Defense Primer: Special Operations Forces (CRS Report for Congress)
| Release Date |
Revised Oct. 10, 2024 |
| Report Number |
IF10545 |
| Report Type |
In Focus |
| Authors |
Barbara Salazar Torreon, Andrew Feickert |
| Source Agency |
Congressional Research Service |
| Older Revisions |
-
Premium Revised Jan. 8, 2024 (3 pages, $24.95)
add
-
Premium Revised Nov. 21, 2022 (2 pages, $24.95)
add
-
Premium Revised Nov. 22, 2021 (3 pages, $24.95)
add
-
Premium Revised Dec. 11, 2020 (170 pages, $24.95)
add
-
Premium Revised Jan. 2, 2020 (164 pages, $24.95)
add
-
Premium Revised Dec. 6, 2018 (2 pages, $24.95)
add
-
Premium Revised Nov. 16, 2018 (2 pages, $24.95)
add
-
Premium Revised Nov. 6, 2018 (2 pages, $24.95)
add
-
Premium Dec. 13, 2016 (2 pages, $24.95)
add
|
Summary:
Special Operations Forces (SOF) are those active duty and
reserve component forces of the military services
designated by the Secretary of Defense (SECDEF) and
specifically selected, organized, trained, and equipped to
conduct and support special operations. Special operations
frequently require unique modes of employment, tactics,
techniques, procedures, and equipment. SOF often conducts
special operations in hostile, politically, and/or
diplomatically sensitive environments, and are
characterized by one or more of the following: timesensitivity, clandestine or covert nature, low visibility, work
with or through indigenous forces, greater requirements for
regional orientation and cultural expertise, and a high
degree of risk. SOF’s core activities are
• Direct action
• Special reconnaissance
• Unconventional warfare
• Foreign internal defense
• Civil affairs operations
• Counterterrorism
• Military information support operations
• Counter-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction
• Security force assistance
• Counterinsurgency
• Hostage rescue and recovery
• Foreign humanitarian assistance
