"U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) executes its mission through a synchronized network of people and technology that provides sustained, persistent, SOF-specific capabilities and capacities and increased persistent forward-deployed presence to support the geographic combatant commands in the execution of their theater campaign plans. Using a multipronged approach, RAND Corporation researchers identified three key operational challenges that forward-deployed personnel have encountered--unity of effort, continuity of effort, and administrative complexity -- and then assessed the extent to which persistent, networked, and distributed (PND) operations can mitigate these challenges. PND operations can address some of these challenges through enhanced theater special operations commands (TSOCs), increased forward-deployed personnel, and enhanced interagency and partner-country partnerships. As a critical element in PND operations, enhanced TSOCs have the potential to greatly improve SOF effectiveness. Some improvements accruing to enhanced TSOCs will stem directly from the higher personnel numbers assigned and the consequent removal of constraints on USSOCOM's ability to engage in the full range of planning and coordination activities. However, the assignment of appropriately trained staff to the TSOCs for extended periods of time is essential in order to ensure that all the gains of more-robust TSOCs are realized. Increased forward deployments also have the potential to enhance the impact of SOF activities. The effect can be substantial if the activities are coordinated with other U.S. efforts and build on prior SOF activities with partner forces"--Publisher's description.

1. Introduction : Persistent, Networked, and Distributed Special Operations -- The Research Question, Approach, and Organization -- 2. Identified Operational Challenges : Approach -- Findings -- 3. Implications for Persistent, Networked, and Distributed Special Operations : Enhanced Theater Special Operations Commands -- Greater Forward-Deployed Personnel Presence -- Enhanced Interagency and Allied Partner-Nation Partnerships -- Final Observations -- APPENDIX : Persistent-Presence Special Operations Forces Small Teams -- References.