Syllabus

U.S. Special Operations & Intelligence in the Global War on Terror

Instructor: Aly Alford
Course Length: 12–16 weeks
Format: Weekly asynchronous modules + optional bi-weekly live discussions
Level: Advanced (Military professionals, defense analysts, intelligence researchers)
Delivery: Online (pre-recorded lectures, reading assignments, interactive discussion board)

Course Overview

This course critically examines the structure, function, and evolution of U.S. Special Operations Forces (SOF) and Intelligence Agencies during the Global War on Terror (GWOT). Students will gain a nuanced understanding of the legal, operational, and ethical frameworks that have guided over two decades of military and covert activity. Key operations and controversies are explored through case studies, culminating in an independent capstone analysis.

Focus Areas:

• SOF roles in counterterrorism and unconventional warfare
• Intelligence collection methods and agency coordination
• High-value target (HVT) tracking and drone warfare
• Covert and black operations, including psychological and cyber warfare
• Legal, ethical, and strategic implications of U.S. actions during GWOT

Course Modules

Module 1: Introduction to the Global War on Terror (GWOT)

• The 9/11 Attacks and the Birth of GWOT
• Legal & Ethical Frameworks (AUMF, Geneva Conventions)
• Key Theaters: Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria & Africa

Module 2: U.S. Special Operations Forces (SOF) in GWOT

• Overview of JSOC, Delta Force, DEVGRU, 75th Rangers, ODA (Green Berets), MARSOC & AFSOC
• Case Studies:
   • Operation Neptune Spear (2011) – Bin Laden raid
   • Operation Red Wings (2005) – Lone Survivor mission
   • The Raid on Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi (2019)

Module 3: Intelligence Agencies & Their Role in GWOT

• DIA, CIA/SAC, NSA, NGA missions and mandates
• HUMINT, SIGINT, GEOINT methods
• PMC Involvement: Blackwater (Academi), DynCorp, SCG
• Case Study: PMC Operations in Iraq & Afghanistan

Module 4: Counterterrorism Operations & HVT Targeting

• CIA-JSOC Collaboration
• Operation Phoenix (Vietnam) vs. Modern HVT Doctrine
• Evolution of Drone Warfare (2001–Present)
• Case Study: Drone Strike on Qassem Soleimani (2020)
• Civilian Casualties & Legal Implications

Module 5: Unconventional Warfare & Counterinsurgency (COIN)

• Green Berets & CIA Paramilitary Missions
   • Afghanistan (2001)
   • Iraq Insurgency (2004–2011)
   • Yemen & Somalia Proxy Wars
• Case Study:
   • Fallujah (2004) – Urban Warfare Challenges
   • Rise & Fall of ISIS (2014–2019)

Module 6: Covert & Black Operations in GWOT

• JSOC Task Force Orange (Cyber & SIGINT)
• CIA RDI Program
   • Hunt for Abu Musab al-Zarqawi (2006)
   • Enhanced Interrogation Techniques & Controversies
• “Gray Zone” Operations: Cyber & Psychological Warfare

Module 7: The Future of U.S. Special Operations & Intelligence

• Shift from Terrorism to Near-Peer Threats (China & Russia)
• Lessons from 20+ Years of GWOT
• AI, Cybersecurity, & Autonomous Systems in Future Warfare

Capstone & Assessment

Final Capstone Project

Students select a real-world GWOT operation and produce an After-Action Review (AAR), analyzing its strategic objectives, execution, and outcome.
Length: 2,000–3,000 words
Due: Final week of course

Ethical Debate Submission

Short-form position paper addressing one of the following:

• Legality of drone warfare
• Use of private military contractors
• Ethics of covert psychological operations
  Length: 750–1,200 words
  Due: Week 10

Required & Suggested Reading

Books

• Relentless Strike – Sean Naylor (JSOC History)
• The Forever War – Dexter Filkins
• Manhunt – Peter Bergen (Bin Laden operation)

Documentaries

• The Fog of War
• Inside the CIA: America’s Secret Warriors
• Dirty Wars – (Explores secret SOF missions and accountability)