Declassified and Approved For Release 2012/10/11 : CIA-RDPO2T06251R000900020007-6 CONFIDENTIAL “Fu st-20 HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY Washington, DC, 30 September 1977 SPECIAL FORCES OPERATIONS (U) This manual was developed by the US Army Institute for Military Assistance. We are always looking for new, innovative, quality ways of improving our doctrine and welcome your comments on the material contained in this publication. Please forward your comments to: Commandant US Army Institute for Mi ATTN: ATSU-TD-TL Fort Bragg, North Car The use of the pronouns “he, “himself,” etc., in this manual includes both masculine and feminine genders. Any exception to this will be so noted. ‘This manual supersedes FM 31-20, 12 February 1971, including all changes: FM 31-20A, 30 December 1965; FM 31-21, 20 December 1974; andFM 31-214, 20 December 1974, which shall be destroyed in accordance with AR 380-5. CONFIDENTIAL (THIS PAGE IS UNCLASSIFIED) Declassified and Approved For Release 2012/10/11 : CIA-RDP02T06251R000900020001-6Declassified and Approved For Release 2012/10/11 : CIA-RDP02T06251R000900020001-6 FM 31-20 UNCLASSIFIED UNCLASSIFIED ii Declassified and Approved For Release 2012/10/11 - CIA-RDP02T06251R000900020001-6Declassified and Approved For Release 2012/10/11 : CIA-RDPO2T06251R000900020001-6 UNCLASSIFIED FM 31-20 THE WHITE HOUSE April 11, 1962 TO THE UNITED STATES ARMY: Another military dimension -- "guerrilla warfare" -- has necessarily been added to the American profession of arms. The literal translation of guerrilla warfare -- "a little war" -- is hardly applicable to this ancient, but at the same time, modern threat. Inote that the Army has several terms which describe the various facets of the current struggle: wa: aggression, and, in broad professional terms, special warfare or unconventional warfare. of subversion, covert By whatever name, this militant challenge to freedom calls for an improvement and enlargement of our own development of techniques and tactics, communications and logistics to meet this threat. The mission of our Armed Forces -- and especially the Army today -- is to master these skills and techniques and to be able to help those who have the will to help themselves. Pure military skill is not enough. A full spectrum of military, para-military, and civil action must be blended to produce success. The enemy uses economic and political warfare, propaganda and naked military aggression in an endless combination to oppose a free choice of government, and suppress the rights of the individual by terror, by subversion and by force of arms, To win in this struggle, our officers and men must understand and combine the political, economic and civil actions with skilled military efforts in the execution of this mission. "The green beret" is again becoming a symbol of excellence, a badge of courage, a mark of distinction in the fight for freedom. I know the United States Army will live up to its reputation for imagination, resourcefulness, and spirit as we meet this challenge. UNCLASSIFIED Declassified and Approved For Release 2012/10/11 - CIA-RDP02T06251R000900020001-6UNCLASSIFIED SPECIAL FORCES OPERATIONS (U) TABLE OF CONTENTS Declassified and Approved For Release 2012/10/11 : CIA-RDP02T06251R000900020001-6 “FM 31-20 CHAPTER SECTION SECTION SECTION SECTION CHAPTER SECTION SECTION SECTION SECTION SECTION CHAPTER SECTION SECTION SECTION SECTION SECTION SECTION CHAPTER SECTION SECTION ty ut v vw US ARMY SPECIAL FORCES 1 MISSIONS 5 ORGANIZATION AND CAPABILITIES 7 COMMAND AND CONTROL___ 25 OPERATIONS SECURITY (OPSEC)____ 39 UNCONVENTIONAL WARFARE 41 RESISTANCE. 45 PRE-MISSION PREPARATION 59 ORGANIZATION AND BUILDUP. 63 COMBAT EMPLOYMENT_______ 95 DEMOBILIZATION 141 UNCONVENTIONAL WARFARE SUPPORTING OPERATIONS 147 INFILTRATION EXFILTRATION__ 151 INTELLIGENCE 165 LoaisTics 173 MEDICAL 187 PSYCHOLOGICAL OPERATIONS___ 195 CIVIL AFFAIRS OPERATIONS 203 SPECIAL OPERATIONS AND FOREIGN 9 gg INTERNAL DEFENSE SPECIAL OPERATIONS. 21 FOREIGN INTERNAL DEFENSE. 219 UNCLASSIFIED Declassified and Approved For Release 2012/10/11 - CIA-RDP02T06251R000900020001-6Declassified and Approved For Release 2012/10/11 : CIA-RDP02T06251R000900020001-6 APPENDIX APPENDIX APPENDIX APPENDIX Declassified and Approved For Release 2012/10/11 - CIA-RDP02T06251R000900020001-6 UNCLASSIFIED REFERENCES 227 NATO STANDARDIZATION AGREEMENTS (STANAG) 231 AREA STUDY GUIDE 233 IMPACT OF DOCTRINAL CHANGES ON TOE’S 243 UNCLASSIFIED FM 31-20Declassified and Approved For Release 2012/10/11 : CIA-RDP02T06251R000900020001-6 masiz0 UNCLASSIFIED UNCLASSIFIED vi Declassified and Approved For Release 2012/10/11 - CIA-RDP02T06251R000900020001-6Declassified and Approved For Release 2012/10/11 : CIA-RDPO2T0625 1R000800020007-6 UNCLASSIFIED CHAPTER 1 US ARMY SPECIAL FORCES SECTION | MISSIONS 1 UNCONVENTIONAL WARFARE 2 SPECIAL OPERATIONS 3 FOREIGN INTERNAL DEFENSE SECTION II ORGANIZATION AND CAPABILITIES 1 AIRBORNE SPECIAL FORCES GROUP 2 HEADQUARTERS AND HEADQUARTERS COMPANY 3 SPECIAL FORCES BATTALION 4 HO SPECIAL FORCES BATTALION (C DET) 5 SPECIAL FORCES: COMPANY 6 SERVICE COMPANY 7 SIGNAL COMPANY 8 COMBAT INTELLIGENCE COMPANY SECTION IIL COMMAND AND CONTROL 1 UNIFIED COMMAND 2 JUWC/JUWTF 3 SFOB 4 FOB 5 UWOA 6 COMMAND RELATIONSHIPS SECTION IV OPERATIONS SECURITY (OPSEC) The OPSEC Concept Signal Security Physical Security Information Security Deception UNCLASSIFIED Declassified and Approved For Release 2012/10/11 - CIA-RDP02T06251R000900020001-6St UNCLASSIFIED Ja Declassified and Approved For Release 2012/10/11 - CIA-RDP02T06251R000900020001-6= eae a L __Ill Declassified and Approved For Release 2012/10/11 : CIA-RDP02T06251R000900020001-6 UNCLASSIFIED ae CHAPTER 1 US ARMY SPECIAL FORCES i (Cy This field manual provides basic: concepts. of doctrine for US-Army Special Forces employment in unconventionalwartare, special operations, ‘and foreign internal defense while operating in a high threat environment, te om The Communist threat’ and-control measures—total repression—especially in the Warsaw-Pact countries make our task difficult. By destroying -the traditional loyalties and trusts, particularly in the family—using fear, denunciations, betrayal, insecurity—and reporting of suspicious acts by the populace, the. Communist countries totally contro! and dominate their population. ic 6, 1 ASS Declassified and Approved For Release 2012/10/11 - CIA-RDP02T06251R000900020001-6Declassified and Approved For Release 2012/10/11 : CIA-RDPO2T06251R000900020007-6 FM 31-20 UNCLASSIFIED ‘The Army's primary objective is to win the land battle—to fight and win battles, large or small, against any foe, in any location. US Army Special Forces is ready to meet the challenge of modern warfare, not just with new equipment, but with new doctrine and training that will insure responsiveness and accomplishment of the mission. Success will depend on our ability to develop and maintain a high state of combat effectiveness, Special Forces is a multipurpose force specifically developed, trained, equipped, and tasked to provide the US Army the flexibility to tailor its response to various contingencies. Special Forces provides a training, advisory, or operational capability in the functional areas of: = Command and staff = Demolitions = Operations = Medical = Intelligence ™ Logistics m= Tactics = Communications = Weapons = Field engineering ‘We will begin our discussion by taking a brief look at the Special Forces missions— to plan and conduct unconventional warfare, special operations, and foreign internal defense. Next, we will discuss the Special Forces organization and its capabilities. The discussion then centers on the various command and control arrangements which confront Special Forces. Last, we will consider operations security (OPSEC). UNCLASSIFIED Declassified and Approved For Release 2012/10/11 - CIA-RDP02T06251R000900020001-6Declassified and Approved For Release 2012/10/11 : CIA-RDP02T06251R000900020001-6 UNCLASSIFIED FM 31-20 CHAPTER 1 SECTION | MISSIONS SL 1] UNCONVENTIONAL WARFARE (UW) Responsibility for the various aspects of UW has been delegated by the Joint Chiefs of Staff to that service having primary concern. The US Army is esponsible for guerrilla warfare and related ground activities. US Army ‘Special Forces are primarily concerned with guerrilla warfare, but must be prepared to assume responsibility for the other aspects of UW-evasion and escape, subversion, and sabotage—to support US national interests. The discussion of UW, covered in chapter 2, emphasizes the Special Forces role in guerrilla warfare. Chapter 3 addresses those significant UW supporting Operations which include infiltration/exfiltration; development of intelligence, internal and external logistics; medical functions and facilities; and psy. chological operations planning, 2] SPECIAL OPERATIONS Chapter 4 discusses Special Forces conduct of special operations. These operations are sensitive actions of a specified nature initiated in the face of emergency or strategic contingency. Since special operations missions are so varied, the discussion is broad and limited to the general planning con- siderations common to most special operations. UNCLASSIFIED Declassified and Approved For Release 2012/10/11 - CIA-RDP02T06251R000900020001-6~~ Declassified and Approved For Release 2012/10/11 : CIA-RDP02T06251R000900020001-6 FM 31-20 UNCLASSIFIED [3] FOREIGN INTERNAL DEFENSE Special Forces may be directed to conduct foreign internal defense missions within the framework of US security assistance programs. This role is also addressed in chapter 4, Special Forces maturity, flexibility, skills, and expertise provide valuable advisory and operational assistance to friendly governments confronted with subversion, lawlessness, and insurgency. ‘Thus far, unconventional warfare, special operations, and foreign internal defense have been discussed as separate areas for the employment of Special Forces. ‘These areas are related and in some situations require that two or all three be conducted at the same time. For example, Special Forces may be tasked to conduct, ‘special operations (strategic intelligence missions, strategic target missions, etc.) {a8 an adjunct to their primary mission of unconventional warfare. Foreign internal defense operations may require Special Forces to employ unconventional warfare techniques, €.g., guerrilla warfare, to deny support to the insurgents by es- tablishing islands of popular support for the government. At the same time, various special operations may be conducted. Let's now turn to the discussion of the Special Forces organization and capabilities to support these missions, cra UNCLASSIFIED Declassified and Approved For Release 2012/10/11 - CIA-RDP02T06251R000900020001-61 tL lil Declassified and Approved For Release 2012/10/11 : CIA-RDPO2T06251R000900020001-6 UNCLASSIFIED ’ Fia 31-20 , CHAPTER 1 SECTION II ORGANIZATION AND ‘CAPABILITIES ae OT The Special Forces group is a multipurpose’ force. Its organization, flexible command arrangements, tailored logistical and fiscal procedures, and highly trained personnel enable it to accomplish:a variety of missions—either in a primary role or: in a role supporting other forces ‘or agencies, Deployment for operations ‘may involve only selected individuals or detachments with special capabilities, or it may require-one or, more Special Forces. groups: 7 UNCLASSIFIED Declassified and Approved For Release 2012/10/11 - CIA-RDP02T06251R000900020001-6FM 31-20 UNCLASSIFIED ‘a AIRBORNE SPECIAL FORCES GROUP ORGANIZATION ‘The Airborne Special Forces Group includes a headquarters and headquarters company, three Special Forces battalions, a service company, a signal company, and a combat intelligence detachment. Each battalion consists of @ battalion headquarters and three companies; each company includes a ‘company headquarters and six operational detachments. This flexible organization is designed to enhance tailoring for specific missions. For operational purposes, the battalion headquarters becomes a C Detachment, the company headquarters a 8 Detachment, and the operational detachment ‘an A Detachment. Therefore, the normal basic operational elements of an ‘Airborne Special Forces Group are 3 C detachments, 9 8 detachments, and 54 ‘A detachments, The organization presented here represents the type Special Forces group currently in the force structure. UNCLASSIFIED Declassified and Approved For Release 2012/10/11 : CIA-RDPO2T06251R000900020007-6 Declassified and Approved For Release 2012/10/11 - CIA-RDP02T06251R000900020001-6Declassified and Approved For Release 2012/10/11 : CIA-RDP02T06251R000900020001-6 UNCLASSIFIED FM 31-20 MISSION To plan for and conduct operations in the related areas of unconventional warfare, special operations, and foreign internal defense as directed by the National Command Authority. ASSIGNMENT To a unified command or as directed by the National Command Authority. CAPABILITIES The Airborne Special Forces Group can: @ Function as the Army component, or as an element of a separate Army component headquarters, of a joint unconven- tional warfare command (JUWC), or joint unconventional warfare task force (JUWTF). © Command, control, and support organic and attached elements. © Establish, support, and operate a Special Forces operational base (SFOB) and one or more forward operational bases (FOB). © infiltrate or exfiltrate specified areas by air, land, or sea. © Operate in remote areas and hostile environments for ex- tended periods with minimal external direction and support. © Develop, organize, equip, train, and advise indigenous forces to conduct guerrilla warfare. © Train, advise, and assist US and allied forces or agencies. ‘@ Provide, when required, Special Forces liaison parties to corps or higher headquarters. UNCLASSIFIED Declassified and Approved For Release 2012/10/11 - CIA-RDP02T06251R000900020001-6Declassified and Approved For Release 2012/10/11 : CIA-RDP02T06251R000900020001-6 FM 31-20 UNCLASSIFIED 2|HEADQUARTERS AND HEADQUARTERS COMPANY ORGANIZATION CHAPLAIN BA SIAL sic se MISSION To provide command and control and staff planning for the Special Forces group and attached elements. To provide personnel and administrative support for the group headquarters. ASSIGNMENT Organic to the Airborne Special Forces Group. UNCLASSIFIED 10 Declassified and Approved For Release 2012/10/11 - CIA-RDP02T06251R000900020001-6Declassified and Approved For Release 2012/10/11 : CIA-RDP02T06251R000900020001-6 UNCLASSIFIED FM 31-20 CAPABILITIES ‘The group headquarters can provide: @ Command and control, staff planning, and staff supervision of administration and operations for the group and attached elements, © Command and staff personnel to establish, support, and operate a Special Forces operational base (SFOB) and one or more forward operational bases (FOB), © Advice and coordinate the employment of Special Forces elements with a joint unconventional warfare command (JUWC), joint unconventional warfare task force (JUWTF), military assistance advisory groups, or other major head- quarters, © Operational direction for all communications. ‘The headquarters company can provide limited administrative and routine logistical support for the group headquarters and headquarters company. The operational elements of the Airborne Special Forces Group are: ‘The battalion headquarters (C Detachment). ‘The company headquarters (B Detachment). ‘The operational detachment (A Detachment) Although primarily organized for command and control purposes, C and 8 detachments can perform a variety of operational missions. The A detachment is specifically organized, trained, and equipped to provide the basic ‘operational element for the group. Let's now lock at the organization for each of these elements. UNCLASSIFIED ” Declassified and Approved For Release 2012/10/11 - CIA-RDP02T06251R000900020001-6Declassified and Approved For Release 2012/10/11 : CIA-RDP02TO6251R000900020001-6 FM 31-20 UNCLASSIFIED 3} SPECIAL FORCES BATTALION ORGANIZATION MISSION To provide command, control, and staff elements to the Special Forces group for employment in unconventional warfare, special operations, and foreign internal defense. To train, prepare, and provide operational elements to the group for deployment in unconventional warfare, special operations, and foreign internal defense. ASSIGNMENT Organic to the Airborne Special Forces Group. UNCLASSIFIED 12 Declassified and Approved For Release 2012/10/11 : CIA-RDP02T06251R000900020001-6Declassified and Approved For Release 2012/10/11 : CIA-RDP02T06251R000900020001-6 UNCLASSIFIED FM 31-20 CAPABILITIES This unit can: © Expand the command and control capabilities of the Special Forces operational base (SFOB). © Provide command and control elements for designated un- conventional warfare operational areas (UWOA). © Advise, assist, and train counterpart indigenous forces. © Train, prepare, and provide operational elements for deployment @ Provide, when directed, liaison parties to corps or higher headquarters 4| HEADQUARTERS SPECIAL FORCES BATTALION (C DETACHMENT) ORGANIZATION HO SF BN (C DE MISSION To plan and conduct unconventional warfare, special operations, and foreign internal defense, UNCLASSIFIED 13 Declassified and Approved For Release 2012/10/11 - CIA-RDP02T06251R000900020001-6Declassified and Approved For Release 2012/10/11 : CIA-RDP02T06251R000900020001-6 FM 31-20 UNCLASSIFIED ASSIGNMENT Organic to the Special Forces Battalion. CAPABILITIES This unit can: © Command, control, and provide limited support to assigned and attached elements. © Provide operational elements to the Special Forces group for deployment © Establish and operate a forward operational base (FOB) to expand the command and control capabilities of the Special Forces operational base (SFOB) @ Conduct independent operations. @ Serve as a command and control element in designated unconventional warfare operational areas (UWOA). © Advise, assist, and train counterpart indigenous forces. © Prepare operational elements for deployment. @ Serve as a liaison party. © Augment the staff sections of the group. UNCLASSIFIED 14 Declassified and Approved For Release 2012/10/11 - CIA-RDP02T06251R000900020001-6a este tasetsnta sda ttaote Declassified and Approved For Release 2012/10/11 : CIA-RDPO2T06251R000900020001-6 UNCLASSIFIED FM 31-20 [5] SPECIAL FORCES COMPANY ORGANIZATION MISSION To conduct unconventional warfare, special operations, and foreign internal defense. ASSIGNMENT Organic to the Special Forces Battalion. CAPABILITIES ‘The company headquarters (B Detachment) can: © Command and control assigned operational detachments (A Detachments). @ Prepare operational elements for deployment. @ Serve as a basic building block for a force designated to conduct special operations. © Establish and operate a forward operational base (FOB) to expand the command and control capabilities of the Special Forces operational base (SFOB) © Serve as a pilot team to assess the resistance potential in an unconventional wartare operational area (UWOA). UNCLASSIFIED 15 Declassified and Approved For Release 2012/10/11 : CIA-RDP02T06251R000900020001-6Declassified and Approved For Release 2012/10/11 : CIA-RDPO2T06251R000900020001-6 FM 31-20 UNCLASSIFIED © Serve as a command and control element in designated UwoA's. : © Advise, assist, and train counterpart indigenous forces. © Serve as a liaison party. © Augment the staff sections of the group or the battalion (C Detachment) ‘The operational detachment (A Detachment) can: ©. Develop, organize, equip, trai in unconventional warfare. and advise indigenous forces © Conduct special operations separately or as part of a larger force. @ Train, advise, and assist US and allied forces or agencies in the conduct of foreign internal defense. 6} SERVICE COMPANY ORGANIZATION The service company is organized to provide administrative, logistical, medical, rigger/aerial delivery, maintenance, mess, limited aviation, and transportation support for the group. For extensive operations, augmentation may be required. The service company provides support to the group headquarters elements from the SFOB .support center. Forward support elements are deployed to FOB’s as required. UNCLASSIFIED 16 Declassified and Approved For Release 2012/10/11 : CIA-RDP02T06251R000900020001-6= = ASN Ma Declassified and Approved For Release 2012/10/11 : CIA-RDP02T06251R000900020001-6 UNCLASSIFIED FM 31-20 MISSION To provide administrative, logistical, and limited aviation support for the Special Forces group. ASSIGNMENT Organic to the Airborne Special Forces Group. UNCLASSIFIED 7 Declassified and Approved For Release 2012/10/11 - CIA-RDP02T06251R000900020001-6FM 31.20 18 This unit can provid UNCLASSIFIED CAPABILITIES © Personnel and equipment to establish and operate the support center of the Special Forces operational base (SFOB). © When required, forward support elements to forward operational bases (FOB). © Consolidated or fragmented dispensary, preventative medicine, and veterinary support tailored to the needs of the supported elements. @ Consolidated or fragmented administrative services support tailored to the needs of the supported elements, © Consolidated or fragmented mess support tailored to the needs of the supported elements. © Personnel and cargo parachute packing, organizational maintenance of air delivery items, rigger support, and limited aerial delivery support. © Logistical support by planning, monitoring, and recording the procurement, receipt, temporary storage, issue and dis- tribution of supplies and equipment. © Consolidated or fragmented maintenance support (except for wheeled vehicles, signal equipment, and power generators of the Signal Company) tailored to the needs of the supported elements © Limited transportation suppor. @ Limited aviation support for command, control, liaison, recon- naissance activities, and limited operational missions, © Maintenance support to perform aviation unit maintenance (AVUM) on all organic aircraft and organizational maintenance of all avionics equipment. UNCLASSIFIED Declassified and Approved For Release 2012/10/11 : CIA-RDP02T06251R000900020001-6 Declassified and Approved For Release 2012/10/11 - CIA-RDP02T06251R000900020001-6Declassified and Approved For Release 2012/10/11 : CIA-RDPO2T06251R000900020001-6 ecaic; FM 31.20 UNCLASSIFIED 7] SIGNAL COMPANY \ ORGANIZATION The signal company is organized to provide internal communications, terminal communications facilities, signal equipment maintenance, and photographic support for the group from the SFOB signal center, Forward support elements are deployed to FOB's as required. MISSION To provide signal communications for the Special Forces group ASSIGNMENT ° Organic to the Airborne Special Forces Group UNCLASSIFIED 19 Declassified and Approved For Release 2012/10/11 - CIA-RDP02T06251R000900020001-6FM31-20 20 Declassified and Approved For Release 2012/10/11 : CIA-RDP02T06251R000900020001-6 UNCLASSIFIED CAPABILITIES This unit can: Plan, install, operate, and maintain continuous internal com: munications for a Special Forces operational base (SFOB) and one forward operational base (FOB) with full communications capability to include communication center services and telephone, teletypewriter, and radio communications. Provide AM radio, radio teletypewriter, and telephone com- munications, and limited direct support signal maintenance for two subordinate FOB's. Terminate landline telephone and teletype circuits from the theater communications system, higher and adjacent head- quarters at the SFOB/FOB, and telephone circuits at the two subordinate FOB's. Provide radio net control stations (NCS) for the SFOB/FOB, Perform direct support maintenance of the group's signal equipment {less crypto) and limited general support maintenance of signal equipment peculiar to Special Forces. Provide limited photographic support for the group to include the development of black and white still prints. UNCLASSIFIED Declassified and Approved For Release 2012/10/11 - CIA-RDP02T06251R000900020001-6— ——_1 1 im Declassified and Approved For Release 2012/10/11 : CIA-RDP02T06251R000900020001-6 FM 31-20. | UNCLASSIFIED. | 8] COMBAT INTELLIGENCE COMPANY | ’ | ORGANIZATION | ‘ fet tt om ae cova AS 11m com ns TH | MAINT TH “OPSEC. ‘SPT OP ‘SPT OP a me a com TH | sea cum EINE » | MISSION | o provide integiated inteligence and operations ‘security (OPSEC) support and electronic warfare (EW) advice to the Special Fores group To provide inteligence: OPSEC and EW mobile training teanis (MTT) in | Suoport of unconventional warfare or foreign internal-delense | : UNCLASSIFIED 21 Declassified and Approved For Release 2012/10/11 - CIA-RDP02T06251R000900020001-6FM 31-20 22 Declassified and Approved For Release 2012/10/11 : CIA-RDP02T06251R000900020001-6 This unit can: UNCLASSIFIED ASSIGNMENT Organic to the Airborne Special Forces Group. CAPABILITIES Provide communications intelligence (COMINT), imagery inter- pretation (Il), interrogation, OPSEC, tactical surveillance and reconnaissance, and integrated all-source intelligence management, analysis, production, and dissemination in Support of the Special Forces group. ‘Supplement Special Forces operational detachment personnel in intelligence training, advise and assistance of non-US military and/or paramilitary forces. Supplement the Special Forces group staff and operational elements in providing intelligence, OPSEC, and EW assistance for the conduct of unconventional warfare and foreign internal defense missions. Provide tailored support operations teams to supplement Special Forces operational detachments for the conduct of unconventional warfare and foreign internal defense mis- sions. Provide COMINT direct support to Special Forces operational base (SFOB), forward operational base (FOB), and operational detachments. Provide for the analysis, production, and dissemination of integrated intelligence from all sources. Provide Il and interface with Il elements of other commands. Provide for the interrogation of prisoners of war, refugees, line and border crossers, and other personnel of intelligence interest. Provide multidiscipline OPSEC and related counterintelligence ‘support, Provide expertise in the use of remotely monitored sensors (REMS) and other technical surveillance systems. Provide special security functions. UNCLASSIFIED Declassified and Approved For Release 2012/10/11 - CIA-RDP02T06251R000900020001-6Next, let's look at the command Declassified and Approved For Release 2012/10/11 : CIA-RDPO2T06251R000900020001-6 UNCLASSIFIED Provide for communications as follows: Personnel and equipment to establish a special intelligence (SI) secure land-line teletype system as the primary com- munications system between the SFOB/FOB and the joint unconventional warfare command (JUWC) or joint unconven- tional warfare task force (JUWTF). Personnel and equipment to establish an SI secure radio teletype (RATT) system between the mission management and dissemination and all source production (MMD/ASP) section and the subordinate Support Operations Teams B. (The RATT also provides an alternate communications system between the SFOB/FOB and the JUWC or JUWTF.) Equipment to establish AM/SSB/FM communications for command, control, and coordination of subordinate operational elements and intelligence reporting to supported elements of the Special Forces group. Additionally, AM/SSB will be used as an alternate means of communications, under active EW conditions and where distance precludes successful FM communications. (Internal communications and terminal communication facilities of the Special Forces group are used to the maximum extent.) to Special Forces operations. UNCLASSIFIED Declassified and Approved For Release 2012/10/11 - CIA-RDP02T06251R000900020001-6 FM 31-20 23L Declassified and Approved For Release 2012/10/11 : CIA-RDP02T06251R000900020001-6 FM 31-20 UNCLASSIFIED UNCLASSIFIED 24 Declassified and Approved For Release 2012/10/11 - CIA-RDP02T06251R000900020001-6Declassified and Approved For Release 2012/10/11 : CIA-RDP02T06251R000900020001-6 FM 31-20 UNCLASSIFIED CHAPTER 1 SECTION II COMMAND AND CONTROL Special Forces functions under many varied command and control arrangements, The exact structure is determined by the assigned mission, tasks, and the requirements of the commander. In this section, we will discuss command and control of Special Forces from the unified command level down to the organization within the UW operational area: ‘These principles apply whether US Army Special Forces are operating under US, allied, or combined command and control organizations. 1 UNIFIED COMMAND Unconventional warfare plans are prepared and updated by the unified commands. When it becomes necessary to implement UW in @ theater of operations, a separate joint subordinate command and control headquarters, either a joint UW command (JUWC) or a joint UW task force (JUWTF), is, established by the unified command. its structure and title may vary according to the commander, duration and magnitude of operations, and the in- volvement of US UW forces and/or nonmilitary agencies. 2] suwe/suWTF ‘The JUWC is a joint headquarters with staff representations from all US UW forces and nonmilitary agencies and includes its own combat service support elements, A JUWTF may be formed to satisfy specific UW requirements. It may be subordinate to, or act as, the JUWC. The JUWTF is organized similar to a JUWC but is a semipermanent command arrangement. This command relationship is graphically shown below. UNCLASSIFIED 25 Declassified and Approved For Release 2012/10/11 - CIA-RDP02T06251R000900020001-6FM 31-20 26 Declassified and Approved For Release 2012/10/11 : CIA-RDP02T06251R000900020001-6 UNCLASSIFIED UMD COMMAND [ 1 "aM NAVY "ak FORCE COMPONENT COMPONENT COMPONENT ONT TW TASK FORCE uw I Us Uw Forces] In some situations, the unified command may organize and dispatch a joint task force to an operational area for contingency operations. Its relationship to the JUWC/JUWTF is determined by the scope of operations of each element. If the areas of interest coincide, operational control of the JUWC/JUWTF may be passed from the unified command to the commander of the joint task force, after the joint task force deploys to the operational area, This command relationship is graphically portrayed below. Where allied nations participate in UW operations, it may be necessary to organize a combined UW head- quarters. UNFIED COMMANO Stavice ONT COMPONENTS TASK FORCE ‘SERVICE OWE ccowpowenrs | |_luwTr [us uw Feces The commander of the JUWC/JUWTF exercises operational control of assigned UW forces through the appropriate component commander, e.g.. operational control of Special Forces is through the commander of the JUWC/JUWTF Army component. A separate JUWC/JUWTF Army component headquarters is required when more than one Special Forces group is represented or if significant numbers of other Army elements are allocated to the JUWC/JUWTF. When one Special Forces group is represented, the group will normally function as the Army component headquarters. In some situations, the commander of the JUWC/JUWTF may exercise direct operational control of deployed UW forces UNCLASSIFIED Declassified and Approved For Release 2012/10/11 - CIA-RDP02T06251R000900020001-6Deciassified and Approved For Release 2012/10/11 : CIA-RDPO2T06251R000900020001-6 UNCLASSIFIED maize SFOB The SFOB is a command post type arrangement formed and operated by the ‘Special Forces group from organic and attached resources. It is the focal point feepesiseal anaicaetisanea ioelaeniniernioeet ae ean No a arcel ee a il euneeeie ate ea all ekte ale i atate tee een) Se tae attaT onl eeaanaaaaes moiaeeatieeeeal a 3 The spor omer Sine ae or eee fae nata top cia nance ieee eeeseaesee oan ee ee teens Sint Sates Vite aa eee Ree ee Seo emneratn caer ictus oeseennie Cone oront iocnad eee eee ® Duration and eeobe of gration See ee ieee eee sean econ ce cies antares « communionion reevietona nase by cance, tral, or scone cat ten The mission of the SFOB is to prepare operational elements for deployment and, after deployment, to direct, administer, and support these elements. Pca eet ol area esterase piteina t aecaan e) caercant cee cement Scie Se eS fesecriecentr ema fand ecto eee Senta ain eer fete ae 27 Declassified and Approved For Release 2012/10/11 - CIA-RDP02T06251R000900020001-6Declassified and Approved For Release 2012/10/11 : CIA-RDPO2T06251R000900020007-6 FM 31-20 UNCLASSIFIED The JUWC or JUWTF commander in coordination with the Special Forces group commander determines the location of the SFOB. The SFOB may be tactically arranged in one location or dispersed among several small sites. Command and communication elements should not be collocated with airfields, port facilities, or other major headquarters, but locating it within a reasonable distance of employed delivery agencies simplifies tactical deployment and resupply operations. Various modifications may be necessary to meet the tactical situation. The site selected must be integrated in the rear area defense system; maximum security must be provided to prevent or iminimize compromise and protect against ground or air attacks. Effective camouflage concepts and techniques must be used and strictly adhered to. Plans must also include site selection for an alternate operations center, [4] Fos ‘An FOB is a command, control, and support arrangement established by the SFOB: ‘© For specific missions requiring a separate command and control headquarters reporting directly to a JUWC or JUWTF, The SFOB provides the resources to form the FOB, but has no command and control function. The FOB coordinates with the SFOB for operational, administrative, and logistical support as required. The organization, missions, and functions of the FOB are similar to those of the SFOB, but on a reduced scale. © To extend the span of control of the SFOB when distances involved preclude effective command or support of deployed operational elements. The organization and functions of the FOB will vary with the mission; duration and scope of operations; and security, communications, administrative, and logistical support _re- quirements, For example, it may function as an intermediate command and control base, a forward launch/recovery site, or a radio relay site, [5] vwoa The mission, size, and composition of resistance forces, enemy situation, and political situation are some of the factors influencing the selection of Special Forces elements deployed into a UWOA. Regardless of the number and type detachments initially deployed into a specific UWOA, infiltration of additional detachments may be necessary because of increased operations, expansion of existing resistance forces, or for political reasons. The following three illustrations depict the most common methods of employing Special Forces in a UWOA UNCLASSIFIED 28 Declassified and Approved For Release 2012/10/11 - CIA-RDP02T06251R000900020001-6To wee 8, soe Dectassiie and Approved For Release 2012/01: CiA-ROPOZTOSZS1RO00S00020001-8 UNCLASSIFIED more To of nore Socal Fores A onmand. fis rangement ma be eared when tose of fatoce rot wou pu ct or ‘recy ty he SFO for FOB whan smashed UNCLASSIFIED 29 [2] comano RELATIONSHS Deciestivied end Approved For Release 2012/00/11 - Cu-RDPOZT0E259RON0e00020001.5Dectassiie and Approved For Release 2012/01 :C1A-ROPEZTOSZS 1000800020001. LEGEND FOR ILLUSTRATIONS, SITUATIONS 1-7 ‘Command and Conteo* Control Operational conto ‘Addminisivtiva and Logistical Support 30 em3i.20 @ UNCLASSIFIED ‘COMMAND RELATIONSHIPS. command rataneips a bad on tht iston,durton and eope of Seren lhe mot ern comand eo or Spc oe we ‘he GNOAT Spec Focas eaounts ing paadeder WHEN we Discuss PASSAGE oF ‘OPERATIONAL CONTROL rAOM THE UNFIED amino 10.4 SUUOROMATE CONRAN, Weave nerenning To a cones, rece Missions MAY -AeQUIRE THAT ‘OPERATIONAL CONTROL BE PASSED AS tow as omsion LeveL UNCLASSIFIED “Declastified and Approved For Release 2072/1011 CLARDPOSTos2s ¥ROGO800020001.8re Declassified and Approved For Release 2012/10/11 : CIA-RDPO2TO6251R000900020001-6 FM 31-20 UNCLASSIFIED SITUATION 1 JUWC UWOA OR SF DETS JUWTF ‘The most common relationship is for the SFOB to direct all operations in the UWOA. It Provides command, control, administrative and logistical support for all of its detachments deployed in the UWOA, as well as those awaiting deployment at the SFOB. SITUATION 2 In this situation, the JUWC/JUWTF exercises direct operational control over Special Forces detachments in the UWOA, This may be for sensitive missions where positive control and maximum security measures are required. Those detachments awaiting deployment remain under the command and control of the SFOB. Deployed detachments may communicate directly with the SFOB for administrative and logistical support UNCLASSIFIED 31 Declassified and Approved For Release 2012/10/11 - CIA-RDP02T06251R000900020001-6Declassified and Approved For Release 2012/10/11 : CIA-RDPO2T06251R000900020007-6 FM 31-20 UNCLASSIFIED SITUATION 3 ay GWOAy (Sroers) JUWC OR JUWTF Theater UW missions may require the establishment of an FOB as a separate control headquarters reporting to a command other than the main SFOB. In this situation, the FOB provides direct command, control, administrative, and logistical support for all of its detachments, The FOB coordinates with the SFOB for operatiorial, administrative, and logistical support as required SITUATION 4 JUWC ‘An FOB may be established as an intermediate control headquarters to extend the span of control, support, or communications of the SFOB, The Special Forces group hhas the organic assets to establish two FOB's. UNCLASSIFIED 32 Declassified and Approved For Release 2012/10/11 - CIA-RDP02T06251R000900020001-6Declassified and Approved For Release 2012/10/11 : ClA-RDP02T06251R000900020001-6 FM 31-20 UNCLASSIFIED SITUATION 5 JUWC SEOETS, Uwor\ (s"0eFs) In this situation the FOB may be employed using a subordinate FOB to further extend its span of control, support, or communications. THE SPECIAL FORCES LIAISON PARTY PURPOSE ‘A Special Forces liaison party or intermediate command and control element may be provided by the SFOB and attached to a corps headquarters to coordinate intelligence flow and advise the tactical commander in Special Forces employment when his: ‘© Area of intelligence interest encompasses the UWOA. '® Area of influence closes on the UWOA. COMPOSITION The Special Forces liaison party is a non-TOE element, organized by the SFOB from assets of an operational C or B detachment to meet specific mission requirements, FUNCTIONS The liaison party assists thé tactical commander in gaining timely and continuous intelligence of interest from the UWOA and helps him to exercise UNCLASSIFIED 33 Declassified and Approved For Release 2012/10/11 : CIA-RDP02T06251R000900020001-6FM 31-20 34 Declassified and Approved For Release 2012/10/11 : CIA-RDP02T06251R000900020001-6 Declassified and Approved For Release 2012/10/11 : CIA-RDPO2T06251R000900020001-6 UNCLASSIFIED his operational control of UW forces by coordinating operational, ad- ministrative, logistical, and communications requirements. The liaison party must be capable of: ‘© Providing expertise and staff assistance on employment of Special Forces, the guerrilla force, and all aspects of UW operations. © Providing secure communications with UW forces in the UWOA. © Insuring timely and continuous intelligence coverage from UW assets in the UWOA. © Advising the tactical commander in selecting only those critical EEI requirements for collection by Special Forces elements. This insures communications and operational security within the UwoA, © Advising the tactical commander on the psychological implications of operations in the UWOA. @ Providing liaison to division level when directed COMMUNICATIONS The Special Forces communications system is used to pass traffic between the SFOB and deployed Special Forces elements in the UWOA. When the area of intelligence interest of a committed conventional force encompasses the UWOA, requests by the tactical commander for intelligence information will be passed by the Special Forces liaison party to the SFOB using the area communications system or a Special Forces radio teletypewriter link. The radio teletypewriter link is established when the area communications system cannot meet operational requirements. The SFOB will then task appropriate elements in the UWOA and receive information from those elements using the Special Forces 300wpm burst communications system. The requested intelligence information is passed back to the corps through the Special Forces liaison party over the teletype system discussed above. ‘When UW forces are placed under operational control of a corps, the Special Forces liaison party will be augmented by a communications element from the Special Forces Signal Company. This element is capable of receiving burst messages from deployed Special Forces detachments in the UWOA and gives the liaison party the capability to directly task operational detachments in the UWOA. In both situations above, Special Forces operational detachments would not normally enter directly into conventional unit communications nets as these nets cannot accommodate burst transmissions. If Special Forces elements switch to the manual CW or voice mode, they become extremely vulnerable to enemy radio direction finding techniques. The physical capability for direct Special Forces communications with the conventional unit must be viewed in the fight of security and survivability. The continuous communications UNCLASSIFIEDen —__________-- Declassified and Approved For Release 2012/10/11 : CIA-RDP02T06251R000900020001-6 FM 31-20 UNCLASSIFIED capability which exists between the Special Forces liaison party and UW forces in the UWOA, prior to and during linkup operations, must be restricted to essential traffic to enhance security and survivability within the UWOA. Tactical commanders should insure that only critical EE! requirements are levied on Special Forces operational detachments, SITUATION 6 CORPS SF LN PARTY Seo uwoa SF DETS In this situation, a corps area of intelligence interest encompasses the UWOA although UW operations are beyond the corps area of influence. US UW forces are intended primarily to support the theater or unified ‘command, and the majority of intelligence information gathered by UW forces is of interest to and for use by these commands. The sensitive nature of UW operations requires adhering to principles of compartmen- tation and strict security. Intelligence flow would follow existing lines of ‘command and control with appropriate information being passed to the corps commander by the theater or unified commander. However, a Special Forces liaison party may be provided by the SFOB and attached to the corps headquarters at this time. The liaison party's mission is to insure that intelligence of interest to the tactical commander is provided by UW assets in the UWOA through the SFOB to the liaison party at the corps headquarters. Communications and operational security are essential to the survivability of UW forces in the UWOA ang, therefore, only critical El requirements should be selected for collection by Special Forces elements. The SFOB retains command and control and provides administrative and logistical support to the operational detachments in the UWOA. UNCLASSIFIED 35 Declassified and Approved For Release 2012/10/11 - CIA-RDP02T06251R000900020001-6Declassified and Approved For Release 2012/10/11 : CIA-RDP02T06251R000900020001-6 FM 31-20 36 UNCLASSIFIED SITUATION 7 Wn, te uwoA’ } ( sroers During this situation, a corps area of influence closeson the UWOA, and operations of either conventional ground forces or UW forces impact directly on the other. This may dictate passage of operational control of appropriate UW forces to the tactical commander. Close coordination and a rapid, timely flow of intelligence information must be maintained between UW and conventional forces. At this time, a Special Forces liaison party is normally provided by the SFOB and attached to the corps headquarters. The liaison party can provide the tactical commander with intelligence of interest, assistance in linkup planning and passage of operational control of UW forces, and advice on Special Forces employment during and after linkup. ‘The command relationship between unconventional and conventional forces is extremely important during passage of operational control and linkup operations. LINKUP WITH GROUND FORCES The initial passage of operational control of UW forces in the UWOA from the SFOB to the conventional ground force is coordinated and directed by the headquarters which controls both forces. Normally, operational control of Special Forces and guerrilla forces is not passed below division level. The tactical commander exercises operational control through the Special Forces liaison party; Special Forces detachments in the UWOA report directly to the Special Forces liaison party. Communications must be restricted to essential traffic to enhance detachment security and survivability. UNCLASSIFIED Declassified and Approved For Release 2012/10/11 - CIA-RDP02T06251R000900020001-6| — Declassified and Approved For Release 2012/10/11 : CIA-RDP02T06251R000900020001-6 FM 31-20 UNCLASSIFIED The SFOB continues to monitor operations and provides administrative and logistical support to the UWOA until physical linkup is made between UW and conventional forces. At this time, the conventional force normally assumes this support responsibility. The control link retained by the SFOB with the Special Forces liaison party insures immediate response to UW missions directed by the JUWC/JUWTF LINKUP WITH AIRBORNE FORCES When planning and executing airborne assault operations, the command relationships discussed above must be modified. As soon as possible after approval of the ground tactical plan, the joint airborne task force commander assumes operational control of Special Forces and guerrilla forces which directly and indirectly affect the operation, Thus, UW forces have sufficient time to respond to assigned tasks in support of the joint airborne task force's mission. The time frame is not precisely defined, but depends on the mission, ‘communications, responsiveness, and the capability of the UW forces. Correct timing of Special Forces and guerrilla operations with the airborne assault is essential. If committed prematurely, they may nullify the surprise effect of the airborne assault and, in turn, be destroyed by the enemy. Conversely, if committed too late, the desired effects of their employment may never be realized, Operational control of UW forces which can directly influence the mission of the airborne force is passed by the joint airborne task force commander to the ‘commander of the unit conducting the airborne operation. This passage of operational control normally occurs when the airborne assault begins, Operational control of UW forces which indirectly affect the mission is retained by the joint airborne task force commander LINKUP WITH AMPHIBIOUS FORCES When an amphibious task force commander becomes responsible for an amphibious assault objective area, Special Forces and guerrilla forces within that area are placed under his operational control. Operational control of UW forces is transferred to the landing force commander when he assumes responsibility for operations ashore. Normally, operational control of UW forces supporting amphibious operations will not be passed below major landing force component level. When a planning directive for the conduct of an amphibious operation is issued, the SFOB provides a Special Forces liaison party to both the amphibious task force and landing force commanders. Early deployment of the Special Forces liaison party insures complete integration of UW activities to Support the amphibious operation, UNCLASSIFIED 37 Declassified and Approved For Release 2012/10/11 - CIA-RDP02T06251R000900020001-6Declassified and Approved For Release 2012/10/11 : CIA-RDP02T06251R000900020007-6 FM 31-20 UNCLASSIFIED UNCLASSIFIED 38 Declassified and Approved For Release 2012/10/11 - CIA-RDP02T06251R000900020001-6Declassified and Approved For Release 2012/10/11 : CIA-RDP02T06251R000900020001-6 UNCLASSIFIED mM S120 CHAPTER 1 SECTION IV OPERATIONS SECURITY Operations security (OPSEC) is a command responsibility, Since the operations staff assists the commanders in overall planning and execution of operations, it also has primary supervision for the OPSEC function. Commanders must insure all staff efforts, including intelligence, communications-electronics, logistics, maintenance, and administration, consider OPSEC in providing maximum protection for an operation. OPSEC must be considered throughout every Special Forces mission—from initial planning through post-execution stages—to conceal potentially revealing training, preparations, personnel, logistical, administrative, and other support activities. OPSEC measures in UW operations are further addressed in Section I; In- telligence, Chapter 3. The OPSEC Concept OPSEC includes all security measures which allow us to maintain surprise. Used successfully, it aids in keeping the enemy from learning How, when, where and why we will do something THE PLAN © How, when, where and why we are doing it —THE EXECUTION 0 INFORMATION How, when, where and why we did it ory THE AFTER-ACTION © 7 OPSEC consists of four main categories of security measures. All are terrelated; each must be considered simultaneously for each operation. UNCLASSIFIED 39 Declassified and Approved For Release 2012/10/11 - CIA-RDP02T06251R000900020001-6Declassified and Approved For Release 2012/10/11 : CIA-RDP02T06251R000900020001-6 FM 31-20 UNCLASSIFIED SIGNAL SECURITY Signal Security (SIGSEC) protects operational information by practicing communications security (COMSEC) techniques and electronic security (ELSEC) techniques. COMSEC includes communication codes, secure voice equipment, RTO procedures. ELSEC includes radio silence and proper positioning of radars and antennas. PHYSICAL SECURITY Physical Security is protecting operational information or activity by using security forces (listening posts, observation posts, patrols, guards), barriers (wire, ditches) and anti-intrusion devices (mines, signal flares). These means deny or limit enemy access to facilities, areas, equipment, material, documents, and personnel. INFORMATION SECURITY Information Security prevents disclosures of operation information through written, verbal, or graphic communications. Restrictions are placed on personnel, and the release of operational information and documents to safeguard against unintentional release of data important to the enemy, DECEPTION Deception misleads the enemy about our current or intended operations. Deception also includes measures which prevent the enemy from spotting a pattern or stereotyping our actions. Tactical deception plans are provided security by use of the other OPSEC measures. Deception is also used to confuse the enemy when our actions could obviously provide information of our intentions. Unless all OPSEC is practiced, deception plans are vulnerable to hostile exploitation. Likewise, deceptive techniques assist in overcoming vulnerabilities in other OPSEC measures. Examples of deceptive techniques are: © Camouflage ‘Smoke © Ruse © Feint © Decoy © Demonstration See (C) AR 530-1, Operations Security (U), and TC 100-1, Operations Security (OPSEC) UNCLASSIFIED 40 Declassified and Approved For Release 2012/10/11 - CIA-RDP02T06251R000900020001-6