Special operations forces and elusive enemy ground targets: lessons from Vietnam and the Persian Gulf War, Issue 1408

Special operations forces can be effective where conventional gound units and air power alone cannot locate elusive or hidden ground targets, but there are limitations. "This report explores the role of ground observers in efforts to detech and defeat such forces. Drawing on U.S. experiences during the Vietnam and Persian Gulf wars, the study examines the challenges associated with employing ground observers to search large areas for elusive targets. The report also suggests ways in which ground observers might be usefully employed during future conflicts. It should be of interest to both aviators and land warriors in U.S. and allied militaries as well as the broader defense community."--Preface During two of the largest U.S. military conflicts of the past 50 years, U.S. leaders faced the difficult challenge of finding and destroying well-hidden adversary ground targets. 'Prepared for the United States Air Force.'