Interoperability between Special Operations Forces and Conventional Forces

ABSTRACT

Interoperability between Special Operational Forces and Conventional Forces is the ability of both the units to support each other in services and operations and to get services from each other and to utilize the services so communicate to facilitate them to function efficiently and effectively collectively which is important and essential to efficient joint actions. Coordination and liaison factors are vital to ensure interoperability between Special Operational Forces and Conventional Forces. At present policy of Special Forces (SF) of US Army address the coordination and liaison elements has progressed over the last decade to fulfill past requirements for forces interoperability. Though, high levels of interoperability are important to enable the Special Operational Forces (SOF) and General Purpose Forces (GPF) to operate efficiently and effectively. The Objective of SOF have to change its elements of coordination to make sure that it can sustain the high levels of interoperability that is necessary for future operations with the GPF. In the paper the interoperability between Special Operations Forces (SOF) and conventional forces is discussed which is significant factor to deal with the current and future security issues, especially the Amphibious Ready Group/Marine Expeditionary Unit (ARG/MEU) plays important role in interoperability. The General Purpose Force (GPF) has always played a supporting role in this relationship. However, in a resource constrained environment coupled with the heavy burden already placed on SOFit is essential we do more than merely look for interoperability opportunities. It is time for DoD to establish doctrine that creates habitual relationships between SOF and the GPF where either force can play a supporting or supported role in mission execution. This level of interoperability will provide relief to SOF as well as enhance overall mission capability of our conventional forces.

Interoperability between Special Operations Forces and Conventional Forces

Introduction

Coalition operations have become a critical success factor in the war against terrorism. During the last decade, special operations forces have been successful in Iraq, Afghanistan, Kosovo, and Bosnia stressing the need to facilitate, accelerates, and support the operations of this kind to future. Future and current interoperability face complexities, as allies "traditional", they must take into account non-traditional partners such as the Special Operations Forces, which raises some difficult issues, among other to information exchange, interoperability and coalition building in accordance with national interests. In addition, for each country, the deployment of SOF must match its strategic interests.

In the overall structure of special operations forces U.S. forces land component is the most representative. These are considered the formation of the military-political leadership of the United States as versatile components for the use and participation in the full spectrum of tasks as defined in the manual Chiefs of Staff. The Special Forces are the armed SOF which also include specialist's civil-military operations (Civil Affairs) and psychological warfare (PSYOPS). The Special Forces are specifically responsible for combat missions, reconnaissance and counterterrorism.

As defined by the U.S. military, SOF guarantee the armies of the Allied and friendly countries to support education and training, exchanges ...