SOF: The Engagement Force of Choice

Abstract

Abstract : The U.S. Armed Forces advance National Security by applying military power as directed to shape the international environment and respond to the full spectrum of crises. These shaping and responding operations have greatly increased over the past 5 years. This paper highlights the role of Special Operations Forces (SOF) within these operations and explains why Special Operations Forces should be the engagement force of choice. This SRP explores the current Special Operations Forces apportioned to each regional CINC, and describes the unique skills and attributes that SOF personnel possess. It further describes the US Army, Air Force, and Navy Special Operations Force; their core missions, capabilities, limitations, and command and control organizations, and how these units are ideally organized, trained, and equipped to conduct the full range of engagement activities required by today's National Military Strategy. The focus of the paper is to describe each services' Special Operations Force and provide a clear understanding of the missions and capabilities of SOF, in order to demonstrate why SOF should be the engagement force of choice.