Command and Control of Joint Special Operations Forces During Contingency Operations

This thesis uses a combination of historical research and analytical application to answer the question: What are the important considerations for successful command and control of a Commander In Chief's In-extremis Force when employed as part of a joint special operations contingency force. The thesis first determines current doctrine for joint special operations command and control, then evaluates how the application of that doctrine affected the outcome of four recent Special Operations Force (SOF) missions. This study focuses on the U.S. European Command Theater of Operations and the Special Operations Command Europe. The results, however, are relevant to SOF worldwide. The analysis of current doctrine reveals that there are six distinct elements which are important to command and control of joint SOF. The historical research shows that all six elements played a part in the ability of SOF to accomplish assigned missions. The thesis then analyzes the trends throughout these employments and makes the determination that all six elements need to be considered by staff planners and commanders. It then identifies four elements that are critical to increase the chance for success.