1. This Briefing is Classified UNCLASSIFIED Arctic SOF Capabilities Work Shop Back Brief 20 Nov 14 1 UNCLASSIFIED

2. Purpose Provide a dynamic forum for the SOF components and global SOF network partners to explore opportunities and challenges related to the Arctic Identify and capture the special operations implications, challenges, risks, opportunities, and capability requirements for SOF operations in the Arctic Identify SOF Arctic requirements to the USSOCOM strategic planning process 2 UNCLASSIFIED

3. Discussion/Presentations Day 1 Opportunities in the Arctic and Russian Challenges USNORTHCOM Arctic Strategy Norway’s Arctic Strategy "What is the future role for SOF in the Arctic?“ Day 2 Arctic Communications Capabilities/Limitations Search & Rescue Capabilities and Limitations Scenario 3

4. Scenario Objectives Identify implications, challenges, risks, and capability requirements for SOF operations in the North American Arctic. Examine SOF Arctic mission planning and preparation for operations above 66 North Examine C2 among special operations and conventional forces in a harsh and austere environment Discuss mission execution in context of extreme cold and maritime conditions characteristic of the Arctic Identify ISR planning & integration challenges during operations above 66 North 4

5. Scenario RUS law enforcement has been tracking a shipment of conventional arms as it made its way across the country and arrived at Pevek RU Shipment is believed to be destined for Taiwan to support unionist “One China” movement. PRC supportive but distances itself from group Shipment contains small arms, ammunition, and man-portable air defense systems (MANPADS) Not believed to contain nuclear, biological, or chemical weapons or materiel Shipment loaded on MV Bassa, a Liberian flagged freighter 5

6. Scenario Continue RUS Border Guard notifies USCG District 17 of situation DHS delegates USCG lead to locate, identify, stop or delay. USNORTHCOM tasked to support Bassa expected to transit Bering Strait 23 Aug 0200Z (5 DAYS) Last AIS broadcast 21/2230Z & No record of Bassa transiting Bering Strait USNORTHCOM issues order to all components to develop possible COA SOCNORTH begins COA development 6

7. Discussion Themes Infrastructure – Main Operating Base (MOB) – Intermediate Staging Base (ISB) Mobility Communication – Command & Control – Inter Team ISR – Planning – Execution Survivability – Platform – Individual Equipment 7

8. General Observations Execute in favorable environment if at all possible Immediately notify all allies and partners 8

9. Scenario Conclusion Assault Force – 32 x NSW 16 x Helo Assault Force – 4 x MH-60 – MC-130 (refueling) 16 x Boat Assault Force – 4 x RHIB – 2 x C-17 ISR-FMV on target Forward Staging C2 & Comms Supporting elements Deployment assets Sustainment ISR –Find, Fix, & Finish Follow-on actions with objective ship Infrastructure development Other supporting units (DoD, Interagency, State, Canada 9

10. Scenario Discussion (Con’t) Limitations 1.USNORTHCOM has no dedicated force to conduct rapid evolving events a.Increases time to deploy b.More difficult to execute (complex environment, huge distances, rehearsal time) c.Limited joint training for complex missions 2.No official documentation detailing Arctic requirements a.No USNORTHCOM Arctic Campaign Plan b.No SOCNORTH Campaign Support Plan for the Arctic c.Mission Guidance Letters d.USSOCOM Strategic Planning process 3.Arctic operation/mission are at the seam of 3 x GCCs 4.Command and Control Architecture a.Needs to be formalized and exercised b.Need to establish MOA/MOUs 10 UNCLASSIFIED

11. Response Option Four options for response drives response times – Borrowed alert forces from another GCC – CONUS-based SOF, not on alert – USNORTHCOM dedicated SOF Reponse Force – Forward-staged, rotational forces 11

12. Miscellaneous 12 UNCLASSIFIED UNCLASSIFED Where does the assault force come from:

13. Discussion/Presentations Day 3 Research & Development/Science & Technology – SORDAC – Penn State University-Advanced Research Lab Training & Range Opportunities – Alaska Command 13

14. Alaska Command Questions 14 UNCLASSIFIED