JP 3-05.1 Joint Special Operations Task Force Operations

EXECUTIVE SUMMARYCOMMANDER’S OVERVIEW• Provides an Overview of Joint Special Operations• Provides Guidance for Organizing a Joint Special Operations Task Force• Discusses Command and Control Relationships and Considerations•Covers the Functional Areas of Planning, Operations, Intelligence, LogisticSupport, Communications System Support, and Information ManagementJoint Special OperationsThe successful conduct ofspecial operations (SO)relies on individual andsmall unit proficiency inspecialized skills appliedwith adaptability,improvisation, andinnovation.Special operations forces (SOF) are small, specially organizedunits manned by people carefully selected and trained to operateunder physically demanding and psychologically stressfulconditions to accomplish missions using modified equipment andunconventional applications of tactics against strategic andoperational objectives. The unique capabilities of SOFcomplement those of conventional forces.Joint special operations (SO) are conducted by SOF from morethan one Service in hostile, denied, or politically sensitiveenvironments to achieve military, diplomatic, informational, and/or economic objectives employing military capabilities for whichthere is no broad conventional force requirement. Theseoperations may require low visibility, clandestine, or covertcapabilities. SO are applicable across the range of militaryoperations. They can be conducted independently or inconjunction with operations of conventional forces or othergovernment agencies and may include operations through, with,or by indigenous or surrogate forces. SO differ from conventionaloperations in degree of physical and political risk, operationaltechniques, use of special equipment, modes of employment,independence from friendly support, and dependence on detailedoperational intelligence and indigenous assets.xi