Accession Number:

ADA326756

Title:

Information Dominance: Special Operations Forces in MOOTW.

Descriptive Note:

Research rept.,

Corporate Author:

ARMY WAR COLL CARLISLE BARRACKS PA

Personal Author(s):

• McCain, Steven A.

Report Date:

1997-04-15

Pagination or Media Count:

52.0

Abstract:

Three trends are shaping the relationship among Information Operations IO, special operations forces SOF, and Military Operations Other Than War MOOTW. The first trend is the transition of the battlespace toward unconventional warfare with rising global terrorism, drug trafficking, and proliferation of weapons of mass destruction WMD. The second trend is the mounting pressure to further reduce Department of Defense DoD force structure while recapitalizing forces for the future. The third trend is the rapidly improving capability to wage 10 worldwide. This study examines the emerging role of IO relative to missions of the United States Special Operations Command USSOCOM in MOOTW. The hypothesis of this paper contends 10, conducted by SOF, should play a more pivotal role in the capability of DoD to support our national objectives as complex MOOTW dominate conflict in the 21st Century. Strategy, policy, operational concepts, and organizational structure must adapt quickly to Information Age challenges to counter evolving threats to our national security. In a rapidly changing world, S0F must be affordable yet technologically advanced to fully support emerging operational concepts and achieve critical information dominance for America in MOOTW.

Descriptors:

• *UNCONVENTIONAL WARFARE
• *MILITARY DOWNSIZING
• *SPECIAL OPERATIONS FORCES
• WEAPONS
• MILITARY OPERATIONS
• DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
• GLOBAL
• NATIONAL SECURITY
• ORGANIZATIONS
• MASS DESTRUCTION WEAPONS
• HYPOTHESES
• TERRORISM
• DRUG SMUGGLING

Subject Categories:

• Military Forces and Organizations
• Unconventional Warfare

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE