"The critical ingredient is we are entrusted to know when and where we can and cannot take these actions. While ‘We operate in the gray’ is a special forces staple, it can also be the most toxic thing a green beret says if it’s not underpinned by a clear understanding of the authorities, the risks, and the potential second and third order consequences of our actions." You nailed it. The best, most concise way of addressing 'creative procurating' of assets I've seen.
Borrow/trade: what made SOF so much more effective in the early rotations on-island was that we relied on our relationships to go point-to-point. Whereas all meetings/engagements the conventional forces wanted to schedule relied on a CONOP process that took 6 weeks. Conventional officers here now still complain about how every little thing requires a CONOP.
I think making stuff ourselves is going to be most important source of supply on a blockaded jungle island without air superiority. It's also the one we are planning and training the least for. We need local cottage industries for drones and munitions. The Americans living in hotels and apartments need to get back to SERE to learn how the indigenous tribes in the jungle grow food and purify water.
Steal: My favorite history teacher at Phillips Exeter argued that the French Directory unintentionally set up Napoleon for success by giving him command of the Army of Italy, which was plagued with logistics issues and had taken to looting. It forced them and him to become more self-reliant and steal from the enemy in the form of 'war contributions.'
The longest amphibious crossing in history will require them to bring a lot of the supplies we need and won't have to worry about the blockade.
No golden hour but no 40 page conops.
What are you going to be doing while you wait for sea/air lift to the next island? 50 page conops.
Great write up, helpful for discussion with my guys.
"The critical ingredient is we are entrusted to know when and where we can and cannot take these actions. While ‘We operate in the gray’ is a special forces staple, it can also be the most toxic thing a green beret says if it’s not underpinned by a clear understanding of the authorities, the risks, and the potential second and third order consequences of our actions." You nailed it. The best, most concise way of addressing 'creative procurating' of assets I've seen.
The best start ups do this. Great post.
I like how you tied all these steps back to relationships. Speaking of stealing, I will steal this.
Borrow/trade: what made SOF so much more effective in the early rotations on-island was that we relied on our relationships to go point-to-point. Whereas all meetings/engagements the conventional forces wanted to schedule relied on a CONOP process that took 6 weeks. Conventional officers here now still complain about how every little thing requires a CONOP.
I think making stuff ourselves is going to be most important source of supply on a blockaded jungle island without air superiority. It's also the one we are planning and training the least for. We need local cottage industries for drones and munitions. The Americans living in hotels and apartments need to get back to SERE to learn how the indigenous tribes in the jungle grow food and purify water.
Steal: My favorite history teacher at Phillips Exeter argued that the French Directory unintentionally set up Napoleon for success by giving him command of the Army of Italy, which was plagued with logistics issues and had taken to looting. It forced them and him to become more self-reliant and steal from the enemy in the form of 'war contributions.'
The longest amphibious crossing in history will require them to bring a lot of the supplies we need and won't have to worry about the blockade.