Book Description

United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) has undergone an unprecedented transformation in the last 3 years from a force provider to a combatant command with global responsibilities leading the War on Terrorism. Enabled by Congressional and Department of Defense (DoD) support, USSOCOM has increased resources, manning, training, and capability. These increases, coupled with 4 years of combat experience and an imaginative vision, have created the most lethal and agile Special Operations force (SOF) in history. Focused on developing the specific skills required for the Global War on Terrorism (GWOT), USSOCOM shifted funding from large programs to enhanced training and equipment for the SOF Warrior: Global scouts with specialized skills to locate, identify, and defeat our adversaries. This remarkable transformation shaped the Command into a Combatant Headquarters uniquely capable and postured to lead the DoD in the GWOT, while producing the most capable Special Operations Forces ever. SOF are in Afghanistan and Iraq defending our Nation against terrorism on a daily basis. However, it is Special Operation's unique, but less visible, ability to help establish the conditions to counter and defeat terrorism through Unconventional Warfare, Psychological Operations, Foreign Internal Defense, Special Reconnaissance, and Civil Affairs that will become increasingly vital to our long-term success in the GWOT. USSOCOM recognizes that the United States is engaged in an extended, global campaign that requires the unique skills of special operations, as well as the strengths of our conventional military forces, government agencies, and our international partners. This posture statement discusses leading the GWOT and SOF Readiness, which includes People; Training and Education; SOF Warrior Systems; Retention; Budget Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics; the Quadrennial Defense Review; Equipment Advances and Initiatives; Science and Technology; and Acquisition Logistics.