Introduction to Special Operations Forces

Question 1

operations requiring unique modes of employment, tactical techniques, equipment, and training.

Answer 1

Special Operations

Question 2

5 SOF TRUTHS:

Answer 2

1. Humans are more important that hardware
2. Quality is better than quantity
3. Special Op Forces cannot be mass produced
4. Competent Special Ops Forces cannot be created after emergencies occur (can’t be trained on short notice)
5. Most special operations require non-SOF assistance

Question 3

When was Truth #5 added to the list?

Answer 3

2010 by USSOCOM Commander, Admiral Eric Olson

Question 4

SOF ___ are composed of 5 tenets that provide time-tested guidance to reflect on/leverage during daily activities, decision-making, and while conducting long range planning.

Answer 4

Truths

Question 5

SOF___ are the foundation for planning and executing SO in concert with other forces, interagency partners and foreign organizations.

Answer 5

Imperatives

Question 6

12 SOF IMPERATIVES:

Answer 6

1. Understand the operation environment
2. Recognize political implications
3. Facilitate interagency activities
4. Engage the threat discriminately
5. Anticipate long-term effects
6. Ensure legitimacy and credibility
7. Anticipate and control psychological effects
8. Operate with and through others (train foreign soldiers)
9. Develop multiple options
10. Ensure long-term sustainment (make sure HN can sustain when we leave)
11. Provide sufficient intelligence
12. Balance security and synchronization

Question 7

10 ARSOF CHARACTERIZATIONS:

Answer 7

1. Are low-visibility when required
2. Have a minimal signature/small footprint
3. Are used to foster habitual (indigenous) relationships
4. Are used to employ precise and timely DA
5. Language trained/Regionally aligned
6. Culturally astute/Politically nuanced
7. Trained in mediation and negotiation
8. Mature in experiences and years/Expected to operate autonomously
9. Proficient at inter-organizational coordination
10. Proficient with and enabled by application of advanced technologies

Question 8

2 CRITICAL CAPABILITIES of ARSOF:

Answer 8

1. Special Warfare

2. Surgical strike

Question 9

___ is the execution of activities that involve a combination of lethal and nonlethal actions taken by a specially trained and educated force that have a deep understanding of cultures and foreign language proficiency in small-unit tactics, and the ability to build and fight alongside indigenous combat formations in a permissive, uncertain, or hostile environment

Answer 9

Special Warfare

Question 10

___ is the execution of activities in a precise manner that employ SOF in hostile, denied, or politically sensitive environments to seize, destroy, capture, exploit, recover or damage designated targets or influence threats

Answer 10

Surgical strike

Question 11

What is the SOF CORE PRINCIPLE?

Answer 11

Discreet, precise, and scalable operations

Question 12

ARSOF combines the principles of war (MOOSEMUSS) with what 3 additional principles?

Answer 12

restraint, perseverance, and legitimacy

Question 13

12 ARSOF Core Activities:

Answer 13

1. Unconventional warfare
2. Foreign internal defense
3. Security force assistance
4. Counterinsurgency
5. Peparation of the environment
6. Direct action
7. Special reconnaissance
8. Counterterrorism
9. Counter-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction
10. Military Information Support Operations
11. Civil affairs
12. Humanitarian assistance/Disaster Relief

Question 14

7 basic components of SOF/CF INTERDEPENDENCE

Answer 14

1. Relationships
2. Education
3. Training
4. LNOs (liaison personnel)
5. Mission Command
6. Planning
7. Operations