21st Century SOF: Toward an American Theory of Special Operations, JSOU Report 13-1

by Harry R. Yarger

In this concise JSOU monograph, Dr. Rich Yarger considers the 21st century security environment, previous work on special operations theory, and various other perspectives of SOF gleaned from his research to synthesize an American SOF school of thought, which he argues provides a foundation for developing an American special operations theory for the 21st century. He offers definitions, premises, and principles that explain modern American special operations over the last 70 years and can serve SOF well into the future. Based on his research, he identifies major areas of concern for SOF leadership. As USSOCOM confronts the challenges offered by the 21st century and policymakers continue to look at SOF as a preferred means to address numerous and complex security issues, theory is essential in determining and explaining the appropriate roles and missions for SOF in the 21st century.

83 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 21, 2013

About the author

HARRY R. (Rich) YARGER is the Professor of National Security Policy in the Department of National Security and Strategy at the U.S. Army War College. Currently he teaches courses in Fundamentals of Strategic Thinking, Theory of War and Strategy, National Security Policy and Strategy, and Grand Strategy. His research focuses on national security policy, strategic theory, and the education and development of strategic level leaders. In addition to teaching positions, Dr. Yarger served 5 years as the Chairman of the War College’s Department of Distance Education and is considered one of the Army’s leading experts in on-line education. Dr. Yarger has also taught at the undergraduate level at several local colleges. A retired Army colonel, he is a Vietnam veteran and served in both Germany and Korea. Dr. Yarger is a graduate of the Army War College and obtained his doctorate in history from Temple University