Join Professor Martin Kitson, an expert in Irregular Warfare from the Netherlands Defence Academy, and Major General Ron Smits, former Commander of Netherlands Special Operations, as they discuss the pivotal role of Special Operations Forces in modern influence activities. They explore the shift from counterterrorism to influence operations, the necessity of cultural understanding, and the importance of diverse skill sets. The conversation dives into the challenges SOF face in a hybrid warfare landscape, addressing the intricate balance of local engagement and global security demands.
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SOF's Evolving Role in Influence Activities
SOF's role in influence activities has become increasingly important in the era of global competition and hybrid warfare.
Influence operations now play a bigger role than during the past 25 years when counterterrorism was the primary focus.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Defining and Conducting Influence Operations
Define influence operations as projected activities aimed at changing target audiences' behavior.
Analyze your messages' effects, considering cultural and political backgrounds, to ensure they achieve the desired outcome.
insights INSIGHT
SOF as Integrators in Influence Activities
SOF excels at integrating various capabilities, like kinetic operations and cyber, to achieve influence effects.
SOF units often serve as vanguards of innovation, developing and integrating influence approaches into broader military strategies.
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Episode 116 of the Irregular Warfare Podcast explores the role of Special Operations Forces (SOF) in influence activities, featuring insights from Professor Martijn Kitson and Major General Ron Smits. The guests discuss the value proposition of SOF in influence operations, emphasizing their ability to integrate various capabilities for maximum effect. They delve into the importance of understanding local environments, the challenges of conducting influence campaigns across different cultural and legal contexts, and the evolving role of European SOF in global operations. The conversation highlights the need for specialized training, diverse skill sets within SOF units, and the importance of adapting to new forms of warfare, including resistance operations in highly urbanized and cyber environments. The episode provides valuable perspectives on the future of SOF and their critical role in addressing complex security challenges in the 21st century.
Martijn Kitzen is a Professor and the Chair of Irregular Warfare and Special Operations, Netherlands Defence Academy (NLDA) in the Netherlands, and formerly served in the Royal Netherlands Army and Air Force. He Co-Edited The Conduct of War in the 21st Century (Routledge, 2021), and has written dozens of articles on coalition operations, counterinsurgency, and asymmetric conflict, to include serving as academic advisor for the revision of NATO’s AJP 3.4.4 (Counterinsurgency).
Major General Ron Smits was the Commander of Netherlands Special Operations Command. Notable positions include Head of the Manoeuvre Division within the Directorate of Operational Policy, Requirements and Plans; Chief of Staff with 43rd Mechanised Brigade; Commander of Training Command in Ahmersoort; Commander of 11th Air Mobile Brigade; and Special Operations Commander from 2021 to 2024.
Adam Darnley-Stuart and Don Edwards are the hosts for this episode. Please reach out to Ben and Matt with any questions about this episode or the Irregular Warfare Podcast.
Irregular Warfare Podcast