ADP 3-05 — Army Special Operations (this Item Is Published W/basic Incl C1)
ADP 3-05 governs Army special operations doctrine, including employment, command and control, fires, intelligence, sustainment, and protection.
- Publication number: ADP 3-05
- Title: ARMY SPECIAL OPERATIONS (THIS ITEM IS PUBLISHED W/BASIC INCL C1)
- Date: 07/31/2019
- Proponent: T2COM
- Status: ACTIVE
View ADP 3-05 on armypubs.army.mil
ADP 3-05 describes the strategic context, role, characteristics, core activities, and operational environments of Army special operations forces. It establishes a doctrinal foundation for designing, planning, conducting, and assessing special operations across the range of military operations, while incorporating the Army ethic throughout its chapters.
Applies to: ADP 3-05 applies to the Active Army, the Army National Guard/Army National Guard of the United States, and the United States Army Reserve unless otherwise stated.
Topics covered
- Army special operations doctrine
- Special operations core activities
- Command and control structures
- Fires integration
- Special operations intelligence
- Sustainment
- Protection
Questions and answers
Why do Army special operations forces access theater and national intelligence systems?
Because of the needed detailed intelligence, Army special operations forces typically must also access theater of operations and national intelligence systems to address intelligence shortfalls and to ensure that timely, relevant, accurate, and predictive intelligence is on hand. (paragraph 3-05)
What capabilities do Army special operations forces provide combatant commanders?
Army special operations forces provide combatant commanders precise, lethal and nonlethal capabilities. (paragraph 1-24)
Can special operations be conducted with indigenous or conventional forces?
Special operations can be executed unilaterally, in conjunction with indigenous forces, in conjunction with joint conventional forces, or in conjunction with joint conventional and indigenous forces. (paragraph 1-26)
What must Army special operations forces do to integrate fires?
Army special operations forces must be able to identify fires support required from the Army as well as the joint force. (paragraph 3-5)
What does the joint fires element do in a special operations task force?
The joint fires element is responsible for planning joint fires and executing the targeting process within the special operations task force. (paragraph 4-10)