SOF: A Joint Force Integrator

摘要

The 2006 QDR points to a globalized environment that is clouded by catastrophic, disruptive, and irregular threats which necessitate a national security strategy that not only offers military solutions, but incorporates the joint, interagency and multinational communities as well. However, the military is currently the only organization sourced and manned to lead this integrated effort to protect, prevent and prevail. In the context of today's operational environment, the military is often viewed pejoratively and should only be used when all other means have failed. This study will argue that special operations forces offer an incremental option in which military capabilities exist, but the presence is minimized, if not transparent. SOF offer unique skill sets, both kinetic and non-kinetic, that can shape the environment, integrate Joint forces, and conduct tactical actions with strategic results. The United States' Special Operations Forces must develop mutually interdependent relationships with conventional forces, multinational partners and interagency forces, and therein synchronize both kinetic and non-kinetic efforts throughout the operational environment to defrat its enemies and achieve the national strategic objectives.