K-ISOM K-ISOM Book NATO Special Forces - 70 Years NATO - Special Forces Today

With this study on the NATO special forces, a work is to be created that provides the best possible overview at the current time. NATO special forces, however, are in a state of permanent change. At the time of writing, NATO has turned 70 years old. From the early days in 1949 to today in 2019, a great deal has changed, although many NATO special forces trace their roots back to the British SAS or the British Commandos. An exception here is Italy and Germany, as well as some Eastern European countries. The NATO eastward expansion has also led to very significant challenges. Special forces had to be integrated and harmonized, which were previously trained and equipped under very different conditions. Additionally, the annexation of Crimea and the Eastern Ukraine conflict pose new threats to the alliance. Furthermore, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization casts a restless eye on the Baltics, which feels threatened by its large neighbor but is now an important part of NATO. NATO special forces must also be able to confront the new hybrid warfare. This includes the integration of female SOF troops, UAV operators, and cyber specialists. However, no false impression should arise at this point. Russia remains an important political dialogue partner at all levels for Europe. Due to the permanent changes, this book can only provide a snapshot at the time of writing, including a retrospective. While SOF in NATO have strategic significance, they only function within a complex big picture in conjunction with many other global players from all branches of the armed forces, politics, economy, society, authorities, and cyberspace. NATO SOF are thus only one aspect of a comprehensive operation, but also more than just the sum of its parts. Author: Sören Sünkler Pages: 206 Binding: Hardcover Format: 23 cm x 32 cm ISBN: 978-3-9815795-9-8