Rifleman, I allowing one element to be a floater that can either work in the assault or in support situation dependent. Obviously being dual hatted doesn't allow you to arm ideally for both options, but flexibility is more important in most cases. There are definitely times when the support element would serve to be reinforced. Tom mentioned a breacher element, but I'm not sure what context he was making reference to: a breacher element to push bangalore torpedo's through concertina wire obstacles, or a breacher element for a urban environment. If we're talking urban, I think each section needs it own breaching capability, once you enter the structure, it is controlled chaos, and you need the flexibility to operate in separate four teams (another reason for the four man section, closer to ideal for room clearing). If you're breaching a flintstone house in Afghanistan, you may only need one breach, but if you're going into an apartment building or other structure, there may be a requirement for several breaches, thus the requirement for every team to have some breaching capability.

For the ODA, I recommend a MAJ as a Team Leader (CPTs need more grooming time) due to the amount of responsibility. We simply more gray hair at the tip of the spear. UW isn't a kid's a game. The WO will remain the Ast Det Cdr, who most likely will lead specially task organized elements on the from the ODA on speciality missions ranging from intelligence collection to civil military operations. For the additional three pax I would add another intelligence specialist and two additional weapons Sgts.

Justification: The 12 man team is frequently tasked to execute combat missions (hopefully the majority of the missions are through, by and with indigenous forces, instead of unilaterally), which means all MOS's are busy preparing for the next mission, conducting rehearsals, planning, getting kit ready etc. Unless there is a high degree of trust of in the indigenous forces, you want U.S. personnel in all the key positions. The problem this creates is the intelligence Sgt rarely has time to do his job, and his job is absolutely critical. Having a two man 18F (intell cell) could produce volumes of value added intelligence at the ODA level (for ODA use and for higher, which then goes laterally, etc.). The additional 18Bs, gives the team command the addtional bodies needed to combat advise without disrupting the 18F's work.

We have the right MOSs, the ODA has proven to be a versatile organization, but that doesn't mean we can't make improvements on it.