text: Chapter 6
  JP 3-05 provides an overview of special operations. The synchronization of conventional forces and SOF
  have special considerations in counterinsurgency.
  6-16. Conventional forces and SOF depend on each other. SOF lack long term sustainability without
  conventional support. More importantly, if SOF are conducting direct action missions, it becomes vital that
  conventional forces and SOF coordinate so that they do not produce negative effects on the operational
  environment. However, SOF can provide conventional forces with important cultural and advising
  capabilities. They also provide important offensive capabilities. SOF capable of conducting direct action
  might be able to conduct raids and gain intelligence that conventional forces cannot.
  6-17. Typically, SOF control a joint special operations area either long term or temporarily. A joint special
  operations area is simply an area of land, sea, and airspace assigned by a joint force commander to conduct
  special operations. This is a means to manage SOF, which tend to operate in small teams, separately from
  conventional forces, which are larger in size and capabilities. Creating a joint special operations area is a
  means to synchronize actions towards a common goal, prevent conventional forces and SOF from
  interfering with one another, and prevent fratricide.
  6-18. In some counterinsurgency operations involving a large direct approach and conventional forces that
  are likely, at least for a time, to be the primary counterinsurgents, the land forces area of operations will
  typically encompass any area where SOF may operate. Unlike other operations, where the joint commander
  can separate forces by time and space, a counterinsurgency can involve large scale and long term
  involvement by land forces. Joint commanders typically set up joint special operations areas, but joint
  special operations areas are normally temporary, and these areas return to the control of the ground
  commander once the special operations mission is completed.
  6-19. In a long term and large scale counterinsurgency effort, SOF operations, if not coordinated, could
  create problems. SOF actions, such as direct action missions, could be highly disruptive to a conventional
  unit’s ongoing efforts to build the legitimacy of the host-nation government if not coordinated. For
  example, a direct action mission that is not coordinated with information operations can alienate a local
  population. In some cases, a direct action mission can undermine a unit’s progress in an area, even if
  counterinsurgents attempt to mitigate the negative effects to the conventional unit’s missions. Commanders
  and staffs must ensure synchronization of both conventional forces and SOF can to ensure neither force
  undermines the overall effort. This synchronization can include decisions on how to perform missions and
  decisions on whether or not to perform missions. Both conventional forces and SOF should support the
  joint commander’s intent.
  6-20. SOF and conventional forces complement each other’s capabilities. When SOF are operating on
  short duration missions, if not coordinated, they might not be aware of some of the local knowledge of the
  area. Commanders and staffs must share information to ensure progress. Combined operations can enhance
  the effectiveness of both SOF and conventional forces. The ground commander will have the daily
  experiences in an area and will understand the local population. On the other hand, a successful mission by
  the SOF commander could have strategic effects throughout the country. Coordination with SOF by the
  ground commander benefits both the SOF and conventional forces, who have to continue the longer term
  mission in an area of operation.
  6-21. Both the SOF and conventional commanders share responsibility for ensuring an effective
  relationship. However, the joint force commander has overall responsibility for effective integration.
  FM 6-05/MCWP 3-36.1 offers some important tools, such as the use of liaison officers, to ensure an
  effective relationship. Ultimately, the joint force commander has overall responsibility for synchronization.
  Both SOF and conventional forces’ commanders and staffs ensure their actions meet the joint forces
  commander’s intent. The joint force commander ensures that the mechanisms for effective synchronization
  are in place.