Special Forces Capabilities of the European Union Military Forces

Abstract

Abstract : Since 1999, the European Union has significantly increased its effort to create a viable military force. The purpose of this monograph is to determine what Special Operations Forces capabilities are required by the European Union's military force. The European Union's commitment in 1999 to the established Helsinki Headline Goals outlined that a European military force would be used in the framework of the Petersberg Tasks. These tasks are the missions and environment upon which this monograph is based. The author describes how Special Operations Forces are distinguished from unconventional forces and strategic military intelligence forces. Case studies of various missions Special Operations Forces have conducted since the Cold War ended are analyzed to determine what capabilities Special Forces need. This study determines that a viable European Union Special Forces concept must have a strategic need to conduct Special Operations but not unconventional operations. This concept also needs the capability to conduct initial entry operations to spearhead and prepare the battlefield for a larger conventional force. This monograph recommends that the European Union create a standing Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force (CJSOTF) Headquarters (HQ) to facilitate a viable operational-level Special Forces capability. This standing CJSOTF HQ would be ready to act as the force of choice or as an initial entry force; would demonstrate the technical, doctrinal, and cultural interoperability Special Forces require to be operational; would be integrated within the European Union's conventional forces; and would be trained to standard with other supporting assets, such as aircraft, helicopters, and naval assets. A 46-item bibliography of books, theses, papers, and journal articles is included.