SPECIAL FORCES OPERATIONAL DETACHMENT-A IN 2035

In accordance with the U.S. Army’s current modernization efforts, this thesis examines the Special Forces Operational Detachment-Alpha in great power competition. The purpose of this research is to analyze the current tactical capability of Army Special Forces to determine what organizational modification or optimization is required to be successful in the future operating environment. The authors examined case studies of historic modification and determined that the prevailing causes of capability adaptation have been driven by political, economic, societal, and technological environmental change. The authors then applied these factors to current global trends to determine necessary future adaptation. Based on this research, the authors recommend an information warfare specialist within the Special Forces Operational Detachment-Alpha to ensure relevancy and success in the future environment.http://archive.org/details/specialforcesope1094564016Major, United States ArmyMajor, United States ArmyApproved for public release; distribution is unlimited