Tactical Integration of Special Operations and Conventional Forces Command and Control Functions

<p>This monograph addresses the question Is the 1999 edition of FM 100-25 Doctrine for Army Special Operations Forces adequate to integrate the actions of special operations forces (SOF) and conventional forces on the contemporary battlefield? Operations in Afghanistan in 2001 and operations in Iraq in 1991 showed two different degrees of physical integration between SOF and conventional forces on the battlefield. Forces in Afghanistan routinely conducted operations in close proximity to each other measured in meters. This proximity required close tactical-level cooperation between SOF and conventional forces. Forces in Iraq in 1991 however rarely operated in close proximity to each other. Instead SOF forces supported operational objectives operating in areas physically separated from conventional forces by hundreds of kilometers. Evidence presented in this monograph shows that although the degree of physical integration was different the method used to integrate the C2 functions of the two forces was similar emphasizing a SOF centric approach to command and control of SOF forces. This monograph examines the integration of command and control (C2) functions of SOF and conventional forces in two case studies. Focus is placed on describing the relationships between physical integration of SOF and conventional forces on the battlefield the command structure used to control the respective forces and the methods used to integrate the C2 functions between SOF and conventional forces.</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>