Fixing the DOTMLPF Handicap: Effectively Integrating the Conventional Combat Air Force into Special Operations Forces Missions

ISBN: 128840851X

Author: Epperson, David C

Condition: New

Current Joint DOTMLPF creates tactical and operational limitations that SOF and conventional CAS aircrew must overcome in the heat of battle. Current CAS DOTMLPF focuses on conventional warfare with conventional ground units and fails to provide the proper IW tools, instead forcing improvisation. This paper uses the DOTMLPF format to identify areas for the Joint and Air Staffs to improve conventional airpower CAS support to Special Operations. The Staffs must update doctrine to enhance the organizational structure of Theater Air-Ground System (TAGS). Joint Publication 3.09-3 needs to increase available tactics, techniques, and procedures by adding a Fixed-Wing Call for Fire to give SOF an expedient method to target CAS aircraft in critical life threatening situations. For training, the joint community needs to put a concerted effort into SOF and IW pre-combat deployment exercises; merging JTACs, conventional aircraft, and the ASOC to strengthen the CAF/SOF bond. SOF need to enable the education of conventional aircrews by giving them access to secret compartmentalized SOF information. In the personnel category, the creation and employment of a Liaison Officer To Special Operations (LOTSO) will strengthen the relationship and provide a means for detailed integration down range. Enhancements across the spectrum of DOTMLPF, with respect to CAS in support of SOF, is required to provide SOF the ability to employ CAS properly in current and future combat operations.