Special Operations

The US’s New Tool for Deterrence Isn’t Ready

The “SOF, space, and cyber triad” is meant to serve as an integrated deterrent, much like the nuclear triad.

Army Special Ops Is Changing Psyops Training to Reflect Ukraine War

Even as some operators chafe at rules that keep them out of the fight, they are keenly interested in how Ukrainians are applying their U.S. training.

Oversight of Special Operations Forces Requires Better Data, Watchdog Says

The data collected by U.S. Special Operations Command lacks consistency and transparency, the Government Accountability Office found.

This Gen-Z Value Could Spell Trouble for Spec Ops Community

CNA looked at the leadership traits valued by today’s youth, special operators, and strategists of tomorrow.

New ‘Influence Triad’ Will Fuse SOF, Cyber, and Space Command Satellite Intelligence

Information warfare cells, where space units and SOCOM work side by side, will be dispersed throughout combatant commands.

SOCOM Orders Cropduster Attack Planes from L3Harris Technologies

The contract, which could grow to 75 aircraft, marks a major victory for proponents of prop-driven close air support.

SOCOM Nominee Sees China Fight As More Partner Building, Less Door Kicking

The SOCOM mission in the age of high-end conflict a lot less flashy than Zero Dark Thirty

Three More Nations Join Ukraine Planning Cell Run By Army Special Forces

Army secretary says U.S. intelligence may help Ukrainian convoys evade Russians.

‘Collaborative, Portable Autonomy’ Is the Future of AI for Special Operations

Creating autonomous teams in contested environments will be a challenge of technology—and policy.

Another Killer Dressed Up Like a Special Operator

The SOF community could do more to protect what they’ve earned and shame wannabes who dress to kill.

Special Operators Want AI to Help Discern Public Opinion

New sentiment-analysis tools would improve psyops, SOCOM commander says.

What Have US Special Operators Learned from the Ukraine War?

The Army, for one, is considering creating a special-operations drone specialty.

Air Force Special Operations Looks To Reinvent Itself On the Cheap

Cargo planes that drop cruise missiles from pallets and land on water show how air special operators are trying to trick out what they’ve already got on the tarmac.

General Atomics Unveils New Drone That Carries 16 Hellfire Missiles 

The Mojave, marketed for special forces, doesn’t need a traditional runway to launch.

The Taliban is No ‘Partner,’ Says Top US Special Ops Commander

After withdrawing, the US must rely on other Afghans and foreign governments for intelligence to track and target ISIS-K.

US Air Force Developing Combat Tanker-Airlifter that Can Land on Water

In a conflict with China, aircraft will need flexibility in basing, and that means water takeoffs, landings.