Challenges in the Asia: Pacific Theater for U.S. and Partner Nation Special Operations Forces - China's Access Denial Doctrine and Capabilities, U.S. and Chinese Military Strengths and Weaknesses

Professionally converted for accurate flowing-text e-book format reproduction, this informative book discusses why United States Special Operations Forces (USSOF) and its partner nation Special Operations Forces (SOF) in the Asia-Pacific region should prepare for expanded roles and responsibilities in that region. China's re-emergence as a global power and its pursuit of its security interests has exposed increasing friction between it and its neighbors and the United States. U.S. policymakers have employed engagement with Beijing and the People's Liberation Army as the preferred course to increase trust, avoid disputes, and resolve conflicts. However, the U.S. Government's "rebalance" policy to Asia and the top priority assigned to the region in the 2012 Defense Strategy Guidance and the 2014 Quadrennial Defense Review, recognize that defense planning and preparation will remain essential components of the U.S. Government's strategy for maintaining stability and bolstering deterrence in the region.

Haddick explains why U.S. and partner SOF will have a larger role in this hedging component than is commonly understood. He also specifically describes the future operating environment in the Asia-Pacific region U.S. and coalition SOF will face, the expanded set of missions they should prepare for, and what training and equipping programs they should undertake in order to prepare for these increased roles and responsibilities.

In addition, Haddick discusses how China's military planners have carefully taken advantage of China's continental position in the region, the revolution in guided missile and sensor technology, and favorable cost economies to fashion a military doctrine that by next decade will threaten the ability of U.S. expeditionary forces to achieve access and freedom of maneuver in the East and South China Seas. Recent responses by U.S. defense planners to these emerging Chinese military capabilities focus on the employment and increased coordination of naval and aerospace power, with little role mentioned for U.S. and partner SOF. Haddick explains why these are costly, uncompetitive, and ultimately ineffective responses to the deteriorating military balance in the Western Pacific.