Full Spectrum versus Specialized Units

This activity will address module outcome 2. Upon completion of this activity, you will be able to:
• Compare a full-spectrum force to specialized units (CO1)
In this course, you will write several reflective papers. They are reflective because in addition to being based on your readings and research, you will be asked to finish each paper with a paragraph or two about how the assigned topic applies to you and what experiences you have had. It is important to understand the material but equally as important to how you can use it.
For this reflection, write a 3 page paper addressing the following:
• First, explain which is more advantageous: a full-spectrum force or specialized units? Base your argument on sound and academic research and include examples to illustrate your argument/position.
• Your final paragraph of the paper should focus on your reflections about the topic and what you may have experienced in your own work or life or how the material applies to you.
Module 6: Module Notes: Military Operations
Military operations require a very specific understanding and skill set in preparation for a multitude of diverse operations. Even in non-conflicts/combat situations, it is imperative to prepare and understand the entire scope of the mission (purpose), the intended target/result, and what you are trying to accomplish. As service members are asked to be more and more prepared at all levels, the idea of just following orders is no longer sufficient in ensuring successful missions. First, one must fully understand the differences between special operations and full spectrum operations.
Elements of Special Operations
Key Terms/Definitions/Processes
Special operations are utilized to identify and target specific threats to national security using the following targeting system of “find, fix, finish, exploit, analyze, and disseminate.” Retired General Stanley McChrystal is best known as the chief architect of this approach, but it has come with a number of concerns, one being high cost, and the second being high public opinion cost.
In the Army Field Manual 3-0 (Links to an external site.) Links to an external site. [PDF, File Size 3.97MB], (2008) we can examine the elements of full spectrum operations. Full spectrum operations require simultaneous combinations of four elements—offense, defense, stability, and civil support. Figure 3-2 lists the elements of full spectrum operations, the primary tasks associated with them, and the purposes of each element. Each primary task has numerous associated subordinate tasks. When combined with who (unit), when (time), where (location), and why (purpose), the primary tasks become mission statements.
Full Spectrum Operations
Select each tab to learn more.
• Offensive Operations
• Defensive Operations
• Stability Operations
• Civil Support Operations
Introduction
Full spectrum operations require simultaneous combinations of these four elements:

1. Offense
2. Defense
3. Stability
4. Civil Support
   Source: Operations FM 3-0, Chapter 3 Figure 3-2, Department of the Army (2008)
   In addition to the specific processes of military operations, there is an entire set of variables that have an impact on the success of missions, both combat and noncombat. The Robinson article highlights how Admiral McRaven provided an argument for a full-spectrum operations approach and the obvious benefits from a purely military tactical perspective. The article mentions two examples, Columbia and the Philippines, where full-spectrum military operations yielded positive results. The example of Columbia is one that highlights just how successful full spectrum operations are in noncombat situations. The art of successfully bringing about international change for peace, prosperity, and democracy to nations and peoples in conflict and for fulfilling the mission of the U.S. requires that non-combat efforts be strategically made in an effort to avoid combat situations. Support for full spectrum war is fading and the general American population is not prepared to maintain combat efforts, as can be seen with the demand to bring home troops from Iraq, and now in Afghanistan. The Obama Administration, in an attempt to appease the general American populace, supported a special operations approach as opposed to full-spectrum operations. This trend has been further supported by the fact that this was how Osama Bin Laden was finally killed and led many to believe that this is exactly how to achieve success in the Middle East, especially when it comes to terrorists.
   According to Harman, Pratt, and Gorka (2011), Admiral McRaven’s arguments added intellectual discipline to the thoughts from his many military experiences. He proposed that a simple plan, carefully concealed, repeatedly executed with purpose, surprise, and speed, was an ideal plan to combat terrorism. See his principles of terrorism combat planning:

Additionally, the article, Integrating Economic and Social Aspects into Military Operations, written in 2010, warns about the need to add to the Operations Manual (FM 3-0) and should provide additional training in “intelligence, planning, resource allocation, implementation, and monitoring and evaluation.” As in the Harman et al. article, the emphasis on resource allocation and the need for extended timeframes to ensure success are key focal points in full-spectrum operations. It is important to note that, while the elements of stability operations, as listed, highlight general target areas for stabilization, they do not take into consideration the environmental elements that can derail stabilization missions. As noted by authors Brown et al., the comprehensive approach takes more time, resources, and planning than what most operations are known to take. We will examine this article in Discussion 2.
Elements of Stability Operations within Full Spectrum Operations
FM 3-07, Chapter 2

In the constantly changing environment in which our service members are asked to do more with less and, at the same time, deploy with a ready and capable force, one can make an argument for cost-saving purposes. Which is more advantageous: a full-spectrum force or specialized units? Our first discussion delves into environmental variables and how they relate to mission success.
Image Citation:
U.S. Department of Defense Photo Gallery. Downstairs (Links to an external site.) Links to an external site. Retrieved from https://www.defense.gov/Photos/Photo-Gallery?igphoto=2001728785
DOD Photo Gallery. NATO partners conduct close air support exercise (Links to an external site.) Links to an external site. Retrieved from https://www.defense.gov/Photos/Photo-Gallery/igphoto/2001734837/ (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.
U.S. Army Central takes a big step towards being full-spectrum operations capable (Links to an external site.) Links to an external site. Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Rodney Jackson U.S. Army Central Retrieved from https://www.dvidshub.net/image/80366/us-army-central-takes-big-step-towards-being-full-spectrum-operations-capable
Photograph of Admiral McRaven (Links to an external site.) Links to an external site. Military.com 6 Jun 2013 by Richard Sisk. Retrieved from http://www.military.com/daily-news/2013/06/06/mcraven-sequestration-will-dull-sofs-edge.htm