The special operations forces (SOF) of the industrial democracies have suddenly and
rapidly grown in numbers and resources during the past decades. Most explanations for this …

The critiques of special operations forces after the Second World War are applicable to the
current quest to produce a theory of special operations today. A specific theory may be …

ABSTRACT When Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) commenced in October 2001, the US
Special Forces (SF) were the first US military unit on the ground in Afghanistan, utilising their …

Special Operations Forces (SOFs) are increasingly central in national defense postures
worldwide. The term “SOF mind-set” encapsulates the current political enthusiasm but is …

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent
chapters of this book. The book argues that Special Operations Forces (SOF) derives …

The irregular nature of the Long War, coupled with the contemporary experiences in
Afghanistan and Iraq, are forcing the Department of Defense (DOD) to reexamine its …

Increased focus on the potential of special operations has lead several countries to establish
dedicated special operations organizations. Analysts have warned against …

This chapter discusses the strategic helplessness of key civilian and military decision
makers in the face of global jihadism has led to an emphasis on using Special Operations …

The special operations forces (SOF) of the United States are marked by considerable
diversity, such units in other countries bear noteworthy similarity in some key features. This …

The term,'ungoverned spaces,'prominent in American national security discourse since the
11 September 2001 attacks in the United States (9/11), has helped to create a strategic …