Reserve Component Special Forces. Integration and Employment Models for theOperational Continuum

摘要

A significant portion of USSOCOM assigned forces are Reserve Component units, yetthe statement often heard from Regular officers at USSOCOM is if we can't use them, what good are they... The question is certainly fair enough on the surface, but is a clarion for much greater knowledge and understanding of the Reserve force and it's employment potential. The Cohen-Nunn Act of October 1986, as an attachment to the Fiscal Year 1987 Defense Authorization Act, designed the framework for the establishment of the United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM). Implementing law, Public Law 99-661, was specific in the assignment of all Reserve Component Army Special Forces, to include those of the Army National Guard, to the joint four-star command. Although strongly opposed within Department of Defense (DOD) and by the Services, after five years of operation, the Command has largely proven the merit of the Congressional foresight. However, optimum utilization of the assigned Reserve Component Special Forces remains elusive and superficial. This study provides viable and dynamic integration and employment models for Reserve Component Special Forces to enhance a CINC's Peacetime Engagement strategy.