Beyond the Movies: The Value Proposition of Canada’s Special Operations Forces.

Abstract

Initially this brief explains key terms and concepts. It reviews the scant (open source) literature on the use of Canadian special operations forces (SOF) as well as approaches taken by our allies. This study then presents the rationale for employing SOF as an instrument of Canadian foreign (and defence) policy. Finally, the paper frames three recommendations in accordance with an application of the emerging field of organization and management science within a military context. Policy-makers require a better understanding of what SOF is and what it can do; they should be cautious about expanding SOF per se and focus instead on emerging capabilities in support of SOF such as air transport, fire support and co-operation with conventional forces; and they need better and quicker decision-making for deploying SOF so that it can be used to the full extent of its capabilities.