Unconventional Warfare

The intent of this study is to provide special operations planners with a means to determine a new definition and application of unconventional warfare beginning, with an examination of its roots during World War II to the present day. Additionally, this study demonstrates that Special Forces have never been employed within the traditional doctrinal role outlined for unconventional warfare, but rather in matter most benefiting of the current campaign objectives. Training under the umbrella of unconventional warfare has provided Special Forces with versatility, in both peace and war to accomplish all assigned missions. This study documents and analyzes the evolutionary role of unconventional warfare and its changing significance and priority to other special operations missions such as direct action, special reconnaissance, and foreign internal defense. Finally, this study provides a model for determining how unconventional warfare can be useful in a future environment. Students who wish to expand their understanding on unconventional warfare and its employment, may capitalize on the information provided in this study to the benefit of their own education concerning unconventional warfare.