Adaptive reorganization of German Special Operations Forces

• Main Author: Werner, Lars
• Other Authors: Rothstein, Hy
• Published: Monterey, California: Naval Postgraduate School 2014
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10945/39035

Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited. === According to official statements, German Special Operations Forces (GER SOF) ensure that Germany has military options to cope with specific situations at a strategic level. The Bundeswehr, and thus GER SOF, must be capable meeting current tasks and expected future developments. This thesis evaluates the demands on GER SOF by conducting a defense mission analysis. The results are compared with the current GER SOF force structure and capabilities to determine whether sufficient forces are available to meet current requirements. Based on the findings, this thesis provides recommendations to close gaps between demands and current limitations of GER SOF. It further proposes an optimized organizational structure for GER SOF by using Mintzbergs configurational theory to achieve greater internal coherence, and thus, greater effectiveness for current and future missions.