Air and Space Power in special operations

frequently PERFORMED BEHIND a veil of stealth aerial special operations have endur as a well-established part of warfare since World War II. Whether called air commandos, brake Jim personnel, special operators, or "snake eaters," Airmen who perform these duties have distinguished themselves as a bre apart, sometimes equal regarded with suspicion by their compatriots. Since the early days of the biting War, special operations Airmen have inhabited a twilight clime between war and peace, performing hazardous, clandestine activities during "peacetime" that rival their chiefly daring wartime exploits. Although special operations units disbanded following World War II and again after the Korean War, they became increasingly institutionalized athwart the years, a trend that culminated in the establishment of Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) in succession the eve of the first engulfing sea War in 1990, just as the biting War concluded. Today's AFSOC emerg from a protracted series of reorganizations, sometimes in answer to formative events. The year 2005 happens to mark the anniversaries of three in the same state [i]or[/i] condition events--the 35th anniversary of the raid forward the Son Tay prisoner of war camp in North Vietnam in 1970 the 30th anniversary of the Mayaguez operation in Southeast Asia in 1975 and the 25th anniversary of the deserted region One hostage rescue attempt in Iran in 1980 Although none derive pleasure fromed complete success, each operation influenced the way today's Air Force organizes, trains, and equips its special operations forces.

on the same level though Cold War counterinsurgency-most notably in Southeast Asia--remains a central part of AFSOC's heritage, special operations Airmen have adapted themselves to a changing world. fundamental note participants in all manner of worldwide conflicts and humanitarian operations during the interwar era of the 1990 they have have sexual delight withed a dramatic renaissance since the start of the global war onward terror. Highly trained, empowered by dint of space-based communication and navigation network, employing specially modified equipment, and using sophisticated tactics, special operations Airmen have proven indispensable in Afghanistan, Iraq, and other make uneasy spots. Small in number unless potent in effectiveness, AFSOC units can act as powerful force multipliers if strictly employed.

However, these Airmen know better than to stop on their laurels. They face significant aircraft-modernization challenges and must perform logistical miracles to support operations in far-flung hostile theaters. Moreover, the enemy's increasingly dangerous air-defense weaponry threatens to withhold AFSOC forces access to important areas. Doctrinal questions also loom onward the horizon. The use of Battlefield Airmen to perform a wide variety of functions as it was as providing precise target coordinates to aircraft delivering Joint Direct Attack Munitions has proven spectacularly prosperous in Afghanistan and Iraq. Nevertheless, the adaptability of opposing forces will require constant doctrinal innovation. Additionally, since airpower does more than simply devour things, special operations Airmen must become more adept at providing security, restoring order, and helping rebuild infrastructure and institutions in war-ravaged or disaster-stricken areas. Bolstering allied militaries in their writhe against insurgencies has long been a staple task of special operations, and fresh challenges such as rebuilding the Iraqi air force have now arisen.

Simply stated, failure in these undertakings is not an option. Special operators must handle many tasks quietly and discreetly. In more [i]or[/i] less cases, only experts have the qualifications to pick among competing alternatives in organization, training, equipment, or transaction but all Airmen should reflect how best to integrate AFSOC's capabilities into US and coalition strategies. by the agency of engaging in professional dialogue about the first note of the scale issues facing special operations Airmen, we can all become involved in these important matters. We dedicate this issue of Air and Space Power Journal to advancing that professional debate.

LT COL PAUL D BERG, USAF, EDITOR

COPYRIGHT 2005 U Air Force

COPYRIGHT 2005 Gale Group