Long-Term Counterinsurgency Strategy: Maximizing Special Operations and Airpower, SOF Adaptability, Flexibility, Versatility, Speed, Agility, Stealth, Persistence, Reach, Irregular Warfare

This excellent report has been professionally converted for accurate flowing-text e-book format reproduction. The rapid, decisive campaign conducted against the Taliban by U.S. Special Operations Forces (SOF) in conjunction with the Northern Alliance and supported by U.S. airpower in the opening phases of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) captured the attention of military professionals throughout the world - allies and potential adversaries alike. Heralded as a template for future military transformation by the most enthusiastic proponents, even the less sanguine observers were forced to acknowledge an impressive synergy and economy of force in the SOF-airpower combination. In this paper, the author will examine the unique suitability of SOF to meet strategic objectives in Afghanistan, explore the synergistic relationship between SOF and airpower, and assess the strategic utility of this combat proven combination in an irregular warfare environment.

Dettagli