Analytical paper on Civil Affairs’ role in SOCOM Enterprise and how can it be used to counter and irregular threat found today’s operating environment

After more than 15 years of war, the operational effectiveness of

Army Special Operations Forces remains without equal. However, the

future operating environment will continue to evolve with highly

adaptive state and non-state adversaries seeking to challenge the

status quo and our national interests. The forms of conflict employed

by adversaries in the future are expected to be hybrid in nature,

blending conventional and irregular capabilities, and will more often

challenge the stability of regions through indirect means.

Preventing or deterring hybrid conflict short of all-out war is

demanding. It requires persistent forward engagement at points of

vulnerability around the world. It requires operators to understand the

political, cultural, and geographic complexities of austere operating

environments and the unique challenges faced by our allies and

partners. It also requires an advanced understanding of adversaries

and how they are evolving in an effort to gain a position of advantage.

In order to meet these requirements and to counter hybrid threats of

the future, ARSOF must provide the nation with a portfolio of comple-

mentary capabilities enabled by institutional and operational agility.

USASOC 2035, like its forerunner ARSOF 2022, provides facts and

details for use by members of the force when communicating the

ARSOF narrative in engagements with joint force commanders,

interagency partners, and other audiences worldwide. It also pro-

vides guidance for the further development of ARSOF institutional

and operational capabilities needed to counter future threats across

the spectrum of conflict, especially in gray zones between peace and

overt war. USASOC 2035 incorporates ARSOF 2022 initiatives still in

progress and builds upon those capabilities already established. It

presents objectives for developing future capabilities that will move

ARSOF from the force of today to the force of tomorrow.

KENNETH E. TOVO Lieutenant General, U.S. Army Commanding

Sine Pari – Without Equal

FROM THE COMMANDER

Acknowledgments: USASOC 2035 was a collaborative effort that included many advisers and contributors. LTG Kenneth Tovo, the USASOC Commanding General, would like to personally thank the following individuals for their dedication to this effort: The USASOC Commander’s Initiatives Group: COL John Silkman, CW5 Linc Glenister, LTC Ryan Burkert, LTC Christian Sessoms, LTC Jon Bleakley, MAJ Doug Graham, and Dr. Alex Heidenberg; the USASOC G3, COL Tim Ladouceur, and the G3 Staff; the USASOC G5, COL Kyle Lear, and the G5 Staff to include MAJ Kyle Packard, primary author of USASOC Campaign Plan 2035; Dr. Michael Krivdo and Dan Telles of the USASOC Historian’s Office; and the USASOC CSC and CSU Command Teams. Special thanks to the Special Warfare Magazine staff: Janice Burton, Jennifer Angelo and Juan Barrera. Finally, a special thanks to LTC Duane Mosier, primary author and researcher of USASOC Strategy 2035 and this magazine issue — USASOC 2035.

CONTENTS The ARSOF Narrative 04 | The Pillars of ARSOF Capability

14 | A Year In Review

16 | ARSOF Effects

20 | How We Build Partner Forces

28 | SOF-CF I3

Preparing for the Future 30 | Future Operating Environment

32 | The Way Ahead

USASOC 2035 is a special edition produced under the auspices of Special Warfare by the United States Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School’s Office of Strategic Communication.

Special Warfare is an authorized, official quarterly publication of the United States Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School, Fort Bragg, N.C. Its mission is to promote the professional development of special operations forces by providing a forum for the examination of established doctrine and new ideas.

This publication is approved for public release; distribution is unlimited. Headquarters, Department of the Army • PB 80-17-SE • PIN: 201983-000

By order of the Acting Secretary of the Army:

Patrick J. Murphy

Official:

GERALD B O’KEEFE Administrative Assistant to the Secretary of the Army

1716605 | Headquarters, Department of the Army

04///// USASOC 2035/////

The indigenous approach is a means to address

challenges to regional stability with and through popula-

tions and partner forces empowered by persistent ARSOF

engagement. Through the approach, ARSOF leverage

nascent capability within populations, transforming

indigenous mass into combat power. Since World War II,

ARSOF elements have amassed unique institutional and

operational expertise in living among, training, advising,

and fighting alongside people of foreign cultures,

achieving effects with and through partner forces.

Today, ARSOF training pipelines, unlike any other in the

Department of Defense, produce regionally oriented,

culturally astute, and language-capable personnel who can

apply an indigenous approach across the spectrum of

conflict in permissive, uncertain, and hostile environments.

The indigenous approach provides low-cost, high-impact

options to address state and non-state threats, set condi-

tions for conventional force success, and execute sensitive

activities through minimal force commitment.

Precision targeting operations involve direct action

and counter-network activities enabled by SOF unique

intelligence, targeting processes, and technology, such

as ARSOF rotary wing capabilities and armed unmanned

aerial systems. Precision targeting operations are

employed against uniquely difficult target sets that may

require operating in uncertain or hostile environments,

careful and focused application of force, and significant

intelligence and operational preparation. These

operations are executed by highly trained, rapidly

deployable, and scalable ARSOF personnel and forma-

tions that are employed to buy time and space for other

operations to gain traction, as seen in counterinsur-

gency campaigns. They create precise physical and

psychological effects and can be used to collapse threat

networks through deliberate targeting of critical nodes,

as demonstrated in counterterrorism campaigns. They

also include sensitive activities in support of targeting

processes and the execution of operations.

ARSOF Strategic Value to the Nation: Four Pillars of Capability For more than 60 years, ARSOF have served at the tip of the spear in defense of the nation. Today, the U.S. Army Special Operations

Command represents a force of approximately 33,000 personnel and more than half of the nation’s SOF. ARSOF elements consistently fill more than 60 percent of all U.S. SOF deployments worldwide with ARSOF Soldiers deployed in more than 70 countries on any given day of the year, delivering strategic value to the nation through four complementary capabilities — the Pillars of ARSOF Capability: an Indigenous Approach to Operations, Precision Targeting Operations, Developing Understanding and Wielding Influence, and Crisis Response. They are employed throughout the operational spectrum and across all campaign phases, including interagency- or Coalition-led campaigns and operations. Together, the Pillars of ARSOF Capability provide options to shape or prevent outcomes in support of our national interests. These capabilities, coupled with tailorable mission command nodes and scalable force packages that are low-signature and employ a small footprint, are particularly suited for employment in politically sensitive environments.

INDIGENOUS APPROACH PRECISION TARGETING

PILLARS OF ARSOF CAPABILITY

05USASOC 2035 ///// /////

Formally assessed and selected ARSOF soldiers, trained to an elite level, deliver strategic

value to the nation through four complementary capabilities — The Pillars of ARSOF Capability

Developing understanding and wielding influence are

essential aspects of the value ARSOF capabilities provide

joint force commanders and the nation. The SOF network of

personnel, assets, and international partnerships represents

the means to obtain early understanding of emerging local,

regional, and transregional threats and where opportunities

exist for advancing U.S. objectives. The SOF network

provides capabilities needed to influence outcomes in all

campaign phases and especially in conflict short of overt war.

Engagement worldwide allows ARSOF to develop

long-term partner nation relationships and an advanced

understanding of complex environments. Operating in

culturally and politically complex environments requires

ARSOF personnel to be adept at interacting and coordi-

nating with multiple agencies and partners. Institutional

training and education programs unique to ARSOF, along

with long-term regionally aligned employment, provide the

expertise necessary to understand complex environments

and the ability to influence people and circumstances.

Crisis response, provided through CONUS and OCONUS

stationed alert forces and persistently deployed and

dispersed units, provides national decision makers with

agile, tailorable, and rapidly employable special operations

formations necessary to respond to emergencies. These

forces provide options to rescue people under threat, to

recover sensitive materials such as weapons of mass

destruction components, to provide humanitarian relief, or

to address other short notice requirements.

ARSOF crisis response capabilities leverage the SOF

network and partner-nation relationships established

before crisis occurs. Persistent engagement develops

relationships and the advanced understanding needed in

times of crisis for ARSOF to effectively employ unilateral

capabilities and those created during partner-force

development. Through ARSOF crisis response, a small

number of operators can rapidly address emergencies in

an effort to enable host nation solutions to local or

regional security challenges.

The four pillars are a new way to talk about ARSOF capabilities and represent a way to define ARSOF value using simple terminology. Military doctrine contains terms that are not universally known. There are times when doctrinal terms should be used; however, when conveying the strategic value of ARSOF capabilities to a wide range of audiences, we need to simplify the narrative. The four pillars represent a means by which every member of the force can explain ARSOF capabilities to those unfamiliar with how the force provides value to joint force commanders, interagency leaders, and the nation.

UNDERSTAND & INFLUENCE CRISIS RESPONSE

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Task Force Viking N. Iraq 2002-2003 Details:

The invasion of Iraq began March 20, 2003; however, in November 2002 Army Special Forces teams began infiltrating Northern Iraq to partner with and organize approximately 52,000 Kurdish Peshmerga forces. Operating with and through Peshmerga forces, SFOD-As harassed, disrupted, and destroyed enemy units they faced, ultimately breaking through Iraqi defenses to seize all ground occupied by Iraqi Army divisions to their front. Task Force Viking Special Forces operators and their partner Peshmerga forces continued to advance against Iraqi forces until April 14 when they reached the outskirts of Baquba, north of Baghdad. Ultimately, Task Force Viking successfully fixed 13 Iraqi Army divisions, defeated 700 Ansar Al-Islam extremists, captured Kirkuk and Mosul, and set conditions for the success of the Coalition invasion.

Enemy Units Faced by TF Viking » 13 Iraqi Army divisions (2 Republican Guard divisions, 2 mechanized divisions, 1 Armored division, 8 Infantry divisions, and Fedayeen Saddam Militia).

» Ansar Al-Islam – jihadist extremist group with ties to al-Qaeda; known to experi- ment with chemical and biological weapons.

TF Viking Personnel & Units: » TF Viking (5,200 person force):

• 10th SFG (A) Headquarters (JSOTF-North) • 3 Special Forces Battalions • Psychological Operations and Civil Affairs elements • U.S. Air Force 352nd Special Operations Group elements • 173rd Airborne Brigade and U.S. Marine Corps 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit

(tasked to help JSOTF-N secure Kirkuk and Mosul)

» TF Viking Partner Peshmerga Opposition Forces: • 30,000 Kurdish Democratic Party • 22,000 Patriotic Union of Kurdistan

Geographic Location: » Iraq

Dates: » 2002 – 2003

Highlighted Pillars: » Indigenous Approach » Understand and Influence

Outcomes: » Under the 10th Special Forces Group (Air- borne)-led Task Force Viking, 42 Special Forces ODAs applied an indigenous approach to operations with Peshmerga partner forces that: • Successfully fixed 13 Iraqi Army divisions (more

than 100,000 in personnel strength) along a 350 kilometer front known as the Green Line.

• Enabled Coalition success by preventing these Iraqi divisions from reinforcing the defense of Baghdad or attacking the Coalition invasion force, which was driving north from Kuwait.

• Defeated approximately 700 Ansar Al-Islam extremists fortified in a mountainous region of Northeastern Iraq.

• Captured the cities of Kirkuk and Mosul. • Transferred control of Kirkuk and Mosul to

conventional Coalition Forces on April 15, 2003.

PILLARS OF ARSOF CAPABILITY

07USASOC 2035 ///// /////

SOJTF-OIR Syria/Iraq 2016-Present

Details: In early 2016, 1st Special Forces Command (Airborne) stood up Special Opera- tions Joint Task Force-Operation Inherent Resolve to synchronize the effects and activities of multiple subordinate commands in the fight against ISIS across Syria and Iraq. SOJTF-OIR serves as the SOF component headquarters of Combined Joint Task Force-Operation Inherent Resolve and the central headquarters coordinating and directing all SOF train, advise, assist, and accompany operations with partner forces in Syria and Iraq.

SOJTF-OIR is achieving substantial gains against ISIS and has liberated cities and large swathes of territory with and through partner forces, employing an indigenous approach to operations. SOJTF-OIR advisors represent an economy-of-force effort that is achieving operational effects with victory after victory against a desperate and fractured transregional enemy. However, the key to long-term success against ISIS is preventing them from taking advantage of conditions favorable to their resurgence.

Outcomes: » Since the January 2016 stand-up of SOJTF-OIR through June 14, 2017, Coalition Forces conducted more than 12,000 air strikes in Syria and Iraq against ISIS.

» In Syria, as of June 2017, SOJTF-OIR partner opposition forces liberated approxi- mately 35,000 square kilometers of territory from ISIS, including cities such as Tabqah, Manbij, and Shaddadi.

» In early and mid-2017, SOJTF-OIR partner forces dedicated efforts to seize Raqqah, Syria, the ISIS capital city, isolating much of the city in preparation for its liberation.

» In Iraq, as of June 2017, Iraqi Security Forces and SOJTF-OIR advisors liberated approximately 70 cities, including Tikrit, Haditha, Ramadi, Fallujah, and Hit.

» In early 2017, Iraqi Security Forces, with Coalition SOF support, successfully liberated Eastern Mosul and by June, freed most of Western Mosul.

» These highlights demonstrate aspects of the SOJTF-OIR strategy against ISIS designed to defeat them militarily through committed and capable indigenous partner forces fighting to liberate their own people and lands.

» Success of the indigenous approach to operations is seen in the many cities and thousands of people freed from ISIS control with and through partner forces, enabled by mature, highly trained, and dedicated SOF.

Geographic Location: » Syria & Iraq

Dates: » 2016 to present

Highlighted Pillars: » Indigenous Approach » Precision Targeting » Understand and Influence

Actions on the Ground: » SOJTF-OIR advisors on ground in Syria and Iraq provide battlefield presence, enhanced situational awareness, communications, and cutting-edge technology to vetted Syrian Opposition Forces and Iraqi Government efforts against ISIS.

» SOF operators advise and assist battlefield commanders, provide intelligence and targeting support, and generate Coalition firepower against ISIS forces.

» U.S. SOF have also begun training the Raqqah Internal Security Force to secure Raqqah, Syria after it is liberated.

» In Syria, SOJTF OIR supports and enables vetted Syrian Opposition Forces including Syrian Democratic Forces (approximately 50,000 in strength).

» In Iraq, SOJTF-OIR supports and enables Iraqi security forces, including: • The Iraqi Counterterrorism Service • The Federal Police • The Iraqi Emergency Response Division • Tribal forces

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Details: In 2006 and early 2007, the outcome of Operation Iraqi Freedom was largely in doubt as violence threatened stability throughout Iraq. Coalition casualties would peak in 2007 with 961 fatalities in Iraq, an increase from 872 in 2006. A Sunni insurgency in Central, Northern, and Western Iraq was in full swing as Shia militias, supported by Iran, attacked Coalition Forces and Iraqi officials across the south.

In an effort to address violent conditions across Iraq, General David Petraeus implemented an offensive campaign known as “The Surge.” The campaign brought additional U.S. Army Brigade Combat Teams into Iraq with the focus of stemming the tide of violence. For the effort to gain traction, Army Special Operations Forces were called upon to provide breathing room for stability operations to take root.

U.S. SOF Response: Between March and November 2007 the Special Forces led CJSOTF-AP executed partnered precision targeting operations and other activities with forces established and developed by ARSOF units. These actions provided time and space for lon- ger-term stability operations associated with The Surge to take effect. The activities, with and through partnered forces, and relationships with local citizens, influenced conditions across the country and set conditions necessary for The Surge to succeed.

Outcomes: » Partnered precision targeting operations executed by CJSOTF-AP teams sup- pressed insurgent cells and, in many cases, collapsed those cells by targeting critical nodes. Each partnered operation relieved pressure on conventional forces striving to establish long-term stability across Iraq.

» Over the course of the 2007 deployment, CJSOTF-AP (a brigade-sized SOF element with countrywide reach): • Conducted 1,783 partnered direct-action operations • Captured 1,138 primary targets and 1,743 persons of interest

» The CJSOTF indigenous approach strengthened The Surge and empowered local citizens to speak and act against the presence of foreign fighters within Western and Northern Iraq, giving rise to what would be known as the Sunni Awakening.

» CJSOTF-AP teams also conducted 4,644 FID training events, averaging 15 partnered training events per day, and 3,011 tribal engagements during the 2007 deployment.

» CJSOTF-AP execution of precision targeting operations and other activities with and through partner forces directly contributed to Coalition success, providing a strategic impact through tactical actions.

CJSOTF-Arabian Peninsula Geographic Location: » Iraq

Dates: » 2007

Highlighted Pillars: » Precision Targeting » Indigenous Approach » Understand and Influence

Actions on the Ground: » CJSOTF teams were not restricted by battlespace boundaries; they operated wherever critical enemy nodes were identified.

» The application of an indigenous approach to operations enabled CJSOTF-AP forces and partnerships to cover 70 percent of populated cities and LOCs in Iraq, advancing the Coalition’s understanding of threats and where opportunities were emerging to defeat a determined enemy.

» CJSOTF-AP engaged local residents, tribes, city, and provincial government officials to gain influence.

» CJSOTF-AP leveraged PAO, CA, and PSYOP for non-kinetic targeting/influence.

Units & Equipment: » 1 CJSOTF – SF Group Headquarters » 3 SOTFs

• SOTF-North in Taji (SF Bn.) • SOTF-Central in Baghdad (SF Bn.) • SOTF-West in Al Fallujah

(USN SEAL Bn. equivalent)

» 7 AOBs » 38 SFOD-As » 3 Naval Special Warfare TUs » 6 SEAL Platoons » PSYOP and CA teams/personnel embedded from CJSOTF down to team levels

» CJSOTF-AP trained, advised, & assisted: • 6 ISOF Battalions

• 19 Iraqi Police Battalions

• 39 Iraqi Army Battalions

• 99 percent of operations were with and through Iraqi forces

PILLARS OF ARSOF CAPABILITY

09USASOC 2035 ///// /////

ARSOF Gray Eagles

Details: Precision targeting operations represent the actions of highly skilled operators executing direct action against specified targets, enabled by SOF intelligence, targeting processes, and technology. These operations are also enabled through the precision intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and kinetic strike capabili- ties of ARSOF Gray Eagle (MQ-1C) unmanned aerial systems.

The Army Special Operations Aviation Command currently has one company of Gray Eagles flown and maintained by the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment. ARSOF Gray Eagles originated from quick reaction companies stood up and stationed at Fort Huachuca. Deploying to multiple sites in Afghanistan since 2009, they supported SOF and conventional operations with armed overwatch, precision strike, and persistent intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance.

In 2014, Co. E, 2nd Battalion, 160th SOAR was established at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. The value of MQ-1Cs is demonstrated through the agility of the platform, supporting ISR and kinetic aspects of the fight against ISIS or other determined enemies worldwide.

Outcomes: » In 2014, E/2-160th SOAR assumed the MQ-IC mission in Afghanistan. » In 2015, MQ-1Cs were sent to Iraq in support SOF operations, providing immediate impact in the fight against ISIS.

» In 2016, the unit executed more than 700 kinetic strikes in support of Iraqi security forces and Special Operations Joint Task Force-Operation Inherent Resolve advisor operations to liberate the territory, cities, and citizens of Iraq.

» In 2016, MQ-1Cs were moved from Afghanistan to Cameroon in support of operations in the U.S. Africa Command area of operations.

» USASOC will obtain a second Gray Eagle company in Fiscal Year 2018 with the Army transfer of a MQ-1C company from INSCOM to USASOC. The addition of a second Gray Eagle company will enable ARSOF to continue organic ISR and kinetic strike support to joint force commanders around the world without negative impact to personnel, dwell, or asset maintenance schedules.

» ARSOAC is pursuing rapid deployment of a munition that increases MQ-1C lethality. Efforts include expediting acquisition and fielding of a MQ-1C compat- ible Lightweight Precision Munition, with the intent to provide greater capability for deployed commanders.

Geographic Location:

» Deployable worldwide

Dates:

» 2014 to present

Highlighted Pillar:

» Precision Targeting

10 ///// USASOC 2035/////

Operation Yarborough

Details: In early 2008, Jaysh Al-Mahdi-Special Groups (JAM-SG), supplied and trained by Iran, worked hard to undermine the stability of Southern Iraq through a clandes- tine campaign of subversion, intimidation, and assassination against Iraqi citizens and leaders. Since the April 2007 withdrawal of British forces from Maysan Province, JAM-SG dominated the capital city of Al Amarah and controlled the province. Iranian lethal aid flowed freely across the Iran-Iraq border into Al Amarah and moved deeper into Iraq from that city.

In late March, the Government of Iraq surprised Coalition leaders by suddenly shifting Iraqi national security focus to the port city of Al Basra in Southern Iraq, where the rule of law had ceased to exist. Prime Minister Maliki ordered an immediate assault by ISF to expel JAM and other militias controlling the city, initiating the Battle of Basra on March 25. Despite initial success, the poorly planned Iraqi assault stalled after 72 hours, requiring CJSOTF-AP Special Forces ODAs and their partner Iraqi forces to come to the aid of the ISF assault. The support turned the tide and by April 5 the battle was won.

The militia defeat in Al Basra left Al Amarah as the primary JAM-SG stronghold in Southern Iraq. The Coalition needed a plan that would head off a sudden charge by the Iraqi government into Maysan. The task fell to CJSOTF-AP and Army Special Forces, Psychological Operations, and Civil Affairs planners, who created a multi-component military deception campaign named Operation Yarborough. It would become the Multi-National Corps-Iraq main effort for May-June 2008 and the largest deception campaign conducted during Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Actions on the Ground: » Employed understanding of JAM-SG networks to psychologically disrupt them. » Pressured JAM-SG until offensive could begin in June to retake Al Amarah. » Three iterations of Yarborough were executed (May 9 – June 19, 2008). » First planned/executed by 5th SFG (May 2008) and then 10th SFG (June 2008). » Operation Yarborough campaign included:

• Whisper campaign messaging designed to create fear of an imminent ISF attack • Multiple raids into Al Amarah by USSF/ISF (DA for psychological effects); sup-

ported by entire CJSOAC contingent • Multiple iterations of day or night snap tactical checkpoint operations in Maysan

Province (vic. Al Amarah); air assault insertions by 160th SOAR or ground insertion by RG-33 armored vehicles

• Zero collateral damage JDAM bomb drops in vacant areas surrounding Al Amarah • Fixed wing A/C shows of force/demonstrations over city • False infiltrations conducted by 160th SOAR MH-60s (vic. Al Amarah) • Predator Hellfire missile strikes against lethal threats • MISO radio broadcasts, leaflet drops, and messaging via multiple conduits

Outcomes: » Positioned MNF-I to prevent another Battle of Basra scenario and forced JAM militants into a state of constant alert, degrading their morale and combat power

» Al Amarah clearing operations began June 19, 2008; June 19-22, Coalition and Iraqi forces seized 117 small arms caches, over 2100 mortar/artillery rounds, 873 mines, 347 RPGs, 267 rockets, 109 IEDs, 27 explosively formed projectiles, and captured over 60 JAM leaders – the city was taken without firing a shot.

Units & Equipment: » 2x SFOD-As » 1x Co Iraqi Special Operations Forces » 1x Co Iraqi Army » CJSOTF-AP PSYOP » Multiple armed Predator UAVs » ISR orbits » Entire CJSOAC fleet of MH-60, HH-60, MC-130 refueler, AC-130, and EW/SI platforms

» Fixed wing A/C sorties (F-16s/F-15s) » MNC-I/CJSOTF IO & PAO support » JSTARS » Other CF and CJSOTF assets/enablers

Geographic Location: » Iraq, Maysan Province

Dates: » May 9 – June 19 2008

Highlighted Pillars: » Understand & Influence » Indigenous Approach » Precision Targeting

PILLARS OF ARSOF CAPABILITY

11USASOC 2035 ///// /////

Counter-Lord’s Resistance Army

Details: For almost two decades, Joseph Kony’s Lord’s Resistance Army abducted more than 60,000 children, killed tens of thousands of civilians, and caused the displace- ment of more than 2 million people in Northern Uganda. After moving from Uganda into Central Africa, the LRA continued to terrorize communities in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Central African Republic, and South Sudan.

In response to the threat, Special Operations Command Forward-Central Africa executed Operation Observant Compass from 2011 to April 2017 to advise, assist, and accompany partner forces in the conduct of full spectrum CLRA combat operations across South Sudan, the Central African Republic, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The U.S. Special Operations Command’s determination to rid Central Africa of the LRA is reflected in the outstanding work of Military Information Support Teams, Special Forces ODAs, and Civil Affairs teams over six years. Critical to SOCFWD-Central Africa efforts to render the LRA incapable of threatening part- ner-nation forces, host-nation governments, and local civilians was the employ- ment of ARSOF PSYOP Soldiers in Regional Military Information Support Teams.

Actions on the Ground: » ARSOF efforts in the mission spanned four countries and included countless ARSOF engagements with the local populace including medical and veterinarian civil-action and advise/assist programs that bolstered partner forces.

» Regional Military Information Support Teams supporting this mission used an array of platforms such as aerial loudspeakers, leaflet drops, and key-leader engagements to counter LRA narratives while simultaneously bolstering partner-nation forces and protecting the local populace.

» RMTs collaborated with non-governmental organizations to counter the LRA leading to the establishment of an early warning network for local villages to inform authorities of LRA activities. The network degraded LRA freedom of movement and stemmed LRA efforts to force abducted children into its ranks.

» The mission contributed to populace protection, secured lines of communica- tion, enabled border stability for multiple African countries, built competent partner forces, and developed strong partner relationships.

Outcomes: » The Operation Observant Compass MISO program was recognized in House Resolution 394 as one of the most effective MISO programs conducted by the Department of Defense.

» Successfully attrited the LRA from 2,000 members to approximately 100. » Joseph Kony was rendered irrelevant on the world stage. » The RMTs developed and implemented multiple programs to counter LRA narratives, create division within the extremist group, and persuade members to defect.

» In FY16, LRA defection increased 24 percent from the previous year with the cumulative number of defections reaching 331.

» Approximately 95 percent reduction in civilians killed since 2010. » Approximately 70 percent drop in LRA abductions since 2010. » Five of six LRA leaders were KIA or turned over for trial at The Hague. » Mitigated regional instability on the borders of multiple African countries in an operational area the size of California.

Personnel & Units: » ARSOF: Multiple PSYOP RMTs, Special Forces ODAs, and Civil Affairs teams operating across Uganda,

the Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan,

and the Central African Republic.

» ARSOF Partner Forces: Ugandan People’s Defense Force, Sudan People’s Liberation Army, Force

Armees Centrafricaines, Forces Armees Democra-

tique du Congo, Forces Regional Intervention.

» Partner NGOs: Invisible Children; Catholic Relief Services; Disbarment, Demobilization, Repatria-

tions, Reintegration, Rehabilitation; Pathways to

Peace; World Vision; Enough; and Resolve.

Geographic Location: » Central Africa: Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Central African Republic, and South Sudan

Dates: » 2011 – 2017

Highlighted Pillars: » Understand & Influence » Indigenous Approach

12 ///// USASOC 2035/////

Mali Hotel Terrorist Attack 2015

Details: The morning of Nov. 20, 2015, terrorists armed with AK-47s stormed the Radisson Blu Hotel in Bamako, Mali, shooting anyone that came into view as the attackers entered the hotel. The hotel, located in an upscale neighborhood in Bamako, served as a hub for international guests. At the time of the shooting, the hotel was hosting diplomats working on a peace process for the country following a period of conflict with Islamic extremists involving UN and French forces in support of the Malian government.

The gunmen drove up to the hotel at the same time as a car with diplomatic plates and opened fire. Approximately 140 guests and 30 employees were in the hotel when the attack began, many of whom became hostages in the multi-hour siege that followed. At least 27 people were killed in the attack.

U.S. SOF Response: U.S. Special Operations Forces played a key role in response to the terrorist attack on the Radisson Blu Hotel. An ARSOF team leader and two Marine Special Operations Command members working for SOCAFRICA responded immediately to a call for assistance from the U.S. Embassy in Bamako. They coordinated with SOCAFRICA for support and then accompanied the Embassy’s Regional Security Officer to the hotel where they located and assisted extraction of Malian and American civilians, despite grenade and automatic weapon fire.

Outcomes: » Actions taken by U.S. SOF operators at the time of the crisis resulted in the rescue and evacuation of 19 Malian and American civilians.

» 27 civilians were killed in the hotel by terrorist gunmen before Malian security forces secured the scene. Many more would likely have been killed if not for the actions of a few U.S. SOF operators.

» The U.S. Embassy reported that the rescue was possible because of the aid of U.S. SOF personnel and praised them for effective teamwork and interagency cooperation during the crisis.

» These SOF operators successfully evacuated the civilians without sustaining any casualties.

» The incident displays the high return on investment that the DoD gets from placing mature, experienced SOF operators forward in likely trouble spots; connecting them across a common network and providing command relationships that enable viable, rapid responses to crises.

Actions on the Ground: » Units/Personnel stationed in Mali: ARSOF team leader and two MARSOC Marines assigned to SOCAFRICA who worked with U.S. Embassy and SOCAFRICA Headquarters personnel.

» ARSOF team leader and MARSOC operators notified SOCAFRICA Headquarters personnel who shifted aviation assets from Niamey, Niger, for ISR coverage of the incident site and casualty evacuation via non-standard aviation aircraft.

» SOCAFRICA forward-staged and increased the alert posture of the AFRICOM Crisis Response Force at Ramstein Air Force Base for on-order movement to Mali.

» ARSOF operators, working with French SOF from Burkina Faso, accompanied the French force that deployed to Bamako and advised/accompanied the Malians and French on-site at the hotel.

Geographic Location: » Bamako, Mali, West Africa

Dates: » November 20, 2015

Highlighted Pillar: » Crisis Response

PILLARS OF ARSOF CAPABILITY

13USASOC 2035 ///// /////

Bosnia Flood Response 2014

Details: In 2014, the ARSOF Civil Military Support Element Bosnia and Herzegovina was called on to respond to devastating flooding that hit the country May 15-25. Bosnia and Serbia were hardest hit as the River Sava and its tributaries reached the highest level in more than 150 years, affecting more than 2.6 million people.

BiH is a complicated and dynamic environment. The national government is designed to give three opposing ethnicities (Serb, Croat, and Bosniak) a voice and position within the government, with the three ethnicities having representation in each of the national offices. Further, the country is divided into two entities and one district: The Federation of BiH, whose population is mostly composed of Bosniaks and ethnic Croats; the Republika of Srpska, which is primarily comprised of ethnic Serbs; and the Brcko District, which is less than 1 percent of the size and population of BiH.

The CMSE worked to enhance the reputation and utility of the Armed Forces of BiH (AFBiH) in the eyes of the population. In response to the flooding, the team coordinated with the Republika of Srpska Civil Protection Forces and the AFBiH to put together an appropriate response.

NATO and EUFOR Althea forces also supported the AFBiH in the effort to save lives in Bosnia, while the Russian Emergency Situations Ministry deployed a small, high-risk rescue force to assist in Serbia. The Russian contingent was comprised of only 70 personnel, but its effect in the region caused many Bosnian Serbs to look toward Russia for help.

Actions on the Ground: » The CMSE countered the destabilizing effect of the Russian response by focusing on efforts to clean up overwhelming damage caused by the flood and landslides. The team also supported thousands of dislocated persons.

» The ARSOF CMSE, European Union, UN, NATO, numerous non-governmental agencies, and the AFBiH began a “Build Back Better” campaign that included school refurbishment. During a school event, the team learned that many isolated mountain communities had not received support. These areas had ties to the Mujahedeen, making them a target of Islamic extremist recruitment efforts.

» Working through the FBiH Ministries of Health, the UN’s disaster response Health and Sanitation cluster, Austrian Forces Disaster Response Unit, and the U.S. Country Team, the CMSE:

• Identified five villages that met criteria for support (proximity, susceptibility, location, addressable disaster-related issues).

• By placing the AFBiH in front and using AFBiH aviation, the CMSE expanded its influence and that of the BiH national government, while building a system that facilitated CMSE recurring engagements with local powerbrokers in specific targeted areas.

• Impacted five villages in the targeted area in less than two weeks using their skills and OPFUND. Two weeks later, the program spread through local leaders to 10 additional villages, reaching more than 25,000 people.

• Joint project with UNDP and USAID spent $40,000, reaching 80,000 people, increasing CMSE influence with international partners and expanding CMSE BiH operations into 13 communities in less than 30 days.

Outcomes: » Contained or mitigated the effects of the disaster and prevented further loss of life or property.

» Restored order in the immediate aftermath of the flood. Reestablished normality through reconstruc- tion and rehabilitation shortly thereafter.

» Gained access and exerted influence over a vulner- able population with the intent to legitimize an identified powerbroker and/or government.

Geographic Location: » Bosnia and Herzegovina, Balkan Peninsula, Southeastern Europe

Dates: » May 15-25, 2014

Highlighted Pillars: » Crisis Response » Understand and Influence

14 ///// USASOC 2035/////

USEUCOMUSAFRICOM USCENTCOM

ARSOF Highlights 2016-2017 ARSOF remain fully engaged worldwide, operating in small numbers with the autonomy, authorities, funding, and skills necessary to make a difference at the strategic level. The past year continued a trend of high operational tempo across the force as ARSOF elements were persistently engaged in all six Geographic Combatant Commands.

In the U.S. Central Command area of

operations, ARSOF operated with

partner forces, to maintain pressure on

insurgent networks in Afghanistan,

enabling Afghan forces to retain control

of key cities under threat from Taliban.

Additionally, 1st Special Forces Com-

mand (Airborne) established Special

Operations Joint Task Force-Operation

Inherent Resolve as the SOF compo-

nent headquarters of Combined Joint

Task Force-Operation Inherent Resolve

and is synchronizing SOF activities and

effects in the fight against ISIS in Iraq

and Syria. The stand-up of SOJTF-OIR is

impacting the fight as ARSOF Soldiers

and other U.S. SOF members and their

partners make gains, including the

liberation of Tikrit, Haditha, Ramadi,

Fallujah and many other cities and areas

in Iraq. In Syria, SOJTF-OIR efforts have

enabled opposition forces to seize key

cities and more than 35,000 square

kilometers of territory from ISIS.

In the U.S. Africa Command,

USASOC Soldiers enabled host-nation

partners to counter violent extremist

organizations in Somalia, Mali,

Mauritania, Niger, Chad, and other

countries where the influence of ISIS

ramped up hostilities by affiliated

organizations like Boko Haram.

Special Forces Soldiers continue to

man SOC-Forward-North/West Africa

to synchronize joint SOF effects on

behalf of Special Operations Com-

mand-Africa. Special Operations

Command-Africa’s top priorities also

include support to humanitarian

assistance/disaster response across

the Continent and building the

capacity of African partner nations to

address their issues using a regional

approach. The goal of the command

is to take care of problems when they

are small instead of allowing them to

become larger issues.

In the U.S. European Command

area of operations, Special Forces,

Psychological Operations, Civil Affairs

Soldiers, and Army Special Operations

aviators are countering Russian

aggression through combined

training with our European partners

and allies. Atlantic Resolve is a

demonstration of the U.S. govern-

ment’s commitment to collective

security by strengthening alliances

through military exercises and

training events. These partnerships

built SOF capabilities in countries like

Ukraine, the Baltic States, and

Uzbekistan, to name a few. The

Special Forces establishment of

Special Operations Command-For-

ward Eastern Europe synchronized

those efforts in the region with

tremendous impact on the count-

er-Russia line of effort and in coun-

tering the ISIS recruitment message in

countries like Bosnia and Kosovo.

A YEAR IN REVIEW

15USASOC 2035 ///// /////

USNORTHCOM USEUCOMUSSOUTHCOMUSPACOM

These missions represent a small percentage of those executed by ARSOF over the past year. They serve to amplify the fact that ARSOF is the only U.S. Special Operations Command formation to maintain a worldwide presence year round in all Geographic Combatant Command areas of responsibility.

In U.S. Pacific Command, Special

Forces, Rangers, the Special Operations

Aviation Regiment, Psychological

Operations, and Civil Affairs maintain

an enduring presence throughout the

theater to develop key relationships

with vital U.S. partners. Recent

engagements included partner force

capability development in Cambodia,

Sri Lanka, the Philippines, Japan,

Taiwan, Thailand, and Nepal. USASOC

also maintains a Special Forces

battalion forward stationed in theater,

committed to Special Operations

Command-Pacific and a rotational

Special Forces company on the Korean

Peninsula in support of Special

Operations Command-Korea.

USASOC’s PACOM-focused elements

are dedicated to indigenous partner-

ships and interagency coordination

with key strategic allies.

In U.S. Northern Command, Special

Operations Command-North, in

partnership with the interagency and

regional SOF, synchronizes operations

against terrorist networks, employing

ARSOF to defend the homeland and

respond to crisis. USASOC Soldiers in

the U.S. Northern Command provided

training, advice, and assistance to

Mexican partner forces and enabled

their operations against transregional

criminal organizations through fusion

cell activities.

SOCNORTH’s Area of Responsi-

bility encompasses the continental

United States, Alaska, Canada, Mexico,

and the surrounding water out to

approximately 500 nautical miles. It

also includes the Bahamas, Puerto

Rico, and the Virgin Islands.

In U.S. Southern Command, Special

Forces, Psychological Operations, and

Civil Affairs teams trained with

host-nation forces in Belize, El Salvador,

Honduras, and Guatemala. These and

other efforts in the region focused on

achieving effects against the traf-

ficking networks leading to the U.S.

southern border.

In Colombia, ARSOF Soldiers

enabled a host-nation mission that

captured and destroyed drug making

chemicals and labs valued in excess of

$28 million. Instability caused by drug

traffickers, if left unchecked, can

threaten hard-won stability in Colombia

and elsewhere in the region. SOC-

SOUTH is also responsible for the

annual Fuerzas Commando, a special

operations skills competition and senior

leader seminar designed to promote

military-to-military relationships,

interoperability, and regional security.

16 ///// USASOC 2035/////

ARSOF Through the Joint Campaign Phases

ARSOF EFFECTS ACROSS THE JOINT CAMPAIGN PHASES ARSOF capabilities are particularly

suited for employment in the gray zone

between peace and overt war; however,

ARSOF capabilities are applicable to all

phases of joint campaigns. A critical

aspect of SOF-CF interdependence,

interoperability, and integration (SOF-CF

I3) is to ensure conventional and inter-

agency partners understand how ARSOF

capabilities can open windows of

opportunity for their success in joint

campaigns. Achieving this goal requires

members of the force to accurately

describe ARSOF effects across all joint

campaign phases.

ARSOF elements represent a

multi-spectrum force, focused on the

human terrain, and optimized for

competition in the gray zone; however,

SOF capabilities in gray zones and later

phases of joint campaigns are largely

dependent on developing relationships

and an advanced understanding of

complex environmental dynamics before

Phase 3 conflict occurs.

The current joint campaign construct,

represented by sequential phases, is

linear in nature. As a result, campaign

phasing tends to drive attention toward

the generation of physical and lethal

effects on a road to war in Phase 3. In

actuality, these phases are not indepen-

dent of one another or compartmented.

Conditions in an operating environment

are often complex, with activities for

various phases bleeding into other

phases without a clearly defined begin-

ning or ending.

ARSOF capabilities available in Phase

3 require preparatory efforts in earlier

phases. These capabilities include

leveraging indigenous mass, trans-

forming it into combat power that can

be employed in support of major combat

operations. Providing a trained and

capable partner force for Phase 3

operations requires investment of time,

ARSOF personnel, and resources in early

phases. It is within peacetime or gray

zone environments that ARSOF develop

relationships that lead to an advanced

understanding of trends, emerging

threats, social, and political friction

points, and cultural complexities in an

The Pillars of ARSOF Capability

Phase 0 SHAPE

Phase 1 DETER

Phase 2 SEIZE

INITIATIVE

Phase 3 DOMINATE

Phase 4 STABILIZE

Phase 5 ENABLE CIVIL

AUTHORITY

Phase 0 SHAPE

Indigenous Approach

Precision Targeting

Understand & Influence

Crisis Response

TASK FORCE DAGGER: AFGLeverage Indigenous Mass To Create Combat Power

TASK FORCE VIKING: IZ Establish and Build Relationships, Leverage Indigenous Mass To Create Combat Power

PANAMA Joint Forcible Entry

ARMED UAS: SY/IZ High Value Targets & Suppress/Collapse Threat Networks

BALTICS Regional Relationship Development

INFLUENCE OPS: SY/IZ Narrative Shaping, Deception Operations

PHILIPPINES, NEPAL, HAITI, PAKISTAN, AFGHANISTAN ————— NATURAL DISASTERS Crisis Response Through Persistently Deployed and/or CONUS-based Forces

ARSOF EFFECTS

17USASOC 2035 ///// /////

operating environment. Such knowledge

becomes an enabling factor for conven-

tional force commanders as conditions

escalate toward overt war.

A few examples include efforts to

train, equip, and assist with organizing

indigenous forces to resist an occupation

or delay enemy consolidation of gains.

These efforts create the ability to

synchronize resistance activities with

joint force commanders in a way that

opens windows of opportunity for

conventional forces. Leveraging indige-

nous mass and transforming it into

combat power provides the ability to

attack enemy C2 nodes, air defense

systems, and lines of communication with

and through partner forces. Preparation

efforts in early phases of joint campaigns

also enable mobilization of populations

to act through demonstrations, work

force strikes, social discord, and reporting

on enemy activities.

ARSOF engagement and human

interaction in early phases provide

situational understanding of key local

personalities of influence and a means to

gain information, enabling intelligence

and targeting processes. Building partner

capacity in counterterrorism and police

forces in Phase 0 leads to establishment

of security forces capable of assisting

with rear area and population security,

targeting enemy forces, and providing

counter-intelligence support to mitigate

subversion and sabotage in Phase 3.

Additionally, understanding of human

terrain in early phases can help promote

national resilience, counter enemy

narratives, and influence populations to

create cognitive effects and multiple

dilemmas for the enemy.

During Phases 0-2, the joint force

conducts multi-domain activities to

expand maneuver, generating both

physical and cognitive effects in order to

deter adversaries, assure allies, and deny

or defeat enemies. Persistent SOF

activities in Phases 0-2 can reduce the

quantity and intensity of conflicts that

reach Phase 3 combat operations,

allowing the joint force to concentrate

efforts. The key is employing SOF early so

capability options are available in Phase

3 that can be leveraged to open win-

dows of opportunity for joint force

success in high intensity conflict.

The Pillars of ARSOF Capability

Phase 0 SHAPE

Phase 1 DETER

Phase 2 SEIZE

INITIATIVE

Phase 3 DOMINATE

Phase 4 STABILIZE

Phase 5 ENABLE CIVIL

AUTHORITY

Phase 0 SHAPE

Indigenous Approach

Precision Targeting

Understand & Influence

Crisis Response

TASK FORCE VIKING: IZ Establish and Build Relationships, Leverage Indigenous Mass To Create Combat Power

PLAN COLOMBIA Support to Populations & Governance, Leverage Indig. Mass To Create Combat Power

PANAMA Joint Forcible Entry

SOJTF-AFGHANISTAN High Value Targets & Suppress/Collapse Threat Networks

OPN YARBOROUGH: IZ Full Spectrum PSYOP Campaign, Narrative Shaping

INFLUENCE OPS: SY/IZ Narrative Shaping, Deception Operations

PHILIPPINES, NEPAL, HAITI, PAKISTAN, AFGHANISTAN ————— NATURAL DISASTERS Crisis Response Through Persistently Deployed and/or CONUS-based Forces

SOUTHERN IRAQ 2008; JAM VS. ISF Crisis Response With/Through Indigenous Forces

18 ///// USASOC 2035/////

TASK FORCE DAGGER: AFGHANISTAN

In the wake of the 9/11 attacks on the U.S. homeland, Army Special Opera-

tions Forces were called upon to deliver the nation’s first response. In October

2001, a small number of Special Forces Soldiers from 5th Special Forces Group

(Airborne), serving in Task Force Dagger infiltrated Afghanistan aboard 160th

Special Operations Aviation aircraft from Karshi-Khanabad Airbase in Uzbekistan.

Once on the ground, they applied an indigenous approach to partner with the

Northern Alliance through Phases 1-3 of the joint campaign. Their efforts

leveraged and organized the indigenous mass of multiple factions, enabling

employment of partner force combat power against the Taliban. Through that

partnership, Special Forces Soldiers developed an advanced understanding of

the environment and the enemy, enabling efforts to influence conditions and

outcomes. The Northern Alliance and their SF advisors, along with interagency

partners, the 75th Ranger Regiment, and other SOF elements, overthrew the

Taliban government, effectively clearing the way for an interim government to

be sworn into office late December 2001.