This quick reference guide will explain the fundamental needs of the SOFs community...
Introduction
Originally, the 5 Ts (5 Truths) were written by a non-special forces U.S. Army Colonel (Col. J. Collins). These tenants were added to the U.S. Special Warfare School and Center so that in-coming students and civilians could understand the SOF mentality.
Truth #1
Humans are more important than hardware
Technological advances are of little importance to a unit's ability to perform if the individual behind the technology is not adequately trained/proficient/prepared.
Advances in "hardware" are only applacable if the Soldiers know how to process the information.
The take-away from this "truth" is that "hardware" fails, batteries run-out, radio frequencies are compromised etc.
While the desire of politicians to create a more aseptic use of military force may be good in thought, in practice it always boils down to the "man behind the gun"...
Example: The exploits of the 75th Ranger Regiment during Operation Gothic Serpentcould not be a better example of this, sheer determination to accomplish the mission.
Truth #2
Quality is better than quantity
One of the principal foundations of SOF is the ability to perform non-conventional operations.
In staying with that idea, it is important to remember that SOFs:
• Force Mulitpliers (FMs)
• Work in small groups
• Create strong ties to local governance
Notwithstanding their relative low numbers, their ability to increase battlefield applications are a hallmark trait of SOFs.
It is vitally important that each SOF member can perform his/her task to the upmost ability.
SOFs operators are always trained in specialities (HALO/SCUBA/WPNs/ENG) and cross trained in other fields (medical/communications).
There is a saying: "Quantity has a Quality all its own". That is to say 1,000 older model tanks cresting a hill are "better" than 100 newer model tanks. However, SOFs allow military operations to "think outside the box". A SOF TM could go into an area a week before an operation and train a platoon of local fighters to fight as anti-tank "kill teams" with advanced weaponry and survivability. Then during the battle, SOFs are able to assist the fight (Command & Control/CAS/MEDEVAC).
This allows for a smaller "footprint" on the ground which, can be very important for Special Operation missions.
Example: • U.S. Army Special Forces number about 5,500 operators. This makes less than 1% of the total Army personnel strength
• The roughly 2,500 U.S. Navy SEALs only make 1% of the total Navy personnel strength
Truth #3
Special Operations Forces cannot be mass produced
Typically, Armies can only "mass produce" their soldiers for a variety of reasons and shortcomings.
For SOFs, this is not a viable choice for mission success.
SOFs must be trained and mentored in a more small unit focused environment. Time and dedication must be given to SOFs Soldiers in training to ensure their elite capabilities are cultivated.
Example: Special Forces training can take up to 2 years.
Training "pipeline": • Phase I (7 weeks) - Course Orientation and History
• Phase II (18–25 weeks) - Language and Culture
• Phase III (13 weeks) - Small Unit Tactics & SERE
Competent special operations forces cannot be created after emergencies occur
SOFs take years to be ready.
First, their selection and training phase can take 2 years.
Then, new members of SOFs will need at least another year to mesh into their new team(s).
A tragic affirmation of this reality is the fact that new members of the U.S. Army Special Forces had a higher WIA/KIA rate then their "seasoned" SOFs counter parts during OEF/OIF deployments.
In this era of low-level intensity conflicts, SOFs are often the "tip of the spear" and in large demand. Long are the days (for now at least) of WWII and the likes. Today, we do not have "time" to train up SOFs. They must be proficient at all times in order to meet their nation's military goals.
This "truth" is even more important today than when this list was originally created. Example: Deploying ODA Teams to Afghanistan were already trained on horse riding/pack animal use
Truth #5
Most special operations require non-SOF support
SOFs still rely on "traditional" military support to accomplish their mission(s).
However, for the U.S. Military this rings less true today than ever before. One of the many lessons learned from 9/11 was the SOFs inability to sustain long term operations.
Many SOFs units simply did not have to support infrasture to sustain "the fight".
Today, more than ever the U.S. Army has Combat/Health/Logistical Support organic to its structre.
Example: • 10th Mountain providing a QRF to Task Force Ranger in Somalia
• 82D ABN DIV maintaining multiple blocking positions over a dispersed area while SOF are coducting raids
• "Psy-Ops" and Civil Affairs allow better interactions with local populations • 528th sustain SOFs operations