Small Teams, Large Effects: Special Operations Forces and the Employment of Operational Fires

Abstract

Abstract : The planning and synchronization of joint operational fires with other operational functions is critical to mission success. Operational fires are normally the task of conventional forces, but historical analysis indicates that special operations forces (SOF) have conducted operational fires with great success. In these instances, there were several overarching conditions that drove the Joint Force Commander (JFC) to choose a SOF option to conduct these fires. Historically, these conditions were limited conventional force capability and political restrictions. SOF overcame these limitations through the combination of effective phasing on limited specific objectives, unique SOF capabilities, and synergy with conventional forces. This paper uses historical examples to illustrate why military commanders made the decision to employ SOF instead of conventional forces and how the decision played in the larger context of operational art. It evaluates the military and political frictions that the commanders faced and how the unique capabilities inherent in SOF overcame these frictions. Since the topics of SOF and operational fires are very broad, the research methodology of this paper is limited to SOF direct action missions with lethal kinetic effects in high intensity conflict.