Handbook

A common distinction made between special operations forces (SOF) and their general purpose counterparts is that SOF are 'strategic' troops. But is this so? And if so, what does ‘strategic’ mean in this context? This course explores the strategic utility of Special Operations (SO) and the forces that carry them out, and examines the competing and complementary theories of SO. As a core course in the Master of Special Operations and Irregular Warfare, content is designed to give you a comprehensive and integrated understanding of special operations as a military instrument. As an elective in other Master programs, the course will develop your expertise in the study of strategy and security. You will study various strategic theories, including the notion of using SO to induce 'strategic paralysis', often associated with airpower theorists like Giulio Douhet and Billy Mitchell. These are contrasted with attrition-based SO strategies, such as that proposed by James Kiras. Influential 'kinetic' theories of SO, like that of William McRaven, are compared and contrasted with strategies of influence which emphasise the 'indirect approach' of SOF in unconventional warfare.

Using this theory, you will analyse the current utility of Special Operations in the context of contemporary major-power competition. Via your assessments, you will be asked to explore a broad range of options, such as bureaucratic control of SO, modernisation requirements of SO, personnel development or selection requirements of SO, or the application of SO theory to other elements of Government (such as policing counter-terrorism requirements).