Air Force Special Operations Command: Making a Real" Air Force Major Command"

Abstract

Abstract : Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) was established 22 May 1990 as a major command (MAJCOM) of the United States Air Force and as the Air Force component of U.S. Special Operations Command, a unified command. AFSOC's small size and lack of three or four-star leadership puts it at a disadvantage with the other Air Force MAJCOMs. This lack of stature effects AFSOC's ability to influence fundamental issues such as its own roles and missions. A review of the Air Force Special Operations Forces (AFSOF) history shows that the forefathers of today's AFSOF provided a cornerstone in the building and evolution of the roles, missions, tactics, techniques, and procedures of all of special operations forces today. The small size of AFSOC possibly could cause over 50 years of lessons be lost if the command would not remain as an Air Force MAJOOM. A proposal to expand the role of AFSOC reflects its historic past and captures previously contained roles and missions. A greater AFSOF capability provides the joint force commander and the Air Force the most efficient use of US taxpayers' dollars.