This research project examines the progressive integration of the capabilities of U.S. Special Operations forces and the U.S. intelligence community since 9/11. The objective is to identify lessons on how unity of effort was achieved and the essential ingredients for successful integration, and to examine whether these lessons have been institutionalized for future counterterrorism campaigns anywhere in the world. The project will also examine which lessons from this sphere can be applied to confrontation among nation states in the "gray zone" between conventional war and peace—where cooperation and integration between these communities is equally critical. The final report will be presented to Department of Defense officials responsible for coordinating U.S. special operations across the globe, directly informing policymakers on this contemporary national security challenge.