Military reference books and manuals (2009-2023, Volume 2)

August 2008

FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY

2-9

Chapter 2. Special Operations Force Structure

Commander JMISC

Deputy CDR

Admin

Resource Mgt

Public Affairs

Legal

Sergeant Major

Regional

Communications

Global

Functional

Support Div

Current Ops

STRATCOM

PSYOP Dev

Security Mgr

EUCOM

PACOM

Res & Anal

Operations Div

Plans & Programs

NCR Div

CENTCOM

SOUTHCOM

Figure 2-10. JMISC Organization

Joint Military Information Support Command (JMISC)

JMISC was established in 2003 and formally acti-

vated in 2006 at U.S. Special Operations Command,

Tampa, Florida. Formerly known as the Joint PSYOP

Support Element (JPSE), JMISC is spearheading

DoD’s information battle by developing programs

and products designed to influence approved, large-

scale foreign audiences in support of U.S. objectives

in areas that cross geographic combatant command

boundaries.

Shortly after 11 September 2001, the OSD stated

a need for a strategic PSYOP capability within

the DoD. The Defense Planning Guidance (FY

2004-2009) tasked Commander, USSOCOM to

create a “Strategic PSYOP Force.” The 2003 DoD

Information Operations Roadmap directed the

creation of “a Joint PSYOP Support element.” The

JPSE was renamed the JMISC on November 2007 to

better characterize the strategic mission to support

the interagency, OSD, and the GCCs.

JMISC Mission

JMISC plans, coordinates, integrates, and, on order,

executes trans-regional psychological operations to

promote U.S. goals and objectives. JMISC operates

by, with, and through the GCCs and works closely

with the interagency and Country Teams to identify

the right means to connect with segments of the

foreign population that the U.S. is most interested in

reaching. JMISC consists of functional, cultural, and

geographical experts that bring a “combined arms”

approach to tackling what has become a tough,

entrenched information war.

JMISC Characteristics

One of two brigade-level PSYOP units assigned

to USSOCOM

Comprised largely of senior military and civil-

ian PSYOP personnel

Provides professional analysis and planning

Provides commercial-quality PSYOP proto-

type development

Develops DoD trans-regional PSYOP plans

and can assist in developing COCOM/JTF

Strategic Communication, IO, and PSYOP

plans

Coordinates trans-regional dissemination,

ensuring integration with deployed PSYOP

units.

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FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY

August 2008

Special Operations Forces Reference Manual

Joint Special Operations University (JSOU)

JSOU is an academic institution that provides a full

spectrum of educational programs to enhance the

SOF warriors’ ability to think and effectively interact

at both the operational and strategic levels.

Headquartered at Hurlburt Field, Florida and

collocated with the USAF Special Operations School,

JSOU is a direct reporting, subordinate element of

USSOCOM. JSOU is the designated agency within

USSOCOM for joint SOF education and their cor-

porate university.

JSOU has a long-term commitment to education.

As an institution of the future, JSOU has worked

vigorously to meet the challenges of SOF leaders by

adapting to changing global environment with new

and innovative curriculum, instructional programs,

and teaching methods.

JSOU Mission

The JSOU mission is to:

Develop SOF and SOF Enablers for operational

and strategic leadership

Educate military and civilian professional on

the employment of SOF in a joint, interagency,

and multinational environment

Research and publish on national security

issues critical to the SOF community.

JSOU History

In September 2000, JSOU was estab-

lished as an institution of higher learn-

ing focused on joint special operations

education. General Peter Schoomaker,

former Commander, USSOCOM, envi-

sioned JSOU to support specific edu-

cational requirements for SOF and

non-SOF decision makers.

JSOU Organization

JSOU is organized around its three educational

pillars.

Operational Studies Department.

The core elements

of this pillar are:

Educational support to SOF Chairs and SOF

faculty at Professional Military Education

Institutions

Professional development and tailored SOF

education at USSOCOM HQ, component

HQs, and Theater Special Operations Com-

mands

SOF educational integration support to NATO

School

Joint Military Education Teams.

Strategic Studies Department.

The core elements of

this pillar are:

Interagency Program

International Engagement

Research and Publications

Senior Service College and Support.

Academics Department.

The core elements of this

pillar are:

Faculty Development

Institutional Effectiveness

Curriculum Management

Information Technology

Video Tele-Instruction.

Core Values

Integrity

Courage

Creativity

Competency

Force Application

Operational Art

Joint & Combined Warfighting

SOF Integration

Joint SOF C4ISR

Situational Awareness

Action Orientation

Problem Solving

Decisivness

Initiative

Adaptability

Risk Management

Developing Partnerships

Communication

Collaboration

Influencing/Negotiating

Cultural Awareness

Vision & Strategy

Vision Creation & Execution

Strategic Art

Strategic Awareness

Opportunity Development

Force Management

Asset Management

Technology Management

Resource Management

Interpersonal Orientation

Team Building

People Development

Conflict Resolution

SOF Leadership Competencies

Figure 2-11. Leadership

Competencies provide

the basis of JSOU’s

SOF certificate program

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FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY

2-11

Chapter 2. Special Operations Force Structure

Theater Special Operations Commands (TSOCs)
and the Special Operations Division (SOD)

ince 1988 each of the theater unified commands

has established a separate Special Operations

Command (SOC) to meet its theater-unique special

operations requirements. Each theater SOC (TSOC)

reports directly to its geographic combatant com-

mander, while COMUSSOCOM provides TSOC

funding and personnel.

As subordinate unified commands, the TSOCs

provide the planning, preparation, and command

and control of SOF from the Army, Navy, and Air

Force. They ensure SOF strategic capabilities are

fully employed and SOF are fully synchronized with

conventional military operations, when applicable.

TSOCs offer several advantages to the geographic

combatant commanders. As peacetime elements, the

TSOCs are the nuclei around which Joint Special

Operations Task Forces (JSOTFs) can be structured.

TSOCS also provide a clear chain of command for

in-theater SOF as well as the staff expertise to plan,

conduct, and support joint SO in the theater’s area of

responsibility. These special operations may include

forces under operational control (OPCON) to a

TSOC. TSOCs normally exercise OPCON of SOF

within each geographic combatant commander’s area

SPECIAL OPERATIONS

COMMAND PACIFIC

(SOCPAC)

CAMP SMITH, HAWAII

SPECIAL OPERATIONS

DIVISION, U.S. NORTHERN

COMMAND (NORTHCOM)

PETERSON AFB, COLORADO

SPECIAL OPERATIONS COMMAND

JOINT FORCES COMMAND (SOCJFCOM)

SUFFOLK, VIRGINIA

SPECIAL OPERATIONS

COMMAND EUROPE (SOCEUR)

VAIHINGEN, GERMANY

SPECIAL OPERATIONS

COMMAND AFRICA (SOCAFRICA)

KELLEY BARRACKS, GERMANY

SPECIAL OPERATIONS

COMMAND KOREA (SOCKOR)

YONGSON, KOREA

SPECIAL OPERATIONS

COMMAND CENTRAL(SOCCENT)

MACDILL AFB, FLORIDA

SPECIAL OPERATIONS

COMMAND SOUTH(SOCSOUTH)

MIAMI, FLORIDA

Figure 2-12. Worldwide Special Operations Command Locations

of responsibility. Additionally, the TSOCs ensure that

SOF personnel fully participate in theater mission

planning and that theater component commanders

are thoroughly familiar with SOF operational and

support requirements and capabilities.

There are eight TSOCs, five supporting geo-

graphic combatant commanders and two with

different missions. There is also a Special Operations

Division, with functions similar to the TSOCs. They

are as follows:

Special Operations Command, Joint Forces

Command

Special Operations Command, Central

Command

Special Operations Command, Europe

Special Operations Command, Pacific

Special Operations Command, Korea

Special Operations Command, Southern

Command

Special Operations Command, Africa Com-

mand

Special Operations Division, U.S. Northern

Command.

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Special Operations Forces Reference Manual

Special Operations Command, Joint Forces Command
(SOCJFCOM)

SOCJFCOM is a subordinate unified command of

U.S. Joint Forces Command (USJFCOM), headquar-

tered at Suffolk, Virginia.

SOCJFCOM conducts worldwide joint SOF

training and facilitates joint integration to enhance

the effectiveness and interoperability of SOF in

joint, multinational, and interagency environments.

Additionally, as a TSOC, SOCJFCOM conducts

special operations as directed by Commander,

USJFCOM.

The SOCJFCOM mission and key tasks include

the following:

Train conventional joint forces (geographic

combatant command and Joint Task Force

staffs) in SOF employment considerations

Support the training programs of joint SOF

commanders and staffs to enhance warfighting

readiness

Ensure training insights are incorporated

into USJFCOM and USSOCOM joint concept

development and experimentation (JCD&E)

and joint interoperability efforts

Provide dedicated SOF subject-matter-expert

support to USJFCOM JCD&E activities

Facilitate USJFCOM-USSOCOM interaction

and cooperation in all aspects of develop-

mental activities to include JCD&E, research,

development, and joint interoperability and

integration (JI&I).

Special Operations Command, Central Command
(SOCCENT)

SOCCENT, headquartered at MacDill AFB, Florida,

is a subordinate unified command of U.S. Central

Command (USCENTCOM). It also has a forward

headquarters, the Combined Forces Special Opera-

tions Component Command (CFSOCC), in Qatar.

SOCCENT is responsible for planning special opera-

tions throughout the USCENTCOM area of respon-

sibility (AOR); planning and conducting peacetime

joint/combined special operations training exer-

cises; and orchestrating command and control

of peacetime and wartime special operations as

directed. SOCCENT exercises operational control of

assigned and attached SOF, which deploy for train-

ing and for operational missions in the USCENT-

COM AOR as directed by Commander, CENTCOM.

When directed by Commander, CENTCOM, SOC-

CENT forms the nucleus of a JSOTF.

SOCCENT is organized and aligned along tradi-

tional joint operational lines with a command group,

six numbered/functional directorates (J1, J2, J3, J4, J6

and J8) and a headquarters command section.

Specific SOCCENT mission tasks include:

Assist and advise Commander, CENTCOM

on all matters pertaining to special operations

in the USCENTCOM AOR

Develop partner nation counter terrorism and

counter insurgency capacity

Conduct Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS)-directed

exercises

Plan and conduct humanitarian assistance

and civic actions with countries receptive to

U.S. military presence

Plan, conduct, and evaluate other joint

exercises, mobile training teams (MTTs),

deployments for training (DFT), and joint

and combined exchange training (JCET)

in support of theater, regional, and country

strategies.

Figure 2-13. SOCCENT

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2-13

Chapter 2. Special Operations Force Structure

Special Operations Command, Europe (SOCEUR)

SOCEUR is a functional subordinate unified

command of U.S. European Command (USEU-

COM), headquartered at Vaihingen, Germany.

Under COCOM of USEUCOM, SOCEUR’s primary

responsibility is to exercise operational control over

theater-assigned or attached Army, Navy, Air Force,

or Marine SOF conducting operational missions or

training in the USEUCOM AOR.

Commander, SOCEUR (COMSOCEUR), is one

of five commanders (along with U.S. Army, Europe;

U.S Air Forces in Europe; Naval Forces, Europe; and

Marine Corps Forces, Europe) in the USEUCOM

AOR who may be designated to establish or lead a

European Joint Task Force (JTF) to plan, coordinate,

and conduct military operations in support of USEU-

COM or the Supreme Allied Commander Europe

(SACEUR). During selected wartime and contin-

gency operations, COMSOCEUR is routinely tasked

by Commander, USEUCOM (CDRUSEUCOM) to

establish a JSOTF and deploy to forward locations

to provide command, control, communications, and

intelligence (C3I) for assigned U.S. and allied SOF as

required. COMSOCEUR has a SACEUR-directed

North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) role

as Director of the NATO SOF Coordination Centre

(NSCC) in Mons, Belgium.

SOCEUR is organized as a conventional joint

staff with a command group and seven J-coded

functional directorates. SOCEUR exercises control

of one Army Special Forces Battalion, one Air Force

Special Operations Group with two subordinate Air

Force Special Operations Squadrons and one Air

Force Special Tactics Squadron, one Naval Special

Warfare Unit, and a Signal Support Detachment.

SOCEUR also maintains proponency for CA and

PSYOP.

Key Tasks

COMSOCEUR is CDRUSEUCOM’s principal

advisor on special operations mission priori-

ties, force structure and apportionment, com-

mand and control, joint and bilateral training,

readiness requirements, and employment of

forces.

Develop supporting plans and annexes for

USEUCOM operations plans (OPLANS), con-

tingency plans (CONPLANS), and functional

CDRUSEUCOM-directed operational tasks.

Exercise operational control (OPCON) and

ensure readiness of all EUCOM-assigned and

allocated SOF in theater. Conduct EUCOM- or

JCS-directed exercises to ensure readiness.

Plan and conduct EUCOM-directed host-

nations training, development, and profes-

sional military-to-military contacts (MTT,

JCET, DFT, JCTP, etc.) with European armed

forces.

Coordinate with USEUCOM service compo-

nent commanders and SOF service component

commanders to assure maximum economy

in the utilization of U.S. special operations

resources and elimination of unnecessary

duplication and nonessential activities.

Be prepared to deploy a 6–10 person EUCOM

Survey and Assessment Team (ESAT) within

6 hours, and a follow-on SOF Headquarters

within 18 hours.

Establish and maintain close coordination

and dialogue with service components,

subordinate USEUCOM commands, Allied

Command Europe, U.S. Special Operations

Command, and the NATO SOF Coordination

Centre.

Figure 2-14. SOCEUR

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Special Operations Forces Reference Manual

Special Operations Command, Pacific (SOCPAC)

As U.S. Pacific Command’s (USPACOM’s) Theater

Special Operations Command, SOCPAC coordi-

nates, plans, and directs special operations and

related activities in the Pacific Theater. This supports

Commander, USPACOM objectives of deterring

aggression, advancing regional security cooperation,

responding to crises, and fighting to win. SOCPAC’s

main effort is Joint Special Operations Task Force-

Philippines (JSOTF-P), whose mission is to advise

and assist the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP)

in counterterrorism activities. SOCPAC’s intent is to

help the AFP become an increasingly professional

and capable security force dedicated to supporting

civil authority and human rights, and capable of

defeating terrorist and insurgent threats.

The Commander, SOCPAC is the advisor for

special operations on the PACOM staff. The staff

is organized with a command group, six director-

ates (SOJ1-SOJ6), and is augmented by the Joint

Intelligence Support Element (JISE/JICPAC) and a

detachment from the 112th Signal Battalion.

Part of SOCPAC’s capability is based around

Joint Task Force (JTF) 510, a rapidly deployable

JTF Headquarters, which is nested within the com-

mand. JTF 510 provides the

USPACOM commander with

the ability to quickly establish

command and control in sup-

port of emerging crises, such

as disaster relief for tsunamis

or earthquakes, humanitar-

ian assistance for civil strife

or non-combatant evacuation

operations (NEO), or threat

situations involving terrorist

incidents.

SOCPAC’s assigned forces

are composed of one Army

Special Forces Battalion, one

Naval Special Warfare Unit,

and one Air Force Special

Operations Group which in-

cludes two Air Force Special

Operations Squadrons and one Air Force Special

Tactics Squadron. Additionally, SOCPAC maintains

a Joint Special Operations Air Component (JSOAC)

in Hawaii and a forward-based Joint Special Opera-

tions Air Detachment (JSOAD).

SOCPAC’s strategy rests on a synchronized

concept of operations called the Indirect Approach.

The Indirect Approach focuses on three lines of

operation: increasing partner nation security capac-

ity, improving information gathering and sharing,

and securing the support of the population. Specific

tools used by SOCPAC in support of these lines of

operations include the following:

Joint and Combined Exchange Training

(JCET)

Counternarcotics Training (CNT)

Foreign Internal Defense (FID)

Subject Matter Expert Exchange (SMEE)

Humanitarian Assistance/ Disaster Relief

Humanitarian Civic Action Programs

Humanitarian Mine Action (HMA)

Information Operations and Public Affairs

Pacific Area Special Operations Conference

(PASOC)

Joint Chiefs of Staff/USPACOM Exercises.

Figure 2-15. SOCPAC

Note. Numerical data indicates latitudinal
and longitudinal boundaries of the PACOM AOR.

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2-15

Chapter 2. Special Operations Force Structure

Special Operations Command, Korea (SOCKOR)

Operating under armistice in Yongson, Korea,

SOCKOR is the special operations functional com-

ponent command of U.S. Forces Korea (USFK).

SOCKOR is responsible for planning, coordinating,

and conducting joint and combined special opera-

tions in the Commander, USFK (COMUSKOREA)

area of operations (AO) in support of the Com-

mander, United Nations Command/Republic of

Korea (ROK)-United States Combined Forces Com-

mand (UNC-CFC).

In armistice, SOCKOR is established as a tra-

ditional joint headquarters with a command group

and six directorates augmented by the 112 Signal

Battalion, Detachment-Korea and an Air Liaison

Element (ALE). It exercises OPCON of the Special

Forces Detachment 39 and tactical control (TACON)

of other U.S. SOF units training in Korea. SOCKOR

helps build ROK capacity via three lines of opera-

tion:

Conducting joint and combined training,

using the JCET program and JCS exercises

Developing ROK capabilities, using a SOF

Doctrinal Conference and CA and PSYOP

JCETs with the ROK Ministry of National

Defense

Operating SF Detachment 39, which sends

an liaison officer to each ROK SF Brigade and

Group and enhances US/ROK interoperability

by training, advising, and assisting.

Focused primarily on deterrence and prepara-

tion for warfighting, SOCKOR is the only theater

SOC in which U.S. and allied SOF are institutionally

organized for combined SO. If hostilities resume in

Korea, elements of SOCKOR and the ROK Army

Special Warfare Command, Republic of Korea Naval

Special Warfare Brigade, and the Republic of Korea

Air Force Special Operations Squadron will establish

the Combined Forces Command (CFC) Combined

Unconventional Warfare Task Force (CUWTF).

CUWTF is commanded by a ROK Lieutenant Gen-

eral, with the SOCKOR Commander as his deputy.

Figure 2-16. SOCKOR

. / 2 4 (
+ / 2 % !

3 / 5 4 ( + / 2 % !

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Special Operations Forces Reference Manual

SOCSOUTH core tasks include the following:

Command and control of SOF in theater

Develop and execute SOF Campaigns

–

Fight the SOF fight daily

–

Build, equip and advise appropriate Partner

Nation GWOT capacity

Establish and Command Joint Special Opera-

tions Task Force

Contingency Response Force

Develop and execute engagement to promote

favorable relationships.

Special Operations Command, Southern Command
(SOCSOUTH)

SOCSOUTH is a subordinate unified command

of U.S. Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM),

headquartered at Miami, Florida. SOCSOUTH

has OPCON of Army, Navy, and Air Force SOF,

which deploy forward for the training and oper-

ational missions in the USSOUTHCOM AOR.

SOCSOUTH provides command and control for

Army and Air Force SOF. SOCSOUTH forms and

deploys a JSOTF headquarters providing C3I

connectivity during contingencies and, when

directed, has forces OPCON to SOCSOUTH;

one Army Special Forces Company, one Army

Special Operations Aviation Company, and

one Naval Special Warfare Unit.

In peacetime, SOCSOUTH is organized

as a conventional joint staff with a command

group and seven numbered functional direc-

torates J1 through J6 and J8. In wartime, the

SOC adds an eighth functional directorate for

the headquarters commandant.

Mission.

SOCSOUTH plans, directs, and exe-

cutes special operations missions throughout

the USSOUTHCOM area of responsibility to

achieve operational and strategic objectives in

support of the USSOUTHCOM’S Regional War

on Terrorism and Theater Security Coopera-

tion Plan.

Figure 2-17. SOCSOUTH

0 9 2 W

0 3 0 W

0 0 8 N

0 5 8 W

0 2 8 N

Note. Numerical data

indicates latitudinal and

longitudinal boundaries of the

SOUTHCOM AOR.

August 2008

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2-17

Chapter 2. Special Operations Force Structure

Special Operations Command, Africa Command
(SOCAFRICA)

The newest of the TSOCs, SOCAFRICA was estab-

lished 1 October, 2007, and is expected to be fully

operation-capable by 31 March 2009.

SOCAFRICA is a subordinate unified command

of U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), and is cur-

rently headquartered in Stuttgart, Germany. The

Commander of SOCAFRICA (COMSOCAFRICA)

is a Brigadier General, and functions as the director

of the Africa Command Special Operations Direc-

torate.

Mission

SOCAFRICA leads, plans, coordinates, and as

directed, executes the full spectrum of special opera-

tions by, with, through, or in support of U.S. govern-

ment departments and agencies, partner nations and

other organizations as part of an integrated theater

strategy, in order to promote regional stability,

combat terrorism, and advance U.S. strategic objec-

tives in the AFRICOM AOR.

Vision

SOCAFRICA’s approach is different from the tradi-

tional approach to special operations headquarters.

SOCAFRICA will fully integrate interagency part-

ner nation capabilities into planning and execution

of operations. SOCAFRICA will support, facili-

tate, and/or leverage existing civilian and military

capabilities and actors

in the AFRICOM AOR.

The primary focus of

the command is

on SOF missions

that develop

partner capac-

ity, provide

assistance, and

support the-

ater security

cooperation

objectives.

SOCAFRICA either as a lead or in support of

partner nations will:

Build operational capacity and capability

Strengthen regional security and capacity

initiatives

Leverage strategic communications

Eradicate violent extremist organizations and

their supporting networks.

Organization

SOCAFRICA is organized differently from a typical

staff directorate.

The headquarters will have a Political Advisor

assigned from the State Department, along with the

Deputy Commander, Chief of Staff, and Command

Sergeant Major.

SOCAFRICA is organized into 3 subordinate

elements: a Support Section, a Regional Operations

Section, and a Theater Operations Section.

The Support Section includes the Surgeon,

Human Resources, Resource Management,

Resource Allocation, SJA, and PAO cells.

Subordinate to the Director of Regional

Operations are the Current Operations JOC, 3

SOTFs, 1 SOCCE, and an Interagency Group.

Regional groups are broken down to cover 5

specific regions within Africa, nesting with

the approach taken by AFRICOM. Regional

Operations is largely focused on current opera-

tions and building regional subject matter

expertise.

Subordinate to the Director of Theater Opera-

tions are the Joint Intelligence Operations

Center (JIOC), Signal Center, Logistics Sec-

tion, and an Engagement and Plans Division

which includes a Strategy cell, Information

Operations, Civil Affairs, Security Assistance

and a Joint Personnel Recovery Center Cells.

There is lateral coordination between the JIOC

and the JOC. The Theater Operations section

is focused both upward, ensuring coordi-

nation with the TCC (AFRICOM) and the

Interagency, and inwardly on the Regional

Teams, providing enablers and support to the

teams as needed.

Figure 2-18.

SOCAFRICA

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August 2008

Special Operations Forces Reference Manual

USNORTHCOM Special Operations Division (SOD)

The U.S. Northern Command (USNORTHCOM)

SOD is a staff division within the J3 Operations

Directorate, located at Peterson Air Force Base,

Colorado. The USNORTHCOM mission is to antici-

pate and conduct Homeland Defense and Civil Sup-

port operations within the assigned AOR to defend,

protect, and secure the United State and its interests.

The AOR encompasses the foreign environment

(Canada and Mexico), the domestic environment

(continental United States and Alaska), and mari-

time approaches.

USNORTHCOM, unlike other geograph-

ic combatant commands, does not have an as-

signed TSOC. The SOD fills the role of a TSOC

by serving as the theater special operations advi-

sor to the Commander, USNORTHCOM and by

integrating special operations into theater plans

and operations. The SOD’s roles and responsi-

bilities have expanded since June 2002 when the

USNORTHCOM Implementation Plan established

an MFP-2 resourced SOD to perform special opera-

tions staff functions. The volume and urgency of de-

veloping and implementing critical war on terrorism

(WOT) plans, as well as planning, monitoring and

assessing special operations, activities and actions

(e.g. Joint Combined Exchange Training, Subject

Matter Expert Exchanges, and Integrated

Surveys) have contributed to expanding the

SOD’s role.

SOD Mission

As directed by the USNORTHCOM J3, the

SOD integrates special operations equities

throughout USNORTHCOM plans, exer-

cises and resources; executes special opera-

tions activities and actions within the area

of responsibility; and synchronizes the com-

mand’s GWOT efforts with USSOCOM to

achieve the USNORTHCOM Commander’s

objectives.

The SOD’s ultimate purpose is to com-

bine special operations, activities, and ac-

tions to defend the homeland against asym-

metric threats. The SOD integrates special

operations throughout the continuum of missions,

serves as the command’s synchronization linkage

to USSOCOM for the GWOT, and is organized to

plan, exercise and execute in accordance with the

campaign’s direct and indirect approach strategy.

This is a coordinated effort within the command,

other federal agencies and departments, and our

Mexican and Canadian special operations partners.

The SOD’s goal is to create and maintain a robust

network of relationships and rapid planning and

execution capabilities that result in successful opera-

tions, actions and activities to defeat terrorist threats

and support the command’s broader objectives in

our AOR.

The SOD consists of 25 personnel (military,

government employees, and contractors) with Army,

Air Force and Navy special operations expertise. The

SOD is an integral component to the battle staff and

leads several key USNORTHCOM teams, boards,

and cells to include the Counterterrorism Assessment

Team (CTAT), the WOT Synchronization Team, the

WOT Assessment Board, the Counterterrorism Joint

Targeting Coordination Board (CT-JTCB), and the

Compartmented Plans and Operations Cell (CPOC).

The SOD also hosts the USSOCOM and JSOC liason

officers, and maintains strong ties to the command’s

interagency representatives. USNORTHCOM views

the SOD as key to its Homeland Defense mission.

Figure 2-19. USNORTHCOM

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2-19

Chapter 2. Special Operations Force Structure

Figure 2-20. Generic Organization of a Joint Task Force (JTF)

Joint Task Force

Commander

Army

Component

(ARFOR)

Joint Force

Air Component

Army Special

Operations Forces

(ARSOF)

Joint Civil Military

Operations

Task Force

Air Force

Component

(AFFOR)

Joint Force

Land

Component

Air Force Special

Operations Forces

(AFSOF)

Joint Special

Operations

Task Force (JSOTF)

Navy

Component

(NAVFOR)

Joint Force

Maritime

Component

Navy Special

Operations Forces

(NAVSOF)

Joint Psychological

Operations

Task Force

Marine Corps

Component

(MARFOR)

Joint Force

Special Operations

Component

Marine Special

Operations Forces

(MARSOF)

Joint Special Operations Task Force (JSOTF)

A JSOTF is a temporary joint SOF headquarters,

composed of units from more than one service,

established by the President and/or SecDef or a JFC

to accomplish a specific mission or to control SOF

in a specific theater of operations. A JSOTF may

have conventional non-special-operations units

assigned or attached to support the conduct of spe-

cific missions.

Creation of and Transition to a JSOTF

Under most circumstances, a geographic combatant

commander will direct his SOC to form a JSOTF.

That JSOTF might be deployed and employed in

advance of the JTF or multinational force, of which

it will eventually become a part, or the JSOTF

and the multinational force might be organized

concurrently.

uring operations, three types of SOF joint

task forces may be formed to support a joint

force commander in the command and control of

assigned SOF:

Joint Special Operations Task Force (JSOTF)

Joint Psychological Operations Task Force

(JPOTF)

Joint Civil Military Operations Task Force

(JCMOTF).

These JTFs are organized along the lines of a

conventional JTF and normally are established to

accomplish a specific mission or conduct a campaign

of limited duration. SOF JTFs are flexible in size,

composition, and duration of establishment. A SOF

JTF may be small and temporary, or larger and more

enduring, depending on the national objective or

theater mission assigned.

SOF Operational Command and Control

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JSOTF Commander

SJA

PAO

CSM/SEA

Chaplain

Surgeon

Deputy Commander

Chief of Staff

Manpower and

Personnel

Logistics

Communications

Intelligence

Plans and Policy

Operations

Headquarters

Commandant

Figure 2-21. Generic Organization

of a JSOTF Headquarters

Establishing a JSOTF is appropriate when SOF

command and control requirements exceed the

capabilities of the TSOC staff. JSOTF HQs are nor-

mally formed around elements from the TSOC or

an existing SOF unit with augmentation from other

Service SOF. Also, a JSOTF may be deployed as a

complete package from outside the theater. This can

be done to provide an additional JSOTF for the re-

gional combatant commander or to relieve the SOC

from the responsibility of organizing a JSOTF.

When subordinate to a Joint Task Force Com-

mander other than the TSOC, the JSOTF com-

mander serves as the Joint Force Special Operations

Component Commander (JFSOCC). Normally the

JFSOCC exercises day-to-day C2 of assigned or

attached SOF. The JFSOCC allocates forces against

strategic or operational tasks and supports other JTF

component commanders based on guidance from

the Commander, Joint Task Force (CJTF). Addition-

ally, other responsibilities of the JFSOCC are to:

Make recommendations on the proper employ-

ment of special operations forces and assets

Plan and coordinate special operations

Synchronize the conduct of special operations

with the other component commanders.

Deconfliction, coordination, and transfer of

forces are always critical concerns for SO command-

ers, regardless of organizational status. Deconflic-

tion and coordination activities routinely include

target deconfliction, communications frequency

allocation, surface and airspace deconfliction, fire

support coordination, and coordination for logistics

support.

SOF must be compatible with conventional

forces that either host or support their activities.

This is especially true during time-critical contin-

gency planning operations. For example, if SOF

are operating from naval surface vessels during

forced-entry operations, they must be prepared to

function compatibly with the host vessel. Weapons

and communications must be deconflicted with ship

systems, and SOF helicopters must be compatible

with shipboard fuel systems. Likewise, the conven-

tional force commander must be sensitive to his own

operations, which may require modification so as not

to inhibit the operation of SOF.

Generic Organization of a JSOTF

A JSOTF does not have a fixed organization; it is

task-organized. A JSOTF is an organization flexible

in both size and composition, and that flexibility

provides its primary utility. The headquarters usu-

ally will be able to perform normal command and

staff functions, but it may rely on non-SOF elements

for certain staff activities. JSOTF HQs vary in size as

well as scope of mission.

A JSOTF is organized in a manner similar to

conventional task forces, and JSOTF HQs normally

are organized internally along service component

or functional lines i.e., J1 through J6, and ARSOF,

NAVSOF, and AFSOF. JSOTFs normally are orga-

nized to meet a specific SO mission or an operation

of limited duration, although they may be formed as

standing organizations, depending upon Presidential

and/or SecDef, theater command, or JTF guidance.

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Chapter 2. Special Operations Force Structure

JSOTF Support Relationships

In many contingency operations, JSOTF HQs have

been established for command and control. SOF

have been deployed and employed well in advance

of conventional force elements. Coordinating the

transition from special operations to conventional

operations, when ordered, is crucial. Such coordina-

tion of conventional and special operations ensures

the timing and tempo of the overall unified cam-

paign is maintained.

Only the President and/or SecDef can authorize

and direct the assignment of forces to combatant

commands or their transfer between combatant

commands. When transfer of forces is permanent,

the forces are reassigned. When transfer of forces

is temporary, the forces may be either reassigned

or attached. If the forces are reassigned, the gain-

ing combatant commander exercises COCOM of

the reassigned force. If the forces are attached, the

President and/or SecDef normally specifies in the

deployment order that the gaining combatant com-

mander will exercise OPCON of the attached force.

When USSOCOM forces deploy into a theater

for a specific short-duration mission, these forces

are normally attached to the theater combatant

commander and may be placed OPCON to the

JFSOCC. This requires extensive coordination when

the mission is planned out of theater. Because US-

SOCOM must prepare the forces, it is vital that the

JFSOCC clearly communicate the theater combatant

commander’s requirements. The JFSOCC assists

the theater combatant commander in charge of

OPCON of SOF from USSOCOM to theater control,

coordinating transfer to theater C4I structure and

arranging in-theater support, to include staging

facilities. This may require coordination with other

theater combatant commanders when those facilities

lie within their AORs. JFSOCC planning must ulti-

mately include force recovery and redeployment.

Joint Psychological Operations Task Force (JPOTF)

A JPOTF is composed of psychological operations

units from more than one service, formed to carry

out PSYOP in support of a joint force commander’s

campaign or other contingencies. It normally serves

as a subordinate joint command of a joint force.

The JPOTF exercises C2 of PSYOP forces assigned,

attached, or in support from the service compo-

nents and, when applicable, from other nations.

Although tactical PSYOP units are usually attached

to maneuver commanders, the JPOTF normally

has coordinating authority with tactical forces for

developing, producing, and disseminating PSYOP

products. This procedure allows PSYOP forces to

meet the maneuver commander’s requirements

more effectively, while ensuring continuity with the

objectives and intent of the combatant commander

or JTF commander. The JPOTF works closely with

the U.S. country team, other U.S. government offi-

cials, allies and coalition officials, and international

organizations.

Creation of and Transition to a JPOTF

The scale of an operation generally dictates the orga-

nization of PSYOP forces. The PSYOP organization

may vary in size depending on the nature of the

operation, the capability of available forces, and the

supported commander’s assessment of the PSYOP

requirement.

As a crisis begins to develop, one of the first

elements deployed to a supported commander

is the PSYOP Support Element (PSE). A PSE is a

tailored element that can provide limited PSYOP.

The size, composition, and capability of the PSE are

determined by the requirements of the supported

commander. The PSE provides staff support to the

operations directorate (J3) of the joint force. This

small team assesses the situation, confers with the

commander, develops the PSYOP objectives, and

recommends an appropriate combination of per-

sonnel, equipment, and support to be provided by

service components to accomplish the mission.

A Psychological Operations Task Force (POTF)

supports a combatant commander or CJTF by plan-

ning the employment and use of PSYOP forces and

dissemination platforms to achieve the commander’s

overall objectives. The POTF will determine the

recommended size of PSYOP forces required, PSYOP

objectives, supporting PSYOP objectives, PSYOP

programs for approval in Phases I through IV of the

operation, and functions as the central coordination

point for all PSYOP activities.

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A POTF becomes a JPOTF when established

by the Secretary of Defense, the combatant com-

mander or the commander of an existing JTF. With

the addition of coalition PSYOP units, the POTF is

designated a Combined Psychological Operations

Task Force (CPOTF), such as the standing CPOTF

in the Republic of Korea. The POTF concept allows

commanders to tailor their force to meet the specific

requirements of complex missions as they emerge

and evolve. In either case the PSYOP task force will

be under OPCON of the headquarters of which they

are a component.

The combatant commander may attach PSYOP

forces to a subordinate Joint Force Commander,

normally a JPOTF or Joint Special Operations

Task Force (JSOTF) commander. This prevents the

development of conflicting PSYOP programs and

messages, and facilitates a more rapid approval pro-

cess and product responsiveness. PSYOP planners

will identify foreign target audiences and PSYOP

objectives, themes, symbols, activities, and products

that support the JFC’s campaign plan. PSYOP have

significant impact on the JFC objectives as they

involve the need to mobilize the civilian popula-

tion, while simultaneously isolating the adversary,

taking away its ability to muster popular support.

Subordinate commanders will identify requirements

for PSYOP forces to the JFC. Depending on mission

requirements, PSYOP staff support may be provided

to the commander of a subunified command, JTF,

or component command to enhance planning and

coordinating capability.

Generic Organization of a JPOTF

The POTF, normally a task-organized PSYOP bat-

talion, forms the basis for the senior PSYOP HQ

in-theater. With appropriate augmentation, this HQ

normally becomes a joint organization, referred to as

a JPOTF. The JPOTF is not a standing organization

and is task-organized to fit the mission. The JPOTF

varies in size depending on the scope of mission.

During past operations, personnel within the JPOTF

193rd SOW

PSYOP Tactical

Battalion

Product

Development

Company

PSYOP

Dissemination

Battalion

DCO

PSYDET

OPDET

CSM

SJA

Chaplain

Distribution

Company

Media

Company

Broadcast

Company

JPOTF

Commander

Tactical PSYOP

Company

Tactical PSYOP

Detachment (TPD)

Tactical PSYOP

Team

Figure 2-22. Generic JPOTF Organization

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Chapter 2. Special Operations Force Structure

A PSYOP Leaflet from

Operations Desert Shield/Storm

Analyze various courses of action

Produce Joint PSYOP products

Coordinate with the other subordinate task

forces and components to ensure the most

efficient support is provided to the CJTF

Conduct Joint PSYOP dissemination opera-

tions

Evaluate the results of Joint PSYOP

Conduct liaison with HN agencies and other

U.S. government organizations

Establish combat identification procedures and

other directives based on CJTF guidance.

Joint Civil-Military Operations Task Force (JCMOTF)

A JCMOTF is a U.S. joint force organization, similar

in organization to a JSOTF or JTF and is flexible in

size and composition, depending on mission cir-

cumstances. It usually is subordinate to a JTF but,

in rare instances and depending on resource avail-

ability, could be formed as a standing organization.

A JCMOTF can be formed in theater, in the United

States (within the limits of the law), or in both loca-

tions, depending on scope, duration, or sensitivity

of the CMO requirement and associated policy

considerations.

JFCs are responsible for conducting CMO and

may establish a JCMOTF when the scope of CMO

requires coordination and activities beyond that

which a staff CA representative could accomplish.

The JCMOTF will be resourced to meet the JFC’s

specific CMO requirements (for example, stability

operations). To support the conduct of specific mis-

sions , a JCMOTF may have both conventional and

special operations forces assigned or attached. By

design, the U.S. Army active component CA brigade,

U.S. Navy Maritime Civil Affairs Group (MCAG),

or Marine Corps Civil Affairs Group (CAG) orga-

nizational structure can provide the operational C2

system structure to form a JCMOTF.

JCMOTF responsibilities typically include the

following:

Advising the commander, joint task force

(CJTF) on policy, funding, and multinational,

foreign, or host-nation sensitivities and their

have numbered from less than 20 to more than 400.

A JPOTF is an organization flexible in both size and

composition, and this aspect provides its primary

utility.

A JPOTF is organized in a manner similar

to conventional task forces in that it is organized

internally along functional lines, J1 through J4. A

JPOTF is normally organized to meet a specific

PSYOP mission. The establishment of a JPOTF is

appropriate when PSYOP C2 requirements exceed

the capabilities of the geographic combatant com-

mander’s staff or JTF staff. The JPOTF HQ is formed

around elements from an existing PSYOP unit with

augmentation from other Services. Usually, a JPOTF

will be deployed as a complete package from outside

the theater.

When subordinate to a JTF Commander, the

JPOTF commander exercises day-to-day C2 of as-

signed or attached PSYOP forces. The commander

JPOTF allocates forces against strategic or opera-

tional tasks and supports other JTF component com-

manders based on guidance from the Commander,

Joint Task Force (CJTF). Additionally, other respon-

sibilities of the commander JPOTF are as follows:

Advise the CJTF on PSYOP

Conduct Joint PSYOP Planning and Execu-

tion

Issue planning guidance

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A PSYOP Soldier Distributes Leaflets to Civilians

in Baghdad Warning Them Not to Touch

Unexploded Ordnance

President and/or SecDef through the Chairman of

the Joint Chiefs of Staff to the combatant command-

ers. The combatant commander is responsible for the

centralized direction and conduct of PSYOP within

his operational area. Early and full PSYOP support

to the supported commander is critical throughout

the crisis action planning process.

When the SecDef approves the deployment of

PSYOP personnel to perform peacetime PSYOP

activities in support of theater security cooperation

plans (formerly the overt peacetime Psychological

Operations [PSYOP] program–[OP3]), OPCON

of these forces passes from the force providing

combatant command, to the supported geographic

combatant command/Theater Special Operations

Command. PSYOP personnel perform their mis-

sion under TACON of a U.S. Embassy. OPCON of

PSYOP personnel may be passed to a JSOTF, as the

supported unit.

During war, contingency, or crisis, a POTF,

JPOTF, or CPOTF may be established as a functional

component of the combatant commander or task

force commander or as a component of a JSOTF.

In either case the PSYOP task force will be under

OPCON of the headquarters of which they are a

component, and tactical PSYOP forces are normally

attached TACON to maneuver force commanders.

Tactical PSYOP units are normally attached to

armies, corps, divisions, and brigade combat teams,

or equivalent-sized elements. Dissemination PSYOP

battalions normally operate as major subordinate

units or detachments of a JPOTF.

effect on theater strategy and/or campaign

and operational missions

Providing C2 or direction of military host-

nation advisory, assessment, planning,

and other assistance activities of joint U.S.

forces

Assisting in establishing U.S. or multinational

and military-to-civil links for greater efficiency

of cooperative assistance arrangements

Performing essential coordination or liaison

with host-nation agencies, country team,

United Nations agencies, and deployed U.S.

multinational, and host-nation military forces

and supporting logistic organizations

Assisting in the planning and conduct of civil

information programs to publicize positive

results and objectives of military assistance

projects, to build civil acceptance and support

of U.S. operations, and to promote indig-

enous capabilities contributing to recovery

and economic-social development

Planning and conducting joint and combined

civil-military operations training exercises

Advising and assisting in strengthening or sta-

bilizing civil infrastructures and services and

otherwise facilitating transition to peacekeep-

ing or consolidation operations and associated

hand-off to other USG agencies, international

organizations, or host-nation responsibility

Assessing or identifying host-nation civil

support, relief, or funding requirements to

the CJTF for transmission to supporting com-

manders, military services, or other respon-

sible USG agencies

Establishing combat identification standing

operating procedures.

Joint Psychological Operations Command and Control

The President and/or SecDef issues national security

policy through directives and statements. During

peacetime, the SecDef (or his designated representa-

tives) translates national security policy into military

policy. Because of the nature of the psychological

dimension, all policy matters tend to impact upon

PSYOP. During war, policy flows directly from the

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Chapter 2. Special Operations Force Structure

PSYOP Soldiers Operating in Somalia

to those contained in combatant command authority

(COCOM). OPCON does not in and of itself include

authoritative direction for logistics or matters of

administration, discipline, internal organization, or

unit training. The GCC authorities discussed do not

include PSYOP approval authorities. Refer to FM 3-0

Army Operations for a detailed explanation.

Tactical Control.

The GCC may exercise TACON or

he may delegate it to any level of command subordi-

nate to him. TACON does not include organizational

authority or authoritative direction for administrative

and logistic support. The establishing directive must

define the specific authorities and limits of TACON.

Refer to FM 3-0 Army Operations for a detailed

explanation.

Coordinating Authority.

PSYOP forces are habitually

attached; therefore, coordinating authority between

PSYOP elements is critical to synchronize and coor-

dinate the PSYOP effort throughout all echelons. In

the absence of coordination, contradictory messages

may be disseminated, potentially compromising the

effectiveness of the entire effort. Refer to FM 3-0 Army

Operations for a detailed explanation.

Psychological Operations Mission

Psychological Operations are planned operations to

convey selected information and indicators to for-

eign audiences to influence their emotions, motives,

objective reasoning, and ultimately the behavior

of foreign government, organizations, groups, and

individuals. The purpose of psychological operations

is to induce or reinforce foreign attitudes and behav-

ior favorable to the originator’s objectives.

Command and Control of PSYOP Assets

PSYOP forces operate under varying C2 arrange-

ments. The mission, the length and scope of opera-

tions, the supported GCC, and the commanders at

each level determine the exact C2 structure. Psycho-

logical operations may be an integral part of joint or

multinational operations, or an activity in support

of other governmental agencies (OGAs).

When a JPOTF is established, tactical PSYOP

forces are placed in direct support of maneuver

elements. The CJTF will attach and detach tactical

PSYOP forces with maneuver forces as required

to support the JTF mission. Dissemination forces

operate in general support of the JFC with TACON

by the JPOTF commander. Multipurpose assets

that are primarily PSYOP platforms, such as COM-

MANDO SOLO, normally remain OPCON to the

Joint Special Operations Component Commander

(JSOCC) or the COMJSOTF, with TACON to the

JPOTF commander.

Multipurpose assets that are primarily PSYOP

platforms, such as EC 130E/J Commando Solo and

other aerial platforms, usually remain OPCON

to their Service or functional component but are

TACON to the JPOTF. In this example, upon deploy-

ment, Commando Solo is OPCON to AFSOC while

also TACON to the JPOTF. A JPOTF normally has

coordinating authority over operational and tactical

PSYOP units. This authority allows the JPOTF to

augment tactical PSYOP units and to coordinate the

technical aspects of development, production, distri-

bution, and dissemination of PSYOP to ensure unity

of effort and adherence to GCC and CJTF plans.

During smaller scale operations or peacetime

activities where there in no POTF or a JTF, the GCC

or TSOC Commander normally exercises OPCON of

the PSYOP forces (usually a PSE or MIST) through

the commander of the United States military group

(USMILGP) or the Office for Defense Cooperation

(ODC). This intermediate commander then keeps

the ambassador and the GCC informed of plans and

activities during the deployment.

Operational Control.

The GCC may exercise OPCON,

or may delegate OPCON to any level of subordinate

command. Inherent in OPCON are authorities similar

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Special Operations Forces Reference Manual

broadcasting surrender instructions while supporting

combat operations, tactical PSYOP forces provide a

powerful capability to the supported commander.

Commanders subordinate to CJTFs can use and

modify approved series, within the guidelines issued

by the higher headquarters, to achieve their specific

objectives. The parameters for tactical PSYOP forces

in developing, designing, producing, and dissemi-

nating are articulated in the PSYOP support plan.

Typically, tactical units can use any series approved

at the combatant command level. They can also

develop, design, and produce series on specific areas,

such as force protection or civilian noninterference,

without the series being approved at joint task force

level; however, the series must be approved in the ini-

tial plan signed by the SecDef. Tactical PSYOP forces

can develop series outside the specific parameters,

but the series must go through the same approval

process used for POTF-level series.

PSYOP Approval Process

Prior to conducting PSYOP in peacetime, contin-

gencies, or during declared war, combatant com-

manders (CCDRs) must have their PSYOP program

or plan approved. PSYOP programs and plans are

submitted to the joint staff for staffing through the

Under Secretary of Defense for Policy USD(P) either

as stand-alone programs or as part of a theater secu-

rity cooperation plan (TSCP) or OPLAN.

In accordance with DoD Directive S 3321.1,

Overt Psychological Operations Conducted by the

Military Services in Peacetime and in Contingen-

cies Short of Declared War (U), programs and plans

are then coordinated with the Office of the Secre-

tary of Defense (OSD) staff and interagency, and

then forwarded for USD(P) review and approval.

Coordination and approval is normally accom-

plished through message traffic originating from

Corps/JTF or their higher headquarters through the

PSYOP planners attached or assigned to them. If one

of the pre-approved PSYOP programs contained in

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Instruction

(CJCSI) 3110.05C is to be exercised during a con-

tingency, the PSYOP planner will use the authorities

in CJCSI 3110.05C to plan and execute the dissemi-

nation of PSYOP products and activities. However,

PSYOP are conducted across the operational

continuum by supporting national security objec-

tives during peacetime, contingencies, and war. They

provide commanders a critical, force-multiplying

capability that can be used at tactical, operational,

and strategic levels of operations.

Strategic Psychological Operations.

Strategic-level U.S.

government departments and agencies conduct inter-

national information activities to influence foreign

attitudes, perceptions, and behavior in favor of U.S.

goals and objectives. These activities predominantly

take place outside the military arena but can use

DoD assets and receive support from military PSYOP

forces. Strategic PSYOP play an important role in

theater security cooperation (TSC) agreements by

supporting U.S. country team initiatives such as

counterdrug and mine awareness programs.

Operational Psychological Operations.

Operational-

level PSYOP are designed to strengthen U.S. and mul-

tinational capabilities to conduct military operations

in the operational area and accomplish particular

missions across the range of military operations.

Along with other military operations, PSYOP may

be used independently or as an integral part of other

operations throughout the operational area. Oper-

ational-level PSYOP also play an important role in

supporting military-to-military programs as part of

TSC agreements. These initiatives have promoted

military professionalization and human rights pro-

grams within host nation militaries, as well as many

other programs designed to improve civil-military

relations.

Tactical Psychological Operations.

Tactical PSYOP

forces provide supported commanders a nonlethal

fires capability to change the behavior of a local popu-

lace or adversary force in any environment. PSYOP

support encompasses the planning, analysis, devel-

opment, design, approval, production, distribution,

dissemination, and evaluation of PSYOP series across

the operational spectrum. At the tactical level, PSYOP

forces are the supported commander’s most effective

capability for communicating with foreign target

audiences. Whether providing information during

foreign humanitarian assistance (FHA) operations or

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Chapter 2. Special Operations Force Structure

Tactical PSYOP Soldiers Conduct a Loudspeaker Mission

During Operation RESTORE HOPE

of assigned forces through a combination of service

and joint component commanders. COMUSSOCOM

prepares assigned PSYOP forces to conduct PSYOP

supporting U.S. national security interests across

the operational continuum. Through the Chairman

of the JCS, and in coordination with the Assistant

Secretary of Defense (Special Operations and Low

Intensity Conflict) (ASD[SO/LIC]), COMUSSO-

COM advises the President and/or SecDef and the

National Security Council (NSC) on PSYOP mat-

ters. COMUSSOCOM has no geographic AOR for

normal operations and is the Executive Agent for

the War on Terror. The President and/or SecDef may

direct COMUSSOCOM to command PSYOP forces

as a supported combatant commander or to support

a GCC. (Joint Publication 3-05, Doctrine for Joint

Special Operations, has further information.)

Unless otherwise directed by the President and/

or SecDef, combatant commanders exercise COCOM

over all assigned military PSYOP assets. Because of

the strategic and operational importance of the

PSYOP contribution to the combatant commanders,

centralized planning of PSYOP should be focused at

the combatant command level. When authorized,

combatant commanders may allow multinational

commanders to exercise OPCON of PSYOP forces.

The combatant commander may place PSYOP forces

under OPCON of a subordinate joint force or com-

ponent commander for appropriate mission support.

PSYOP units may be integrated into multinational

operations. Appropriate points of coordination and

control of PSYOP activities should be established

through a multinational PSYOP cell.

these PSYOP products and activities

must be approved by the supported

CCDR in coordination with the Joint

Chiefs of Staff (JCS). This pre-approved

PSYOP program allows PSYOP plan-

ners to rapidly implement the seven-

step PSYOP process to produce PSYOP

products for approval without needing

to first staff a PSYOP program through

the JCS for approval at OSD.

However, in the event that a con-

tingency or other operation occurs

requiring PSYOP support not pre-approved under

CJCSI 3110.05C, the PSYOP planner must formally

staff a PSYOP program through the supported com-

mander’s staff, via official message traffic, through

the JCS to OSD for approval. The PSYOP planner

uses the pre-approved PSYOP programs in CJCSI

3110.05C as a template and crafts the appropriate

proposed PSYOP program in message traffic using

the elements of the pre-approved programs in that

document. The essential elements of any PSYOP

program are PSYOP objectives, a broad listing of

proposed TAs, themes to stress to those TAs, themes

to avoid, and the dissemination methods proposed

for each TA.

Psychological Operations Forces

Each military service has an inherent capability to

support production and/or dissemination of PSYOP

products. Joint PSYOP planning guidance is con-

tained in the Joint Strategic Capabilities Plan (JSCP),

Joint Operations Planning and Execution System

(JOPES), and service doctrine. Combatant com-

manders and Joint Task Force commanders should

address the use of all levels of PSYOP as aspects of

the overall strategy for conducting operations.

Command Relationships

United States Special Operations Command.

USSO-

COM is the unified combatant command for spe-

cial operations, which includes active component

PSYOP (the 4th Psychological Operations Group

(Airborne)). The SecDef assigns active duty PSYOP

forces to COMUSSOCOM, who exercises COCOM

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Special Operations Forces Reference Manual

Special Operations Liaison Element (SOLE).

A SOLE

is a team provided by the JFSOCC or the JSOTF

commander to the Joint Force Air Component Com-

mander (JFACC) or appropriate service component

air C2 organization. A SOLE is provided to coordi-

nate, deconflict, and integrate special operations air,

surface, and subsurface operations with conventional

air operations.

This team is composed of operations, plans and

liaison officers from the different SOF air and ground

elements and is lead by a senior SOF airman known

as the director. The SOLE director works directly for

the JFSOCC. The SOLE director is not in the SOF

chain of command, and thus command authority

for mission tasking, planning, and execution of SO

remains with the JFSOCC. The SOLE director places

SOF ground, maritime, and air liaison personnel

in divisions of the Joint Air Operations Center

(JAOC) to integrate with the JFACC staff. The SOLE

accomplishes the coordination, deconfliction, and

integration of SOF air, surface, and subsurface

operations by providing a SOF presence in the JAOC

that is aware of the activities of SOF units in the field

and by providing visibility of SOF operations in the

air tasking order and the airspace control order. The

SOLE must also coordinate appropriate fire support

coordinating measures to help avoid fratricide.

A notional SOLE consists of 43 personnel, but in

practice is tailored as appropriate.

Naval Special Warfare Task Unit (NSWTU).

These pro-

visional subordinate units of a Naval Special Warfare

Task Group (NSWTG) provide command and control,

coordinate administrative and logistical support, and

integrate special operations with maritime operations.

Designated Naval Special Warfare (NSW) forces

may be under the operational control of the naval

component commander or a JFSOCC. NSW forces

are often assigned to conventional naval component

commanders, as well as to theater JFSOCCs. Several

NSWTUs could be operationally subordinate to a

NSWTG, as well as having an NSWTU under the

OPCON of a JFSOCC.

SOF Integration with Conventional Operations and Forces

To fully integrate with conventional operations,

SOF must maintain effective liaison and coordina-

tion with all components of the joint force that may

impact the conduct of SOF activities. Unity of effort

among SOF and conventional forces is accomplished

through a number of various integrating elements.

These are described below.

Special Operations Command and Control Element
(SOCCE).

The SOCCE is a command and control

element generally based on an U.S. Army Special

Forces Company headquarters (SFOD-B) or a Ranger

Liaison Element and usually found at a corps or

Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF) level. The

SOCCE integrates special operations (less PSYOP

and CMO) with land or maritime operations and

normally remains under the control of the JFSOCC.

The SOCCE is the focal point for the synchronization

and deconfliction of SOF missions with ground and

maritime operations. The SOCCE collocates with

the command post of the supported commander and

performs C2 or liaison functions as directed by the

JFSOCC. The SOCCE can also receive SOF opera-

tional, intelligence, and target acquisition reports

directly from deployed SOF elements and provide

them to the land force headquarters.

Special Forces Liaison Element (SFLE).

The SFLE is a

U.S. Army Special Forces or Joint SO element that

conducts liaison between U.S. conventional forces

division-level headquarters and subordinate HN or

multinational forces brigades and battalions. It is

formed only as needed. SFLEs conduct these functions

when host or multinational forces have not practiced

interoperability before the operation, do not share

common operation procedures or communications

equipment, or when a significant language or cultural

barrier exists.

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United States Army Special Operations Command (USASOC)

Forces (SF), Ranger, Special Operations Aviation,

Psychological Operations, and Civil Affairs forces to

USSOCOM for deployment to combatant

unified commands around the world. As

an ASCC, USASOC reports directly to

the Department of the Army for service

guidance. USASOC commands active

Army SOF. It also provides oversight of

Army National Guard SOF readiness,

organization, training, and employment

in coordination with the National Guard

Bureau and State Adjutants General.

Chapter 3.

U.S. Army Special Operations Forces

Figure 3-1. USASOC Organization Chart

U.S. Army

John F. Kennedy

Special Warfare

Center and School

U.S. Army

Special Forces

Command

(Airborne)

75th Ranger

Regiment

(Airborne)

Fort Benning, GA

95th Civil Affairs

Brigade

(Airborne)

Fort Bragg, NC

160th Special

Operations

Aviation Regiment

(Airborne)

Sustainment

Brigade

(Special Operations)

(Airborne)

Fort Bragg, NC

4th Psychological

Operations Group

(Airborne)

Fort Bragg, NC

U.S. Army Special Operations Command

(USASOC)

n December 1, 1989, the Department of

the Army established the U.S. Army Spe-

cial Operations Command (USASOC)

at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, as an

Army Service Component Command

(ASCC) to enhance the readiness of

Army SOF (ARSOF). Army support

to U.S. Special Operations Command

(USSOCOM) located at MacDill AFB,

Florida, was also enhanced as a result of

the new command and control structure.

As an ASCC, USASOC provides Special

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Special Operations Forces Reference Manual

he SB(SO)(A), is a Table of

Organization and Equip-

ment (TOE)-deployable organi-

zation assigned to USASOC.

The Brigade provides Army

SOF with:

Expeditionary com-

munications support

Limited, short-term, and expeditionary role II

(care provided at a division or corps clearing

station) medical support

Logistics plans, synchronization, and coor-

dination support.

The SB(SO)(A) is unique among Sustainment

Brigades in that the SB(SO)(A):

Maintains global situational awareness of

deployed ARSOF logistics support struc-

tures

Is multi-composition in structure

Is focused at the operational level for logistics

planning and synchronization

Deploys as small, modular teams

Trains, resources and equips the Army’s only

Special Operations Signal Battalion (112th

Signal Battalion)

Contains three expeditionary medical-role-II

teams to enable ARSOF units to operate with

conventional Forward Surgical Teams or other

resuscitative surgical teams.

Mission

Core Mission.

The SB(SO)(A) sets the operational-

level logistics conditions in order to enable ARSOF

operations.

Mission Essential Tasks

Coordinate ARSOF logistics requirements,

plans, Army-common logistics, and sus-

tainment in six Geographical Combatant

Command AORs to support deployed ARSOF

and joint/combined SOF where the Army is

the Executive Agent. ARSOF liaison elements

(ALEs) accomplish this by working with both

the TSOC and ASCC to ensure ARSOF logis-

tics requirements generated by TSOC plans,

exercises and operations are integrated into

the ASSC concept of support for the theater.

Deploy operational level logistics synchroni-

zation capabilities in support of ARSOF-led

JSOTFs and SOTFs. The SB(SO)(A) deploys

ASPO cells to co-locate with TSC/ESCs to

ensure deployed ARSOF to synchronize ASCC

provided logistics support and SOF-peculiar

logistics support to ARSOF units.

Provide expeditionary, limited and short-

term medical-role-II capabilities to deployed

ARSOF. Role II medical teams assigned to

the brigade HHC allow deployed ARSOF to

integrate resuscitative surgical teams in sup-

port of ARSOF operations.

Train, resource, and equip the 112th Signal

Battalion.

Deploy a tailored brigade headquarters to C2

operational-level logistics in support of ARSOF

operations until relieved by ASCC logistics

C2 capabilities. The SB(SO)(A) is capable of

providing C2 of Army CSSBs operating in

support of ARSOF for up to 6 months.

Concept of Employment

The SB(SO)(A) ALEs are permanently employed in

their specific region by being stationed with or in

close proximity to each TSOC.

During ARSOF initial-entry operations into a

theater, the ALE locates where it can best ensure

plans and requirements developed at the TSOC

are incorporated into the ASCC’s logistical plan-

ning. During initia-entry operations, the SB(SO)

(A) Operations Division reinforces ALE planning

efforts from its Home Station Operations Center

(HSOC) at Fort Bragg. The Operations Division may

also reinforce ALE efforts in the region by locating

Operations Division personnel forward with the

ALE when required.

As the theater matures and conventional theater

support units arrive, the SB(SO)(A) may deploy

Sustainment Brigade (Special Operations) (Airborne) – SB(SO)(A)

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Chapter 3. U.S. Army Special Operations Forces

C2 operational-level logistics in support of ARSOF

operations, until relieved by ASCC logistics C2

capabilities.

Not resourced to operate as a stand-alone head-

quarters due to the lack of base-operations enablers,

the SB(SO)(A) requires augmentation or activation

of its reserve-component companies to perform this

mission. The organization can conduct 24-hour op-

erations as a logistics integrator for SOF sustainment

requirements.

ARSOF Support Operations Cells (ASPOs) into the

joint operational area in support of an ARSOF-based

JSOTF or a SOF-based JTF. ASPOs may collocate

with the Theater Support Command (TSC)/Expe-

ditionary Sustainment Command (ESC), CJOSTF

Headquarters, Group Support Battalion (GSB), or

RSOD where they will synchronize ASCC provided

logistics support to ARSOF units.

During theater expansion, the SB(SO)(A) may be

directed to deploy a tailored brigade headquarters to

Figure 3-2. SB(SO)(A) Organization Structure

Medical

Level II

ASPO

Sustainment Brigade

(Special Operations) (Airborne)

UMT

Surgeon

112th Signal

Battalion

Plans

HHC

ALE

Korea

ALE

CENTCOM

ALE

Europe

ALE

Pacific

ALE

South

ALE

Africa

Medical

Level II

Special

Troops Co

Medical
Platoon

Supply

Platoon

Airdrop

SPT SEC

Maint

Section

Service

Platoon

Base

Support

Food

Service

Food

Service

Supply

Platoon

Engineer

Platoon

Medical
Platoon

TRANS
Platoon

Maint

Platoon

HHC

A Company

B Company

C Company

Theater Sig

Spt Co

Operations

Support

Operations

TRANS

ASPO

Supply and

Services

Mainte-

nance

Ammunition

Active Army

U.S. Army Reserve

Forward

Support Co

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Special Operations Forces Reference Manual

The SB(SO)(A) will deploy with organic personnel

and equipment, but may also imbed logistic planners

within supported unit staff cells or theater support

staffs. Initially, the SB(SO)(A) may be OPCON to the

TSC to establish the unity of command required to

achieve the JFC’s campaign objectives.

If conventional forces are required in-theater, the

TSC deploys its ESC into the theater of operations to

establish C2 of logistic operations, theater opening

functions, and relieves the SB(SO)(A) (if deployed).

The TSC establishes command and control of logistic

operations in the theater and functions as the single

operator for theater distribution; synchronizing the

flow of forces and logistics in accordance with the

JFC’s campaign plan and intent. When an ESC is

deployed, the SB(SO)(A) will deploy an ASPO to col-

locate with the ESC to synchronize ASCC provided

logistics support to ARSOF units.

Capabilities

The SB(SO)(A) provides command and control to

HHC, SB(SO)(A); the Special Troop Company (A)

(ARNG); a Forward Support Company (A) (ARNG);

and the 112th Signal Battalion (SO)(A). The SB(SO)

(A):

Provides expeditionary communications sup-

port; limited, short-term and expeditionary

role II medical support; and logistics plans,

synchronization and coordination support

to ARSOF.

Deploys rapidly and task-organizes as required

to provide C2 of logistics, Army Health Sup-

port (AHS), and communications support

to ARSOF.

Provides ALE support to TSOCs in order to

conduct detailed logistics planning in support

of ARSOF operations. ALE Planning capa-

bilities include maintaining a theater Army

logistics estimate, identifying SOF logistics

requirements, coordinating for resources

to enable operational requirements, assist

the TSOC in the development of an concept

of support and coordinating, through the

SB(SO)(A) HSOC, for SOF-Peculiar and Title

10 support for ARSOF units.

Will be prepared to provide C2 for two CSSBs

in support of a JTF or JSOTF for up to six

months.

The SB(SO)(A) HQ ensures deployed ARSOF

CSS requirements are met by the ASCC, the-

ater, HN, joint, and third-country logistics

infrastructures.

IAW proper mobilization standards, mobilizes

ARNG Soldiers and equipment from the Spe-

cial Troop Company (Airborne) (STC-A) and

FSC to execute the SB(SO)(A) mission. When

employed in support of the SB(SO)(A), the

ARNG Soldiers provide the base operating

support capabilities for the SB(SO)(A), such as

engineering, base operations, food service and

field feeding, communications, maintenance,

UMT, staff augmentation for personnel, com-

munications, and LAMO. The ARNG FSC

is designed to execute tactical-level logistics

operations as directed by the SB(SO)(A).

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Chapter 3. U.S. Army Special Operations Forces

75th Ranger Regiment

hen the 1st and

2nd Ranger Bat-

talions were reactivated

in 1974, General Abrams

chartered them to be “the

best light infantry unit

in the world” and a “stan-

dard bearer for the rest of

the Army.” After Operation

URGENT FURY (Grenada, 1983),

the requirement for more Rangers and a better-

suited command structure resulted in the forma-

tion of the 3d Ranger Battalion and the Regimental

Headquarters in 1984. In 2006 a fourth Ranger

Battalion, the Regimental Special Troops Battalion

was added to the Regiment. The Ranger

Regiment has been a continuous partici-

pant in the Global War on Terrorism since

October 2001.

75th Ranger Regiment Task

The 75th Ranger Regiment plans and con-

ducts joint special military operations in

support of U.S. policy and objectives. These

joint special military operations consist of

deep penetration, direct-action missions

to capture or destroy critical enemy nodes

and facilities, or recover designated person-

nel or equipment. These missions include

conducting raids and seizing lodgments

under hostile or uncertain environments.

The cornerstone of Ranger missions

is the direct action raid. More specifically,

Rangers are the premier raid and airfield

seizure unit in the Army. In order to remain

proficient in all light infantry skills, Ranger

units also focus on mission-essential tasks

that include movement to contact, ambush,

reconnaissance, airborne and air assaults,

and hasty defense.

A typical Ranger Battalion or Regiment mission

may involve seizing an airfield for use by follow-on

conventional forces and conducting raids on key

targets of operational or strategic importance. Once

secured, follow-on airland or airborne forces are

introduced into theater and relieve the Ranger force

so that it may conduct planning for future SOF

operations.

Rangers rely heavily on external fire support.

Ranger fire support personnel train extensively on

the employment of CAS, attack helicopters, AC-130

Gunship, and artillery. The close-working relation-

ships with units that habitually support the force

ensure the Ranger force always has the required

assets for perform its mission.

Army Rangers conducting parachute drop.

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Special Operations Forces Reference Manual

Ranger Special Troops Battalion (RSTB)

The RSTB consists of a reconnaissance company,

a communications company, an intelligence com-

pany, and an operations company. Assets within the

Special Troops Battalion can deploy in support of

individual Ranger battalions or as a whole to support

Regimental operations.

Ranger Rifle Battalions

There are three identical Ranger Rifle Battalions

subordinate to the 75th Ranger Regiment. Each Rifle

Battalion is composed of a headquarters and head-

quarters company (HHC), four rifle companies, and

a support company.

Battalion HHC.

The battalion HHC also has a sniper

platoon, mortar platoon, reconnaissance platoon,

medical section, communications section, K9 (dog)

section, and a tactical surveillance equipment

section.

The sniper platoon is organized into a headquar-

ters section and two sections of six 2-man sniper

teams each. These snipers are highly proficient

marksman trained to employ the M24 sniper weapon

system, Barret .50 cal rifle, and the SR25 sniper rifle,

all of which are night capable.

The battalion mortar platoon is organized into a

headquarters section, a fire direction control section,

75th Ranger Regiment Organization

The 75th Ranger Regiment, headquartered at Fort

Benning, Georgia, is composed of four Ranger Bat-

talions and is the premier light-infantry unit of the

United States Army. The four Ranger Battalions that

comprise the 75th Ranger Regiment are geographi-

cally dispersed. Their locations are:

1st Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, Hunter

Army Airfield, Georgia

2nd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, Fort

Lewis, Washington

3rd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, Fort

Benning, Georgia

Special Troops Battalion, 75th Ranger Regi-

ment, Fort Benning, Georgia

Regimental Headquarters

The headquarters consists of the command group,

normal staff positions S-1 through S-6 and S-8, a

fire support element, special staff, a medical section,

and a company headquarters. Additionally, the Regi-

ment has the capability of deploying a planning team

consisting of experienced Ranger operations, intel-

ligence, fire support, communications, and logistics

planners. The planning team can deploy on short

notice, with USASOC approval, to Theater Spe-

cial Operations Commands to plan Ranger opera-

tions during crisis action planning for contingency

operations.

Figure 3-3. 75th Ranger Regiment Organization

Special Troops

Battalion

HHC

75th Ranger

Regiment

3rd Battalion

2nd Battalion

1st Battalion

Figure 3-4. Regimental Special Troops

Battalion Organization

Recon Co

Ops Co

Comm Co

Intel

RSTB

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3-7

Chapter 3. U.S. Army Special Operations Forces

and two sections of two mortar squads each. The

platoon has the 60-mm, 81-mm, and 120-mm mortar

systems. Mortars are issued and employed based

upon METT-TC. The mortar platoon has the capabil-

ity to operate split section or at platoon level.

Support Company.

Each Ranger battalion has a

Ranger Support Company (E Co) that provides dis-

tribution, maintenance, and sustainment capabili-

ties for all classes of supply. This element provides

the battalion the ability to operate independently for

prolonged periods of time and integrate with sup-

porting command logistic units. This support ele-

ment is also capable of independently out-loading the

battalion and conducting reception, staging, onward-

movement, and integration (RSOI) upon arrival at a

designated location.

Ranger Rifle Companies.

There are four rifle compa-

nies in each Ranger battalion and the companies are

identically organized.

The company antitank (AT) section is orga-

nized into three two-man antitank teams.

Their primary weapons are the 84-mm Carl

Gustav Ranger Anti-Armor Weapons System

(RAAWS) and the Javelin.

The fire support element (FSE) consists of an

artillery forward observer (MOS 13F) and a

radiotelephone operator per platoon.

The company headquarters has an artillery fire

support officer, fire support non-commissioned

officer and fire support specialist.

The medical section consists of one medi-

cal NCO (MOS 68W) per company and two

medics per platoon.

Each rifle platoon has three seven-man squads

and a machine gun squad with three 2-man

machine gun teams.

Equipment

Each Ranger Rifle Company has eight ground

mobility vehicles—desert-equipped High Mobil-

ity Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicles (HMMWV

or Humvee). The Support Companies have a fleet

Figure 3-6. Ranger Rifle Company Organization

FSE

R Squad

MED

...

Figure 3-5. Ranger Rifle Battalion Organization

Support

Company

HHC

Sniper PLT

Mortar PLT

Comm

Section

Medical

Section

Tactical Surv

Equipment

K9 Section

Recon PLT

Rifle

Company

Distribution

...

...
...

...

Sustainment

...

Maintenance

...

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Special Operations Forces Reference Manual

on undetected insertion and rapid movement to the

target if the force is inserted offset from the objec-

tive and surprise and shock if the insertion is on the

target. Rangers normally operate under conditions

of air superiority.

The strategic responsiveness of the Ranger force

provides the President and/or SecDef a credible

combat capability for protecting selected vital U.S.

interests without having to wait for international

support or guarantees of non-intervention. The

Ranger force is frequently the principle element of

ground combat power when the U.S. conducts a

forcible entry operation.

During short duration operations, Ranger units

require minimal support, and are not designed for

sustained independent operations beyond approxi-

mately five days of continuous combat.

For longer duration combat operations Ranger

units have their own organic support companies

capable of integrating with theater support assets to

provide logistic support across all classes of supply.

During all phases of operations and training, Ranger

units require responsive and adequate support,

either from theater Army or SOF assets.

Limitations

Ranger units have a limited anti-armor capability

(84mm Carl Gustav and Javelin) and organic indi-

rect fire support assets that include 60-mm, 81-mm,

and 120-mm mortars. The only air defense artillery

(ADA) system is the Stinger. Ranger units have lim-

ited organic ground mobility assets.

Deployment

The 75th Ranger Regiment maintains a high level of

unit readiness. The Regiment can deploy one Ranger

battalion and a Regimental C2 element within 18

hours of alert notification. It can follow with two

additional battalions within 72 hours. The Regimen-

tal Headquarters maintains command and control

and liaison elements, along with communications,

reconnaissance, and intelligence teams from the

Special Troops Battalion immediately available for

of 5-ton vehicles, two fuelers, recovery vehicles,

and maintenance vehicles. Normally, each vehicle

mounts an M240G MG and either a MK-4 Grenade

Launcher or a M2, .50-cal MG. One of the passen-

gers mans an antiarmor weapon (RAAWS, AT-4,

LAW, and Javelin). The RSOV’s main purpose is to

provide a mobile, lethal, defensive capability. They

are not assault vehicles, but are useful in establishing

battle positions that provide the force some standoff

capability for a short duration. Each battalion also

possesses ten all terrain vehicles (ATVs) and eight

80cc minibikes that assist in providing security and

mobility during airfield seizures. Most commonly

used as runway clearing assets, listening posts/

observation posts, or as an economy of force screen

for early warning, the ATVs and minibikes offer the

commander tactical mobility.

Command and Control

The flexibility of the Ranger force requires it to

perform under various command structures. The

force can work unilaterally under a Corps, as a part

of a JSOTF, as a SOTF, or as an Army component

in a JTF. Historically, it is common for the Ranger

force to conduct forced entry operations as part of a

JSOTF, and then become OPCON to a JTF to afford

them the capability to conduct special operations/

direct action missions.

Capabilities

Ranger DA operations are short duration strikes

or other small scale operations to seize, destroy,

or capture enemy forces or facilities, or to recover

designated personnel (noncombatant evacuation

operations, liberate friendly prisoners of war, cap-

ture designated enemy personnel) or equipment in

hostile, denied or politically sensitive areas. These

operations are conducted independently or in sup-

port of a campaign plan and often have strategic

implications. They may be conducted in coordina-

tion with conventional forces, but differ from con-

ventional operations in degree of risk, operational

techniques, and modes of employment. They rely

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3-9

Chapter 3. U.S. Army Special Operations Forces

Deploying from home station to a seaport of

embarkation (SPOE) to board a naval vessel,

such as an aircraft carrier or other suitable

vessel, which serves as an afloat forward stag-

ing base. The vessel transports the Ranger

force, along with special operations helicop-

ters, and conducts air assault operations into

the target area. Additionally, a Ranger force

can linkup with an afloat forward staging

base (AFSB) underway via helicopter from a

land-based ISB or FSB.

deployment. Higher levels of readiness status can

be achieved in response to specific world situations.

Deployment options include:

Deploying directly from home station to the

target area

Deploying from home station to a continental

United States (CONUS) or outside the conti-

nental United States (OCONUS) intermediate

staging base (ISB) with logistical unit support,

then deploying to the target area or to a for-

ward staging base (FSB) from the ISB

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Special Operations Forces Reference Manual

n 27 November 1990, the

U.S. Army lst Special Oper-

ations Command was redesignated

the U.S. Army Special Forces Com-

mand (Airborne). The USASFC(A)

mission is to train, educate, vali-

date, and prepare Special Forces

units to deploy and execute opera-

tional requirements for the geographic

combatant commanders.

SF operations are characterized by

their strategic and operational implications.

Unique SF skills in language qualification, re-

gional orientation, cultural awareness, and interper-

sonal relations are keys to the successes experienced

by SF units in the field. SF operations require flexible

and versatile forces that can function effectively in

diverse and contradictory environments. Examples

of these operations include counterdrug operations

in Latin America, operations in support of Opera-

tion ENDURING FREEDOM in Afghanistan and

Operation IRAQI FREEDOM, joint commission

observers in Bosnia, humanitarian mine action

initiatives, joint combined exchange training (JCET)

initiatives worldwide, and training foreign military

forces in peacetime operations. Blending their skills

and experience enables SF Soldiers to navigate in

ambiguous environments that affect the political,

social, religious, and humanitarian aspects of today’s

uncertain environment.

USASFC(A) Tasks

Special Forces Soldiers are carefully selected, spe-

cially trained, and capable of extended operations

in extremely remote and hostile territory. They train

to perform five doctrinal missions: UW, Foreign

Internal Defense (FID), Special Reconnaissance (SR),

Direct Action (DA), and Counterterrorism (CT).

While Special Forces Soldiers are capable of per-

forming all of these missions, an increasing empha-

sis is being placed on UW and coalition warfare and

support. Unconventional Warfare encompasses a

broad spectrum of military and paramilitary opera-

tions, normally of long duration, predominantly

U.S. Army Special Forces Command (Airborne) – (USASFC(A))

conducted by indigenous or sur-

rogate forces that are organized,

trained, equipped, supported, and

directed in varying degrees by an

external source. It includes guer-

rilla warfare and other offensive

low-visibility, covert, or clandes-

tine operations, as well as the indi-

rect activities of subversion, sabotage,

intelligence activities, and evasion and

escape (E&E).

Coalition warfare and support draws

upon the Special Forces Soldier maturity, military

skills, language skills, and cultural awareness. It

ensures the ability of a wide variety of foreign troops

to work together effectively in a wide variety of

military exercises or operations such as Operation

DESERT STORM.

USASFC(A) Organization

Special Forces Command exercises command and

control over five active component groups. Addi-

tionally, it exercises training oversight of two Army

National Guard groups. Each Special Forces Group is

regionally oriented to support one of the geographic

combatant commanders. SF is U.S. Army forces

organized, trained, and equipped to conduct SO,

with an emphasis on UW capabilities. SF composes a

unique, unconventional, combat arms organization.

They are highly trained and experienced profession-

als with an extraordinary degree of versatility. They

can plan and conduct SO across the full range of

military operations. Their tactical actions may often

have strategic or operational effects. The USASFC(A)

composes the largest combat force under USASOC.

SFG(A) Locations and AORs:

1st SFG(A) PACOM

2 Battalions, Fort Lewis Washington

–

1 Battalion, Okinawa, Japan

–

3rd SFG(A) EUCOM/AFRICOM

3 Battalions, Fort Bragg, North Carolina

–

5th SFG(A) CENTCOM

3 Battalions Fort Campbell, Kentucky

–

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3-11

Chapter 3. U.S. Army Special Operations Forces

7th SFG(A) SOUTHCOM

3 Battalions Fort Bragg, North Carolina

–

10th SFG(A) EUCOM

2 Battalions Fort Carson, Colorado

–

1 Battalion Stuttgart, Germany

–

19th SFG(A) PACOM/CENTCOM

Draper, Utah

–

20th SFG(A) SOUTHCOM

Birmingham, Alabama

–

Special Forces Group (Airborne)

Special Forces Group (Airborne) Task

To plan and support special operations in any

operational environment in peace, conflict, and

war as directed by the President and/or Secretary

of Defense.

Special Forces Group (Airborne) Organization

The SFG(A) is composed of one Headquarters and

Headquarters Company, one Group Support Battal-

ion, and four Special Forces Battalions. The SFG(A)

is the largest combat element of Army SOF, and all

assigned personnel are Airborne qualified.

Figure 3-7. United States Army Special Forces Command Organization

3d Special Forces

Group

(Airborne)

Fort Bragg, NC

1st Special Forces

Group

(Airborne)

Fort Lewis, WA

10th Special Forces

Group

(Airborne)

Fort Carson, CO

7th Special Forces

Group

(Airborne)

Fort Bragg, NC

19th Special Forces

Group

(Airborne)

Camp Williams, UT

20th Special Forces

Group

(Airborne)

Birmingham, AL

5th Special Forces

Group

(Airborne)

Fort Campbell, KY

U.S. Army Special Forces Command (Airborne)

Fort Bragg, NC

U.S. Army National Guard

Training and Readiness Oversight

Figure 3-8. Special Forces Group (Airborne) Organization

SFODA

Special Forces Group

(Airborne)

Special Forces

Battalions

Battalion Support

Company

Special Forces

Company

Battalion HQ and

HQ Detachment

(SFODC)

Group Support

Battalion

Chemical

Reconnaissance

Detachment

Headquarters and

Headquarters

Company

Headquarters

(SFODB)

SFODA

3-12

FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY

August 2008

Special Operations Forces Reference Manual

The GSB provides common-user and SOF-

peculiar logistical direct support for field feeding,

fuel, bare-base operations, ammunition, force health

protection (FHP), maintenance, limited transporta-

tion, aerial delivery, water production, common sup-

plies, chemical decontamination, communication,

intelligence, and operations support to the SFG.

The GSB has significantly less force structure and

capabilities than a brigade support battalion (BSB).

The GSB plans and coordinates logistical operations

with the TSOC, SB(SO)(A), SC(T), and the ASCC.

Logistics replenishment operations conducted by

the SC(T) are critical for sustainment of SOF that

are often deployed into isolated, austere, and non-

permissive locations. Failure to provide support to

SOF places the JFC’s concept of operations at risk of

failure. During the early phase of JSOTF operations,

before SC(T) forces deploy, the GSB provides C2 of

all logistic operations and forces within the AO.

The GSB is joint and multinational capable in that

it can accept augmentation of, and employ, common

user logistical assets from other Services and nations

and integrate their capabilities into a cohesive plan

supporting the JSOTF commander’s operational con-

cept. The GSB is capable, with replenishment, of sup-

porting all of the SFGs’ logistical requirements. With

augmentation from the SC(T) or other Services and

nations, the GSB can integrate their capabilities for

common user logistics (CUL) support for component

forces of the C/JSOTF. When component forces are

assigned to a JSOTF, they will provide their organic

support packages for Service-specific requirements

and common user logistics support.

The GSB and SF battalion support companies

may require Army logistics augmentation to provide

support during sustained operations, or for a capa-

bility not organic to the SFG. This augmentation may

be necessary when:

The SOTF and Army forward operating bases

(FOBs) are set up in undeveloped theaters

without established Army theater opening,

theater distribution, or area support.

The SOTF bases and Army FOBs are not

established at fixed facilities.

A high percentage of SF operational detach-

ments are committed simultaneously.

The SFG(A) is an extremely flexible organization

designed to have self-contained C2 and support ele-

ments for long-duration missions. Because of this,

the SFG(A) has the capability to form the nucleus of

the SOTF or a JSOTF. If augmented, the SFG(A) may

exercise OPCON of conventional force units.

Special Forces Group (Airborne) Capabilities

SFG(A) capabilities are:

C2 of Special Forces Battalions and support

elements

Function as an SOTF or JSOTF when aug-

mented by resources from other services

Establish, operate, and support 4 SOTFs

Train and prepare operational elements for

deployment

Infiltrate and exfiltrate specified operational

areas by air, land, and sea.

Special Forces Group Support Battalion

The multifunctional Group Support Battalion (GSB)

provides logistical support to SFGs and attached

units, and it ties together the entire sustainment

spectrum of supplies, maintenance, and services.

The GSB commander is the group commander’s

senior battle logistician and serves as the single

logistics operator for support to the SFG (A). This

concept allows the SFG commander and his staff

to focus on the war, while the GSB commander

executes the SFG commander’s concept of logistical

support. Much like the SF warrior, the GSB logisti-

cian is a dedicated professional logistician whose

primary focus is “sustaining the SOF warrior.”

Group Support Battalion Task

The SF GSB plans, coordinates, and executes logisti-

cal sustainment operations for the SFGs, and when

directed, will support forces attached or assigned

to a predominantly SF JSOTF. The GSB controls

consolidated logistical facilities and activities when

the SOTFs and Army FOBs consolidate sustainment

operations. It also augments the resources of the

battalion support companies when subordinate bat-

talions establish SOTFs.

Military reference books and manuals (2009-2023, Volume 2) - page 26