There is, however, another Soldier who fights from the shadows. The idea of secret commandos or Rangers striking from the shadows surprising the enemy with overwhelming speed, violence of action, and cutting-edge technology appeals to America’s image of highly trained, elite Soldiers. There has always been a romantic fascination with special operations forces (SOF). Trainers and educators throughout the Army will also use this publication. Commanders and staffs of Army headquarters serving as joint task force (JTF) or multinational headquarters should also refer to applicable joint or multinational doctrine concerning the range of military operations and joint or multinational forces. The principal audience for FM 3-18 is all members of the profession of arms. This manual is a continuation of the doctrine established in the JP 3-05 series, ADP 3-05, ADRP 3-05, and FM 3-05.
It describes SF roles, missions, capabilities, organization, mission command, employment, and sustainment operations across the range of military operations. Government agencies and their contractors only to protect technical or operational information from automatic dissemination under the International Exchange Program or by other means.įM 3-18 is the principal manual for Special Forces (SF) doctrine. The following manual was originally published online last April in a post on the Weapons Man blog.