Transforming the Command and Control Structure of US Special Operations Command to Prosecute the Global War on Terrorism

Abstract

Abstract : Moving into the 21st Century all the services are going through a transformation to meet the new threats that our country is facing. United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) is no exception. Transformation is a must for USSOCOM to meet the Secretary of Defense's mandate to prosecute the Global War on Terrorism as the supported commander. To property command and control the global campaign against terrorism a major shift in force structure is required for USSOCOM. The main shift needs to be the establishment of a sub-unified command with the sole focus to prosecute the terrorism operations. This organization will be the building block to develop a scalable and deployable command and control team to allow for a dynamic supported command relationship between USSOCOM and the other combatant commanders. To enhance unity of effort USSOCOM will need to leverage existing initiatives such as the deployable subject matter expert concept of the standing joint force headquarters. Utilizing the regional expertise and forward presence the Theater Special Operations Commands (TSOC) will be a force multiplier in fighting a global campaign against terror. The TSOC will be the conduit between USSOCOM and the geographic combatant command enabling the flexibility to achieve the proper command relationship. This building block approach will streamline the C2 process from USSOCOM down through the tactical special operations component. Through an organizational transformation from the top down USSOCOM will develop a network centric command structure to prosecute the global war on terrorism.