This thesis proposes an organizational and operational model for developing Partner Nation Special Operations Forces (SOF) in failed states and undergoverned spaces. The Partner Nation SOF would be designed to improve and expand sovereignty throughout the country. Accordingly, the model organization would provide the basic functions of governance while supporting the development of social capital and national civic identity. To achieve this, this thesis also proposes a Security Force Assistance framework for U.S. forces to develop the Partner Nation program. Within this framework, U.S. involvement would be reduced to the minimum; advisors would guide and direct the Partner Nation in the development and employment of their SOF. The thesis uses the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) as a potential Partner Nation; specific recommendations are made for application of this model to the DRC. Finally, some suggestions are made about adapting this model to other failed states and under-governed areas.

Thesis Advisor(s): Simons, Anna ; Second Reader: Sepp, Kalev. "June 2010."

I. INTRODUCTION --- II. FRAMING THE PROBLEM-THE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO -- WHY FAILED STATES MATTER -- SOVEREIGNTY ISSUES IN THE DRC -- 1. Sub-National Issues -- 2. Trans-National Issues -- SOCIAL CAPITAL ISSUES -- CIVIL-MILITARY RELATIONS PROBLEMS --- III. A SINGLE-ORGANIZATION MODEL FOR A WHOLE-OF-GOVERNMENT APPROACH -- INTRODUCTION TO THE MODELS -- 1. Colonel Wendt's Military Elements of Counterinsurgency Model -- 2. The Oil-Spot Counterinsurgency Model -- ADAPTATION AND APPLICATION OF MODELS TO THE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO -- DEVELOPING A DISTRIBUTED CAPACITY FOR SOVEREIGNTY --- IV. WHOLE-OF-GOVERNMENT AND THE PROBLEM OF STATE PENETRATION-CONDUCTING SOVEREIGNTY OPERATIONS IN THE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO -- EMPLOYING THE OPERATIONAL GROUPS -- 1. Key Functions of the Operational Groups -- 2. Ranger Units -- 3. Civic Action Units -- 4. Sample Missions -- a. Initial Capabilities Around Base Village -- b. Expanded Capabilities to Satellite Village -- 5. Working Themselves Out of a Job -- ORGANIZATION OF THE PARTNER NATION SPECIAL OPERATIONS FORCE -- 1. Special Operations Forces Headquarters -- 2. Operational Groups -- a. Group Headquarters -- b. Ranger Units -- c. Civic Action Units -- 3. The Special Operations School -- 4. Leadership Development -- Guest Instructor Rotation -- Training and Duty Requirements for Assignment and Advancement --- V. IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PROGRAM -- UNITY OF VISION, THE SOF CAMPAIGN PLAN, AND THE SPECIAL OPERATIONS COMMAND AND CONTROL ELEMENT -- 1. The SOF Campaign Plan -- 2. The Special Operations Command and Control Element -- 3. The Proper Role for U.S. Advisors and Trainers -- RECRUITMENT, ASSESSMENT, AND SELECTION ---VI. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS FOR OTHER FAILED STATES.