Policy
Special Operators Lack ‘Seat at the Table’ in Post-Counterterror Pentagon, SOF Leaders Say
Even as U.S.-trained Ukranians show their mettle, SOF is getting lost in the transition to great power competition, says the assistant defense secretary for special ops.
Threats
The US’s New Tool for Deterrence Isn’t Ready
The “SOF, space, and cyber triad” is meant to serve as an integrated deterrent, much like the nuclear triad.
Threats
Army Special Ops Is Changing Psyops Training to Reflect Ukraine War
Even as some operators chafe at rules that keep them out of the fight, they are keenly interested in how Ukrainians are applying their U.S. training.
Policy
Oversight of Special Operations Forces Requires Better Data, Watchdog Says
The data collected by U.S. Special Operations Command lacks consistency and transparency, the Government Accountability Office found.
Threats
This Gen-Z Value Could Spell Trouble for Spec Ops Community
CNA looked at the leadership traits valued by today’s youth, special operators, and strategists of tomorrow.
Threats
New ‘Influence Triad’ Will Fuse SOF, Cyber, and Space Command Satellite Intelligence
Information warfare cells, where space units and SOCOM work side by side, will be dispersed throughout combatant commands.
Business
SOCOM Orders Cropduster Attack Planes from L3Harris Technologies
The contract, which could grow to 75 aircraft, marks a major victory for proponents of prop-driven close air support.
Policy
SOCOM Nominee Sees China Fight As More Partner Building, Less Door Kicking
The SOCOM mission in the age of high-end conflict a lot less flashy than Zero Dark Thirty
Threats
Three More Nations Join Ukraine Planning Cell Run By Army Special Forces
Army secretary says U.S. intelligence may help Ukrainian convoys evade Russians.
Science & Tech
‘Collaborative, Portable Autonomy’ Is the Future of AI for Special Operations
Creating autonomous teams in contested environments will be a challenge of technology—and policy.
Ideas
Another Killer Dressed Up Like a Special Operator
The SOF community could do more to protect what they’ve earned and shame wannabes who dress to kill.
Science & Tech
Special Operators Want AI to Help Discern Public Opinion
New sentiment-analysis tools would improve psyops, SOCOM commander says.
Policy
What Have US Special Operators Learned from the Ukraine War?
The Army, for one, is considering creating a special-operations drone specialty.
Science & Tech
Air Force Special Operations Looks To Reinvent Itself On the Cheap
Cargo planes that drop cruise missiles from pallets and land on water show how air special operators are trying to trick out what they’ve already got on the tarmac.
Science & Tech
General Atomics Unveils New Drone That Carries 16 Hellfire Missiles
The Mojave, marketed for special forces, doesn’t need a traditional runway to launch.
Threats
The Taliban is No ‘Partner,’ Says Top US Special Ops Commander
After withdrawing, the US must rely on other Afghans and foreign governments for intelligence to track and target ISIS-K.
Science & Tech
US Air Force Developing Combat Tanker-Airlifter that Can Land on Water
In a conflict with China, aircraft will need flexibility in basing, and that means water takeoffs, landings.
Science & Tech
SOCOM Members Got an All-Star Crash Course in AI
Over a unique six-week course, participants met virtually with tech leaders to talk about AI's future.
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