SOF Contributions to Strengthening Weak or Failing States

Deteriorating nation states are a significant threat to U.S. and Western interests. Ineffective nation states frequently generate economic, social and humanitarian crises for their ungoverned populations, imperil the security of neighboring countries, and provide havens for terrorists and trans-global criminal organizations. These internal problems spill over borders and inflame regions, and, as demonstrated by the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, can directly threaten lives and property in the United States. The U.S. must therefore enhance current capabilities and develop new tools to mitigate the threats generated by weak and failing states. This monograph addresses the use of Special operations forces (SOF) to strengthen and stabilize weak or failing states. The paper's central research thesis is that proper SOF employment in stability operations can minimize or even preclude the requirement of large-scale conventional force interventions. The monograph uses criteria derived from current doctrine and strategic guidance to examine stability operations in Colombia and Afghanistan. U.S. military efforts in both of those countries rely heavily upon special operations forces to achieve strategic and operational effects. Based on examination of these two operations, the monograph makes recommendations to further enhance the United States' capabilities to effectively conduct stability operations in the immediate future. The monograph concluded the military must make changes to the doctrine, organization and employment methods of special operations forces to achieve significant positive results in stability operations. Specifically, the U.S. must employ SOF to achieve strategic and operational effects across the range of military operations. The monograph also recommends that the current rank structure within special operations forces be adjusted so it is commensurate with the effects SOF achieves in the battle space. The study further recommends adjusting the p