Special Operations Forces: Elements, Trends in Force Structure & Funding

Special Operations are military operations requiring unique modes of employment, tactical techniques, equipment, and training often conducted in hostile, denied, or politically sensitive environments and characterised by one or more of the following: time sensitive, clandestine, low visibility, conducted with and/or through indigenous forces, requiring regional expertise, and/or a high degree of risk. Special Operations Forces (SOF) are those active and reserve component forces of the services designated by the Secretary of Defense and specifically organised, trained, and equipped to conduct and support special operations. Since 2001, the Department of Defense (DOD) has increased the size and funding of SOF and emphasised SOF’s importance to meet national security needs. SOF deployments have focused on the Middle East and placed significant demand on the force during this period. This book examines trends since FY 2001 in authorised special operations military positions; the extent to which DOD has determined total funding for SOF; and the extent to which DOD has taken steps to manage the pace of SOF deployments, among other issues.