Training Special Operations Forces to Conduct Maritime Surveillance: A New Approach

Abstract

Special Operations Forces personnel must conduct maritime surveillance in a variety of settings, for a variety of purposes, using a wide range of tactics and resources. This paper describes an effort to use innovative methods to define training and technology gaps/needs and provide validated training and technology to meet those needs for maritime SOF individuals and teams. A Delphi survey approach was used to build consensus among the SOF personnel about the most important training needs. Maritime Domain Awareness and Command and Control for maritime mission operations were defined as the two most important training needs. A series of novel Course Design Events were used to test the effectiveness of the training in its formative state and make needed revisions. The SOF teams were able to try out the new training in a culminating exercise. In addition, the development team was able to find, modify, and test technology in the areas of communication, visual surveillance equipment both for day and night suitable for use on the water, and Unmanned Aerial Systems. The resulting training and technology will make SOF teams better prepared and more effective in their maritime surveillance missions.