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

reportActive / Technical Report | Accession Number: ADA482798 | Open PDF

Abstract:

Special Operations Forces SOF are small, elite military units with special training and equipment that can infiltrate into hostile territory through land, sea, or air to conduct a variety of operations, many of them classified. SOF personnel undergo rigorous selection and lengthy, specialized training. The U.S. Special Operations Command USSOCOM oversees the training, doctrine, and equipping of all U.S. SOF units. SOF personnel play a significant role in U.S. military operations and the Administration has given U.S. SOF greater responsibility for planning and conducting worldwide counterterrorism operations. Potential increased SOF involvement in Pakistan and SOF expansion mandated by the 2006 Quadrennial Defense Review QDR 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_1_Force Support; JCA_5_Command and Control; JCA_1.1_Force Management; JCA_8_Building Partnerships; JCA_1.2_Force Preparation; JCA_6.4.1_Secure Information Exchange; JCA_1.2.1_Training; JCA_8.2_Shape; JCA_3_Force Application; JCA_8.1_Communicate; JCA_6_Net Centric; JCA_3.2_Engagement; JCA_6.4_Information Assurance; JCA_5.2_Understand; JCA_3.2.1_Kinetic Means; JCA_8.2.3_Build the Capabilities and Capacities of Partners and Institutions; JCA_5.3_Planning; JCA_8.1.1_Inform Domestic and Foreign Audiences; JCA_3.1.3_Maneuver to Influence; JCA_3.1_Maneuver; JCA_8.1.3_Influence Adversary and Competitor Audiences
Modernization Areas:
Fully Networked C3
Communities of Interest:
Human Systems
Descriptor(s):
*MILITARY CAPABILITIES, *COUNTERINSURGENCY, *COUNTERTERRORISM, *MILITARY FORCE LEVELS, *SPECIAL OPERATIONS FORCES, *MISSIONS, MILITARY BUDGETS, LEGISLATION, ARMY, GROWTH(GENERAL), NAVY, MARINE CORPS, AIR FORCE, PAKISTAN
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, MARSOC(MARINE SPECIAL OPERATIONS COMMAND), USSOCOM(US SPECIAL OPERATIONS COMMAND), JSOC(JOINT SPECIAL OPERATIONS COMMAND)
Report Date:
2008 May 16
Creation Date:
2008 Jul 09