The folks in Leavenworth are soliciting comments on full spectrum operations in regard to IW. They seem to think that calling it something other than warfare will be more acceptable to the civilian agencies needed for a full COIN effort.
One option would be more creative use CA and civilian-led antiterrorism assistance, along with CT using small spec ops units like you mentioned.
http://usacac.army.mil/blog/blogs/co...perations.aspx
Full disclosure, I work on AT programs. Antiterrorism assistance is capacity building for special units in foreign law enforcement, usually at the Federal level, with partner nations. On a bad day, these units are...
well...{use your imagination}.** On a good day, they are our partners in combating transnational terrorism. AT is another element in full spectrum COIN.
The cost is incredibly low compared to big DOD operations. It takes years to make a difference, but it does work. See Colombia, Indo, PI.
**Edited by Richard.