The Role of the Finnish Special Operations in the Space Between Peace and Crisis

reportActive / Technical Report | Accession Number: AD1069595 | Open PDF

Abstract:

This study explores the role of Finnish Special Operations Forces FINSOF in the northern Europes changing security environment by examining ways that FINSOF can become flexible enough to face rising hybrid threats from Russia. In order to become Finlands strategic-level first response force against hybrid threats both at home and abroad, FINSOF will require some integration and reshaping of its structures andtasks. Using three scenarios situated in the Baltic Sea area, this study analyzes FINSOF according to its Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats in order to develop the force into a more efficient tool of the Finnish government. In order to develop new structures and tasks, FINSOF requires a SOF-specific doctrine with a vision and clear goals, which would lay out a path for FINSOF to follow as it evolves. FINSOFs ability to counter hybrid threats in the future will require flexibility, utilizing tailored forces and scalable command structures.

Author(s):
Hilden, Arto I.
Author Organization(s):
Naval Postgraduate School Monterey United States
Descriptive Note:
Technical Report
Pagination:
0157

Security Markings

DOCUMENT & CONTEXTUAL SUMMARY

Distribution:
Approved For Public Release
Distribution Statement:
Approved For Public Release;

RECORD

Collection: TR
Subject Terms
Joint Capability Areas:
JCA_5_Command and Control; JCA_5.3_Planning; JCA_5.5_Direct; JCA_1.1_Force Management; JCA_1_Force Support; JCA_5.3.1_Analyze Problem; JCA_5.5.1_Communicate Intent and Guidance; JCA_5.2_Understand; JCA_5.2.2_Develop Knowledge and Situational Awareness; JCA_5.5.2_Task; JCA_5.4_Decide; JCA_5.3.2_Apply Situational Understanding; JCA_2.2_Collection; JCA_5.4.3_Establish Rule Sets; JCA_5.1_Organize; JCA_7.2_Mitigate; JCA_7_Protection; JCA_7.2.1_Mitigate Lethal Effects; JCA_5.3.4_Develop Courses of Action; JCA_5.3.5_Analyze Courses of Action; JCA_1.2.4_Doctrine
Modernization Areas:
Fully Networked C3; Cyber
Communities of Interest:
Cyber
Descriptor(s):
Finland, military forces (foreign), special operations forces, HYBRID THREATS, Russia, military doctrine, military history, scenarios, BALTIC SEA, military strategy, military capabilities, hybrid warfare
Field(s)/Group(s):
Military Forces and Organizations, Unconventional Warfare
Keyword(s):
finsof (Finnish Special Operations Forces), swot (Strengths Weaknesses Opportunities and Threats), scalable command structures, SECURITY ENVIRONMENT, finsf (Finnish Special Forces)
Report Date:
2018 Dec 01
Creation Date:
2019 Mar 27