Framgång och misslyckande i specialoperationer : En jämförande tvåfallstudie av Operation Eagle Claw och Operation Neptune Spear

Sammanfattning

This study examines the explanatory power of William H. McRavens theory of special operations by comparing two operations conducted by American special forces with different outcomes. The operations examined in this study is Operation Eagle Claw (1980) and Operation Neptune Spear (2011). The aim of the study is to assess whether McRavens principles simplicity, security, repetition, surprise, speed and purpose can explain why one succeeded while the other failed. This will be conducted by a qualitative theory-testing comparative case study using using a reverse most similar design. The study indicates that Operation Neptune Spear fulfilled most of McRavens principles which enabled rapid relative superiority in the operation. Operation Eagle Claw was characterized by complexity in planning and absence of full scale rehearsal which was part of the reason for not gaining relative superiority and a failed operation. McRavens theory of relative superiority has strong explanatory value in understanding the outcomes of Operation Neptune Spear and Operation Eagle Claw. This study contributes to the debate and the relevance of theoretical frameworks for special operations.