Special Operations Targeting

**Advanced Force Operations (AFO) #

** A subset of Special Operations that conducts activities in sensitive environments to set the conditions for the successful employment of special operations forces (SOF) and conventional military forces. AFO includes activities such as surveillance, reconnaissance, and preparation of the battlefield.

**Asymmetric Warfare #

** A type of warfare that seeks to defeat an enemy by using unconventional tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs). Asymmetric warfare often involves irregular forces, such as guerrillas or terrorists, and may include tactics such as ambushes, sabotage, and cyber attacks.

**Black Operations (Black Ops) #

** Covert operations that are conducted in secret, without the knowledge of the general public or the enemy. Black ops are typically conducted by special operations forces (SOF) and are designed to achieve specific political or military objectives.

**Close Target Reconnaissance (CTR) #

** A type of reconnaissance mission that is conducted close to the target, often within enemy territory. CTR is used to gather detailed information about the target, including its layout, defenses, and vulnerabilities.

**Counterinsurgency (COIN) #

** A type of military operation that is designed to defeat an insurgency, or a rebellion against a government or occupying power. COIN operations typically involve a combination of military, political, and economic measures, and may include the use of special operations forces (SOF).

**Counterterrorism (CT) #

** A type of military or law enforcement operation that is designed to prevent, deter, or respond to terrorist attacks. CT operations may include the use of special operations forces (SOF) and may be conducted in cooperation with other agencies, such as intelligence agencies or law enforcement organizations.

**Direct Action (DA) #

** A type of special operations mission that is conducted against a specific target, such as a terrorist cell or a military installation. DA missions are typically characterized by a rapid entry and exit, and may involve the use of force to achieve the mission objectives.

**High #

Value Target (HVT):** A person or group of people who are considered to be of high value to the enemy, such as a senior military commander or a terrorist leader. HVTs are often the focus of special operations missions, such as direct action or capture/kill operations.

**Indirect Action (IA) #

** A type of special operations mission that is conducted to achieve a strategic or political objective, rather than a tactical objective. IA missions may include the use of propaganda, psychological operations, or other non-kinetic means to influence the behavior of an enemy or a population.

**Irregular Warfare (IW) #

** A type of warfare that is conducted in unconventional ways, often by non-state actors such as guerrillas, terrorists, or insurgents. IW may include a wide range of tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs), and may be conducted in both physical and virtual environments.

**Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC) #

** A unified command that oversees the special operations forces (SOF) of the United States military. JSOC is responsible for conducting special operations missions in support of national security objectives, and is headquartered at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.

**Kinetic Operations #

** Military or law enforcement operations that involve the use of force, such as direct action missions or counterterrorism operations. Kinetic operations are often contrasted with non-kinetic operations, such as psychological operations or information operations.

**Long #

Range Reconnaissance (LRR):** A type of reconnaissance mission that is conducted over a long distance, often in remote or hostile territory. LRR is used to gather information about the enemy and the terrain, and may involve the use of special operations forces (SOF) or other specialized units.

**Military Information Support Operations (MISO) #

** A type of operation that is conducted to influence the behavior of an enemy or a population through the use of propaganda, psychological operations, or other means. MISO is often conducted in support of special operations missions, and may be conducted by special operations forces (SOF) or other military units.

**Non #

State Actors (NSAs):** Groups or individuals who are not affiliated with a recognized state or government, such as guerrillas, terrorists, or insurgents. NSAs may engage in a wide range of activities, including political violence, criminal activity, or humanitarian work.

**Psychological Operations (PSYOP) #

** A type of operation that is conducted to influence the behavior of an enemy or a population through the use of propaganda, persuasion, or other means. PSYOP is often conducted in support of special operations missions, and may be conducted by special operations forces (SOF) or other military units.

**Rapid Reaction Force (RRF) #

** A military unit that is trained and equipped to respond quickly to emerging threats or crises. RRFs may be composed of special operations forces (SOF) or other specialized units, and may be used to conduct a wide range of missions, such as direct action, counterterrorism, or crisis response.

**Special Operations Forces (SOF) #

** Military units that are trained and equipped to conduct special operations, which are defined as operations that are conducted in hostile, denied, or politically sensitive environments and that require specialized skills, equipment, and tactics. SOF units may include units such as the Navy SEALs, the Army Green Berets, or the Air Force Special Tactics Squadrons.

**Special Operations Targeting #

** The process of identifying, analyzing, and prioritizing targets for special operations missions. Special operations targeting may involve the use of a wide range of intelligence sources, such as human intelligence (HUMINT), signals intelligence (SIGINT), or geospatial intelligence (GEOINT), and may be conducted by special operations forces (SOF) or other military units.

**Tactical Operations #

** Military or law enforcement operations that are conducted at the tactical level, or the level of the individual unit or soldier. Tactical operations are typically focused on achieving specific objectives, such as seizing a piece of terrain or capturing a high-value target.

**Unconventional Warfare (UW) #

** A type of warfare that is conducted in unconventional ways, often by non-state actors such as guerrillas, terrorists, or insurgents. UW may include a wide range of tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs), and may be conducted in both physical and virtual environments.

**White Operations #

** Overt military or law enforcement operations that are conducted in accordance with international law and with the knowledge and consent of the general public. White ops are often contrasted with black ops, which are conducted in secret and without the knowledge of the general public.

**X #

Ray Operations:** A term used to refer to special operations missions that are conducted in support of national security objectives, but that are not specifically related to combat operations. X-ray ops may include activities such as humanitarian assistance, disaster response, or security cooperation.

**Yankee Operations #

** A term used to refer to special operations missions that are conducted in support of combat operations, such as direct action, counterterrorism, or unconventional warfare. Yankee ops may be conducted in conjunction with other military units, such as conventional forces or air power.

**Zulu Operations #

** A term used to refer to special operations missions that are conducted in support of strategic or political objectives, such as psychological operations, information operations, or military information support operations. Zulu ops may be conducted in conjunction with other government agencies, such as intelligence agencies or diplomatic missions.