Special forces are known as superior units of the armed forces with their advanced technology and their high-performance operators. They have conducted multiple successful operations against terror organizations and warlords. Despite their advanced skills, not all missions are successful. This study examines McRaven´s principles of simplicity and speed, and analyzes how they correlate to success and failure by analyzing Operation Neptune Spear and Operation Gothic Serpent. The study´s purpose is to contribute to the research about special operations and more specifically how simplicity and speed have been implemented in the tactics of special operations. The results show that lack of intelligence and opponent assessment can lead to casualties and bad situational awareness. Casualties can lead to loss of time and resources. By implementing new technology and unconventional methods, the assaulter can gain an advantage and defeat the enemy. It can also lead to higher speed during the mission. By gaining qualitative intelligence about the target, the assaulter gains simplicity and a greater understanding of the target. The conclusion shows that by having good intelligence, a specific goal, and innovative methods the assaulter gains simplicity as well as speed. However, frictions cause the speed to decline, and situational awareness becomes poor.