Category: Alyxandra Marine

Great power competition is back. What does that mean for US special operations forces?

After 9/11, US special operations forces (USSOF) became well known for direct-action missions that captivated the public’s imagination and demonstrated unparalleled tactical success. The highly publicized raids, precision strikes, and elimination of terrorist threats solidified USSOF’s reputation as the tip of the spear in the US military’s arsenal. In recent years, however, the global security

Stealth, speed, and adaptability: The role of special operations forces in strategic competition

Table of contents Executive summary Introduction ​Background: What makes special operations forces “special”? How are US Special Operations Forces organized today? The five SOF truths USSOF’s twelve core activities USSOF’s role prior to and during conflict History of USSOF: SOF’s evolving purpose and how its history lends to competition today The creation of USSOF and