Thesis (M.S. in Defense Analysis)--Naval Postgraduate School, Dec. 2004. / Thesis Advisor(s): Hy Rothstein, Erik Jansen. Includes bibliographical references (p. 99-106). Also available online.

Thesis (M.S.)--Naval Postgraduate School, 2004. / Title from title screen (viewed Sept. 13, 2004). "June 2004." Includes bibliographical references (p. 87-89). Also issued in paper format.

While Special Operations Forces are commonly identified with the pursuit of foreign policy, they may also be used within the domestic security infrastructure. Given the long-practiced use of the military in developing countries in internal security roles (inclusive of Jamaica), and given the rise to prominence of transnational threats over traditional threats in Jamaica, a need has arisen for an evolution in the military to adequately meet these new unconventional threats. Such a capability may be embodied in a SOF properly selected, trained, equipped and organized to mitigate these irregular threats such as terrorism, illicit arms and narcotics trafficking, and organized crime which currently face Jamaica. This study examines the value, utility, and possible roles of such a unit in the Jamaican security landscape, and makes recommendations for the establishment and employment of such a unit in Jamaica.

The three objectives to this thesis are: to determine through historical investigation the primary motivations and impetuses behind the creation and development of special operations forces (SOF) within the People's Liberation Army (PLA) of China; to provide a detailed briefing of modern PLA SOF; to determine whether PLA SOF contingents will develop an American "Green Beret"-type Unconventional Warfare (UW) capability in the immediate future. The third objective will be ascertained through a brief investigation of the history, motivations and national strategy behind the United States Army Special Forces. It will also examine the doctrinal leanings of Local War Under High Tech Conditions, as well as the strategic and political objectives of the People's Republic of China (PRC), and how both factors pertain to and affect the missions of PLA SOF. Through the course of this thesis' research, it was discovered that doctrinal changes within the PLA, post-1979 PLA modernization and professionalization efforts, financial constraints on regional power projection goals, and the First Gulf War were the primary drivers behind the creation and development of PLA SOF. At present, an integral UW capability within PLA SOF is constrained by the Chinese military's current doctrinal emphasis--fighting a short war--and the PRC's strategic and political goals--translating regional economic interdependence into regional dominance.

Throughout American history, there has been a tension between conventional and unconventional forces on the field as well as between the commanders; we even see this at the strategic level. Force misperceptions created a gap between U.S. conventional and unconventional forces that reached a peak at the conclusion of the Vietnam War. This gap has slowly been reduced with the creation and efforts of SOCOM; however, inefficiencies in the conduct of major combat campaigns still remain as a result of poor integration. The Burma Campaign and the Liberation of the Philippines 1942-1945 provide two unique case studies in which unconventional forces worked under the overall guidance and command of a conventional leader. Throughout the Burma Campaign and the struggle for the Liberation of the Philippines, conventional forces relied heavily on the ability of unconventional forces to support and contribute to the overall campaign strategy. Direct and indirect communication, coordination, and autonomy of operations between these forces resulted in strategic successes enroute to victory in World War II. The coordination and roles of these forces throughout the campaigns provide valuable insights and lessons learned that can be applied to today's forces, who find themselves working together - and needing to work together - in conflicts abroad. / US Navy (USN) author.

Thesis (M.S.)--Naval Postgraduate School, 2002. / Thesis advisor(s): Gordon McCormick, David Tucker. Includes bibliographical references (p. 69-70). Also available online.

Thesis (M.S. in Defense Analysis)--Naval Postgraduate School, December 2009. / Thesis Advisor(s): Tucker, David. Second Reader: Simons, Anna. "December 2009." Description based on title screen as viewed on January 26, 2010 Author(s) subject terms: United States Special Forces, Operational, Detachment Bravo, Advanced Operational Base, B-Team, Special Forces Headquarters Company, Irregular Warfare, IW, Foreign Internal Defense, FID, Counter Insurgency, COIN, Advisory capability, USSF, USSF doctrine, Unconventional Warfare, UW, Indigenous Forces, Host Nation, Operational Role Includes bibliographical references (p. 61-63). Also available in print.

Thesis (M.S.)--Naval Postgraduate School, 2002. / Thesis advisor(s): Gordon McCormick, Lee Edwards, Anna Simons. Includes bibliographical references (p. 90-93). Also available online.

Thesis (M.S. in Defense Analysis)--Naval Postgraduate School, June 2003. / Thesis advisor(s): Anna Simons, George Lober. Includes bibliographical references (p. 125-129). Also available online.

Thesis (M.S. in Defense Analysis)--Naval Postgraduate School, June 2003. / Thesis advisor(s): Hy Rothstein, Anna Simons. Includes bibliographical references (p. 93-98). Also available online.