Command, Control and Integration of Special Operations Forces into the General Purpose Force

With the ever-increasing number of non-traditional missions the United States military is faced with in the twenty-first century, operational commanders will be required to form unique joint organizations designed to complete these missions. While not a new problem, joint force commanders of General...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Harris, Scott A
Format: Report
Language:English
Subjects:
COMMAND AND CONTROL SYSTEMS
GPF(GENERAL PURPOSE FORCES)
JOINT MILITARY ACTIVITIES
MILITARY COMMANDERS
Military Forces and Organizations
MILITARY PLANNING
ORGANIZATIONS
SPECIAL OPERATIONS FORCES
Unconventional Warfare
UNITED STATES
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Summary:With the ever-increasing number of non-traditional missions the United States military is faced with in the twenty-first century, operational commanders will be required to form unique joint organizations designed to complete these missions. While not a new problem, joint force commanders of General Purpose Forces (GPF) must identify the appropriate way in which to integrate Special Operations Forces (SOF) into their plans. More specifically, GPF and SOF Commanders must agree upon the proper command and control structure for Special Operations that meets the needs of the GPF Commander, while ensuring that the SOF element is utilized correctly. Current joint and SOF doctrine specifies proposed command relationships between SOF and the GPF Commander, yet we continually face problems within this arena. Because of the unique nature of Special Operations, many conventional commanders and planners are not familiar with SOF capabilities, limitations, roles and missions. As a result, the conventional planning staff typically expects more than the SOF unit can deliver or conversely under utilizes the SOF unit's capabilities. A revived command and control architecture rich with liaisons designed to assist joint force planners and commanders would help the United States military take a large step in the right direction of maximizing our joint capabilities, while minimizing mis-management in a time of shrinking forces and expanding missions.