AUSA Background Brief. Number 42. Special Operations Forces: A Primer
Abstract
A small but critical portion of the Total Force is made up of the special operations forces (SOF) of the Army, Navy and Air Force, which are comprised of special operations, psychological operations and civil affairs organizations. Special operations forces are task organized to conduct contingency operations. Special operations force are designed to augment theater-based force and, in response to a crisis situation, normally operate with an appropriate mix of conventional forces under theater control. Almost all SOF missions require joint planning; also, they are used for missions with allied or coalition forces as well as for a number of ongoing ground missions in may countries. The joint nature of SOF operations was recognized in the establishment of a permanent united command, the U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM). The USSOCOM commander-in-chief commands all active and reserve Special Operations, Psychological Operations and Civil Affairs forces of the Army, Navy and Air Force (about 47,000 personnel). USSOCOM supports other unified commands responsible for crisis response in their respective geographic areas of responsibility. The U.S. Special Operations Command is composed of four subordinate commands: U.S. Army special Operations Command, Naval Special Warfare Command, Air Force Special Operations Command and Joint Special Operations Command.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 1992
- Accession Number
- ADA277957
Entities
Organizations
- United States Army Institute of Surgical Research