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

reportActive / Technical Report | Accession Number: ADA476657 | Open PDF

Abstract:

Special Operations Forces SOF play a significant role in U.S. military operations and the Administration has given U.S. SOF forces greater responsibility for planning and conducting worldwide counterterrorism operations. The Department of Defense DoD is presently examining options for creating a dedicated Marine Corps special operations unit. A recently approved a series of retention bonuses for selected SOF noncommissioned officers NCOs and warrant officers is currently being offered in an attempt to keep senior SOF personnel in service longer. DoD is reportedly also considering transferring some Civil Affairs units from the U.S. Special Operations Command USSOCOM to conventional forces. 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_8_Building Partnerships; JCA_5_Command and Control; JCA_1_Force Support; JCA_8.1_Communicate; JCA_6.4.1_Secure Information Exchange; JCA_1.2_Force Preparation; JCA_8.1.1_Inform Domestic and Foreign Audiences; JCA_1.2.1_Training; JCA_1.3_Human Capital Management; JCA_6_Net Centric; JCA_1.3.2_Personnel Management; JCA_5.3_Planning; JCA_8.2_Shape; JCA_3_Force Application; JCA_6.4_Information Assurance; JCA_3.2_Engagement; JCA_5.2_Understand; JCA_3.1.3_Maneuver to Influence; JCA_3.1_Maneuver; JCA_4.1_Deployment and Distribution; JCA_8.1.3_Influence Adversary and Competitor Audiences
Communities of Interest:
Human Systems
Descriptor(s):
*MISSIONS, *MILITARY CAPABILITIES, *MILITARY FORCE LEVELS, *COUNTERTERRORISM, *SPECIAL OPERATIONS FORCES, *COUNTERINSURGENCY, AIR FORCE, ARMY, LEGISLATION, IRAQI WAR, AFGHANISTAN CONFLICT, NONCOMMISSIONED OFFICERS, MILITARY BUDGETS, CIVIL AFFAIRS, PERSONNEL RETENTION, MARINE CORPS, NAVY, RECRUITING
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, NAVY SEALS, MARINE CORPS SPECIAL OPERATIONS FORCES, DELTA FORCE, USSOCOM(US SPECIAL OPERATIONS COMMAND), RETENTION BONUSES, WARRANT OFFICERS
Report Date:
2005 Jun 09
Creation Date:
2008 Feb 20