The Definition of Inland Special Operations

A ‘special operation’ is a combat operation that is limited to a small area, takes a relatively short span of time, and is conducted by a small force, yet is capable of achieving significant strategic or political results disproportional to the resources invested in it. Special operations almost always involve the employment of unconventional and covert methods of fighting. It is these methods that enable a small investment of resources to produce a disproportionate strategic or political impact.

For example, in January 1327 Queen Isabella of England and her lover Roger Mortimer overthrew the unpopular King Edward II, and shortly after murdered him in prison. They then ruled as regents for the fourteen-year-old Edward III, Isabella's son. As Edward grew up, his mother showed no signs of relinquishing power in his favour. Contrariwise, she and Mortimer strengthened their hold on the crown, and strove to create an independent power base for themselves. On the night of 19 October 1330 William Montagu infiltrated Nottingham Castle – where Isabella, Mortimer and Edward were staying – through a secret underground passage, at the head of about two dozen men. Acting on behalf of the young king, Montagu took the couple's guards by surprise, and seized the Queen and her lover. Mortimer was executed, whereas Isabella was forced to retire to her country estates. Edward thereby became ruler of England.