Improving the North Atlantic Treaty Organization Interoperability of the Moldovan Special Forces through Doctrine, Organization, and Training

One of the primary desires of the Moldovan leadership is to support the prescription in all strategic documents and to increase cooperation with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. Developing close cooperation and interoperability with NATO became a top priority for the Moldovan Defense sector. Based on this, Moldova has committed itself to complete modernization of the Moldovan Armed Forces in general and the Special Operations Forces in particular per the requirements of the NATO standards. This research focuses on the needed steps for the Moldovan Special Operations Forces to improve its overall status to increase interoperability with NATO partners and future participation in NATO-led operations. The study used qualitative methods to conduct the research and analysis of the National Strategic documents and SOF doctrines and manuals. At the same time, the author examines the current state of the Special Operations Forces Battalion of the National Army applying DOTMLPF-P analysis methodology. The research provides solutions for the existing Special Operations Forces Battalion capabilities with additional Combat Support and Combat Service Support companies to facilitate interoperability with strategic partners. Based on the presented recommendation, the Special Operations Forces Battalion would be more efficient in accomplishing its core missions as directed by the existing strategic documents. The Development of the Special Operations Forces capabilities plays a significant role in the National Army of Moldova transformation to meet the challenges of the 21st century to satisfy national strategic objectives and a new opportunity for interoperability between NATO countries and partners.