Command and Control of Joint Special Operations Forces During Contingency Operations

<p>This thesis uses a combination of historical research and analytical application to answer the question: What are the important considerations for successful command and control of a Commander In Chief's In-extremis Force when employed as part of a joint special operations contingency force. The thesis first determines current doctrine for joint special operations command and control then evaluates how the application of that doctrine affected the outcome of four recent Special Operations Force (SOF) missions. This study focuses on the U.S. European Command Theater of Operations and the Special Operations Command Europe. The results however are relevant to SOF worldwide. The analysis of current doctrine reveals that there are six distinct elements which are important to command and control of joint SOF. The historical research shows that all six elements played a part in the ability of SOF to accomplish assigned missions. The thesis then analyzes the trends throughout these employments and makes the determination that all six elements need to be considered by staff planners and commanders. It then identifies four elements that are critical to increase the chance for success.</p><p>This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore you will see the original copyright references library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world) and other notations in the work.</p><p>This work is in the public domain in the United States of America and possibly other nations. Within the United States you may freely copy and distribute this work as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.</p><p>As a reproduction of a historical artifact this work may contain missing or blurred pages poor pictures errant marks etc. Scholars believe and we concur that this work is important enough to be preserved reproduced and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.</p><br>