8-5. Although Army special operations forces often use unique methods and equipment, the key to success lies with the individual special operations Soldier. In support of a combatant commander’s campaign plan, an Army special operations unit may routinely deploy an individual to conduct a specific special operations mission such as providing support to a U.S. Embassy’s objectives. The unit may deploy as task-organized teams (such as four individuals), as organic teams, or as a unit. In some cases, the only other Department of Defense presence in the country may be those assigned to the U.S. Embassy. Therefore, it is essential that the plans, orders, and procedures that drive Army special operations forces’ employment are clear and direct. Using the approach of mission command assures the commander’s intent is understood even for complex operations. Frequent involvement in joint and interagency operations requires an understanding of the U.S. organization for national security and the nature of joint military operations. Special operations forces deployed to a particular theater for various missions (exercises, operations, and support activities) remain under the command authority of the combatant commander or under operational control of the theater special operations command exercised through a subordinate headquarters.