The United States Special Operations Command Resource Management Process

An Application of the Strategy-to-Tasks Framework

by Leslie Lewis, James A. Coggin, Charles Robert Roll, Jr.

Download

Download eBook for Free

FormatFile SizeNotes
PDF file 3.3 MB

Use Adobe Acrobat Reader version 10 or higher for the best experience.

Purchase

Purchase Print Copy

 FormatList Price Price
Add to Cart Paperback92 pages $15.00 $12.00 20% Web Discount

This report discusses how a structured methodology called Strategy-to-Tasks can help the U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) improve its resource allocation and management process. Analysis of USSOCOM's processes and program requirements suggests that RAND's Strategy-to-Tasks methodology might be able to accomplish the task of linking USSOCOM's programs and resources to national security strategy. Specifically, the methodology meets three critical requirements in USSOCOM's program that do not now exist: (1) a top-to-bottom linkage of Special Operations Forces (SOF) programs; (2) a more disciplined Planning, Programming, and Budgeting System (PPBS) that includes a clearer understanding of the resource issues (the process includes analytical tools and linked databases); and (3) a structured process that involves the components in the resource debate. The study created a baseline taxonomy that provides a traceable audit trail from national security and military strategies through operational concept to force elements. It also fosters operationally oriented statements to the Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff, the Secretary of Defense, and Congress about special operations force capabilities.

This report is part of the RAND Corporation Monograph report series. The monograph/report was a product of the RAND Corporation from 1993 to 2003. RAND monograph/reports presented major research findings that addressed the challenges facing the public and private sectors. They included executive summaries, technical documentation, and synthesis pieces.

This document and trademark(s) contained herein are protected by law. This representation of RAND intellectual property is provided for noncommercial use only. Unauthorized posting of this publication online is prohibited; linking directly to this product page is encouraged. Permission is required from RAND to reproduce, or reuse in another form, any of its research documents for commercial purposes. For information on reprint and reuse permissions, please visit www.rand.org/pubs/permissions.

The RAND Corporation is a nonprofit institution that helps improve policy and decisionmaking through research and analysis. RAND's publications do not necessarily reflect the opinions of its research clients and sponsors.