ISSUE 183 : Nov/Dec - 2010 - Australian Defence Force Journal

The longer-term vision for NATO SOFThere is every expectation that NATO SOF will be able to generate a world-class operationalforce, capable of deploying expeditionary tactical units to perform specialised missions inharsh, uncertain, hostile, denied and sensitive environments. This force will be capable ofperforming the aggressive F3EA targeting model mentioned earlier. NATO SOF, through jointforce training and accreditation, will also continue to develop a high level of operationalplanning capacity through its training and accreditation centres, enabling NATO members toassign SOF to NSCC-led task forces that are trained, equipped and organised to conduct highendspecial operations. This force will also act as the transformational conduit for the rest ofNATO, who will modernise as a result of the NSTI demonstrating its effectiveness within SOF.ConclusionJust as NATO prevailed during the Cold War, NATO is compelled to stand against the threatof global terrorist groups. In order to generate the military effectiveness required to defeatextremism, a capable and relevant organisation must be built to prosecute the current war.NATO in its recent past has proven its resolve and has shown the willingness to transformitself in light of this new global security environment. NATO must continue to embrace SOFcapability development.SOF provide the capability to worry the enemy, keep him off balance and ultimately defeathim. Terrorists in Afghanistan have witnessed first-hand what NATO SOF can do. To them, theprospect of a high-performing NATO counterterrorism force, able to operate anywhere withspeed, agility and lethality, while displaying democratic resolve and unity, is highly problematicand unwelcome. This is precisely how NATO and the broader Alliance can build a road maptowards victory in the global war on terror.Lieutenant Colonel Ian Langford, DSC is a Commando officer within Special OperationsCommand. He has deployed as an operational commander with the Special Operations TaskGroup to Afghanistan. He has additionally served in that theatre with the NATO SpecialOperations Coordination Centre on the 2008 review of ISAF special operations. He is aDistinguished Graduate of the US Marine Command and Staff College (2009) and was the 2010Honour Graduate the USMC School of Advanced War-fighting. He has also served on multipletours to Timor Leste, the broader Middle East, Bougainville, the Solomon Islands and as part ofAustralia’s domestic counter-terrorist response.63