The Road to Success in Military Operations Other Than War: Paved by the Synchronization of Conventional and Special Operations Forces.

Abstract

Abstract : Today's global security environment of uncertainty and chaos due to ethnic strife and declining global resources will require greater emphasis for U.S. military forces at the other than war end of the conflict scale when dealing with the full range of military operations. With the current U.S. dominance in conventional military power, any potential future adversary will likely look for an unconventional or asymmetric means of engaging us. This will require the joint force commander (JFC) to fully understand the operating environment for Military Operations Other Than War (MOOTW). The synchronization of conventional and SOF, although crucial to the success of any military operation discussed in joint doctrine, is the most critical aspect of MOOTW. When the JFC first begins planning he must first understand how his military means are going to achieve his operational objectives. In order to accomplish this demanding task, he has to fully understand how best to integrate the full range of military options available and how to synchronize his conventional and SOF for mission accomplishment. The JFC has several doctrinal keys to successfully employ operational art in a MOOTW environment. Most important are the strategic estimate and the facets of operational art especially synergy, simultaneity and centers of gravity. Of the six MOOTW principles, the most important to the JFC are unity of effort, restraint, perseverance, and legitimacy. The JFC by constant awareness of the MOOTW principles and applying the facets of operational art most important to MOOTW will best synchronize his forces. This will ensure that the JFC really understands what the mission is and tailors the force to achieve the military and political objectives in the shortest time with the fewest casualties.