STTU INTERNATIONAL STUDIES
In
Special Operations & Counter Terrorism

Peacekeeping
Stabilization
MOOTW
Global War on Terrorism

     Since so few agencies have the budget or flexibility for their own international research and in-house equipment evaluations, it is up to training groups such as STTU to do the extensive and often expensive leg work. The results of this work is then made available to the military and LE special operations community through STTU’s now highly acclaimed series of books, lectures and training programs.

    In the first ten years of existence, from 1980 to 1990, STTU ran operations, training, or was involved in research, in over 30 countries, including South Africa, Israel, France, Italy, Spain, South America, New Zealand, Mexico, Taiwan, Greece, Thailand, the Philippines, Indonesia and many of the Caribbean Islands. Now, as STTU enters the new millennium, the Studies Program continues to eat up a large portion of the budget, but has become an essential and expected part of the service STTU offers clients and agencies. Unlike most training groups who continue to teach the same out-dated material, STTU travels the globe in search of new tactics, better training methods and innovative equipment. This is not done without considerable risk and at considerable cost.

     In the past few years, STTU has traveled to several regions studying the conditions and conflicts where military personnel are deployed, or may be in the near future. This has required some quite creative travel planning, utilizing a combination of commercial air travel, military transport, helicopters of questionable maintenance, assorted on- and off-road vehicles, and literally hundreds of miles of walking. Much of this in remote areas ranging from disputed border regions to active war zones.

    Since September 2001, STTU personnel have been on the ground in Afghanistan, Pakistan, Uzbekistan, SWA, and been actively involved in training US military and coalition Special Forces for OEF and OIF. This experience in forward deployed areas has allowed STTU to constantly up-date and improve training materials and programs.    

INTERNATIONAL PEACE KEEPING & STABILIZATION

    The United States commitment to both the UN peacekeeping and NATO stabilization operations has created a range of problems for both the military and law enforcement. Classified as Military Operations Other than War (MOOTW), these low intensity conflicts are no less dangerous than all-out shooting wars. In fact, they are often more dangerous because of the confused situation on the ground, ambiguous rules of engagement, and an elusive enemy that wears no uniform.

    Since 1999, in the Balkans, Bosnia and Kosovo, the US has had police officers serving with the UNMIK program and the International Police Task Force; soldiers deployed in support of NATO operations in South-Eastern Kosovo; and SF assets assigned to both humanitarian and intelligence missions. US and coalition special operations forces have also seen activity in the search for and apprehension of known war criminals still residing in that theatre of operation.

    This activity in 2000 drove STTU to work towards gaining a better understanding of the tactical, training and logistical problems faced by troops in these troubled regions. These studies came with some risk since the controlling forces and frontiers in disputed territories can change with little or no warning. This required considerable time and effort researching routes in and out of known hot spots so as to avoid crossing through areas controlled by “unfriendly forces.”  And thanks to Uncle Sam taking the lead in most NATO bombing missions, being identified as an American at the wrong check-point could prove hazardous to one’s health.               

GLOBAL WAR ON TERRORISM

   Immediately following the tragic events of 9-11, STTU was one of the first training groups invited to supply pre-deployment training briefs to US military units headed for the Afghan theatre of operations. Since then, STTU has continued to expand and up-date these programs through disciplined research and frequent visits to operational areas.

    The following represent a cross-section of the academic presentations prepared by STTU for various command briefs. 

Briefs related to Afghanistan:

  • The Afghan War – Soviet Experience 1979-89
  • The Afghan War – Mujahideen Experience 1979-89
  • Civil War to Northern Alliance 1990 - 2001
  • Afghanistan – Terrain & Weather for Ground Forces
  • Pakistan, Kashmir & Afghan Border Regions
  • Road Conditions, Mine Hazards & Battlefield Debris 
  • Working with Northern Alliance Groups
  • Afghan Culture, Custom and Sensitivity

Powerpoint programs covering military operations 2001 to 2004:

  • US & Coalition – Preparations for War
  • SOF Operations 2001/2002
  • MEU-SOC deployment & Operational Brief
  • C-SAR & Airborne Helicopter Operations in Afghanistan
  • Operation Anaconda & Lessons Learned
  • The Cave Systems
  • Challenges of Platoon Leadership in AFG
  • Cold Weather Mountain Warfare in AFG 
  • MOOTW – Civil Affairs, Force Protection, Hearts & Minds Operations

Additional operational briefs of value to Ground Troops and Commanders:

  • Current Political Situation in Afghanistan
  • Afghan Military Organization & Capability
  • Training of the new Afghan National Army
  • Al Qaeda & Taliban Tactics
  • Village Exploitation
  • Ambush Recognition & Contact Drills
  • Current Situation & Ethnic/Political Rivalry
  • The Challenge of Disarmament & Military Reorganization
  • Continued Operations & Force Protection Issues

Powerpoint presentations on Arab and Islamic Culture:

  • Working with Arab Military Forces
  • Understanding Islam
  • Arab Culture & Custom
  • Cultural Sensitivity for US & Coalition Military personnel
  • Arab Military Capability & Soldier Skills

For additional information, please contact STTU directly