Accession Number:

ADA279634

Title:

Special Operations Forces (SOF): An Integral Part of the Theater Operating System

Descriptive Note:

Final rept.

Corporate Author:

NAVAL WAR COLL NEWPORT RI DEPT OF OPERATIONS

Personal Author(s):

• Perkins, Christopher S.

Report Date:

1994-02-08

Pagination or Media Count:

32.0

Abstract:

Special Operations Forces SOF, if properly integrated, can significantly influence the outcome of a military campaign. However, unless commanders and planners understand SOF capabilities and limitations, and as importantly, how SOF fits into the operational environment, this potential force multiplier may be misused. The purpose of this paper is to outline the Theater Operating System TOS and how SOF should be integrated into that system. It does not restate SOF related doctrine but refers the reader to the various service component manuals for a more detailed discussion. Instead, its primary focus is on how the commander should think in terms of employing SOF from an operational perspective. Operation Desert ShieldDesert Storm is used to illustrate how one CINC was able to fully integrate SOF into his campaign. Special Operations ForcesSOF, Operational maneuver, Theater operating system, Operational fires, Operations Desert ShieldDesert Storm, Command and control

Descriptors:

• *COMMAND AND CONTROL SYSTEMS
• *SPECIAL FORCES
• CONTROL
• THEATER LEVEL OPERATIONS
• ENVIRONMENTS
• MILITARY DOCTRINE
• LIMITATIONS
• OPERATION
• MANEUVERS

Subject Categories:

• Military Operations, Strategy and Tactics
• Command, Control and Communications Systems

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE