Measuring the effectiveness of special operations / Linda Robinson, Daniel Egel, Ryan Andrew Brown.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Robinson, Linda, 1962- author.

Egel, Daniel, author.

Brown, Ryan Andrew, author.

Contributor:

Arroyo Center. Strategy, Doctrine, and Resources Program.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Special operations (Military science)--United States--Evaluation.

Special operations (Military science).

Special forces (Military science)--United States.

Special forces (Military science).

Place of Publication:

Santa Monica, Calif. RAND Corporation 2019

Summary:

How can the success (or failure) of Army special operations missions be assessed? The authors develop a methodology for doing so that relies on operational, intelligence, and ambient (publicly available) data, since operational level special operations commands often lack robust staff and resources to generate assessment-specific information. The method assesses the plan's lines of effort and their objectives, develops relevant measures of effectiveness and indicators, and gathers appropriate qualitative and quantitative data. The resulting analysis is presented to the appropriate commander, who can then use the information to adjust lines of effort or activities and other elements. The seven-step process is illustrated through a fictional scenario. Implementation will include incorporating the approach into doctrine and training and standing up an assessment cell. The cell requires access to data streams and appropriate analytic platforms and reachback support.

Contents:

Introduction

Line of effort-based assessment approach

Measures of effectiveness of SOF assessment

Seven-step assessment process

Sample assessment

Final considerations.