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OCR for page 3
Introduction
.....
The value of oceanographic information for planning and executing naval operations has been recognized by
the Navy for decades. Consequently, the Office of Naval Research has been a leading funder of academic
oceanographic research for many years. In an effort to improve the academic ocean science community's under-
standing of the operational demands placed on naval units, the Ocean Studies Board (OSB), through the support of
the Office of Naval Research and the Office of the Oceanographer of the Navy, convened four previous symposia
on tactical oceanography (NRC 1991, 1992, 1994, 1996~. These symposia have become an important vehicle for
facilitating dialogue between academic scientists and the warfighters. These exchanges constitute a valuable
mechanism to facilitate more efficient use of naval research funds and to help academic scientists identify areas of
research of high value to the Navy.
Naval Special Warfare (NSW) encompasses some of the most unique and arduous challenges facing naval
personnel in combat situations. Real-time decision making is crucial, and the need for adequate and accurate
environmental data on small scales is paramount for minimizing uncertainty and reducing risk. A thorough
understanding of surf conditions; the nature of the coastline; the variability of seabed stability; and even the
concentration of local marine life, large predators, and natural or man-made toxins can help ensure mission
success.
The OSB's fifth symposium on tactical oceanography examined the present state of knowledge and predictive
capability relevant to NSW. Emphasis was placed on discussion of issues of shared interest between warfighters
and scientists (see Box 1-1~. A total of 104 attendees from the operational Navy, the Navy research and develop-
ment community, and academia participated.
The symposium included, but was not limited to, discussion of the processes (e.g., gravity and infragravity
waves) that control the transport of momentum and material in the region from roughly 1 km offshore, inward to
the seasonal high-tide mark (roughly, water of 40 m and shallower depths). By describing the dynamic relation of
the fluid, sediment, and biota, with effects on visibility and boundary stability, the meeting reviewed existing
approaches used to monitor and predict changes in physical parameters and other environmental factors important
for conducting special warfare operations in nearshore settings. The effects of marine boundary-layer and water
column visibility on remote sensing capabilities and operations were also included.
The NRC appointed a symposium steering committee consisting of two OSB members and two additional
ocean scientists. This steering committee (1) worked with appropriate Navy personnel to identify specific topics
to be covered, (2) identified the most appropriate speakers to address symposium attendees, (3) identified members
3
OCR for page 4
4
OCEANOGRAPHY AND NAVAL SPECIAL WARFARE: OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES
of the academic community who should be encouraged to attend, and (4) authored this unclassified symposium
summary report.
SPECIAL OPERATIONS FORCES: AN OVERVIEW
Making use of information about the various environments in which NSW personnel operate, will require that
scientist and warfighter understand (1) the constraints faced by the operator in the field and (2) the limitations
placed on the scientist's knowledge by the complexity of processes that operate in such settings. Understanding
the methods of operation of a group that prides itself on being able to routinely conduct clandestine operations is
a unique challenge. Consequently, an examination of the nature of special operations in general may provide some
insights germane to understanding Naval Special Warfare.
Special Operations Forces (SOF, sometimes referred to as Special Forces) are military personnel who receive
demanding and specialized training in order to conduct a variety of unique missions for which most of the more
conventional military units are not adequately suited. Many nations, including Great Britain, Australia, the
Russian Federation, and the United States, have designated Special Operations Forces within their military struc-
ture. Most of these units have long and distinguished histories and are descendants of a variety of unconventional
forces involved in a number of conflicts. Some of the most commonly recognized units include the Special Air
Service (SAS) and Special Boat Service (SBS) (Great Britain), the Green Berets (U.S. Army), Spetsnaz (Russian
Federation), and the SEALs (Sea, Air, and Land teams; U.S. Navy).
These SOF units have been referred to as "necessity's children" (White, 1992) and perform a wide variety of
unique tasks, including reconnaissance and surveillance patrols, guerrilla and assault commando missions, and
combat rescue. In addition, these forces are commonly used as instructors in each nation's efforts to train allied
forces in less developed nations. Perhaps the best-trained and equipped forces within this group of elite warfighters
from around the world are members of the U.S. Special Operation Forces (US S OF) under the U.S. Special
Operations Command (USSOCOM).
US SOF are military personnel who provide the National Command Authorities a highly-trained, rapidly-
deployable joint force capable of conducting special operations anywhere in the world. US SOF may support and
enhance the capabilities of conventional forces by serving as a force multiplier, or US SOF may provide an
independent capability that can be applied across the full range of military operations. Political sensitivities, in
some cases, may render SOF as the only available military option. US SOF are valuable instruments of national
policy, because they provide an array of capabilities to meet a myriad of operational requirements (Office of the
Undersecretary of Defense, 1996~.
OCR for page 5
INTRODUCTION
is
U.S. SPECIAL OPERATIONAL FORCES AND USSOCOM
Activated on April 16, 1987, USSOCOM is an umbrella organization intended to provide command, control,
and training for all U.S. Special Operations Forces (US SOF). Some 47,000 active, National Guard and reserve
personnel are included in USSOCOM. USSOCOM headquarters is located at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida.
Component SOF commands within USSOCOM include the Joint Special Operations Command, Fort Bragg,
North Carolina; the U.S. Army Special Operations Command, Fort Bragg, North Carolina; the Air Force Special
Operations Command, Hurlbert Field, Florida; and the Naval Special Warfare Command (NAVSPECWARCOM),
Coronado, California.
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OCR for page 6
6
OCEANOGRAPHY AND NAVAL SPECIAL WARFARE: OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES
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MISSIONS OF SPECIAL OPERATIONS FORCES
Special operations are characterized by the use of small units in direct and indirect military actions focused on
strategic and operational objectives. These actions require units with combinations of specialized personnel,
equipment, training, and tactics that go beyond the routine capabilities of conventional military forces. In support
of national military strategy, US SOF are currently organized and trained in nine principal mission areas. Based
on their unique capabilities, US SOF are also frequently tasked to participate in other activities that are not
principal US SOF missions. These collateral activities tend to shift in response to the changing international
environment.
US SOF may conduct several principal missions and collateral activities at the same time in a single cam
paign. Whenever US SOF are tasked by the National Command Authorities, a joint force commander, a U.S.
ambassador or country team, or any other government agency to perform a mission for which US SOF are best
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INTRODUCTION
7
suited among the available forces or perhaps are the only force available the focus becomes the tasked mission,
even if it is not a principal US SOF mission or a collateral activity (Office of the Undersecretary of Defense,
1996).
SOF units are employable where high-profile conventional forces appear to be politically, militarily, or
economically inappropriate. Smalls self-reliant readily deployable units that capitalize on speeds surprises and
~ ~ ~ - - ~ - - --- - ~ , ,, ~ ,, ~ _ ~ , ~ ,
deception may sometimes accomplish missions in ways that minimize risks of escalation and concurrently maxi-
mize returns compared to orthodox applications of military power, which normally emphasize mass (Collins,
1994~. Aircraft, artillery, or combat engineers, for example, might demolish a critical bridge at a particular time,
but SOF units could magnify the physical and psychological effects considerably. Conventional land, sea, and air
forces normally patrol specified sectors intermittently, whereas SOF forces may remain in hostile territory for
weeks or months at a time collecting information that otherwise would be unobtainable. Severe misfortunes, of
course, may accompany failure. Large enemy conventional forces can easily overwhelm small SOF units that they
manage to corner during clandestine operations, and they may be tempted to treat survivors harshly. Adverse
political repercussions can be far-reaching (Collins, 1994~.
NAVAL SPECIAL WARFARE: "ELITE OF THE ELITE"
Like many naval forces around the world, units involved in Naval Special Warfare (NSW) have evolved in
response to constant changes in the tactical and strategic environment in which the U.S. Navy operates. NSW
units can trace their heritage back to World War II when formal training of the Naval Combat Demolition Units
(NCDUs) began in the spring of 1943 (Kelly, 1992~. These units distinguished themselves at Utah and Omaha
beaches during the D-Day landing at Normandy. In the Pacific, NCDUs were consolidated into Underwater
Demolition Teams (UDTs) that saw action during MacArthur's island-hopping campaign. These units drew
volunteers from the Navy's Scouts and Raiders (a small group of what were then referred to as amphibious
commandos), Naval Constructions Battalions (Sea-Bees), or even civilians with experience in ordnance disposal.
After World War II, these units and the SEAL teams they evolved into saw action in Korea, Vietnam, Grenada,
Panama, and the Persian Gulf war (Kelly, 1992~.
Today's NSW units, including the SEALs, still exhibit the hallmarks of excellence that characterized their
predecessors. Perhaps two aspects of NSW distinguish it from activities conducted by other US SOF assets-
NSW is truly force projected from the sea, and SEALs most commonly operate in the maritime environment at
squad or platoon strength. Thus, stealth and an ability to direct maximum fire power from a small force when
needed characterize NSW operations.
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SETTING AND STRUCTURE OF THE SYMPOSIUM
The symposium was held at the Naval Amphibious Base, Expeditionary Warfare Training Group Pacific,
Coronado, California, on February 17-20,1997. Discussions and presentations also took place at the nearby Naval
Special Warfare Center and the Naval Pacific Meteorology and Oceanography Facility located at North Island
Naval Air Station.
As mentioned earlier, the symposium series was developed, in large part, to facilitate interaction between the
scientist and the warfighter. Therefore, Day 1 of the symposium emphasized interaction with SEAL team mem-
bers. Small groups of attendees participated in a series of activities, including interactive demonstrations designed
and led by SEAL team members, to increase awareness of the challenges involved in NSW.
Day 2 introduced the attendees to the mission needs of typical NSW operations. Small groups participated in
interactive mission-planning exercises and concurrent working groups to identify the types of environmental data
needed and to gain an understanding of the means presently available to collect and disseminate such data.
The final day focused on lessons learned and on the identification of ways to increase the ability of the ocean
science community to support NSW operations. Attendees were organized into topical working groups to provide
an opportunity for colleagues to participate in a dialogue directed at problem solving.
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8
OCEANOGRAPHY AND NAVAL SPECIAL WARFARE: OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES
SCOPE OF THIS REPORT
This report is intended to help make the nature and substance of the symposium available to a wider audience
than the limited number of individuals who were able to attend. Based in large extent on declassified meeting
notes, the report summarizes discussions that took place during plenary and working group meetings. This
material was supplemented by discussions held during a post-meeting review at which the steering committee and
members of various Navy units discussed the informational material provided to attendees, the declassified
symposium notes, and attendee evaluation forms. This report, therefore, is more than a simple record of the
symposium itself. It is intended (1) to help educate both the scientist and the warfighter about the unique
challenges each faces and (2) to focus attention on specific aspects of the symposium that, in the opinion of the
committee, are most germane to Naval Special Warfare.
Representative terms from entire chapter:
naval special