Role of Special Forces in Information Operations

This thesis examines the role of the special forces group in information operations. It focuses on providing information to the joint task force planner and the special forces unit leaders. It provides the joint forces commander and planner an understanding of special forces unit's core capabilities, mission types, and operational methods. It provides the special forces leader an understanding of what information operations are, and how his unit fits into the overall structure of an information operation. The thesis looks at four recent operations (Just Cause, Desert Storm, Noble Obelisk and Joint Guard) and special forces unit's missions during those operations. The missions are explained and cross-referenced with the elements of information operations (operational security, military deception, psychological operations, electronic warfare, physical destruction, physical security, counterdeception, counterpropaganda, counterintelligence, special information operations, and computer network attack) to demonstrate the potential role of special forces units in future information operations.

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