Publisher's Synopsis
The United States is engaged in a protracted struggle against violent extremists that will persist for the foreseeable future. Our Air Force Special Operations Forces (AFSOF) are at the forefront of this struggle. In recent years, we have called upon AFSOF to deliver unique capabilities and skill sets to combatant commanders across the range of military operations from the major combat operations in Iraq and Afghanistan to the humanitarian relief operations in Haiti. Air Force Doctrine Document (AFDD) 2-7, Special Operations, guides the preparation and employment of Air Force special operations forces. It builds upon our capstone doctrine, and presents the fundamentals of what Airmen have learned as the best way to organize and employ AFSOF at the operational level of war. AFDD 2-7, Special Operations, describes the support AFSOF provides to the joint force commander (JFC) and reiterates the command relationships that allow the JFC to leverage AFSOF capabilities as part of a greater campaign plan. As we read AFDD 2-7, it is essential we keep the basic SOF truths in mind. AFSOF cannot be mass produced. AFSOF is centered on people and not platforms and therefore quality is always better than quantity. It takes years to produce a strategic SOF Airman. History has demonstrated that we cannot produce competent AFSOF after an emergency arises. Our AFSOF must remain strong and ready to serve. Finally, as we employ AFSOF, All Air Force Airmen must be prepared to enable the AFSOF mission with agile combat support capabilities. Although proud of our Air Force's successes during our most recent operations, history tells us that we cannot afford complacency. With this in mind, AFDD 2-7 captures lessons learned from latest experiences, adjusts AFSOF's doctrinal sightline, and shapes the foundational concepts to meet current and future challenges. Contents: Chapter One - Overview of Air Force Special Operations Forces (AFSOF) * Chapter Two - Core Activities And Missions * Chapter Three - Command, Control, and Organization * Chapter Four - AFSOF Planning and Support Considerations
