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

reportActive / Technical Report | Accession Number: ADA493778 | Open PDF

Abstract:

Special Operations Forces SOF 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. The progress of mandated SOF growth, possible equipment and logistical shortfalls, and SOFs role in irregular warfare IW are potential policy 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:
0011

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_Force Support; JCA_4.7_Base and Installations Support; JCA_4.7.2_Installation Services; JCA_1.1_Force Management; JCA_8_Building Partnerships; JCA_5.4_Decide; JCA_5.4.3_Establish Rule Sets; JCA_1.2_Force Preparation; JCA_5.5_Direct; JCA_5.5.1_Communicate Intent and Guidance; JCA_8.2_Shape; JCA_8.1_Communicate; JCA_1.2.1_Training; JCA_6_Net Centric; JCA_8.1.1_Inform Domestic and Foreign Audiences; JCA_6.4.1_Secure Information Exchange; JCA_3_Force Application; JCA_5.3_Planning; JCA_8.2.1_Partner with Governments and Institutions; JCA_8.2.2_Provide Aid to Foreign Partners and Institutions
Modernization Areas:
Autonomy
Communities of Interest:
Biomedical
Descriptor(s):
*COUNTERTERRORISM, *SPECIAL OPERATIONS FORCES, *MILITARY FORCE LEVELS, *COUNTERINSURGENCY, *MILITARY CAPABILITIES, *MISSIONS, CIVIL AFFAIRS, LEGISLATION, MILITARY BUDGETS, NONCOMMISSIONED OFFICERS, AFGHANISTAN CONFLICT, PERSONNEL RETENTION, ARMY, RECRUITING, NAVY, IRAQI WAR, AIR FORCE, MARINE CORPS
Field(s)/Group(s):
Military Forces and Organizations, Unconventional Warfare
Keyword(s):
BUSH GEORGE W, 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:
2009 Jan 16
Creation Date:
2009 Feb 25