To appreciate how SOF are “special,” one must understand how these forces are organized and how they operate. Yet SOF are often entrusted to perform missions that exceed the authority given to conventional military units, such as operating in “politically sensitive environments” or executing tasks that require special legal authorities. ![]() There are some who claim that conventional forces can and do handle tasks that SOF handle. The Department of Defense defines Special Operations (SO) as operations that: Require unique modes of employment, tactical techniques, equipment, and training often conducted in hostile, denied, or politically sensitive environments and characterized by one or more of the following: time sensitive, clandestine, low visibility, conducted with and/or through indigenous forces, requiring regional expertise, and/or a high degree of risk. These SOF are seen as the consummate military professionals and as such are “detached from Main Street” in ways that the 18–22- year-olds in the general-purpose forces are not. SOF can and do operate with a small footprint and can survive and thrive with a very light support tail. They are valued for their out-of-the-box thinking, imagination, and initiative. SOF competently operate a great deal of highly advanced U.S military equipment and are also proficient with the equipment of other services and countries. A typical special operator (regardless of service or specialty) is married with a family averages 29–34 years old has at least eight years on active duty in the general purpose forces (GPF) has some cultural and language training (most are masters of cross-cultural communication) has attended numerous advanced-skills schools and has at least some college education, if not multiple degrees (this includes the enlisted ranks). They are, for the most part, mature and highly trained. First and foremost, SOF are the men and women that make up the units. It includes certain designated units of all services and all capabilities. The term “Special Operations Forces (SOF)” is the only correct generic term for the organizations being discussed. military, SOF can mitigate risk by helping to set the operating environment in the most advantageous manner possible. ![]() Although they are not a substitute for other capabilities in the U.S. SOF will be a key part of America’s ability to meet the challenges of an increasingly worrisome threat environment while its conventional forces are in decline.
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