Accession Number:

AD1026871

Title:

Special Warfare: Restructuring for the Future

Descriptive Note:

Technical Report

Corporate Author:

Naval Postgraduate School Monterey United States

Personal Author(s):

• Wood,Matthew R.

Report Date:

2016-06-01

Pagination or Media Count:

95.0

Abstract:

The special forces operational detachment-alpha SFODA has remained virtually unchanged since its inception in 1956. However, throughout its history, the SFODA has frequently been augmented with various assets, particularly civil affairs. The purpose of this thesis is to analyze the SFODA in its current form and make recommendations for its future composition and focusing of resources. Throughout its history, the SFODA has been augmented to accomplish its missions during conflicts. Particularly frequent has been augmentation by civil affairs and psychological warfare personnel. As special forces plays an important if not leading role in low-intensity conflict, they will continue to rely upon these assets. This thesis approaches the challenge of restructuring the SFODA by examining three cases in which special forces, or special operations forces, were used World War II the Jedburghs and Detachment 101,Vietnam special forces, and Afghanistan special forces. Based on an examination of these cases, this thesis offers recommendations on force structure, recruiting, and training for the future.

Descriptors:

• SPECIAL OPERATIONS FORCES
• counterterrorism
• personnel management
• unconventional warfare
• combat areas
• united states central command
• information operations
• intelligence collection
• department of state
• military history
• contingency operations (military)
• civil affairs
• psychological operations

Subject Categories:

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE