Role of Special Forces Liaison Elements in Future Multinational Operations

This thesis examines how might Special Forces liaison elements (SFLEs) improve interoperability between US forces, allies, and coalition partners from now until 2020. Given the history and current nature of US national security interests and defense strategy, it appears that the military will continue to conduct future operations within a multinational framework. It is also likely that in future operations, US commanders will continue to share the responsibility of leading such diverse organizations and face situations involving an equal or greater number of variables than those experienced during the Gulf War and subsequent combined operations. Thus, US commanders will require a conduit, such as SFLEs, also referred to as coalition support teams (CSTs) or liaison coordination elements (LCEs), to achieve the full synergistic effects of unified combat power. The study concludes that to ensure SFLEs remain capable and flexible to the emerging needs of US forces as well as multinational partners, SFLEs must as a minimum have compatible communication systems with US forces, enhanced regional expertise that includes vast knowledge of traditional as well as arcane languages and cultures, and an improved understanding of Joint and Army procedures and equipment at the operational levels.