Refocusing the Sof Mission

The need to re examine the mission criteria for the application of Special Operations Forces is described. A key driving force behind the purpose is the current geo political post Cold War setting that tends to favor the application of Special Operations Forces. The critical characteristic advantages of Special Operations Forces are defined and matched against the strategic setting that is in danger of impinging upon United States national security interests. In light of such a correlation, a simplified method to evaluate Special Operations Force missions is provided that hinges on breaking enemy morale, preserving a U.S. backed group in power and maintaining a small operational footprint. A heavy handed Special Operations Force approach is described as suitable in light of the pervasive violent nature that has come to typify terrorist operations. Suitability of the proposed criteria is bolstered when Special Operation Force missions directly assuage the factors leading to the post Cold War instability. To posture Special Operations Forces to the proposed pre conditions the key aspect of intelligence support must be refined to provide a greater probability of mission success. The end product is to prevent Special Operations Forces from overuse, limit Special Operations applications to those that have significant strategic impact and to preserve an unconventional mentality for key decision makers' use in the spectrum of conflict.