SOF) integration. However, it argues that what is missing in that effort is a focus on the cultural challenges inherent in increased interaction, integration, and interdependence of these distinct groups of warriors. SOF have a different mission than CF. This has led to a different, but for them equally appropriate, sub-culture. These cultural differences lead SOF and CF to respond to the idea of increased integration differently. With a growing acceptance in the military that counterinsurgency operations will play a larger role in Land Forces' future mission sets, military leaders must mitigate the clash of cultures to facilitate closer CF and SOF interaction. To bridge the culture gap, this paper recommends that Strategic Land Force leaders establish an Office of Strategic Landpower in the Pentagon to provide the CF/SOF interdependence initiative a needed emphasis on the leadership, trust, training, doctrine, and processes required to bridge the CF/SOF cultural divide.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 2013
- Accession Number
- ADA590752
Entities
People
- Lee R. Salmon
Organizations
- United States Army War College