special operations

Definition/Scope: (ADRP 3-05) Special operations are operations requiring unique modes of employment, tactical techniques, equipment and training often conducted in hostile, denied, or politically sensitive environments and characterized by one or more of the following: time sensitive, clandestine, low visibility, conducted with and/or through indigenous forces, requiring regional expertise, and/or a high degree of risk (JP 3-05, Special Operations). OLD VERSION Actions conducted by specially organized, trained, and equipped military and paramilitary forces to achieve military, political, economic, or psychological objectives by nonconventional military means in hostile, denied, or politically sensitive areas. They are conducted in peace, conflict, and war, independently or in coordination with operations of general purpose forces; politico-military considerations frequently shape special operations, requiring clandestine, covert, or low-visibility tech

Use:

Theater Special Operations Command

Acronym:

SO

Broader Terms:

military operation

Narrower Terms:

antiterrorism
counterintelligence operations
covert
low intensity conflict
Navy SEALs
personnel recovery
psychological operations
rigid hull inflatable boat
sea-air-land teams
Special Forces Assessment and Selection
Special Forces Qualification Course
special reconnaissance
U.S. Navy Sea-Air-Land teams

Related Terms:

Army Special Operations Task Force
coalition warfare
counterdrug operation
counterterrorism
direct action
foreign internal defense
Humanitarian Assistance
Naval Amphibious Base Coronado
overt operations
Ranger
Security Assistance
strategic reconnaissance
unconventional warfare