Special Operations Forces and Counterproliferation Lessons from History - Case Study of Actions Against Nazi Germany Nuclear Programs in World War II, Operation Gunnerside and the Alsos Mission

Considering the significant consequences of nuclear proliferation, this study asserts that historical case studies yield lessons learned that inform the suitability of Special Operations Forces' (SOF) role within counterproliferation efforts that can help guide development of SOF counterproliferation-related missions. The important aspects of each case form the basis of the evaluation: the agility of SOF in relation to the success of the mission being examined. In other words, if the conditions enabling an organization's agility are present, an organization is more likely to be successful in its counterproliferation role. To determine cogent lessons from SOF's history informing the suitability of its role in counterproliferation, the study begins with a survey of SOF characteristics. Next, a historical analysis of two representative case studies was evaluated to judge the success of the operations and adherence to SOF principles and concepts. Both cases highlight that understanding the threat and attacking proliferation networks can be enhanced with coordination across SOF organizations internally and through partnerships fostered by engagement of United States SOF abroad. Qualities of increased familiarity with counterproliferation, consistent communication with weapons specialists, and coordination through security cooperation are present in the studies and can be applied to contemporary pathway defeat efforts.This compilation includes a reproduction of the 2019 Worldwide Threat Assessment of the U.S. Intelligence Community.I. Introduction * A. Research Question * B. Literature Review * 1. Counterproliferation and Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction * 2. Special Operations * 3. Special Operations Forces Capabilities * 4. Current Thinking on Implementation * 5. Projected Findings * C. Approach and Methodology * D. Special Operations and History * II. Operation Gunnerside * A. Historical Summary * 1. Tronstadt's Involvement * 2. Information and Agility * 3. Effective Adjustments * 4. Specially Selected * B. Effects and Analysis * III. The Alsos Mission * A. Historical Summary * 1. Resources and Authority * 2. Adaptation * 3. Coordination * B. Effects and Analysis * IV. Conclusion * A. Recommendations * B. Opportunities for Future ResearchGiven the United States Special Operations Command's (USSOCOM) new authority to coordinate Department of Defense (DoD) countering weapons of mass destruction (CWMD) efforts, Special Operations Forces (SOF) are potentially positioned to assume a more impactful role within that mission. Special Operations Forces can use the transition of this authority from United States Strategic Command to USSOCOM as an opportunity to evaluate its role. To fully capitalize on this opportunity-and to avoid mistaking reorganization for progress-it is important to answer the following questions: What lessons can be learned from SOF's history to inform the suitability of this role, and how can SOF leverage these lessons to enhance performance? Understanding the capabilities and opportunities involved in SOF's role in CWMD is imperative to avoid the mistake of confusing reorganization for progress.