The Senate Armed Services Committee held a confirmation hearing yesterday on the appointment of Vice Adm. Eric Olson to become the head of Special Operations Command. Olson would be the first SEAL to reach that component commander rank and would be the first SEAL to take over a community long dominated by the Army.
Ive had occasion to interview Adm. Olson in the past and far from the image of a spec ops knuckle dragger, I found him open, honest, confident and comfortable with the media. We at DT wish him luck.
Olson sat beside another very qualified colleague at the hearing whos been nominated to become the ASD for Special Operations and Low Intensity Conflict.
Michael Vickers probably needs no introduction for DT readers, but if youve never heard of him, hes most famous for managing the on-the-ground equipping of the Afghan Mujahaddin and helping defeat the Red Army on that battlefield in the 1980s. I know him well also, and hes one of the most experienced, thoughtful, forward-looking military strategists in America and he knows all too well the need to reform the connection between special operations forces and other US government agencies in their global campaign against terrorism.
Aside from the story posted this morning on Military.com, it might be helpful to bring to our readers attention the written testimony submitted by both Olson and Vickers. You can read their entire submissions by following the links, but I wanted to pull out a few items for closer examination.
Olson on top SOF challenges:
1.) Prioritizing the employment of SOF in order to gain maximum value from this limited asset.
2.) Sustaining the materiel readiness of our high-end mobility platforms in a resource constrained environment.
3.) Transforming our fixed-wing aviation fleet.
4.) Shifting to a more expeditionary deployment posture.
5.) Establishing the mechanisms and agreements with other agencies of government that will facilitate the best utilization of SOF globally.
6.) Maintaining appropriately streamlined acquisition processes and systems.
7.) Growing the force at the programmed rate while ensuring the quality and maturity that the Nation expects of SOF.
On GWOT lessons-learned:
There remains a need to enhance the Joint Force Commanders ability to integrate capabilities and capacities of both SOF and the general purpose forces (GPF) during execution of the GWOT in order to create a joint force that is equally competent in irregular warfare as well as conventional warfare.
Three focus areas to achieving this goal are as follows:
There is an overlap of SOF and GPF capabilities. SOF forces are routinely performing tasks that could be performed by existing GPF capabilities or GPF with additional training. Rebalancing GPF structure to mitigate shortfalls in low density/high demand SOF assets is essential to the GWOT/Irregular Warfare (IW)effort.
Our forces will continue to face an irregular enemy. There exists a necessity to move the IW concept to a full scale capability.
Both SOF and GPF forces require enhanced language and cultural training.
Addressing these focus areas would lead to a joint force with enhanced capabilities for IW and a balanced approach to warfighting that allows it to be as compelling in IW as it is in conventional warfare.
Olson also raised an interesting question with regard to the Marine Corps spec ops force. In response to the question of whether Marine commandos should be SOF for life Olson said
Yes, the career path of Marine SOF should be modeled after the other SOF components.
That seems at odds with what the Corps would prefer to do with the operators career progression. With such a small force, Marines need the continued recycling of experience back into their line forces. One of the selling points in the opening days of MarSoc was the notion that, while a Marine operator may serve longer in the SOF world than a normal tour in, say, an infantry or Recon unit, hell be put back into the regular force eventually to help seed the grunts with the spec ops TTPs and ethos.
Itll be interesting to see how forceful Olson is in this approach to shaping the MarSoc command.
On SOF foreign language training:
We need to make it easier for personnel to train by providing greater access to proven, high quality training that can be delivered more flexibly than the traditional classroom but that has proven, measurable, results that are at least comparable to traditional training. Options that have worked well for us include tailored, low student to teacher ratio classes and delivering live training over the web.
Immersion and iso-immersion are training formats that produce significant results in short periods for students who have already attained basic proficiency (level 1). Since CENTCOM rotations make training time even more scarce, immersion and is-immersion training are effective, if costly, means of maximizing the capability gained in the short periods available.
Our current language proficiency (i.e. testing) measurement process has a direct, negative impact on our training programs and, ultimately, capability. Conversing is the key foreign language skill for special operators; however, current test policy, infrastructure, and capacity focus on the read/listen portion of Defense Language Proficiency Tests that are increasingly constructed to serve users whose military tasks center on listening at proficiency Level 2 and higher.
The result is that our instructors focus on read/listen skills to demonstrate their effectiveness and our students focus on read/listen skills to obtain foreign language incentive pay while our key requirement is for speaking. Special Operations Forces language tasks are most often performed in face-to-face conversations. The listening component of these newer read/listen tests is less relevant to our requirements.
Those willing to dedicate the time should be provided a funded incentive. Funding foreign language incentive pay for personnel whose language proficiency is Level 1 or 1+ is important to increasing our capability. Special Operations personnel generally attend courses that target Level 1 proficiency and will train with a regional focus so that subsequent training and assignments will enhance the individuals capability over a career in SOF. Incentive pay at 1 and 1+ helps bridge the gap from initial SOF capability to higher levels.
Increased provision of role players, in language, across a wider range of exercises will also help to identify deficiencies while cementing the importance of the cultural and language expertise. In the long-term we need to increase the level of our capability and, as previously alluded to, eventually reaching a “closed-loop” for all SOF operators. Regional orientation for specific units will capitalize on training and experience investments while yielding more expert capability.
And, finally, on the Advanced SEAL Delivery Vehicle effort:
The original requirement for a small fleet of manned dry submersibles is unchanged, but it is clear that more than one of the current ASDS platform is unaffordable unless costs can be reduced. The Department cancelled the original ASDS program. As a result only one ASDS hull exists, and only the correction of reliability problems on that hull (designated ASDS-1) remain to be completed. The Fiscal Year 2008 funding is being used to correct these deficiencies through the installation of a series of design and reliability improvements. The Navy will be conducting an Alternate Material Solutions Analysis to determine how to best meet current and future SOF undersea warfare requirements. The analysis will examine a broad range of potential material solutions and will recommend a solution or combination of solutions to satisfy the capability gaps identified in a recent capability gap analysis performed by the Commander, Naval Special Warfare Command. The Alternate Material Solutions Analysis will also include the respective cost estimates for the various solutions. This will be completed by February 2008 and will inform any future program decisions.
Since this post is already getting a bit long, Id point DT readers to pages 10 15 in Vickers testimony. The answers deal with questions of major challenges to SOF and transformation initiatives. Its a fascinating look at DoD-level priorities from one of the principle authors of the latest QDR.
{ 35 comments… read them below or add one }
The part about recycling the Marine Special forces back into the marines that kinda pop’d into my head as a ‘what if’ one day. It would be interesting to see how the marines will be shaped by this over the coming years.
Good for the SEALS. This looks like a good thing…
Does anyone know why it took so long to have a SF guy to take the Reigns of the SF’s?
Why so long…
The reason is that we had NO 4-STAR SEAL Admirals to take this command. It is a 4-Star billet for SOCCOM and NAVSPECWAR has always been to small to receive a 4-Star officer. Only a few years ago did ADM Olsen become the first 3-Star in the SEAL community. NAVSPECWAR has been growing officers and commands within the SPECOPS community in order to get into the 4-Star game with the AF and Army boyz.
To me the SOF end should not qual down to up the numbers. However the growth of the second team players above the general run of the line troops with rotation back into the general run makes good sense. Expanding the middle group upgrades total force capability quicker and with more lasting impact and can reduce the loading on the high end allowing them to be tasked for high value missions rather than doing roles for which they are overkill.
“Thor” Olson is THE man for the job. I had the esteemed honor of serving under him when he was Commodore of Special Boat Squadron TWO. He was the birth father of the Coastal Patrol (PC) fleet and Mark V boats, and was instrumental in restructuring and revitalizing the Special Boat Community. He listened to his operators who were “in the trenches” and knew what was working and what wasn’t. He trusted and utilized these inputs to make vital changes. He was always running on an even keel and was in control – no matter what. He wouldn’t be where he is today if he was a slouch! He is a total professional – Olson is the “Zen” of SOF.
Scotty Lee Shuffield, HMCS (FMF/CC)
US Navy, Retired
Is the SEAL delivery vehicle usable as a rescue chamber from a downed submarine? In Peter Maas’ “The Desperate Hours” Swede Momson’s rescue vehicle was used for the first time. I could see the SEAL delivery vehicle being its successor in rescue technology and get more funding for the secondary role.
I really dig Thor’s logical quiteness, it speaks,
literally, penteteuk!May God bless him and his family(sepir). SHLM
The Marines should be treated,as, the other SOF
troops.If not,then there will be a glitch that will bite, later on etc.It happens in all spheres
of life, so mise well blast it now!It’s the same as a train,getting to a switching point at the wrong time and in the wrong direction.
As a former Legionnaire and a current U.S. Marine special operator, I believe that you must rotate a Marine back into the line forces in order to enhance the overall operating forces. Perhaps in thirty years (hopefully less) we will have a Marine Corps thats essentially all special operators. Then the fat will be cut and only warriors will be left standing.
It is a great to have someone who understands the level of committments and professionalism. Perhaps they be use wisely with more diligence.
As a former member of the Marine Corps SpecOps community (back then we were Special Operations “capable”) I can attest to the fact that Marine operators need to share what they know/have been taught with FMF units. However, while a Marine is an operator, I believe that they should fall under SOCOM for all of the benefits SOCOM can provide (training, budgets, equipment,etc), then turn them loose on the Corps! Semper Fi!
I think that ADM Olson is an excellent candidate for the job. For many years Navy Special Warfare has been seen as “the little brother” of SOF and has to work aggressively to get its people into positions that allowed them a voice. The SEAL force is small which creates incredibly talented, multi-skilled, forward thinking Special Operators as the force does not have the pleasure of allowing its operators to specialize. I think he will bring exceptional foresight and direction to SOCOM.
As for the Marines recycling back in, since they too will be a small force it seems as though you would want them as SOF for life in order to keep a well balanced and diversified group. However, the idea of bridging the gap between GPF and SOF with a “higher trained” GPF component is fantastic and recycling those Marines back into the fleet maybe and excellent way to move towards acoomplishing that.
Eric Olson brings excellent NavSpecWar experience to the highest levels that really need it. He has seen more and has learned more about Special Operations compared to any of his contemporaries. He truly cares about the warriors that are his charge, and will ensure that they are purposefully tasked, but not squandered in our fight to defeat this nation’s enemies. We have stood on a beach while active duty SEALs brought the ashes of frogmen to their final resting place – the sea, and I remember Eric Olson placing the folded American flag in the hands of the widows. He knows and he cares. The country is in good hands on his watch.
I had the privilge of serving with Vice Admiral Olson in the mid 1980′s in Tunisia. He was a Lt. Cmdr. back in those days. He was a fantastic and inspirational officer then, and I am sure those qualities have withstood the test of time. He will make an outstanding full admiral & SOCCOM Commander. Semper Fi!
R. Walker
SSGT/USMC (Vet)
Some questions raised by this and other recent developments:
What does this mean for Army SF? Does it indicate a move away from it historical role to focus more on direct action missions, a la Rumsfeld’s preference?
Also, what’s with the sudden dominance of the military by the Navy and the disappearance of Army officers from top jobs?
And do Harry Reid’s attacks on General Pace and GEN Petraeus (whose jock he couldn’t carry in terms of demonstrated intellect, education, physical courage, physical competence, and service to the nation) reveal that the politicians of both parties are about to start blaming the ground force generals for the wars the politicians themselves authorized and initiated?
In response to Jack’s comments, I do not think that the Army has lost their role as being “dominant” in the military spectrum but rather you are seeing the Navy working to develop new capabilities and bringing a differernt perspective to the GWOT. The Navy has a broad range of Anti-Terrorism and security capabilities both on land and in a coastal and riverine environment that make them a small but pivotal player in the GWOT. What I think you are seeing now is that influence coming out. Remember what makes a great flag/general officer is their insight into their soldiers, sailors and marines as well as a strategic and tactical mindset.
As for Jack’s comments about politicians moving to blame our senior leadership for the issues in Iraq I feel is starting to become much too true. Due to the public’s reluctance to deal with the realities of a wartime environment, politicians have become much too involved into the day to day workings of the military’s mission in the middle east with relatively no real insight. If there is not instant gratification with a decision that is made it is a failure and someone other than them must be blamed even if “the surge” hasn’t even been fully implemented. You cannot fight a war from a Senate hearing and I do not care what military experience a Congressman or a Senator might have, the military is different and the situation changes on a daily basis in ways only someone monitoring it intensely on a daily basis can comprehend and react to. I just wish they would let our military leaders fight this war and quit blaming others for their failures and diminishing the confidence of our junior servicemen and women.
As an member of the U.S.Navy River Rats Acc.I Think and feel Adm.Olson is the only person to lead the SOF in this time of need of a strong leader.I worked with the seals in Vietnam .Let me tell you they were then and are now men you can trust.Who better Than Adm.Olsen to command this Unit .Fair wind’s and follow seas to the men of the SOF
As an member of the U.S.Navy River Rats Acc.I Think and feel Adm.Olson is the only person to lead the SOF in this time of need of a strong leader.I worked with the seals in Vietnam .Let me tell you they were then and are now men you can trust.Who better Than Adm.Olsen to command this Unit .Fair wind’s and follow seas to the men of the SOF
Members of the Philippine navspecwar community wish to say Godspeed and express our congratulations to a fellow frogman/seal as he leads the ussocom. your guys are doing good here sir!!!
It’s about time for the Armys fat-assed micro-managers to leave and get some one in the fray to deal with our warfighting needs effectively.
Gentleman,
I had the honor to meet and speak with Adm.Olson recently at the yearly Seal Museum Muster in Florida. I can say, he is an outstanding example of what the Navy can produce, given the right candidates for training. Olson is the man for the job of SOCOM. He is a gentleman,intelligent,bright,down to earth,liked by his men,a top quality Officer that makes you feel close to him when in his presence. He listens with a keen intensity and thinks about what you say. He treats everyone equally with respect and has the personality of a true leader.
Not only is he a Seal of the highest order,but also a man that you respect without reservation. He is the highest quality of Officer and would treat all others impartially regardless of rank and service branch. These are the type of leaders needed in authority, rather than the the ones serving themselves. I have great respect for Adm. Olson and wish him and his family safe passage in all ways. Any Seal or other SOF that serves with him is truly fortunate.God speed to Adm.Olson and his staff.
If Admiral Olsen is of the same cut as Admiral George Worthington(ret)(Papa Seal) the SpecOps community(no matter what service your in) is in damn capable hands, Hooe-yah Admiral Olsen. Fair Winds and following seas Jimb(Old IUWG-One sailor)
This is nice. It defines new fresh roles. The language program is concerning because a language involves metaphors specific to that language. But its a good step offering people new skills. The people in the Army are the best friends I ever had & I got free excellent food. I’m glad they’re overhauling & gearing up for a new mil that is like a gentle giant open to motivated people who go in to make a better life. It also keeps the teams true to what they are about, some of the best started out as prior service. Many have even gone into NASA & lived in outer space.
The people in the Army are the best friends I ever had & I got free excellent food. I’m glad they’re gearing up for a new mil that is like a gentle giant open to motivated people who go in to make a better life. It also keeps the teams true to tradition, many excellent people started out as prior service. Makes no sense that an equally or more qualified pimply high schooler would not ask a Congressman for a letter to go to the fancy & free school, when just anyone all they have to do is be a boy (kind of 50/50) & can walk into any Navy recruit station saying they want to be a SEAL.
I am so pleased with a Commander with realistic knowledge. Also people will know what SEALs are really about & the SEAL way should be implemented because it works. Also hopefully they will bend criteria for people who wish to sign up yet they meet other standards in lieu of the number of pushups/situps. This creates cohesion in the forces and with NASA.
Some of our service people lived in outer space. They are fortunate to go through practice drills that prepare them for thinking in critical situations. That can’t be achieved in any other setting and you can’t colonize space without NASA, which has to be government based and strictly regulated.
Also if we can get to the moon, we can stop calling some people ‘Ma’am’!!!!!!! Yes, I believe we can change that. The queen does not knight someone as a Ma’am. Amen.
I’d also like to reinterest the military in pioneer medical procedures. Hyperbaric medicine demonstrates effective non-invasive, non-side effects, affirmative results. There are many procedures similar to hyperbaric procedures & based on the same concepts, which is relatively simple yet not well understood. Parts of it are Boolean, its success is in the nuance since it involves attention to detail, quick thinking, sensitive callibration. Military equipment is made to the highest standard and put through the test of the highest specifications.
My info, is definitely being monitored and used
by cnBeta etc.Therefore, please live by :”The words OPSEC!”
Since war is mainly on the desert now,I wouldn’t
push for the ASDS program etc.Can’t you see the signs of the Spirit,yet?
I fear greatly for future warriors!Because of what
has happened in the past,with Greece and Persia.Four kingdoms,left out from(EK)Greece,but
aren’t using the power of Greece,therefore it’s immaterial,and cloaks itself with all the Egos it
can aquire etc.Until the”Man of Sin” appears!
May God give knowledge to those fighting Sdr city!
I can’t believe:they didn’t fight there first etc.
Big battles!always come first and then the small,technical ones…Big always reveals,the small compact scenerio’s etc..
Seleucus ruled:”Syria and Mesopotamia!”Therefore,
Greek Spartans,are a signal among Muslim etc.Also,
Syria=Lamed and Ur=Res!Where,Res=First.
Seleucus ruled:”Syria and Mesopotamia!”Therefore,
Greek Spartans,are a signal among Muslim etc.Also,
Syria=Lamed and Ur=Res!Where,Res=First.
The name ABBAS!Has a certain form of musical notation in it,used,by the famous conductors of the past,and most of it is completely blasphemous!
A=verse and B=chorus,and Arabs are quite notorious
about conversations that match the above map!
Satan was the “pinna shithra” chief of music, before he was cast out from heaven/ekballo!This is,all connected to the appearing Anti-Xrist out
from ek,the generals which which left Greece/Hellenes.Therefore,Muslims are messengers
of Satan.
PLT training seems to be a difficult thing. otherwise the above wouldn’t have been written.Yes,langauge should be top priority for the PLT’s and is the only way,to comm with the people otherwise,it’s shear assumptions and unwarrented battles etc.Though I never seen SPECWAR have a problem with materials.They always
advertise that,SEALS have thee best training and
are the best of the best!so why change,training
routines at all?
Immersion! is actually what training is.Therefore
it should be,the only way of producing more acute
and obtuse training techniques!It looks as though,
motivation,isn’t their until they are sent to a training class etc.A very dangerous way,to learn,
to fight terror!It’s like a person, who goes to Church,but doesn’t believe the doctrine and then
runs into,a battle and is destroyed etc…The heart has to be,in-line,with the strength given.
The more I look at that article,it’s speaking MARINE,not SOF!?Since,terrorism doesn’t seem to:
co-operate with small unit warfare etc.Americans!
have been lied to:about SOF units and the above
proves it!!!And if I’m correct,it’s a corruption
of Marcincho’s mistakes etc… And my computer,finds it difficult to find this page especially through,defensetech itself???
For the record:”SOF”, is a Hebrew word meaning’Secret!’I supported SEALs on the WestCoast
and the above article,def. doesn’t fit their mind-
set at all!The Ancient(kadesh)is the measuring of
the now and future!!!