EXP 0025 - Experimental College

Course Description

What do you really know about American Special Operations forces? Most Americans and arguably most of the world have heard of the U.S. Navy SEALs and other U.S. elite forces. Popular movies, books, and even exercise regimens mythologize these forces as larger than life and often imbue superhuman qualities on the elite operators. In a paradoxical way, these secretive forces have had troves of print and digital media written about them, but much of it is hagiographical or simply inaccurate. This interdisciplinary course aims to separate fact from fiction and to help explain the real capabilities, strengths and weaknesses of these forces. Students will explore the historical development and evolution of U.S. special operations forces and come to understand the current roles, missions, and aptitudes of these forces. Discussion will be guided by a combat veteran with two decades of military experience within U.S. Special Operations Command. INSTRUCTOR: Frank Sobchak is a PhD candidate in International Relations at the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy and has taught classes in world history and peacekeeping at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. During his twenty-six-year career in the U.S. Army, he served in various Special Forces assignments, including leading teams and companies in 5th Special Forces Group and representing U.S. Special Operations Command as a congressional liaison. In addition to many training exercises, he deployed on combat and operational missions to Iraq, Kuwait, Kosovo, Jordan, and as part of a counter-narcotics task force.

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