Directs, processes, and disseminates intelligence and combat information during and after deployment. Uses national intelligence capabilities to forecast foreign intent, COAs, and vulnerabilities. Coordinates multidiscipline counterintelligence MDCI support before, during, and after the operation.
PIR and IR are the basis for intelligence collection and production. These IR reflect some of the intelligence requirements that are less critical to the commander's decisions, but still include information to support the operations. Once approved, PIR and IR are integrated into the all-source intelligence collection plans that drive situation and target development. As these mission requirements change or as old requirements are met and new requirements are established, the SIO develops new PIR and IR to answer them.
Appendix A contains a sample collection plan and a chart that lists sources and agencies with the units and activities that fit into each category. These areas usually are along an avenue of approach AA mobility corridor where the interdiction of a threat force by fire, maneuver, or jamming will reduce or deprive that force of a particular capability. Some examples are key bridges, assembly areas, transportation systems, and air defense artillery ADA systems.
For ARSOF, the collecting phase of the intelligence cycle begins as soon as mission area requirements are identified. As incoming reports are received, they are matched with the collection requirements they satisfy and forwarded to the all-source production section ASPS for processing. Processing results finished intelligence products the ARSOF commander and staff use for planning and executing the mission.
Processing consists of the three operations discussed below. Recording Recording converts information into writing or other forms of graphic copy and then arranges it into groups of related items. Recording can be done manually or by computer and ranges from the simple logging-in of incoming message traffic to preparing IPB terrain products. Posting on an incident map or overlay would be recording. Evaluation Evaluation determines if the information is pertinent, reliable, and accurate. The analyst can rule out or confirm the validity of the information by applying his knowledge of the terrain or other conditions.
However, this process can require the reorientation of collection assets to confirm or deny the validity of a given report. Analysis Analysis determines the significance of the information, based on information and intelligence already known, and then draws conclusions about the probable meaning of the evaluated information.
Analysis is a continuous process applied to all available data. However, it becomes critical during the threat integration function of the IPB process. During threat integration, the friendly commander and staff analyze all available information against all possible enemy and friendly COAs.
Intelligence and combat information are of little value if they are not delivered when and where they are needed.
Failure to do this defeats a thorough and successful collection and processing effort. Since most intelligence and combat information is time sensitive, intelligence products must be disseminated to the ARSOF operations officer and commander when they need it and in a form they can use. Electrical message, data link, secure voice radio, and courier are the primary means of dissemination during ARSOF operations. Spot reports can be transmitted quickly and contain the bulk of combat information. ARSOF commanders use this data to accomplish their mission.
Any element that obtains combat information must disseminate it by the fastest, most direct means available. ARSOF commanders must ensure that intelligence nets are established. If direct communication over these nets is not possible, information should be passed through any available communications net to a relaying headquarters. Combat information also is reported through intelligence channels for processing and disseminating. Intelligence, combat information, and targeting data are disseminated based on established requirements stated in unit SOPs.
Although these requirements may vary, each unit must use a system that establishes priorities to distribute the most critical information first. When the commander clearly identifies and prioritizes the PIR, MI assets can provide the type and amount of intelligence needed to direct the operation. To best support their commanders, ARSOF collection managers must identify and prioritize their standing and time-sensitive collection requirements.
They must then forward these requests for intelligence information RIIs to their higher headquarters to be incorporated into the theater and national requirements list. Other support requests should use theater-specified formats.
Navigation menu
The five IEW mission tasks, which are shown at Figure , are discussed below. These products let ARSOF commanders see and understand the operational environment in sufficient time and detail to employ their forces effectively. Thus, a picture is developed based on an analysis of intelligence holdings which are continuously updated by collecting and processing information.
Situation development incorporates all four steps of the intelligence cycle. During situation development, the SIO uses IPB in the mission planning process to provide systematic and continuous analysis of all the operational factors in specific geographic areas. Target intelligence package TIP. Appendix B provides a sample outline for a general area study. It considers all of a commander's feasible COAs, analyzes and compares them, and then recommends key PSYOP factors affecting accomplishing the overall mission. Each TIP includes data on the target and important installations in the surrounding area, military aspects of terrain, and forces near or at the target that could affect accomplishing the mission.
TIPs are specially designed to support SOF requirements; however, they should also be useful to any services' ground forces, or air targeting forces with a mission against the target. When authorized and directed, participates in active CI operations through the CI section. Does not have any organic interrogation teams. This support is obtained from the SF group MI detachment or from other external agencies, as required. Works for the battalion commander under the staff supervision of the battalion S2. These operational bases combine the functions of the CP and unit trains into a single entity.
They are normally located at secure and logistically supportable sites in the communications zone COMMZ. The SFOB is a command, control and support base established and operated by an SF group from organic and attached resources. FOBs are also command, control, and support bases but they are established by the SF battalion. All three centers have their own organization and functions but their activities are interdependent.
It performs the functions of a conventional unit's TOC. Based on approved plans and guidance from the base commander, the OPCEN director supervises all operational aspects of mission planning and execution. The S2 section and the MI detachment are discussed below. These personnel are then task organized into four elements which are organic to the S2 section: S2 Operations Branch The S2 operations branch directs and coordinates the daily operations of the S2 staff. The S2 representative to the consolidated section coordinates and plans intelligence support for future and contingency SF operations.
It physically locates with the S3 plans branch or the consolidated plans section. S2 Security Branch The S2 security branch develops unit personnel, information, ADP, and physical security programs and supervises their implementation. The team provides-- Current and forecast weather data. Climatic analysis studies in support of all group missions.
The MI detachment commander, as the principal intelligence producer and executor-- Provides, through the group S2, intelligence support to the commander. Responds to formal taskings from the operational base SIO. Proper IEW support depends on direct daily contact and informal tasking and coordination between the SIO staff elements and the various sections of the MI detachment.
Is the focal point for all situation and target development. Develops and maintains the unit's intelligence data base, to include the intelligence journal, OB information, IPB products, targeting data, and the situation map. Receives and processes intelligence products and combat information from higher, lower, and adjacent commands.
Prepares intelligence estimates, reports, summaries, and briefs as required. Obtains the commander's approved requirements from the unit SIO, prioritizes them based on SIO guidance, and translates them into collection missions. Tasks organic and attached MI collection assets. Through the S3, requests intelligence collection mission tasking of SF teams or other subordinate non-MI assets. Disseminates combat information and intelligence within the command and to higher, adjacent, and lower headquarters. It provides-- Secure communication to the SF commander. Interfaces with theater and national intelligence systems to complete the integration of technical data generated by tactical units with the technical data produced by the National Security Agency NSA.
He also provides technical support to the battalion TCAE as required. Within SF units, imagery analysts are assigned to the group and battalion MI detachments. A thorough knowledge of threat tactics and ground OB enables them to recognize, identify, locate, describe, and report information concerning objects, activities, and terrain on a variety of imagery products.
Imagery analysts make associations between visible objects and configurations and analyze the results to determine strength, disposition, and enemy capabilities. They-- Analyze imagery and report specific information on threat operations, activities, dispositions, logistics, communications, installations, and civilian activities and their possible effect on SF operations. Prepare and maintain imagery prints to supplement and update maps for SF operational planning. Brief and debrief air crews. Extract information from imagery in DS of unit mission area analysis, target feasibility analysis, and ODA mission planning and target analysis.
Prepare battle damage assessments BDAs. Prepare mosaics and terrain models to support operational planning. If no deployed SOT-A is capable of collecting the information, the battalion S3 commits and deploys another team to meet mission requirements. Deploy with the SF team. Deploy independently from the SF team. A SOT-A has the capability to support an SF team with limited interrogation, translation, interpretation, and communications support. The SOT-A team leader executes the technical aspects of the mission. The SOT-A's are capable of operating in all environments and across the operational continuum in support of special operation elements.
Their small size and ability to task organize in a variety of combat configurations supports SF commanders' intelligence requirements. It performs source administration functions in support of all group LLSOs. It also supports the unit's personnelsecurity and information security functions.
Intelligence
Its CI teams conduct liaison with other US and host-nation security organizations located in the vicinity of the base. When authorized, organice SOT-A teams can provide limited communications monitoring support. When necessary, the CI section coordinates this and other non-organic support with the supporting theater Army CI element.
Develops detailed assessments of foreign intelligence and security threats near SF operational bases and in SF operational areas. Evaluates, if possible, the effectiveness of OPSEC measures implemented to correct identified friendly vulnerabilities. Briefs deploying SF teams on the latest threat data. Supports SF deception operations by determining foreign vulnerabiities to deception. Provides the S3 with recommendations for deception measures and evaluates their effectiveness through MDCI analysis. Requests external support, when necessary, to evaluate foreign reactions to friendly deception operations.
Also, when directed, they conduct CI investigations of suspected sabotage, subversion, and espionage activity directed against the SF group. The S2 tasks the team and controls its activities. The terrain team collects, compiles, and produces graphic and textual terrain data to support the group's needs. It also assists the ASPS in its IPB function by producing general and detailed terrain analysis, terrain studies, overlays, and overprinted maps.
Interrogation Teams The group's MI detachment has two interrogation teams.
Restricted U.S. Army Special Operations Forces Manual | Public Intelligence
They normally deploy three two-person teams, as required, to support group operations. One of the teams may be attached to the joint interrogation facility JIF. SF interrogation activities include-- Interrogating EPWs and debriefing detainees, returned US personnel, and other persons of intelligence interest to the supported commander. Exploiting documents that appear to directly satisfy the supported commander's SOR. Participating in overt elicitation activities. These activities include liaison, escort, observer, and treaty verification missions.
SF Company The SF company technician has staff responsibility for the organization, training intelligence and CI activities, and combat operations of the company and its operational detachments. Processes and questions EPW.
United States Army Field Manuals
Briefs and debriefs patrols. Conducts LLSO, as directed by higher headquarters; this is done with the assistance of the detachment members. S3 The S3 has primary coordinating staff responsibility for operations, organization, and training. This type of flexibility allows small-footprint, politically sensitive responses when large-scale military employment may be inappropriate or denied.
Adaptability first requires an understanding of the operational environment. Sustained engagement around the world, along with scalable features, makes SF teams the most ubiquitous ground forces with both lethal and nonlethal capabilities. Their low profile and an inherent need to network with interagency partners, indigenous populations, and indigenous systems reflect the adaptive nature of SF teams.
Their widespread and persistent engagement makes SF teams agile and responsive to rapidly changing regional situations that affect our national security interests. The National Security Strategy reaffirmed the U. Respect for universal values at home and around the world. An international order advanced by U.
The Sustaining U. Priorities for 21st Century Defense articulates strategic guidance for the DOD after a decade of war. It shapes a joint force for the future that will be smaller and leaner, but agile, flexible, technologically advanced, and ready to confront and defeat aggression anywhere in the world. It projects a changing security environment of complex challenges and opportunities.
Basic tenets include the following:. SF plays a vital role in supporting U. Through varying applications of UW, FID, counterinsurgency, preparation of the environment, security force assistance, direct action, special reconnaissance, counterterrorism, and counterproliferation of weapons of mass destruction, SF has proven its utility in conflict, cold war, and contingency operations.
SF discretely shapes the operational environment in both peace and complex uncertainty. These operations are conducted in support of the U. Ambassador and country team or in conjunction with joint operations being conducted in accordance with a command relationship established by the designated joint force commander JFC. In either situation, SF offers military options for situations requiring subtle, indirect, or low-visibility applications.
The small size and unique capabilities of SF give the United States a variety of appropriate military responses. These responses typically do not entail the same degree of political sensitivity or risk of escalation normally associated with the employment of a larger and more visible force. UW is the core task and organizing principle for Army SF. UW capabilities provide the method and skill sets by which all other SF missions are accomplished. SF is specifically organized, trained, and equipped for the conduct of UW. SF is regionally oriented, language-qualified, and specifically trained to conduct UW against hostile nation-states and non-state entities to achieve U.
Experiences in the s in Afghanistan and Nicaragua proved that support for an insurgency could be an effective way of putting indirect pressure on the enemy. The cost versus benefit of using UW must be carefully considered before employment. Properly integrated and synchronized UW operations can extend the application of military power for strategic goals.
UW complements operations by giving the United States opportunities to seize the initiative through preemptive or clandestine offensive action. UW is inherently a joint and interagency activity. For its part, SF units are designed to accomplish the following significant aspects:. Planning for UW is different from planning for other special operations. UW involves long-term campaigns that require operational art to put forces in space and time and integrate ends, ways, and means that attain the desired U. The sensitivity of the planned action dictates the level of compartmentalization the United States must use to ensure operational security.
Parallel planning by all levels ensures that each level understands how their mission integrates with the missions of other levels. Military leaders must carefully consider the costs and benefits prior to making a decision to employ UW. Properly integrated and synchronized UW complements other operations by giving the United States or HN opportunities to seize the initiative through preemptive covert or clandestine offensive action without an overt commitment of a large number of conventional forces.