Print
Email
Share
CiteCurrent and Future Trends in Special Operations Warfare
Michael G. Vickers interviewed by Greg BrunoA top Pentagon official says victory in the global fight against terrorism is achievable, but may take decades to accomplish.
Interviewee: Michael G. Vickers, Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special Operations, Low-Intensity Conflict, and Interdependent Capabilities
Interviewer: Greg Bruno, Staff writer
July 24, 2008
Assistant Secretary of Defense Michael G. Vickers was among the key architects behind the paramilitary operation that drove the Soviets out of Afghanistan. Now, three decades later, he is the top civilian advisor in the Pentagon on the capabilities of Special Operations forces, the fastest growing branch of the U.S. military. That growth is likely to continue. In Iraq, for example, Vickers says he expects Special Operations Forces to "remain at their current levels for a significant period of time" after the majority of conventional U.S. forces leave. He also expects a protracted Special Operations presence in Afghanistan.
Beyond the current war zones, Vickers says the Pentagon is watching "scores" of high-priority countries in the global fight against terror. And while Vickers says the battle against extremism "is fundamentally winnable," victory will take years. "Most irregular wars take time to win. They typically take a decade or more when they involve a single country," he says. "One that takes advantage of globalization and spans continents can be expected to take at least that amount of time, or more."
Among the other questions Vickers answers:
This an audio excerpt from CFR.org's interview with Assistant Secretary of Defense Michael G. Vickers. Read the full interview here.
Terms of Use: I understand that I may access this audio and/or video file solely for my personal use. Any other use of the file and its content, including display, distribution, reproduction, or alteration in any form for any purpose, whether commercial, noncommercial, educational, or promotional, is expressly prohibited without the written permission of the copyright owner, the Council on Foreign Relations. For more information, write publications@cfr.org.
Facebook Twitter LinkedInWhat is the effect of U.S. domestic political gridlock on international relations?
The Future of U.S. Special Operations Forces
Special operations play a critical role in how the United States confronts irregular threats, but to have long-term strategic impact, the author argues, numerous shortfalls must be addressed.
Reforming U.S. Drone Strike Policies
The author analyzes the potentially serious consequences, both at home and abroad, of a lightly overseen drone program and makes recommendations for improving its governance.
A top Pentagon official says victory in the global fight against terrorism is achievable, but may take decades to accomplish.
The ballooning price tag for wars in Iraq and Afghanistan has angered Democrats, but military analysts say it’s the larger debate over...
Leslie H. Gelb interviews U.S. vice president Joe Biden.
Max Boot states that an American drawdown in both Iraq and Afghanistan makes continued war—and with it the possibility of a catastrophic...