AMMAN, Jordan — Special forces are increasingly turning to adapted armored vehicles already in service with their conventional forces to undertake direct action against enemy targets in the period following the main war fighting, the British Army’s Maj. Gen. Adrian Bradshaw said at the Middle East Special Operations Commanders Conference here March 31.

Protection rather than stealth has become the priority for special forces operating in populated areas where improvised explosive devices are two a penny and the ability to undertake preparatory fires for force protection have been precluded by the need to avoid collateral damage and preserve surprise.

Bradshaw said the answer is that special forces in an expeditionary role have turned to employing conventional military vehicles.

“They are unmistakingly associated with the security forces, and therefore liable to targeting; nevertheless, they reduce the specialist profile,” he told the audience during a speech on the mobility and firepower requirements of special operations. “In order to blend in with conventional forces, and to save the expense of designing and building relatively small numbers of highly specialist vehicles, special forces are seeking to adapt armored vehicles already in the military inventory.”

Armored vehicles originally designed for conventional deep battle, long-range surveillance and other roles are now increasingly being seen in the hands of special forces as they conduct assaults in populated areas.

Bradshaw said that while adapting the vehicles for greater protection hurts performance and increases their profile, there are plenty of items on the credit side as well.

“Power, maneuverability, weight and armor can enable them to assist in access to strongholds in urban areas. Airportable by C-130 or similar aircraft, they can be transported across and between theaters and wheeled variants are surprisingly stealthy, providing additional protection through surprise and security,” he said.

Current operational experience suggests that it is not yet possible to adapt a single vehicle to meet both urban and rural expeditionary requirements, Bradshaw said.

For rural operations, range, cross-country ability and endurance will be priority capabilities with a reduced requirement for protection, as engagements are likely to take place at longer range. In urban operations, protection will be the priority.

“Engagements are likely to take place at short range and a skilful enemy will be able to channel vehicles into a killing zone. Endurance and cross-country ability will most likely be lower priorities as vehicles will tend to operate from forward operating bases within or close to the urban environment,” he said.

Return to news coverage