Special Forces deployment

[FindYourInk]

Sorry if it's been discussed before, search function isn't working at the moment.

I was wondering how it's chosen which SF, of all the different units, gets deployed for a certain mission. I understand that each Unit has its own specialties.

Thank you for any clarification.

[Ravage]

AO, type of mission, which command if I'm not mistaken, time frame, the list is probably very long....

[Chops]

Ravage has it pretty much right.

[FindYourInk]

What's AO? Sorry, still new to the scene.

[LimaOscarSierraTango]

Pick the one that fits best:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_U.S._Army_acronyms_and_expressions

[CreepingDeath]

What's AO? Sorry, still new to the scene.

area of operations.

[Lt. James Anderson]

Just like any other unit.

[Ravage]

Helo transport as always the 160th p-)

Chope I have a question. What is the deciding factor to which command the "GO" will go to ? I mean the difference between JSOC (1st. SFOD-D, DevGru, 24th STS nad TF160 if I'm not mistaken) and SOCOM (Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine SOF) when if comes to getting the mission ?

[Chops]

The concept of operation, timeframes and the availability of resources are principally the deciding factors. For example, tier one CT/DA tasking will go to JSOC. If no JSOC element can be infil'd within the required timeframe, closer USSOCOM units can (and have) act in extremis to conduct the op.

A more practical example- top tier HVT is confirmed at a site on the Afghan border. Bells will ring at the JSOC element in-country buried within CJTF. If that element are otherwise engaged or flight time means a strong risk of losing the HVT, the job may go to an ODA that is geographically better placed to interdict the target. Or at least that's how it should work... :roll:

If it's a planned, non reactionary, tasking; the unit will be selected based on the type of skillsets required. FID= ODA. Bluewater stuff= SEALs. CT training= ODA or maybe JSOC. Make sense?

[Ravage]

Yes sir, thank You :hug:

[cyberoverlord0]

How do they chose what Army SF Group to deploy. I know that 5th Special Forces AO is the Middle East, but arent the 1st Speical Forces is deployed their as well and their AO is the Pacific.

[Ravage]

SF groups are no longer AO orientated.

[cyberoverlord0]

When did they not become oriented by an AO?

[Ravage]

I have no idea.

[ibstolidude]

SF groups are no longer AO orientated.
Where did you get that?

[Ravage]

Read it here, somewhere.

[Laconian]

Ah, so it must be true.

[Ravage]

Since I'm being bashed on the head with sarcasm then gues it's not. Back to my corner....

[Dominique]

How do they chose what Army SF Group to deploy. I know that 5th Special Forces AO is the Middle East, but arent the 1st Speical Forces is deployed their as well and their AO is the Pacific.

Right now they're pulling teams from everywhere as there's a shortage of SOF in general. They'll continue to pull units from any group and send them where ever they feel they're needed until they can bring more A-teams on line. That's why you see NG A-teams in A-Stan, 7th Group guys running around Iraq, etc.

[Irene]

Ravage, I've read that before as well, I'm guessing from the onslaught of sarcastic remarks you received its not true, but if anyone actually knows and has some proof I would love to read it. Thanks in advance!

[IMTT]

Based on my knowledge and experience the US Army SF groups as well as their supporting assets remain oriented to regions. Their language skills are still dictated around those areas. However the fact of the matter is there is so much work in so many places there is just not enough of these operators to go around. All of SOCOM and the Joint SOC commands are very, very busy filling in the gaps worldwide with no rest in sight. A good amount of these guys are on their fourth and fifth deployments. BTW these aren't three or four month in and out deals either. The 3rd was RIPed by the 7th SFG and both were the Command elements (CJSOTF-A) during these periods from 2003-2005 respectively (dated open source info, old news).

[Lions2012]

Okay, bit of a stretch;

According to CHOPS' 2nd post...does this mean that JSOC is more 'elite' than SOCOM? Or, at the very least, preferential to SOCOM?

Sorry to be the dufus with the conversation dynamite...

[IMTT]

It never occurred to me that one was more "elite" than the other since I have served with both there is little to no difference other than structure & authority issues. OK, sorry that is the simple answer but let's keep it simple. A JSOC element is an overall authority for in country assets in a region / AOR. This is a Joint element made up of many different US SOF Forces. SOCCENT, SOCSOUTH, SOCEURO etc., region specific. My experience is on the lower end of the food chain. Many staff officers & senior NCOs service specific have to serve time on staff at a JSOC. You know check the box and then move back to a regular command. Operators when not at a JSOC if in the Army as an example would come under a SFG command or the like, if it's a SEAL then a ST or NAVSPECWARGRP...yad,yad yad. Once again don't frag me here this is the simple, simple answer. The last thing most SOF folks want or anyone else is to do duty at a JSOC...but everybody if they are in long enough will do time in the bucket (most ussually).

No SOCOM is not more or less Elite than a JSOC a ST or a SFG or whatever; different jobs, same folks. Don't cut my head off here guys just the short answer.

[cadete]

It all depends on the capabilities, for example if a Hostage situation in a foreign country happens, and there is no time or capability of deploying a CT force like Devgru, 24th sts or 1sfod-d, a regular ODA , SEAL , Marine team will take the control of the situation, thats why every SOF in the military have an extensive training for every situation even if their task as branch its different, Always to be ready for everything.

[IMTT]

Hence one of the other needs for a J-SOC to deconflict resources and delegate taskings in regions based on force availibility. As well as constant monitoring of on going missions of SOF forces, their effects, analysis and much more.

I'm totally unfimilair with the top pro heavey hitters and how they get the call. In fact I would rather not be anywhere they are because something really bad is most likely going to happen. A really high level HVT is waiting for a ride to some place not very good one way or another. It's like...Um the grim reaper is standing in the door, you know the funeral parlor guy with the casket dude. These guys don't make routine calls and magically appear for no reason and say hello. I always think of a black cloud about knee high making its way through the area. Don't want to know, don't need to know, none of my bussiness and I'm out.

[Chops]

IMTT you appear to have some confusion between JSOC the Command (Joint Special Operations Command) and a JSOTF or CJSOTF which is much more like you are describing (a Joint Special Operations Task Force such as TF Dagger or K-Bar in the opening days of OEF).

JSOC is a subordinate command under USSOCOM with a specialist role and charter- the 'heavy hitters' you mentioned.

Lions2012- nope, different roles is all and certainly not preferential to other USSOCOM assets. Maybe I didn't make it clear enough- each unit within US SOF has a specific role however most are capable of conducting other types of operations when required. JSOC are primarily the DA/CT guys (although also some of the finest SR guys are Army JSOC) and everything that supports that mission.

[Creeper]

As always 'Chops' is correct.
JSOC is 'sub' to USSOCOM. The saying goes; "Shut your mouth about JSOC" and I know this ! LOL !

I think Dominque mentioned earlier that specfic AOs for each group are long ago. Hell, Terps are hired for teams whose langauge is Spanish but are operating in the box.

But then no one truley has the scoop on the poop here in this thread, (except 4 Chops!)

Yawn,,is there anything more interesting than this?

LOL!

[Dominique]

It's not that the groups have given up their regional specialization, there's simply not enough SOF forces to cover all the missions they've been thrown the last few years. SOF is a low density/high demand field. To help cover some of the capability gaps, they've been pulling people from one unit, to fill a gap in another. Why do you think SOCOM is so hot to get more Marine Special Operations Adviser Groups up and running? It'll help free up Army SF teams for other missions.

As to how units get tasked, there are a number of complex factors that come into play. It all depends on what the mission is, what units are available, what equipment they have, and what type of time frame you have to work with. IS the mission something conventional unit could handle on its own, or handle with some additional training and equipment? Is it something they want done yesterday? Do they want to keep US involvement out of the lime light, etc.

Another factor that plays a role is how things will play out in the media. A country may not want two or three battalions of infantry running around the countryside, but might agree to a team of SF, Civil Affairs, and USAF Special Ops Avn. Advisers on the ground.

[IMTT]

The question was; does this mean that JSOC is more 'elite' than SOCOM? Or, at the very least, preferential to SOCOM? I was attempting to answer the question based on my limited knowledge. I believe the answer is No. It is not quality of personnel or elite status of personnel therein.

Mr. Chops seems to have a firm grasp of the C of C and the working parts. He immediately knew who I was refering to when the term "Heavey hitter" was used...nicely done BTW.

My experience among my other assignments was at a JSOC and prior to that with a CJSOTF down range.

Respectfully

[Lions2012]

Alright, so SFOD-D and DEVGRU are the prime DA/CT guys. Does this mean that your Marine SOTs, Army Special Forces/Rangers, and other SEAL teams act as support units for larger navy/marine/army deployments? Or, could they be rapidly moved from one AO to another overnight? For that matter, could DEVGRU and SFOD-D move AOs overnight? Or do these guys usually hang out in a particular theatre for a certain time span?

[Creeper]

Alright, so SFOD-D and DEVGRU are the prime DA/CT guys. Does this mean that your Marine SOTs, Army Special Forces/Rangers, and other SEAL teams act as support units for larger navy/marine/army deployments? Or, could they be rapidly moved from one AO to another overnight? For that matter, could DEVGRU and SFOD-D move AOs overnight? Or do these guys usually hang out in a particular theatre for a certain time span?

1.) Yes.
2.) No.
3.) No.
4.) No.
5.) Yes and/or no, but not really.

BTW> hope that helps. Yawnn,,,time for a Latte.

[IMTT]

One really does never know, like I said the Grim Reaper bro.

[ibstolidude]

1.) Yes.
2.) No.
3.) No.
4.) No.
5.) Yes and/or no, but not really.

BTW> hope that helps. Yawnn,,,time for a Latte.
Ahhh..... OK.

[Dominique]

Alright, so SFOD-D and DEVGRU are the prime DA/CT guys. Does this mean that your Marine SOTs, Army Special Forces/Rangers, and other SEAL teams act as support units for larger navy/marine/army deployments? Or, could they be rapidly moved from one AO to another overnight? For that matter, could DEVGRU and SFOD-D move AOs overnight? Or do these guys usually hang out in a particular theatre for a certain time span?

Delta and DEVGRU are tier 1 CT units. As for the rest of your question, you're starting to get into specific capabilities that don't need to be discussed here.

[IMTT]

who; um what. I'll have a Dark Boltron on ice and a Partigas No.1, do you have any wood stick matches?

[Lions2012]

Delta and DEVGRU are tier 1 CT units. As for the rest of your question, you're starting to get into specific capabilities that don't need to be discussed here.

Burrr....Chilly

[Ghostryder]

http://img262.imageshack.us/img262/8062/awesomethreadrd5.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[Lions2012]

http://img262.imageshack.us/img262/8062/awesomethreadrd5.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

lady in blue...comin' through....