SOF readup for undergrad research assistant

[Marauder06]

I'm traveling OCONUS later this month for some SOCOM-sponsored field research. All UNCLASS; nothing involving TTPs, sources, or methods. An undergraduate research assistant I have not yet met is going to be travelling with me. Based on my interactions with them over the phone/email, the individual is motivated and highly intelligent but doesn't know anything yet about SOF. I'm looking for suggestions on short primers about SOF that I can add to the list of readings that I'm having the researcher do before our trip. The list so far:

The Fourth Age of SOF
Difference between SOF and SF
SOCOM website
SOF vision and strategies
SOF truths
SOF organization
Title 10 vs. Title 50
Introduction to Special Operations

...others? The intent is to give the researcher a baseline level of understanding about SOF organization, missions, and culture before the trip. Not trying to make anyone a SOF expert.

 

[Devildoc]

I was going to post something semi-X-rated about having a "research assistant," but I respect you too much. Just knowing the thought was there should be enough.

 

[Stretcher Jockey]

Nothing to add, just posting so I can find this later for reading recommendations. Thanks!

 

[Marauder06]

I was going to post something semi-X-rated about having a "research assistant," but I respect you too much. Just knowing the thought was there should be enough.

lol!

I prompted the MidJourney AI to make me some images of "female research assistant" and it returned these... rather uninspiring images:

I tried "sexy research assistant" first but apparently "sexy" is banned, I assume to keep it from becoming a porn factory (good call, MidJourney).

Well far be it for me to rain on anyone's mental montage, but my assistant is another dude.

 

[DA SWO]

USAFSOS had a good .pdf overview of SOF as part of the Intro to SOF Course.

 

[CryptoLingUSMC]

JSOU: Introduction to Special Operations Forces - Distance Learning​

Course Dashboard

Great course if you can get him into it.

 

[Gunz]

lol!

I prompted the MidJourney AI to make me some images of "female research assistant" and it returned these... rather uninspiring images:

I tried "sexy research assistant" first but apparently "sexy" is banned, I assume to keep it from becoming a porn factory (good call, MidJourney).

Well far be it for me to rain on anyone's mental montage, but my assistant is another dude.

Bottom left has potential. Although top right has a balcony you could do Shakespeare from.

Now back to the discussion.

 

[Jaknight]

Research assistants

 

[BuckysBadger24]

Research assistants View attachment 41784View attachment 41785

As close to real life as the top one gets. I love me some Rachel Weisz.

 

[Topkick]

It appears this thread has gone slightly awry, but hey I'm enjoying it.

 

[BuckysBadger24]

My apologies for that as well. Swerving back to my lane.

 

[BloodStripe]

Is this strictly SOF in general or specific mission sets?

 

[Marauder06]

Is this strictly SOF in general or specific mission sets?

SOF in general, but mostly ARSOF and specifically SF.

 

[Viper1]

I'm traveling OCONUS later this month for some SOCOM-sponsored field research. All UNCLASS; nothing involving TTPs, sources, or methods. An undergraduate research assistant I have not yet met is going to be travelling with me. Based on my interactions with them over the phone/email, the individual is motivated and highly intelligent but doesn't know anything yet about SOF. I'm looking for suggestions on short primers about SOF that I can add to the list of readings that I'm having the researcher do before our trip. The list so far:

The Fourth Age of SOF
Difference between SOF and SF
SOCOM website
SOF vision and strategies
SOF truths
SOF organization
Title 10 vs. Title 50
Introduction to Special Operations

...others? The intent is to give the researcher a baseline level of understanding about SOF organization, missions, and culture before the trip. Not trying to make anyone a SOF expert.

This was the Congressional Research Service Paper that started the SOF truths. It is 198 pages but can be scanned and skimmed quickly thanks to #technology. United States and Soviet special operations a study / prepared by the Congressional Research Service, Library of Congress ; prepared at the request of the ...

USASOC home page and fact sheets: https://www.soc.mil/USASOCHQ/Public Affairs/FactSheet.html

SOF Imperatives: SOF Imperatives Page
SOF Truths: SOF Truths
My own shameless plug: The SOF Truths: A Different Perspective on Security Force Assistance - Modern War Institute
Shameless plug part 2: More than Just Friends: The Strategic Advantage of Enduring Relationships - Modern War Institute

 

[Viper1]

This was the Congressional Research Service Paper that started the SOF truths. It is 198 pages but can be scanned and skimmed quickly thanks to #technology. United States and Soviet special operations a study / prepared by the Congressional Research Service, Library of Congress ; prepared at the request of the ...

USASOC home page and fact sheets: https://www.soc.mil/USASOCHQ/Public Affairs/FactSheet.html

SOF Imperatives: SOF Imperatives Page
SOF Truths: SOF Truths
My own shameless plug: The SOF Truths: A Different Perspective on Security Force Assistance - Modern War Institute
Shameless plug part 2: More than Just Friends: The Strategic Advantage of Enduring Relationships - Modern War Institute

As an aside, the key points from the CRS paper hold value today and would give your assistant a good framework to think about.

 

[BloodStripe]

GAO has a lot of things out there to read through for challenges: Special Operations Forces: Better Data Necessary to Improve Oversight and Address Command and Control Challenges

 

[Marauder06]

Thanks is beotjer! On the plane as we speak.

As an aside, the key points from the CRS paper hold value today and would give your assistant a good framework to think about.

thanks brother, great suggestions.

I’m in Honduras now, hanging out with your tribe.

 

[Marauder06]

Heading home from our OCONUS travel. Research assistant hit it out of the park with our SOF hosts, local national partners, and Embassy reps. Thanks everyone for the very helpful info.

 

[AWP]

Imagine being given a week to absorb enough history/ lessons of SOF to be effective at any higher level discussion.

Congratulations to all involved and condolences to all who are now scarred.

 

[Marauder06]

He has an incredible social IQ and was able to ask good questions and maintain humility. Plus he had an interesting background and knows how to have a conversation. And he spoke the language, which I don’t. He definitely earned the money I didn’t pay him for going on this trip with me ;)

The day after we got on the ground he was translating for me during a strategic engagement dinner. “Hey, welcome to this country you’ve never been to, and to the world of ARSOF, which until recently you didn’t even know existed. Now translate this complicated conversation filled with military jargon that I’m about to have with this local national 4-star, who is key to what we’re trying to do here. No pressure.”

One of the coolest things that happened was that he got like three straight hours of mentorship on the Army, SOF, international relations, and life in general from an SF MSG, a 1SG, and a CSM over dinner and drinks down by the pool the last night we were there. The AOB commander and I were there too but wisely mostly just sipped our drinks and listened.