Special Operations Research Program

CNA’s Special Operations Research Program works across our organization to coordinate analyses of special operations and the forces that conduct them. Our experts bring to our research projects, wargames, and field billets a thorough understanding of complex issues facing Navy SEALs, Marine Raiders, and other special operations forces (SOF). Our analyses have focused on special operations force design, exercises and training, workforce management, infrastructure, support, acquisition, resourcing and costs, as well as regional security.

Why Special Operations?

Dr. Jonathan Schroden explains why SOF are uniquely suited to difficult policy problems requiring unorthodox solutions. The answer lies in the consideration of risk.

Why Special Operations? A Risk-Based Theory

Why Are Special Operations Ever Conducted?

Maritime Sabotage: Lessons Learned and Implications for Strategic Competition

CNA examines instances of sabotage in the maritime domain since World War II in order to derive lessons and best practices for the future conduct of such operations. The project team explores trends in the conduct of maritime sabotage, analyzes cross-cutting themes, and identifies implications for the Department of Defense and the specific forces that may conduct these types of operations.

Implications of Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Fishing for US Special Operations Forces

CNA analysts characterize the nature and scope of the People’s Republic of China’s illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing activities, the set of approaches that nations have available to them to address and counter IUU fishing, the degree to which these approaches are aligned to the nature of the PRC’s activities, and the degree to which SOF might be able to contribute to the application of those tools.

A Special Study Influences Special Operations

U.S. Marine Forces Special Operations Command asked CNA to analyze whether they needed to create new occupational specialties. Dr. Michelle Dolfini-Reed showed an improved return on investment by employing specialist Raiders rather than infantry Marines in special operations.

New Leadership for a New Generation

While some aspects of US Special Operations Forces’ leadership approach align well with what younger generations expect, critical gaps remain. Researchers recommend ways to address this issue so that SOF can best develop its future leaders.

Next Generation Leadership and Implications for Special Operations Forces

NEW LEADERSHIP FOR A NEW GENERATION

articles

podcasts

A New Vision for Special Operations Forces

reports

videos

Jonathon Schroden's testimony before the Senate Armed Services Committee’s Hearing Senate Armed Services Committee’s hearing on the role of special operations forces in supporting the National Defense Strategy

Explore more

Most of the work products for the Special Operations Research Program are classified or have distribution limited to the Department of Defense. Visitors with appropriate credentials can find these reports on the CNA SIPR site.

Contact

Megan Katt , Director

KattM@cna.org