Maximizing the Potential of the Special Operations Forces and General Purpose Forces

Abstract

One of the most challenging aspects of integrating Special Operation Forces (SOF) and General Purpose Forces (GPF) is determining the appropriate force for a mission. Sometimes those roles are clear, but there are many instances where the force selection process has been unclear. These missions, where a lack of clarity exists are a grey area of SOF and GPF employment. This grey area is explored through comparative case studies of Rangers in World War II, the Congo Dragon Operations, the Mayaguez incident, Operation Eagle Claw, and the Patilla Airfield assault in Operation Just Cause. These case studies evaluate the process of force selection for a particular mission and if that force was appropriate. This case study analysis reveals a reimagining of the range of military operations and how they relate to the roles of SOF and GPF. This reframing helps understand the force selection process and identifying the best suited force for a mission.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
May 22, 2014
Accession Number
ADA612138

Entities

People

  • Romas Zimlicki

Organizations

  • United States Army Command and General Staff College

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Counter WMD
  • Energy and Power Technologies
  • Human Systems
  • Materials and Manufacturing Processes
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Aircrafts
  • Army Rangers
  • Asymmetric Warfare
  • Case Studies
  • Contingency Operations (Military)
  • Employment
  • Lessons Learned
  • Military History
  • Military Operations
  • Military Organizations
  • National Security
  • Personnel Management
  • Political Science
  • Seal Teams
  • Special Operations Forces
  • War Colleges
  • Warfare

Readers

  • Irregular Warfare and Special Operations Cyberspace Operations against Adversarial Threats.
  • Military History / Militaries and War Studies
  • Systems Analysis and Design