Advanced Force Operations
Advanced Force Operations (AFO) is a US Department of Defense designation for a unit of military personnel from the 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment Delta (1st SFOD-D), the United States Naval Special Warfare Development Group (NSWDG) and the United States Army Intelligence Support Activity (USAISA). The term was formed during the war in Afghanistan (2001) and the Iraq war (2003). The areas of responsibility of an AFO include covert operations, information gathering and so-called “direct action operations” (short-term combat missions in enemy territory). Operation Anaconda was largely planned, prepared and carried out by AFO.
Doctrine and Mission
According to General Michael S. Repass , who headed the AFO in the Iraq war and was also familiar with its use in Afghanistan, the AFO conducts secret military operations approved by the Department of Defense. Its missions are part of the operational preparation of the battle space (English: Operational Preparation of the Battlespace , OPB for short) before the start of an actual military operation. This is a concept of the US and NATO military. The OPB doctrine is used almost exclusively by special forces. OPB is defined by the United States Special Operations Command as "non-intelligence activities carried out in probable or potential operational areas in order to train and prepare for subsequent military operations."
Individual evidence
- ↑ Michael S. Repass: Combating Terrorism With Preparation of the Battlespace. In: fas.org. USAWC Strategy Research Project, April 1, 2003, accessed November 29, 2019 .