scholarly journals Combating the Current Pandemic and Preparing for the Next: Lessons Learned From the COVID-19 Pandemic From the Perspective of Deployed Special Operations Forces

2022 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christopher J Scheiber ◽  
Lemar M Simmons ◽  
Richard D Neading ◽  
Casey F Becker ◽  
Tyler R Scarborough ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Armed Forces ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Unmanned Aerial Systems ◽  
Operational Environment ◽  
Protection Measures ◽  
Special Operations ◽  
Special Operations Forces ◽  
Aerial Systems ◽  
Host Nation ◽  
Operational Capacity

ABSTRACT The coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic continues to be a threat to global health, including the health of deployed armed forces. Servicemembers had to adjust to the “new normal” while maintaining the interests of the nation’s security as well as that of our host nation partners. This commentary examines how Special Operations Forces operating within four different regions worldwide leveraged the challenges presented by the onset of this pandemic in maintaining stability, sustaining a ready force, and operating forward deployed. Deployed forces face constant difficulties with logistical support, varied medical resources access and a medical system predominantly focused on trauma care. At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic there was little guidance specific to these circumstances which required an improvised adaptation of the recommendations set by national and Department of Defense medical authorities. Plans were constantly revised to match the ever changing medical and operational environment. Strategies such as the “Bubble Philosophy” and tiered force protection measures helped our units to maintain a rigorous training cycle. New methods of communication and training with our host nation partners such as the use of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) platforms to survey host nation training became standard. Through these measures all of our forces were able to maintain operational capacity, protect the force, and maintain rapport with the host nations. We hope these experiences will provide a rough framework for future forces faced with a similar struggle. We also want to stress that challenges vary depending on the area of operations and the pathogen responsible for the pandemic. Any feedback and collaboration that may come from this work is appreciated and encouraged.

Unmanned Aerial Systems Mission Task Element Development: Lessons Learned from Flight Test

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Philip C. Schulze ◽  
Justin P. Miller ◽  
David H. Klyde ◽  
Christopher D. Regan ◽  
Curtis Olson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Flight Test ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Unmanned Aerial Systems ◽  
Aerial Systems

Unmanned Air Systems in the Armed Forces, Estimating the Risk of Their Use

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leszek Cwojdziński ◽  
Hanna Dzido ◽  
Tomasz Łodygowski
Keyword(s):  
Armed Forces ◽  
Hazard Identification ◽  
Armed Conflicts ◽  
Unmanned Aerial Systems ◽  
Technical Data ◽  
Financial Benefits ◽  
The Face ◽  
High Level ◽  
Aerial Systems ◽  
Development Prospects

The change in the nature of armed conflicts forced a change in the way they were conducted and the need to develop new types of weapons. The article presents the basic assumptions regarding the use and development prospects of unmanned flying systems. Tactical and technical data of the leading structures are presented. At the same time, the directions of development and use of combat air systems in future armed conflicts were presented. It was pointed out that unmanned aerial systems, the use of which brings significant financial benefits, are the type of weapon that has recently been gaining in importance in the most spectacular way, transforming the face of armed conflicts. The use of unmanned aerial vehicles as part of training tasks and combat missions forces the continuous development of personnel in the field of skills related to hazard identification and assessment. This process requires professionals with a high level of substantive preparation and extensive aviation experience, who will increase the awareness of RPA operators in terms of the essence and the need to analyze and estimate risk. On the basis of analyzes and comparisons, the authors proposed that the development work and the construction of elements and the system (CUAS) to combat UAV become an opportunity for the development of national research institutes and the defense industry, and also Polish export product.

Development and Testing of an Experimental Tool to Support Evaluation of Performance in Handling Competing Attentional Demands

2020 ◽  
Vol 64 (1) ◽  
pp. 1785-1789
Author(s):  
Angelia Sebok ◽  
Noah Adler ◽  
Elijah Lofgren ◽  
Jake McCord ◽  
Kimberly Spahr ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Software Tool ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Unmanned Aerial Systems ◽  
Training Tool ◽  
Human In The Loop ◽  
Experimental Systems ◽  
Evaluation Of Performance ◽  
Competing Demands ◽  
Agile Software ◽  
Aerial Systems

This paper describes the design and evaluation of experimenter capabilities associated with a software tool to train attentional management. This training tool will be used by sensor operators of unmanned aerial systems (UAS), to learn attentional skills associated with managing the competing demands of UAS operational tasks. Before the tool is taken into use, the effectiveness of three different approaches to training will be evaluated in a human-in-the-loop experiment. An agile software development process was used to create, test, and refine this tool. Designing to support experimental evaluations differs in some respects from designing for use by an operational community. Although the overall process is similar, specific needs related to data collection and configurability differ significantly. This paper describes the process, tool, and lessons learned to apply to future experimental systems.

scholarly journals SPECIAL ASPECTS OF THE PARAMETERS ASSESSMENT OF COMMUNICATION CHANNELS OF UNMANNED AERIAL SYSTEMS CLASSI AND II

2020 ◽  
pp. 41-48
Author(s):  
V. Ilienko ◽  
O. Isachenko ◽  
A. Los ◽  
M. Gerashchenko ◽  
S. Rudnichenko
Keyword(s):  
Communication Channels ◽  
Armed Forces ◽  
Test Methods ◽  
Control Site ◽  
Standard Test ◽  
Class I ◽  
Unmanned Aerial Systems ◽  
Electronic Warfare ◽  
Aerial Systems

Considering the lack of standard test methods for communication channels of modern unmanned aerial systems (UAS) class I and II, according to the UAS classification of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, it was decided to work out the basic approaches for determining indicators, conditions and procedure for conducting tests in this direction. The suggested methodological recommendations will improve the quality of the parameters and characteristics assessment for communication channels of UAS I and II classes. One of the distinctive trends in the development of modern forms and methods of conducting armed combat at all stages of the armed conflict is the widespread use of the UASs by opposing parties. UASs are capable of significant increasing the effectiveness of accomplishing aerial reconnaissance tasks, organizing electronic warfare, and providing real-time delivery of target pinpointing to fire means for the destruction of enemy’s manpower and material. A distinctive feature of UAS is that its external crew, as a rule, accomplish its mission at a considerable distance from the objects of attack. This fact significantly reduces the security risks and threats associated with performing combat missions under conditions of active enemy counteraction. Due to this feature, considerable attention is paid to the development of a reliable communication system that would be able to ensure task accomplishment at the maximum distance from command and control site. During the tests of UAS Class I and II, the specialists of the State Scientific Research Institute of Armament and Military Equipment Testing and Certification used testing methods of radio channels assessment, which will allow to improve the quality of UAS research of this type and give the manufacturers recommendations for increasing their capabilities.

scholarly journals System Analysis of Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems Kill Chain in an Operational Environment

Systems ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 79
Author(s):  
Choon Seng Tan ◽  
Douglas L. Van Van Bossuyt ◽  
Britta Hale
Keyword(s):  
Systems Engineering ◽  
System Analysis ◽  
Unmanned Aerial Systems ◽  
Unmanned Aerial System ◽  
Operational Environment ◽  
Commercial Off The Shelf ◽  
Military Facilities ◽  
Aerial Systems ◽  
Model Based Systems Engineering

The proliferation of Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) capabilities in the commercial sector is posing potentially significant threats to the traditional perimeter defense of civilian and military facilities. Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) UAS are small, cheap, and come with multiple types of functions which have growing interest among hobbyists. This has prompted the need for facility commanders to have a methodology to conduct quick evaluation and analysis of the facility and the existing Counter-Unmanned Aerial System (CUAS)’s effectiveness. This research proposes a methodology that follows a systems engineering perspective to provide a step-by-step process in conducting evaluation and analysis by employing Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) tools to understand the CUAS’s effectiveness and limitations. The methodology analyzes the CUAS’s operating environment and effects of the dominant factors and impacts that CUAS may pose to other stakeholders (e.g., adjacent allied forces, civilians, etc.) within the area of operation. We then identify configuration candidates for optimizing the CUAS’s performance to meet the requirements of the stakeholders. A case study of a hypothetical airport with existing CUAS is presented to demonstrate the usability of the methodology, explore the candidates, and justify the implementation of a candidate that fits the facility and the stakeholders’ requirements.

scholarly journals RAZVOJ SPECIALNIH SIL SV IN IZKUŠNJE IZ AFGANISTANA

2016 ◽  
pp. 47-62
Author(s):  
KRISTIAN BERŠNAK
Keyword(s):  
Task Force ◽  
Armed Forces ◽  
Special Forces ◽  
Special Operations ◽  
Peacekeeping Operations ◽  
Basic Task ◽  
International Environment ◽  
History Of ◽  
Special Operations Forces ◽  
The Republic

Slovenska vojska je od osamosvojitve do danes dosegla velik napredek pri razvoju zmogljivosti specialnih sil, kar s svojo vrhunsko usposobljenostjo in pripravljenostjo ter interoperabilnostjo s sorodnimi enotami Nata v praksi nenehno potrjuje njena Enota za specialno delovanje (ESD). Potencial enote se kaže predvsem pri izpolnjevanju obveznosti RS v mednarodnih operacijah in na misijah. Članek na primeru delovanja ESD ponuja razmislek o povezanosti med razvojnim konceptom specialnih sil SV ter njihovo resnično »in field« uporabo. Najvidnejši primer delovanja ESD v mirovnih operacijah in na misijah je bila napotitev v sklopu dvajsetega slovenskega kontingenta v operacijo Isafa. Element ESD je kot del Desete skupne bojne skupine za specialno delovanje pod vodstvom komponentnega poveljstva specialnih sil Isafa prvič v zgodovini SV sodeloval v operacijah specialnih sil Nata, in sicer v smislu nekonvencionalnega delovanja, s temeljno nalogo vojaške pomoči afganistanskim varnostnim silam. SV je z delovanjem elementa ESD v sklopu specialnih sil Isafa potrdila svoje zmogljivosti v praksi in tako v zahtevnem mednarodnem okolju dokazala, da je strateški koncept RS, povezan z razvojem specialnih sil SV, pravilen in predvsem uresničljiv. Since Slovenia’s independence to date, the Slovenian Armed Forces (SAF) achieved significant progress in developing the capabilities of special forces. This is being continuously confirmed by SAF Special Operations Unit (SOU) in practice with its superior competence and readiness as well as the interoperability with similar NATO units. The unit’s potential is mainly reflected in the fulfilment of the obligations of the Republic of Slovenia in international operations and missions. Using the example of SOU operations, the article provides a reflection on the relationship between the development concept of SAF Special Operations Unit and its actual in field use. The most visible example of SOU activities in peacekeeping operations and missions was the deployment of the 20th Slovenian contingent to the ISAF operation. For the first time in the history of the SAF, the SOU element which was subordinated to the Combined Special Operations Task Force 10 led by Combined Forces Special Operations Component Command - Afghanistan participated in NATO special operations forces in terms of unconventional operations. Its basic task was to provide military assistance to the Afghan security forces. With the engagement of SOU element within ISAF special forces the SAF confirmed its capabilities in practice and proved in the international environment that the strategic concept of the Republic of Slovenia associated with the development of SAF special forces was accurate and fully implementable.

scholarly journals APPROACH TO THE FORMALIZATION OF THE PROCESS OF CONDUCTING SPECIAL ACTIONS BY A SPECIAL FORCES UNIT USING THE ANALYTICAL-STOCHASTIC MODEL.

2021 ◽  
pp. 36-43
Author(s):  
A. Kokoiko
Keyword(s):  
Stochastic Model ◽  
Armed Forces ◽  
Armed Conflicts ◽  
International Terrorism ◽  
Unified Approach ◽  
Special Forces ◽  
Special Operations ◽  
Arms Trade ◽  
Special Operations Forces ◽  
The Military

The current realities of the military-political situation in the world comprise the emergence of a significant number of new contradictions of various natures between states and entire regions, and in some countries acute territorial, religious and ethnic confrontations that have led to a number of armed conflicts. In addition, international terrorism, drug smuggling, illegal arms trade and organized crime pose serious threats today. The emergence of these threats brings the necessity of drastic changes in approaches to resolving them. A significant share in the settlement of these conflicts belongs to the Special Operations Forces, which is the youngest and most advanced component of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The authors identify one of the main problems that is the lack of a unified approach to the formalization of the process of conducting special actions. The purpose of this article is to form a mathematical model of the process of conducting special actions by the unit of Special Operations Forces during the planning and conducting of special operation. The authors propose an approach to the formalization of the process of conducting special actions by a special forces unit, using an analytical- stochastic model.

scholarly journals VKLJUČEVANJE ŽENSK V SPECIALNE SILE

2020 ◽  
pp. 85-105
Author(s):  
KARMEN POKLUKAR
Keyword(s):  
Selection Criteria ◽  
Selection Process ◽  
Armed Forces ◽  
Primary Concern ◽  
Special Forces ◽  
Gender Integration ◽  
Special Operations ◽  
Special Operations Forces ◽  
The One ◽  
Mixed Gender

Povzetek V prispevku ugotavljamo, da kljub prepoznavanju prednosti žensk pri izvajanju posebnih nalog specialnih sil še vedno ostaja precej vprašanj glede oblikovanja mešanih sestavov. Največje vprašanje predstavlja ohranjanje strogih fizičnih izbirnih meril za oba spola, ki po eni strani pomembno prispevajo k vzdrževanju kohezivnosti enote in njene elitnosti v oboroženih silah ter družbi, po drugi strani pa zmanjšujejo njeno dostopnost fizično šibkejšemu spolu. Premiki k vključevanju žensk v specialne sile so se v nekaterih državah že zgodili, v nobeni izmed teh držav pa s temi pristopi ne želijo oslabiti poslanstva in statusa specialnih sil. Prav to smo na podlagi izvedenih intervjujev ugotovili tudi na primeru Enote za specialno delovanje Slovenske vojske. Ključne besede specialne sile, ženske v specialnih silah, izbirni postopek. Abstract The article notes that although the advantage of gender integration in the conduct of special assignments has been identified, there remains a considerable dilemma with regard to the formation of mixed-gender structures. The primary concern is to maintain strict physical selection criteria for both genders. These, on the one hand, make an important contribution to maintaining the cohesiveness of the unit and enabling members of the Special Forces to preserve their status of elite forces within the armed forces and the society, and, on the other hand, reduce their accessibility for a physically weaker gender. Some states have already accomplished partial shifts in the integration of women into Special Forces. Yet, through such measures, none of these states intend, by no means, to weaken the mission and status of Special Forces. Based on the conducted interviews, the above-stated findings were established in the case of the Special Operations Forces of the Slovenian Armed Forces. Key words Special Forces, women in Special Forces, selection process.

scholarly journals Civil Preparation of the Battlespace - Necessity in the Irregular or Hybrid Warfare

2017 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
pp. 265-270
Author(s):  
Aurelian Rațiu
Keyword(s):  
Armed Forces ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Social Structures ◽  
Operational Environment ◽  
Civilian Population ◽  
Centre Of Gravity ◽  
Profound Knowledge ◽  
The People ◽  
Precise Understanding ◽  
External Stimuli

Abstract The lessons learned from the most recent conflicts or theatres of operations in Iraq, Afghanistan, Ukraine, or Syria prove that the Intelligence Preparation of the Battlefield (IPB) process is no longer sufficient. Why? Because in the irregular and hybrid conflicts the centre of gravity is represented by the civilian population, which requires precise understanding of the operational environment, including aspects about the local communities, and profound knowledge of the people, their social structures, their culture, their customs, and their way of thinking and reacting to certain internal and external stimuli. In such an operational environment, protecting the civilian population becomes the main mission of the armed forces. Consequently, we present the most important stages through which the Civil Preparation of the Battlespace (CPB) can be accomplished.

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