Golden Arrows: Leveraging Strategic Leadership Potential of Special Operation Leaders

Intent of Research: This paper examines current and future requirements for strategic leadership of the United States Army and identifies Special Operations Forces senior leaders as potential strategic leaders of the Army based upon the alignment their professional attributes and competencies with the future operating environment and the probability of continued irregular and hybrid conflict. First this paper assesses the concept of strategic leadership within the framework of recent historical and future global conditions. Next, an analysis of U.S. Army strategic leaders identifies commonalities of educational, professional development and promotion opportunities. A comparison of U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) practices for identification, development and assignment of high potential officers reveals some deviation. Finally, options are recommended for enhancing the strategic leadership of the Army and increasing the potential for future success in volatile and complex situations by including Special Operations officers.

Author: United States Army War College

Publisher: Createspace Independent Publishing Platform

Publication Date: Mar 18, 2015

Number of Pages: 30 pages

Binding: Paperback or Softback

ISBN-10: 1508924287

ISBN-13: 9781508924289