Accession Number:

ADA343387

Title:

Air Force Special Operations Command: Making a "Real" Air Force Major Command

Descriptive Note:

Research project

Corporate Author:

ARMY WAR COLL CARLISLE BARRACKS PA

Personal Author(s):

• Hill, John A.

Report Date:

1998-04-06

Pagination or Media Count:

33.0

Abstract:

Air Force Special Operations Command AFSOC was established 22 May 1990 as a major command MAJCOM of the United States Air Force and as the Air Force component of U.S. Special Operations Command, a unified command. AFSOCs small size and lack of three or four-star leadership puts it at a disadvantage with the other Air Force MAJCOMs. This lack of stature effects AFSOCs ability to influence fundamental issues such as its own roles and missions. A review of the Air Force Special Operations Forces AFSOF history shows that the forefathers of todays AFSOF provided a cornerstone in the building and evolution of the roles, missions, tactics, techniques, and procedures of all of special operations forces today. The small size of AFSOC possibly could cause over 50 years of lessons be lost if the command would not remain as an Air Force MAJOOM. A proposal to expand the role of AFSOC reflects its historic past and captures previously contained roles and missions. A greater AFSOF capability provides the joint force commander and the Air Force the most efficient use of US taxpayers dollars.

Descriptors:

• *AIR FORCE OPERATIONS
• AIR FORCE
• DEFENSE SYSTEMS
• LEADERSHIP
• MILITARY FORCE LEVELS
• MILITARY ORGANIZATIONS
• SPECIAL OPERATIONS FORCES

Subject Categories:

• Military Forces and Organizations

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE