Precise Warriors

Abstract

Images of burly men painted in green, outfitted in camouflage and a Rambo-esque bandana, donning night-vision goggles, and armed with the newest weaponry are drawn forth when thinking of the phrase "Special Operations." There is a certain myth surrounding the community: Special Operators are the greatest warriors in the world. The use of these warriors is usually only thought of in a tactical context. This thesis, in looking beyond the battlefield adventures of Special Operators, asks the question: "How do these warriors do this job, and what ends do they serve in greater US security strategy?" The thesis discusses the development of the special operations capability since World War II and shows that special operations forces can be precisely tailored by U.S. policy-makers to meet specific high-level strategic objectives.