Introduction
Special operations (SO) are conducted successfully when specialist abilities are employed with adaptability, improvisation, and ingenuity against opponents who are frequently unprepared to respond. Special Operations Forces (SOF) are small, specially structured groups trained to use unconventional methods to achieve strategic and operational goals (Spulak, 2019). They are manned by carefully chosen individuals and equipped with specialized equipment. On the other hand, a military force incorporated into the joint force’s needs but not directly a part of it is referred to as a surrogate army (Thompson, 2022).
Challenges of SOF–Surrogate Forces Collaboration
In the current international climate, the United States is becoming more involved in conflicts motivated by enduring racial and religious animosities that serve less important national interests. The use of surrogate armies allows SOF to extend their capacity for combat into these undesirable theaters or areas they may otherwise be reluctant to reach. Nonetheless, this collaboration faces many ethical concerns, impacting its effectiveness.
Conflict of Interest
Generally, one of the main ethical challenges that SOF experiences in working through, with, and by surrogate forces is the conflict of interest or divergent objectives. A conflict of interest arises whenever what is in one’s best interest is not in favor of another individual or organization to which that person owes loyalty. Conflicts of interest are strictly regulated since SOF takes them seriously to avoid troops turning against each other.
Using a surrogate presents difficulties at every stage of disagreement. The surrogate’s nature is a significant worry even before hostilities start (Thompson, 2022). Convenience-driven allies might not be admirable individuals or morally upright ones. For instance, many organizations are involved in the fight against terrorism that SOF may not view as allies, friends, or partners. There have been allegations of pillaging and prisoner massacres with various alliances. Ultimately, the SOF might need to defend the native population against their liberators.
Loyalty
Loyalty is a significant part of the joint SOF imperatives to combat violent extremist groups. The US foreign policy and strategic military planning are now intertwined in comprehending the new converging, trans-regional security dilemmas of the twenty-first century due to the evolving international environment marked by competing interests (Wojciech Labuz et al., 2020). In many battles, switching sides or devotion issues is a typical occurrence. Missions involving indigenous tribes are problematic, and one must never take their allegiance for granted.
Without having enemies and friends, SOF should determine who to assist now and in the future. They must have American national interests, but this might be in jeopardy when the surrogate has conflicting goals. Other difficulties become apparent as the war enters the phase following hostilities. Popular support is essential to maintain native forces and resist authoritarian governments. Therefore, how the surrogate army interacts with the dominant group of people may have long-term effects. For instance, the SOF may continue to hunt for terrorists while the surrogate forces start to reduce pressure on the common enemy. Ultimately, the SOF complicates the end of hostilities by picking a local surrogate as its proxy in the fight.
Overcoming Challenges
SOF can overcome this challenge by enabling ethically sound partnerships with surrogate forces. The ongoing need to discover a way to leverage this force and highlight flaws in the surrogate army is demonstrated by the ever-rising conflict of interests and divergent opinions in SO. The joint force must choose an appropriate surrogate party with the ability and will to fight (Thompson, 2022). The indigenous population should view this force as genuine; however, the US will likely cooperate with a surrogate army of sketchy individuals, poor fighters, or groups with opposing goals. The ability to make ethical decisions holds mission success and SOF operational culture together, which is one of the key functions of organizational culture (Wojciech Labuz et al., 2020).
The harsh reality of SOF surroundings and functional requirements must be considered honestly and carefully while developing an efficient SOF-surrogate partnership. SOF troops should see the world as it is, not as they might wish it were. A more profound comprehension of human nature will help SOF recognize its strengths and drawbacks. Finally, the operational commander must be able to direct the surrogate using a combination of diplomacy, military advisers, and leverage to help avoid the challenges.
Another way to overcome the challenge is to address the needs of the surrogate army. Military force requirements are established by the necessity to put oneself in a position to defeat the opponent while simultaneously avoiding the danger of fatal repercussions from conflicting objectives. Armed services organizations have changed structurally and created the Principles of War to adapt to the realities of conflict by learning from lessons paid for with blood (Spulak, 2019).
In the end, whether that fear develops swiftly or gradually, the enemies worry that, once all monetary or moral resources are depleted, they will be vulnerable to destruction in the arena of war that saps their will to persevere. This also holds for allies who have earned the partnership’s trust. Therefore, reassuring them that they will receive help during and after the conflict is imperative.
Conclusion
In brief, working through, with, and by surrogate forces presents SOF with several ethical issues, including conflict of interest or contradictory aims. There is a good chance that the SOF will collaborate with a surrogate army of uncooperative individuals. Therefore, to overcome disputes between SOF and surrogate objectives, the SO commanders must remain aware of the military goals of the surrogate force and be extra-vigilant to point out any divergent opinions.
References
Labuz, Wojciech, Kari A. Thyne, Joseph E. Long, and Christopher D. Hughes. “Ethics in Special Operations and the Joint Special Operations Forces Senior Enlisted Academy.” Small Wars Journal, 2020. Web.
Spulak, Robert G. A Theory of Special Operations. Office of Scientific and Technical Information, 2019. Web.
Thompson, Brian L. “Surrogate Armies: Redefining the Ground Force.” Defense Technical Information Center, 2022. Web.