An Cosantóir

23 An innovative solutions based approach was adapted to R&D the interoperability and C3 element of the SOTG. This involved the use of rotary wing and fixed wing assets from the Air Corps to assist the Special Operations Task Units (SOTU) to conduct SOF insertion methods such as Military Free Fall (MFF), Fast Roping and Heli-borne Vehicle interdictions. The PC-12 Spectre and Orbiter M-UAV were trialled and tested to ensure a Full Motion Video (FMV) live feed was available to the Tactical operations Centre (TOC) delivering an excellent Situational Awareness platform. This provided the SOTG Commander with a more informed decision making process, an increased capability with regard to battlefield management, a centralised communications platform and improved C3 solutions. All of these factors helped to maximise the potential for increased coordination, integration and harmonization of SOF effects. F3EAD: The SOF Targeting Process The SOTG HQ utilised the SOF targeting process known as F3EAD. This stands for FIND-FIX-FINISH-EXPLOIT-ANALYSE- DISSEMINATE. The critical strength of the F3EAD process is the fusion of operations and intelligence. In the FIND and FIX phase, HUMINT collection disciplines and ISR play a vital role in developing the intelligence picture to facilitate a smooth transition into the FINISH phase. The FINISH phase was conducted by the SOTU's by means of a Direct action. It is vital that the target location is exploited to gather all information to enable the EXPLOIT-ANALYSE-DISSEMINATE phase of the cycle. Exploitation consists of Technical Exploitation Operations (TEO) and Sensitive Site Exploitation NATO SOFEVAL (SSE). The exploited materials are then analysed by the S2 Cell and any actionable intelligence is then disseminated to all relevant stakeholders. The result of the analysis and dissemination of exploited information often leads to rapid re-tasking and initiation of follow on operations. What does it mean for the ARW and DF into the future? NATO SOF HQ has certified the ARW as operationally ready. To maintain this certification the ARW will re-engage with SOFEVAL in 2024. The time spent between the successful completion of SOFEVAL 2021 and 2024 will focus on strengthening Jointness, Integration and Interoperability, in addition to focusing on the significant enhancement of the capabilities of the ARW. A key factor in the success of SOFEVAL 2021 was the development of a SOF planning and analyst S2-S3 cell, which provided the appropriate planning platform to support the SOTU's ease of transition into the execution phase of the mission. Post-SOFEVAL, maintaining this planning and analyst staff function is seen as a key enabler and first step towards enhancing the unit's existing capacity and capabilities. The continued development of the ARW along the NATO SOF model will strengthen the DFs alternative capability, allowing the DF to maintain a competitive edge to counter the complex security and hybrid threats of the future. An ARW member carrys out a high altitude parachute jump otherwise known as MFF(Military Free Fall) Under the wash of the AW 139 an ARW member covers off in the direction of the threat An EC 135 P2 hovers over the training area providing overhead support to ARW members A thermal image of an ARW team moving into position The scene of an training operation as an ARW team neutralise the targets

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