The rules of engagement in the conduct of special operations
By:  Michael S. Reilly
Publisher: Naval Postgraduate School; Available from National Technical Information Service
Published: 1996
Place of publication: Monterey, Calif; Springfield, Va
Language: eng
Number of pages: 223
Description: This thesis examines the effect that ROE have on the conduct of special operations in order      to contribute to an increased understanding of the proper employment of elite forces. It      argues that 'inappropriate' ROE can result from (1) an imbalance in the natural tension      between the requirements of statecraft and military efficiency present in all military      operations and (2) organizational friction resulting from inaccurate translation of broad      political objectives, through various levels in the chain of command, into an inappropriate      tactical ROE for a specific unit. Additionally, it argues that the nature of special operations      missions, and the principles vital to their proper employment, cause them to be most      sensitive to these sources of inappropriate ROE in either crisis or conflict. This thesis      concludes that ROE can be used to achieve indirect political control over special operations      but achieving this control is more difficult and more hazardous with special operations than      with conventional forces.
Notes: Thesis advisor(s): John Arquilla.

"December 1996."

Thesis (M.A. in National Security Affairs) Naval Postgraduate School, December. 1996.

Includes bibliographical references (p. 211-215).

Approved for public release; distribution unlimited.

Also available online.

Mode of access: World Wide Web.

System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader.

US Navy (USN) author.

dk/dk cc:9116 4/21/97