by MAJ Daniel Dawson, USA

Graduated with distinction

MAJ Daniel Dawson examined the optimal conditions through which SOF develops and employs surrogate forces to achieve strategic effects, utilizing DOTMLPF-P framework assessment of both SOF teams and their enabled surrogate forces in historical case studies. The research concludes that modern SOF effectiveness is currently restrained by administrative friction, rigid training requirements, convoluted legal authorities, and inflexible deployment mechanisms that create significant capability gaps in surrogate-enabled operations, thus limiting the utility of contemporary SOF. The author recommends that USSOCOM implement organizational reforms such as reducing reliance on centralized deployment mechanisms to enhance operational agility, providing staff assisted visits to support subordinate headquarters in irregular warfare campaign design, and expanding irregular warfare education in Professional Military Education for mid-career personnel to better prepare leaders for the complexities of strategic competition.

by MAJ Joseph Ross, USA

Graduated with distinction

MAJ Joseph Ross analyzed how U.S. Special Operations Forces (SOF) can achieve deep strike capabilities in denied environments during large-scale combat operations (LSCO). As traditional tactical units lack organic long-range precision platforms and often cannot rely on conventional systems in contested battlespaces, this research explores integrating low-cost tactical missiles constructed from commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) materials. Drawing on innovative lessons from the Russia–Ukraine conflict, the study compares highcost systems with inexpensive, modular drones. By building and testing a COTS-based missile, the thesis demonstrates technical feasibility from an operator’s perspective. Findings indicate that such technology extends SOF’s influence while complicating adversary decision-making. Ultimately, the thesis argues that adopting modular, low-cost missile technology provides a scalable solution for maintaining precision-strike dominance and operational reach in future LSCO environments.

by MAJ Maxwell Flanagan & MAJ Brock Armstrong, USA

Recipient of the General Joseph W. Stilwell Chapter, Award for Outstanding Army Student

MAJ Maxwell Flanagan and MAJ Brock Armstrong explored the feasibility and acceptability of USSOCOM employing private forces to overcome recruiting shortfalls, operational demand, and risk intolerance during strategic competition. By examining case studies of Executive Outcomes, the Wagner Group, and MPRI, the research determines that private forces are legally and morally viable when missions are limited to Security Force Assistance and Foreign Internal Defense. Success depends on aligning contractor motivations with U.S. interests through strict oversight. The analysis establishes two mandatory stipulations: exclusive contracting of former U.S. Special Operations personnel to ensure quality and allegiance, and the absolute prohibition of offensive combat operations. Adhering to these constraints effectively mitigates the historical pitfalls of private force. Ultimately, properly controlled privatE forces provide USSOCOM a scalable, cost-effective, and implausibly deniable means for campaigning below the threshold of armed conflict.

by MAJ Peter Bystroem, Swedish Army

Outstanding Thesis Winner

MAJ Peter Bystroem examined how small states can develop effective cyber strategies to deter larger adversaries. Using case studies of Estonia, Israel, and North Korea, alongside
quantitative analysis of global cyber incidents, the paper analyzes effective strategies and proposes a “deterrence learning” model for small states. Key findings and recommendations:

• The most significant factor in reducing cyber incidents is a smaller digital “attack surface;” public attribution and norm-shaping activities do not deter attacks.
• Successful small states convert constraints into advantages by employing diverse and asymmetric strategies, such as Estonia’s use of alliances, Israel’s proactive disruption, and North Korea’s exploitation of ambiguity.
• The author proposes a “deterrence learning”

by MAJ Logan Birchfield, USA

Graduated with distinction

This thesis investigated commercial Long-Range (LoRa) radio technology as a low-cost, low-probability-of-detection (LPD) communications solution for Special Operations Forces (SOF) operating in contested environments. Through a series of lab and field tests, the study evaluated the military viability of LoRa radios by analyzing their electromagnetic signature and resilience to terrain interference. The findings revealed that using a directional Yagi antenna dramatically reduces detectability, rendering the signal virtually invisible to adversaries positioned outside the main lobe. Furthermore, the research demonstrated that LoRa radios provide a highly resilient and stable link over difficult terrain, where signal loss remains predictable and connectivity is quickly re-established upon regaining line-of-sight. Ultimately, the study concludes that LoRa technology warrants further testing as a non-proprietary, low-visibility communication option that offers a significant tactical advantage at a minimal cost.

by Maj Sean Grindlay, USAF

Recipient of the Air Force Association Award for Outstanding U.S. Air Force Student and the Tyler National Security Research Award

Maj Sean Grindlay examined how Ubiquitous Technical Surveillance (UTS) erodes the secrecy and low visibility essential for SOF success. Using open-source data and predictive modeling, his thesis demonstrates that surveillance exposure can be anticipated and visualized. The study introduces UTSdash, a prototype decision support tool that integrates known surveillance data with predictive layers to inform mission planning. Key findings and recommendations:

• Surveillance camera locations can be predicted with measurable accuracy using open-source data, specifically population density, GDP per capita, and nighttime light intensity.
• Current COP/CIP systems fail to represent UTS threats for SOF operations in contested environments, creating a critical capability gap. The author’s UTSdash prototype provides a pathway to closing this gap by visualizing known and predicted surveillance exposure.
• SOCOM should adopt/refine predictive visualization tools, update doctrine to address UTS, and invest in defensive (signature management) and offensive (digital deception) capabilities.