U.S. Special Operations Forces (SOF): Background and Issues for Congress

reportActive / Technical Report | Accession Number: ADA470194 | Open PDF

Abstract:

Special Operations Forces SOF play a significant role in U.S. military operations and the current Administration has given U.S. SOF greater responsibility for planning and conducting worldwide counterterrorism operations. Recent leadership changes, the availability of SOF special mission unit SMU forces, and circumstances surrounding a Marine Special Operations Command MARSOC incident in Afghanistan might be issues for congressional consideration. This report will be updated as events warrant.

Author(s):
Feickert, Andrew
Author Organization(s):
LIBRARY OF CONGRESS WASHINGTON DC CONGRESSIONAL RESEARCH SERVICE
Descriptive Note:
Congressional rept.
Supplementary Note:
CRS Report for Congress.
Pagination:
0007

Security Markings

DOCUMENT & CONTEXTUAL SUMMARY

Distribution:
Approved For Public Release
Distribution Statement:
Approved For Public Release; Distribution Is Unlimited.

RECORD

Collection: TR
Identifying Numbers
Report Number(s):
CRS-RS21048
Monitor Series:
CRS/DC
 Subject Terms
Joint Capability Areas:
JCA_5_Command and Control; JCA_1.1_Force Management; JCA_1_Force Support; JCA_1.2.1_Training; JCA_5.2_Understand; JCA_5.3_Planning; JCA_5.5.2_Task; JCA_5.5_Direct
Modernization Areas:
Autonomy
Communities of Interest:
Human Systems
Descriptor(s):
*MILITARY RESERVES, *LEADERSHIP, *ACTIVE DUTY, *MILITARY FORCE LEVELS, *COUNTERTERRORISM, *SPECIAL OPERATIONS FORCES, AIR FORCE, MISSIONS, ARMY, MILITARY BUDGETS, IRAQI WAR, AFGHANISTAN CONFLICT, GUNSHIPS, ROTARY WING AIRCRAFT, PSYCHOLOGICAL OPERATIONS, CIVIL AFFAIRS, TRANSPORT AIRCRAFT, DRONES, MILITARY TRAINING, JOINT MILITARY ACTIVITIES, NAVY, MARINE CORPS
Field(s)/Group(s):
Military Forces and Organizations, Unconventional Warfare
Keyword(s):
GEORGE W BUSH ADMINISTRATION, ARMY SPECIAL OPERATIONS FORCES, GREEN BERETS, ARMY RANGERS, AIR FORCE SPECIAL OPERATIONS FORCES, NAVY SPECIAL OPERATIONS FORCES, MARSOC(MARINE SPECIAL OPERATIONS COMMAND), NAVY SEALS, JSOC(JOINT SPECIAL OPERATIONS COMMAND), DELTA FORCE, CULTURAL AWARENESS
Report Date:
2007 Jun 28
Creation Date:
2007 Aug 08