Polynikes
Unverified
- Joined
- Aug 5, 2013
- Messages
- 45
Thought it would be interesting to share:
http://www.dtic.mil/dtic/tr/fulltext/u2/a501950.pdf
Description
"The current insurgency in Iraq has necessitated the overwhelming use of special
operations forces (SOF) in operational and tactical roles. With an expected draw down
in Iraq, it is time to refocus SOCOM on the strategic utility of SOF, specifically on
the Maritime arm of SOCOM, the Sea Air Land (SEALs). SEALs bring unique capabilities
based on their comparative advantage in direct action and their familiarity with the
maritime domain. This comparative advantage contributes to their strategic utility as
a short duration, direct action force working from land and sea.
The SEAL culture, based on the history of the organization, their recruitment,
selection and training, has historically focused on direct action operations.
Insistence of indirect action will atrophy the skill sets of these maritime commandos.
Historic research will illustrate successful strategic uses of SEALs in an effort to
provide guidelines to decision makers. These decision makers must incorporate a
balanced approach to the war, where an over-reaction and over commitment of forces to
one mission set will likely imperil, not help, U.S. strategy. The Navy SEALs have an
historic and proven comparative advantage in direct action based operations and best
serve SOCOM’s strategy fulfilling their strategic utility."
http://www.dtic.mil/dtic/tr/fulltext/u2/a501950.pdf
Description
"The current insurgency in Iraq has necessitated the overwhelming use of special
operations forces (SOF) in operational and tactical roles. With an expected draw down
in Iraq, it is time to refocus SOCOM on the strategic utility of SOF, specifically on
the Maritime arm of SOCOM, the Sea Air Land (SEALs). SEALs bring unique capabilities
based on their comparative advantage in direct action and their familiarity with the
maritime domain. This comparative advantage contributes to their strategic utility as
a short duration, direct action force working from land and sea.
The SEAL culture, based on the history of the organization, their recruitment,
selection and training, has historically focused on direct action operations.
Insistence of indirect action will atrophy the skill sets of these maritime commandos.
Historic research will illustrate successful strategic uses of SEALs in an effort to
provide guidelines to decision makers. These decision makers must incorporate a
balanced approach to the war, where an over-reaction and over commitment of forces to
one mission set will likely imperil, not help, U.S. strategy. The Navy SEALs have an
historic and proven comparative advantage in direct action based operations and best
serve SOCOM’s strategy fulfilling their strategic utility."