Sea-based JSOTFs: Considerations for the Operational Planner

Future joint special operations task forces (JSOTFs) are not likely to exist merely as an adjunct to conventional units, but instead may be the supported force for major portions of a Geographic Combatant Commander s (GCC) theater campaign plan. Additionally, a myriad of geostrategic constraints may dictate this force operate from vessels serving as afloat forward staging bases (AFSBs). While the individual concept(s) of special operations focused campaigns and that of seabasing are not new, combining these two is a marked departure from previous maritime actions. This paper will discuss some of the operational level advantages and challenges of this novel construct and will proffer suggestions regarding how current doctrine might be adapted to address them.