1-49. Army special operations forces’ ability to operate in small teams in permissive, uncertain, or hostile environments allows the development and execution of special operations based on core principles. The core principles of discreet, precise, and scalable special operations enable the achievement of objectives unilaterally, or with or through indigenous forces and populations. These principles enable the force to conduct a wide range of missions that often have high risk, are clandestine, or require a posture of low visibility and help characterize special operations. Discreet, precise, and scalable operations provide combatant commanders and ambassadors a flexible application of military capabilities in politically sensitive and culturally complex environments.