An analysis of Special Operations Command-South's distributive command and control concept

摘要

Since national, regional, or continental borders do not hinder transnational terrorist organizations, a Theater Special Operations Command is forced to conduct operations across a wide range of political and social environments. Special Operations Command-South (SOCSOUTH), the theater special operations component of the United States Southern Command, has determined that each sub-region within its area of responsibility has particular nuances that require separate and distinct command elements. Due to this determination, SOCSOUTH has decided to revise its approach to the command and control (C2) of all special operations forces operating throughout Central and South America. SOCSOUTH calls this new C2 approach "Distributive C2." The purpose of this thesis is to conduct a thorough analysis of the SOCSOUTH Distributive C2 concept and propose recommendations for improvement of its effectiveness and efficiency. Using multiple theories of organizational design and recommendations based on personal observations and interviews, this thesis will propose a long term command and control structure for SOCSOUTH. The authors hope to provide SOCSOUTH and other theater special operations commands with a C2 structure that will allow them to better coordinate and prosecute their war on terror mission across multiple sub-regions and ensure proper integration into a larger global counter-terrorism strategic plan.