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Bull Simons Award Recipients 8 

Commando Hall of Honor Inductees 9 

Headquarters 10

Organization 12 

Leadership 13 

Mission 14 

Commands 16

U.S. Army Special Operations Command 18 

Naval Special Warfare Command 22 

Air Force Special Operations Command 26 

Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command 3

Joint Special Operations Command 34 

Special Operations Command - Africa 35 

Special Operations Command - Central 36 

Special Operations Command - Europe 37 

Special Operations Command - Korea 38 

Special Operations Command - North 39 

Special Operations Command - Pacific 40 

Special Operations Command - South 41 

USSOCOM and Components Map 42 

Theater Special Operations Commands Map 44 

Equipment 46

Aircraft 48 

Maritime 52 

Ground 54 

SOF Truths 57 

The Typical SOF Operator 58 

Glossary 59

U.S. Army Col. Kara Soules 

Special Operations 

Office of Communication Director

Daniel Wade 

Command Information Chief

Michael Bottoms

Managing Editor

This is a U.S. Special Operations Command pub

tion. The content is edited, prepared and provide

the USSOCOM Office of Communication, 7701 Ta

Point Blvd., MacDill AFB, Fla., 33621. An electr

copy can be found at https://www.socom.mil/lat

factbook. E-mail the editor via unclassified netwo

public.affairs@socom.mil
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U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Clyde Thomason 

U.S. Army Lt. Jack L. Knight

Korea

U.S. Army Master Sgt. Ola L. Mize 

Vietnam

U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Bennie Adkins 

U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Eugene Ashley, Jr. 

U.S. Army Sgt. Gary B. Beikirch 

U.S. Army Master Sgt. Roy P. Benavidez 

U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class William M. Bryant 

U.S. Army Sgt. Brian L. Buker 

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Jon R. Cavaiani 

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Drew D. Dix 

U.S. Army Capt. Roger H. C. Donlon 

U.S. Air Force Maj. Bernard F. Fisher 

U.S. Air Force Capt. James P. Fleming 

U.S. Army 1st Lt. Loren D. Hagen 

U.S. Army Master Sgt. Charles E. Hosking, Jr. 

U.S. Army 1st Lt. Robert L. Howard 

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Joe M. Jackson 

U.S. Air Force Col. William A. Jones III 

U.S. Army Specialist 5th Class John J. Kedenburg 

U.S. Navy Lt. j.g. (SEAL) Joseph R. Kerrey 

U.S. Army Specialist 4th Class Robert D. Law 

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class John L. Levitow 

U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Gary L. Littrell 

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Franklin D. Miller 

U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Melvin Morris 

U.S. Navy Lt. (SEAL) Thomas R. Norris 

U.S. Navy Seaman David G. Ouellet 

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Robert J. Pruden 

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Laszlo Rabel 

U.S. Army Capt. Ronald E. Ray 

U.S. Army Master Sgt. Jose Rodela 

U.S. Army Capt. Gary Michael Rose 

U.S. Army 1st Lt. George K. Sisler 

U.S. Navy Engineman 2nd Class (SEAL) Michael E. Thor

U.S. Army Capt. Humbert R. Versace 

U.S. Army 1st Lt. Charles Q. Williams 

U.S. Navy Boatswain’s Mate 1st Class James E. William

U.S. Army Sgt. Gordon D. Yntema 

U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Fred W. Zabitosky 

Somalia

U.S. Army Master Sgt. Gary I. Gordon 

U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Randall D. Shughart 

Afghanistan

U.S. Navy Senior Chief Petty Officer (SEAL) Edward C. By

U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. John Chapman 

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Robert J. Miller 

U.S. Navy Lt. (SEAL) Michael P. Murphy 

U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Leroy A. Petry 

U.S. Navy Master Chief Petty Officer (SEAL) Britt Slabin

U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Ronald J. Shurer II 

U.S. Army Master Sgt. Matthew O. Williams 

Iraq

U.S. Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class (SEAL) Michael A. Mon
awarded in 1990. The award recognizes 

recipients who embody “the true spirit, 

values, and skills of a special operations 

warrior.” Col. Arthur “Bull” Simons, 

whom the award is named after, was the 

epitome of these attributes. The Bull 

Simons Award is USSOCOM’s highest 

honor.

2020 

Awa

U.S. Ar

Sydne

U.S. Army Sgt. Maj. Dennis Wolfe - 2018 

U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Michael Lampe 

U.S. Army Gen. Peter Schoomaker - 2016 

U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Richard Lamb - 

U.S. Army Col. Robert Howard - 2014 

U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer Fred Arooji - 

U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Scott Fales - 20

U.S. Army Maj. Gen. John Singlaub - 201

U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Eldon Bargewell - 20

U.S. Army Col. Chuck Fry - 2009 

U.S. Army Maj. Caesar Civitella - 2008 

U.S. Air Force Col. John Carney - 2007 

U.S. Army Maj. Richard “Dick” Meadows - 2

U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Richard Scholtes -20

U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Ernest Tabata - 

U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Harry Aderholdt - 2

U.S. Army Col. Charlie Beckwith - 2001 

U.S. Army Lt. Gen. William Yarborough - 20

U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. John Alison - 199

U.S. Army Gen. James Lindsay - 1998 

The Honorable William Cohen - 1997 

The Honorable Sam Nunn - 1997 

U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Leroy Manor - 199

U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Samuel Wilson - 1995 

U.S. Army Col. Aaron Bank - 1994 

The Honorable John Marsh Jr. - 1993 

U.S. Army Gen. Edward “Shy” Meyer - 199

Mr. H. Ross Perot - 1990 

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2010

U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. John Alison 

U.S. Army Col. Aaron Bank 

U.S. Army Col. Charlie Beckwith 

U.S. Master Chief Petty Officer Rudolph Boesch 

U.S. Marine Corps Maj. James Capers 

U.S. Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Evans Carlson 

U.S. Army Brig. Gen. William Darby 

U.S. Navy Capt. David Del Guidice 

U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. William Grimes 

U.S. Army Lt. Col. Michael Grimm 

U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Draper Kauffman 

U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Michael Lampe 

U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Robert McClure 

U.S. Air Force Col. William Takacs

2011

U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Harry Aderholt 

U.S. Air Force Col. John Carney 

U.S. Command Sgt. Maj. Galen Kittleson 

U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Irve LeMoyne 

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. George O’Dell 

U.S. Navy Capt. Norman Olson 

U.S. Marine Corps Col. Peter Ortiz 

U.S. Master Chief Petty Officer James Parks 

U.S. Army Maj. Larry Thorne 

U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. William Walter 

U.S. Army Sgt. Maj. Billy Waugh 

U.S. Army Lt. Gen William Yarborough

2012

U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Scott Fales 

U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Robert Frederick 

U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Frank Merrill 

U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Wayne Norrad 

U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Gordon Scott 

U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Russell Volckmann

2013

U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer Fred Arooji 

U.S. Army Col. Christopher Costa 

U.S. Army Col. Jeffrey Jones

2014

U.S. Army Sgt. Maj. Joseph Brauch 

U.S. Air Force Col. Phillip Cochran 

Mr. Richard Lunger 

U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Leroy Manor 

U.S. Air Force Col. Kenneth Poole 

U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Sidney Shachnow

strated leadership and selfless service within the spec

operations forces community.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. 

U.S. Army 1st Lt. Jack L

U.S. Air Force Col. James 

U.S. Army Command Sg

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Co

U.S. Marine Corps Col. Jo

U.S. Army Col. Phillip R. 

U.S. Army Col. Lynn B. S

U.S. Army Chief Warrant 

U.S. Army Maj. Caesar C

U.S. Marine Corps Col. R

U.S. Marine Corps Maste

U.S. Air Force Col. Billy “

U.S. Army Maj. Thomas 

U.S. Army Lt. Col. Herbe

U.S. Air Force Chief Mast

Brandewie 

U.S. Army Capt. Wade Y

U.S. Air Force Chief Mast

McCommons 

U.S. Army Master Sgt. M

U.S. Army Col. Christoph

U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Jos

U.S. Army Maj. Raymond 

U.S. Army Gen. Bryan D

U.S. Navy Capt. (SEAL) 

U.S. Air Force Col. Willia

U.S. Army Gen. Stanley 

U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Jam

U.S. Army Lt. Col. Leif B

Mrs. Virginia Hall 

U.S. Army Col. Charles R

U.S. Navy Command Ma

Richard M. Rogers 
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Headquarters USSO

Role - Organize, train, equip and provide fully capable special operations force

States and its interests. 

Personnel - Entire command more than 70,000 

Location - MacDill Air Force Base, Florida 

Established - April 16, 1987 

Commander - U.S. Army Gen. Richard D. Clarke 

Deputy Commander - U.S. Navy Vice Adm. (SEAL) Timothy G. Szyman

Vice Commander - U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Tony D. Bauernfeind 

Command Sergeant Major - Command Chief Master Sgt. Gregory A. Sm

Headquarters Staff

Chief of Staff - U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Collin P. Green 

J1 Directorate of Personnel - U.S. Army Col. Jared Reid 

J2 Directorate of Intelligence - Rear Adm. Nicholas Homan 

J3 Directorate of Operations - U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen.Vincent K. Beck

J4 Directorate of Logistics - U.S. Army Col. Derek K. Jansen 

J5 Directorate of Strategy, Plans and Policy - U.S. Army Brig. Gen Bria

J6 Directorate of Communications - Dr. Lisa A. Costa

J8 Directorate of Force Structure, Requirements, Resources and Strategic 

U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Sean M. Farrell 

J10 Directorate Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction - Rear Adm. Bra

Special Operations Forces Acquisition, Technology & Logistics - Mr. J

Special Operations Financial Management - Mr. Mark D. Peterson 

Joint Special Operations University - Dr. Isaiah Wilson 

Deputy Commander for Mobilization and Reserve Affairs - U.S. Army Maj. Ge

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U.S. Army Gen. 

 Richard D. Clarke 

Commander

U.S. Air Force C

Gregory 

Command Chie

U.S. Air For

Tony D. Ba

 Vice Com

U.S. Navy Vice Adm. 

Timothy G. Szymanski 

 Deputy Commander

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combatant command operations and campaigns against state and non-state 

advance U.S. policies and objectives.

- Develop special operations strategy, 

doctrine and tactics 

- Prepare and submit budget proposals for 

special operations forces 

- Exercise authority, direction and control 

over special operations expenditures 

- Train assigned forces 

- Conduct specialized courses of instruction 

- Validate requirements 

- Establish requirement priorities 

- Ensure interoperability of equipment and 

forces 

- Formulate and submit intelligence support 

requirements 

- Monitor special operations officers’ 

promotions, assignments, 

and professional military 

- Ensure special operation

readiness 

- Monitor special operatio

preparedness to carry out 

- Develop and acquire spe

peculiar equipment, mate

services 

- Command and control o

operations forces 

- Provide special operatio

geographic combatant com

- Activities specified by th

secretary of defense

Title 10 Authoritie

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- Civil Affairs 

- Counterinsurgency 

- Counterterrorism 

- Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction 

- Direct Action 

- Foreign Humanitarian Assistance 

- Foreign Internal Defense 

- Hostage Rescue and Rec

- Military Information Sup

- Security Force Assistanc

- Special Reconnaissance 

- Unconventional Warfare

What USSOCOM Do

USSOCOM Prioriti

- Compete and win for the nation 

- Preserve and grow readiness 

- Innovate for future threats 

- Advance partnerships 

- Strengthen our force and family
Military Information Support Civil Af

Operations

Foreign Internal Defense Unconvention

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Direct Action
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Location: Fort Bragg, North Carolina 

Established: Dec. 1, 1989 

Mission: The United States Army Special Operati

mans, trains, equips, educates, organizes, sustains, 

forces to conduct special operations across the full ran

operations and spectrum of conflict in support o

commanders and interagency partners, to meet theate

objectives. 

People: Approximately 35,000

Comman

Co

M

USASOC is home to:

- Special Forces (Green Berets) 

- Rangers 

- Special Operations Aviators 

- Civil Affairs Soldiers 

- Psychological Operations Units 

- Training Cadre 

- Sustainment Soldiers

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Web Address www.soc.mil

C

Lt. Gen
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SINE PARI – WITHOUT E
Speci

Special Force

perform unc

foreign inter

reconnaissanc

bating terroris

eration. These 

Forces unique 

ployed in pe

war. The Spec

Oppresso Lib

pressed.”

Ra

The 75th R

unique spec

comprised of 

well-trained 

tested for the 

the regiment. 

large-scale 

operations o

raids across 

Ranger Re

“Rangers Lea

Arm

Ope

Av

Army special 

highly trained 

plish the very 

missions in 

anywhere in t

with unpara

professionalis

Army Specia

are developed 

fight” mentali

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Psyc

Opera

These units c

cal Operation

military infor

tions, civil au

support, and 

support a bro

ical, milita

ideological a

government 

objectives. P

produce and 

information t

support of U.

authorities an

the comm

operations 

contingency 

Civil affairs 

critical requir

citizens in wa

Sus

So

Sustainers 

providing lo

signal suppo

Operations F

support of c

and warfight

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Train

The U.S. Ar

Special Warf

the Special 

Excellence, a

educates an

within the Sp

logical opera

career fields. 
Location: Coronado, California 

Established: April 16, 1987 

Mission: Man, train, equip, educate, deploy, resour

forces to conduct direct action and special reconnais

advise-and-assist programs, and build partner capabili

the maritime environment, by employing tailored 

support of military commanders, chiefs of mission, in

foreign partners and allies. 

People: Approximately 10,500

Web Address 

www.nsw.navy.mil/

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NAVSPECWARCOM 

is home to: 

- Sea, Air, Land (SEALs) 

- Special Warfare Combatant-craft 

 Crewmen (SWCC) 

- Enablers

C

Rear Adm. 

Force 

Master Ch

W
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(SEAL) Sea, Air, Land 

The SEAL team is the heart of the NSW force; a multipurpose combat force or

conduct a variety of special operations missions in all environments. SEAL

missions infiltrating their objective areas by fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft

combatant craft, submarines and ground mobility vehicles. 
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Enablers 

If SEALs and SWCC are considered to be the action arms of NSW, then the ena

of the organization. SEALs rely heavily on the services of technicians such as m

teams, tactical cryptologic support and explosive ordnance disposal specialist

heavily toward the success of the special warfare operations mission.

Special Warfare Combatant-craft Cre

Special Boat Teams are manned by Special Warfare Combatant-craft Crew

maintain state-of-the-art surface craft to conduct coastal patrol and interdictio

operations missions. Focusing on infiltration and exfiltration of SEALs and 

provide dedicated rapid mobility in shallow water areas where larger ships cann
Location: Hurlburt Field, Florida 

Established: May 22, 1990 

Mission: Provide our nation’s specialized airpower ca

the spectrum of conflict. Any place, any time, anywhere. 

Vision: Air Commandos. Ready today, relevant tomo

always. 

People: Approximately 16,800 

Web Address 

www.afsoc.af.mil

AFSOC is home to: 

Air Commandos

- Special Tactics 

- Special Operations Aviators 

- Support Air Commandos

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Co

Lt. Ge

Com

Chief Mast
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1st Special 

Operations Wing 

Hurlburt Field, FL

24th Special 

Operations Wing 

Hurlburt Field, FL

27th Special 

Operations Wing 

Cannon AFB, NM

137th Special 

Operations Wing 

(ANG) 

OK City, OK

919th Special 

Operations Wing 

(AFRC) 

Duke Field, FL

352nd Special 

Operations Wing 

RAF Mildenhall, 

UK

492nd Special 

Operations Wing 

Hurlburt Field, FL

353rd Special 

Operations Grou

Kadena AB, 

Japan
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Special 

Special Tactics Airme

ground special ope

With more than 6

support Airmen and 1

operators in 29 locatio

experts in global acc

personnel recovery an

operations. Global ac

teams can assess, ope

airfields to clandestin

permissive or hostile 

strategic access for o

Special Tactics ensu

nations can access ma

contested, degraded 

challenged enviro

options for assault an

Battlefield surgery 

Surgical Teams’ prox

ability to conduct 

operations in austere 

lives, builds relation

populace and pro

stability for joint and 

ting the enemy. Pe

Special Tactics team

conduct personnel rec

rapid mission plannin

treatment and exfiltr

medical and rescue e

their deployment cap

are able to perform re

world's most remo

strike - Special Tactic

trained in kinetic and 

strike—from coordin

direct accurate munit

aid drops from the gr

Global 

access

Battlefield 

surgery

Personnel 

recovery

Precision 

strike
 USSOCOM Fact Book - 2021

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Support Air 

Air Commandos ho

warrior heritage. Ser

mission support, main

career fields, they 

mission and ensure s

any place...any time 

power. They fly a fle

fied aircraft – in pe

denied, or politically 

missions dictate – to 

infiltration and exfilt

aviation; precision str

military information 

foreign internal def

control; and intelligen

reconnaissance anyw

Combat A

Advi

Combat Aviation Adv

Commandos responsi

special operations ac

through foreign aviat

tasked to carry out F

fense, Security Force 

conventional Warfar

of USSOCOM. They 

range of specialized s

carry out SOF Mobil

veillance and Rec

Strike, and Surface I

rected, USSOCOM e

lored Operational A

(OAD) to support com

regional objectives. 
Co

Maj. Ge

Location: Camp Lejeune, North Carolina 

Established: Feb. 24, 2006 

Mission: Marine Forces Special Operations Command 

more than 120 military occupational specialties encompa

MARSOC Headquarters, Marine Raider Training Center

Support Group, and Marine Raider Regiment all work

support special operations. Through specialized and adv

MARSOC builds upon the Raiders’ unique attribute

Marines to produce agile, scalable, fully-enabled, and re

comprised of operators and SOF-specific combat supp

service support specialists. MARSOC formations are tas

every assigned mission. Marine Raiders leverage their 

command and fused operations and intelligence down to t

succeed in distributed environments, and enable partner

and operational levels of war. MARSOC provides suppo

ers with full-spectrum special operations capabilities to c

transregional problems 

People: Approximately 3,500

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MARSOC is home to:

- Critical Skills Operators/Special Operations 

 Officers 

- Special Operations Independent Duty Corpsmen 

- Special Operations Capabilities Specialists 

- Combat Service Support Specialists 

Web Address 

www.marsoc.marines.mil

Serg

Sgt. Maj. 
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Critical Skills Operators/Special Operatio

Critical Skills Operators and Special Operations Officers are assessed, selecte

complex problems and to operate across the full spectrum of special operatio

sometimes austere, environments while maintaining a high level of mental fl

endurance. CSOs exemplify the Marine Corps’ concepts of distributed operati

leadership. They are experts in utilizing the right force, at the right time, with the r

knit teams of agile, adaptable operators, MARSOC punches well above its weig

Special Operations Independent Duty Co

Special Operations Independent Duty Corpsman are full time enlisted speci

providers within the MARSOC and SOCOM enterprise. They are mission cr

Marine special operations team, proficient in the core skills, and in advanced m

by USSOCOM, providing tactical, medical and operational services across the f

operations. They serve as the embedded medical subject matter expert for am

reconnaissance, surface and subsurface maritime operations, airborne operation

reconnaissance, maritime interdiction, foreign internal defense, irregular and u

as a non-physician provider, independent of a medical officer.
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Special Operations Capabilities Specia

Special Operations Capabilities Specialists include: Joint Terminal Attack Contr

air support aircraft and indirect fires for Marine special operations teams; com

install, operate, maintain and protect organic narrowband, voice, video and data 

services in support of assigned missions; intelligence enablers who provide g

signals intelligence; Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technicians, and multipurpos

employ canines in support of special operations. SOCS are assigned to billets 

and battalion levels. Upon assignment to MARSOC, Marines attend the SOF Trai

Evasion, Resistance, and Escape, and advanced SOF-specific MOS training. Up

training, enlisted Marines are designated SOCS and awarded the 8071 MOS. Th

to equip high performing Marines with additional skills and concepts requi

special operations. SOCS are assigned to MARSOC for five-year tour length

additional career-enhancing opportunities within the special operations commu

Combat Service Support Specialist

Combat Service Support Specialists serve one standard tour with MARSOC 

providing intrinsic combat service support and logistics capabilities, including 

medical, engineer, ammunition and supply. 
Commander - U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Scott A. Howell 

Senior Enlisted Advisor - Command Sgt. Maj. Craig A. Bishop 

 

Established - Oct. 22, 1980 

The Joint Special Operations Command, located at Fort Brag

a sub-unified command of the U.S. Special Operations Command. JSOC 

attached, and augmentation forces, and when directed, conducts specia

threats to protect the Homeland and U.S. interests abroad. 

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Commander - U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Dagvin Anderson 

Senior Enlisted Advisor - Command Sgt. Maj. Lyle H. Marsh 

Established - Oct. 1, 2008

Mission

SOCAFRICA is a sub-unified command of USSOCOM under operational co

Africa Command, with headquarters in Kelley Barracks, Stuttgart-Mohringen, G

SOCAFRICA organizations include: Special Operations Task Force -East Afr

Task Force - North West Africa, Naval Special Warfare Unit 10, Joint Sp

Component Africa, and SOCAFRICA Signal Detachment. Commander SOCA

Special Operations Advisor to commander, USAFRICOM. SOCAFRICA's prim

exercise operational control over theater-assigned or allocated Air Force, Army, 

cial operations forces conducting operations, exercises, and theater securi

USAFRICOM area of responsibility. 

Command Vision

SOCAFRICA conducts the full spectrum of SOF missions and closely works w

gency and partner nations to protect U.S. lives and interests in Africa. The comm

operational counter-VEO (violent extremist organization) capability in select, k

assists in developing regional security structures to create stability and comba

SOCAFRICA activities directly support USAFRICOM’s four theater strategic o

VEOs, developing persistent access to partner nations through SOF engagemen

tion and regional capacity that promotes stability, and mitigating the underlying 

violent extremism.

Area of Focus

The African continent is large and diverse, three and one-half times the size of t

54 countries spanning 11 million square miles. SOCAFRICA is routinely engag

of these countries; working with and through our African counterparts. 

Major Engagement

Flintlock is an exercise focused on improving military interoperability and 

participating militaries from Northern and Western Africa, Europe and the Uni

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Commander - U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Rear Admiral Frank M. Bradley 

Senior Enlisted Advisor - Command Sgt. Maj. Michael R. Weimer 

Established - Dec. 1, 1983 

Mission

SOCCENT, in partnership with interagency and international partners, suppo

SOCOM’s objectives by employing special operations to deter and degrade m

relevant populations, and enhance regional partners to protect U.S. national 

regional stability. When directed, SOCCENT employs special operations force

crisis response. 

Command Vision

Assist commander, USCENTCOM in strengthening regional stability and pro

SOCCENT will employ a combination of SOF core activities, engagem

conjunction with interagency partners, other CENTCOM components, and par

counterterrorism forces. Expand the capabilities of regional SOF and CT forces 

enhanced capabilities while influencing relevant target populations. These actio

maintain our deep understanding of the environment, enabling us to achieve our a

relentlessly empower our people with rich information and decentralized aut

enterprise that’s constantly improving in speed, agility, and effectiveness. We s

by making effective and sustained contributions toward CENTCOM and SOCO

Area of Focus

SOCCENT’s area of focus includes 20 countries. These countries include Afghan

Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Oman, Pakistan

Syria, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, and Yeme

Major Engagement

Eager Lion is one of U.S. CENTCOM’s premiere exercises held in the Ha

Jordan annually. Eager Lion is designed to promote cooperation and interoperab

11,000 participating troops, build functional capacity and enhance readiness.

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Commander - U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. David H. Tabor 

Senior Enlisted Advisor - Master Chief Petty Officer (SEAL) Peter 

Established - Jan. 22, 1955 

 

Mission

SOCEUR in conjunction with interagency and regional partners – plans, coo

rected, executes special operations to defend the United States and its interests.

Across Europe, our adversaries are challenging national sovereignty, Alliance 

solve. Within this contested environment, SOCEUR is uniquely postured to gal

with Allies and partners to counter malign influence, build cohesion, rapidly 

threats, and if necessary, defeat aggression. 

Area of Focus

SOCEUR's AOR consists of the 51 independent nations within USEUCOM's A

Greenland east through the European continent and all of Russia, and south of th

the Mediterranean Sea, south to the Caucasus region, and Israel. In addition 

Power Competition with a revanchist Russia, Europe is home to our nation's o

29 NATO members. The majority of Allied and Partner SOF that deploy a

combat and peacekeeping operations in the CENTCOM and AFRICOM AOR

nations. 

Major Engagements

Jackal Stone is an annual Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff-directed spe

exercise coordinated by SOCEUR with participating SOF and support enabler

countries throughout Europe. SOCEUR is fully integrated into Operation Atlant

Enhanced Forward Presence. Trojan Footprint is a now an annual SOCE

incorporates NATO Allies and partners across Europe to exercise multinatio

across echelon, and integrate SOF with conventional forces to set conditions f

force. 

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Commander - U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Otto K. Liller 

Senior Enlisted Advisor - Master Chief Petty Officer (SEAL) Step

Established - July 14, 1986 

Mission

SOCKOR plans and conducts special operations in support of the comma

Forces/United Nations commander/Combined Forces commander in armi

SOCKOR is a functional component command of United States Forces Kore

conduct special operations in the Korean theater of operations. 

Command Vision

Since its inception, SOCKOR continues to be the only theater SOC in which U.S

are institutionally organized for combined operations. SOCKOR and Republic o

Special Warfare Command (SWC) and ROK Naval Special Warfare Flotilla pe

in their combined roles, while SOCKOR's Special Forces Detachment-39 acts 

ROK Special Forces and the U.S. Special Forces. 

Area of Focus

In peacetime, SOCKOR is responsible for the planning, training and execu

activities in Korea. The SOCKOR commander serves as senior advisor to CO

U.S. SOF issues. If the armistice fails, SOCKOR and ROK SWC will com

Combined Special Operations Component Command-Korea (CSOCC-K) under 

Command (CFC). Under the current plan, when CSOCC-K is formed, the S

becomes both the CSOCC-K deputy commander and the Special Operations Jo

(SOJTF-K) commander. SOCKOR is also designated as the United Natio

Operations Component (UNCSOC) under the United Nations Command (UNC

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Commander - U.S. Army Col. Shawn R. Satterfield 

Senior Enlisted Advisor - Master Chief Petty Officer (SEAL) David L

Established - Nov. 5, 2013 

Mission

SOCNORTH in conjunction with interagency and regional partners – plans, coordin

executes special operations to defend the United States and its interests. 

Command Vision

SOCNORTH provides USNORTHCOM an understanding of irregular threats and 

action with mission partners in defense of the Homeland. As an integral member o

team, SOCNORTH provides unique options to support their #1 priority – Homeland 

is USNORTHCOM's supported command for counterterrorism, counter weapons o

counter transnational organized crime. 

Area of Focus

SOCNORTH maintains relationships with the U.S. interagency, Canadian and Mexi

Bahamian Defence and Police Forces, enabling and enhancing their contributions to 

of North America. SOCNORTH’s area of responsibility encompasses Mexico, Can

portions of the northern Caribbean region to include: The Bahamas, Puerto Rico, U.S. 

the Turks and Caicos, and Bermuda. SOCNORTH’s maritime domain extends ou

nautical miles in the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans and includes the Arctic Ocean (abov

ern approaches. 

Major Engagement

SOCNORTH participates in two major exercises annually. Vital Arche

USNORTHCOM counterterrorism mission. Vigilant Shield focuses on USNO

defense mission against threats in all domains. SOCNORTH also executes interage

to rehearse SOF specific support for resolution of threats to the Homeland.
Commander - U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Joshua M. Rudd 

Senior Enlisted Advisor - Master Chief Petty Officer (SEAL) Tim

Established - Nov. 1, 1983 

Mission 

SOCPAC is a sub-unified command of USSOCOM under the operational con

Command and serves as the functional component for all special operations missi

out the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. SOCPAC coordinates, plans, and directs all sp

Pacific theater supporting commander, USINDOPACOM objectives of 

responding quickly to crisis, and defeating threats to the United States and its in

Command Vision

Provide flexible response to contingencies in the Indo-Pacific. Integral to this cap

deployed posture and continuous engagement with partners and ally forces, heig

operability and our regional expertise. Mission command of our forces is founde

when responsibility resides at the lowest possible level - with competent SOF e

maximize our diverse team. Creative solutions leverage the breadth and depth o

work, informed by consideration of the regional context and inherent complexi

Our success is predicated upon a healthy, motivated force, trained, educated and 

programs and processes.

Area of Focus

SOCPAC’s area of focus includes 36 countries and encompasses half of the ear

divides its area of focus into four regions: South East Asia: Brunei, Burma, 

Laos, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. South Asia

India, Maldives, Nepal, Sri Lanka. Northeast Asia and Oceania: Australi

Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Mongolia, Nauru, New Zealand, North 

New Guinea, Somoa, Solomon Islands, South Korea, Timor-Leste, Tonga, Tuv

Major Engagement

The biennial Pacific Area Special Operations Conference (PASOC) is SOCPAC

engagement. PASOC brings together SOF leaders from around the region to 

regional security, share information and best practices to improve regional secur

relationships. 

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Commander - U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Keith B. Davids 

Senior Enlisted Advisor - Command Sergeant Major Jody J. Hall 

Established - Aug. 4, 1986 

Mission

SOCSOUTH plans and coordinates special operations to find and fix threats and 

intelligence community, and partner nations to counter threats to U.S. interests, m

ity and compete in a complex environment. On order, SOCSOUTH employs 

contingency and crisis response. 

Command Vision

SOCSOUTH competes in a complex environment to challenge and counter evolvi

rapidly to emerging crisis and ensure a secure area of responsibility.

Area of Focus

Its area of responsibility includes 31 countries and 16 areas of special sovereignty 

focus into four regions: Caribbean: Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Aruba, Barb

Cuba, Dominica, Dominican Republic, French Guiana, Grenada, Guadeloupe, G

Martinique, Montserrat, Netherlands Antilles, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, 

Grenadines, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago. Central America: Belize, Costa Rica, E

Honduras, Nicaragua, and Panama. Andean Ridge: Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador

Southern Cone: Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Paraguay, and Uruguay. 

Major Engagements

Fuerzas Comando: A special operations skills competition and senior leader semin

military-to-military relationships, interoperability, and regional security.

Fused Response: An annual exercise designed to improve time-sensitive crisis ac

integration with partner nation and government agencies. 

Panamax: A multinational combined/joint task force exercise designed to respond 

governments of Panama and Colombia to protect and guarantee safe passage of traf

Canal and ensure its neutrality.

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AC-130U Spooky/AC130W Stinger II

Primary function: Close air 

support and air interdiction. 

Speed: 300 mph. Dimensions:

Wingspan 132ft. 7 in.; length 97 

ft. 9 in.; height 38 ft. 6 in. Range:

1300 miles. Armament: AC130U, 25mm Gatling gun, 40mm 

Bofors and 105mm Howitzer; 

AC-130W, 30mm Bushmaster II 

chain gun, AGM-176 Griffin and 

GBU-39/B Small Diameter 

Bomb. Crew: AC-130U, 13, and 

AC-130W, Seven. 

CV

Primary 

operation

infiltratio

resupply

Dimensio

in.; lengt

ft. 1 in.; 

Range: 5

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AC-130J Ghostrider 

Primary function: Close air 

support and air interdiction. 

Speed: 385 mph. Dimensions:

Wingspan 132 ft. 7 in.; length 

97 ft. 9 in.; height 38 ft. 9 in. 

Range: 3000 miles. Armament: 30 mm Bushmaster II 

chain gun, 105mm Howitzer, 

AGM-176 Griffin and GBU39/B Small Diameter Bomb. 

Crew: Nine. 

C-14

Primary 

off and la

multi-eng

training 

Advisors

223 m

Windspan 

ft.; heigh

1,010 mi

C-146A Wolfhound

Primary Function: Short takeoff 

and landing, austere delivery of 

personnel and cargo, and casualty 

evacuation. Dimensions: 

Wingspan 68 ft. 10 in., length 69 

ft. 10 in., height 23 ft. 9 in. Speed:

In excess of 310 mph. Range:

1500 miles Crew: Three.

C-27J Spartan

Primary Function: Parachute 

jump training and currency for 

SOF paratroopers. Dimensions: Wingspan 94 ft. 2 in., 

length 94 ft. 2 in., height 31 ft. 

8 in. Speed: Cruising speed 

362 mph Range: 1100 miles 

Crew: Three.
EC-130J Commando 

Solo

Primary function: Military 

information support operations. 

Dimensions: Wingspan 132 ft. 6 

in.; length 97 ft.; height 38 ft. 8 in. 

Speed: 335 mph. Range: 2300 

miles Crew: 10. 

MC-1

Primary 

exfiltratio

special 

Speed: 30

Wingspan 

MC-130E 

130H 99 f

in. Range

Seven.

MC-12W

Primary function: Intelligence, 

surveillance and reconnaissance 

Speed: 359 mph. Dimensions:

57 ft., 11 in.; length 46 ft., 8 in.; 

height 14 ft., 4 in. Range: 2400 

miles. Crew: Four.

MC-130J Commando II

Primary function: Infiltration, 

exfiltration and resupply of 

special operations forces; in-flight 

refueling of special operations 

vertical lift aircraft. Speed: 416 

mph. Dimensions: Wingspan 132 

ft. 7 in.; length 97 ft. 9 in.; height 

38 ft. 9 in. Range: 3000 miles. 

Crew: Five.

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NSA

Primar

rapid, 

operatio

personn

Dimens

11 in., 

height 

2,700 m

MC-208 COMBAT 

CARAVAN 

Primary Function: Armed 

Intelligence, Surveillance, and 

Reconnaissance and strike 

currency and training for 

Combat Aviation Advisors 

Speed: 196 mph. Dimensions: Wingspan 52 ft. 1 in., 

length 37 ft. 7 in., height 14 ft. 

6 in. Range: 300-950 miles. 

Crew: Two. 
MH-6M Little Bi

Primary function: Externally transport 

Speed: 143 mph. Dimensions: Length: 

eter: 27.5 ft., height: 8 ft. 11 in. Range: 2

to six personnel. Crew: Two.

MH-60L/M Black 

Primary Function: Conduct overt or c

exfiltration and resupply of special ope

Max 222 mph, Cruise 138 mph. Dimens

in. Range: 500 miles. Payload: 10 p

tanks. Armament: 2 x 7.62 miniguns. C

AH-6M Little Bi

Primary function: Close air suppor

Dimensions: Length: 32.05 ft., rotor dia

8 ft. 11 in. Range: 250 miles. Armame

19 or 2x 7.62 mm M134 minigun, 2x M

MJ-12 rocket pod; Anti-tank guided m

Hellfire air to ground missiles. Crew: T

MH-60L/M Black Hawk Def

Penetrator (DA

Primary Function: Armed escort and f

operations forces. Speed: Max 222 m

Dimensions: Length: 64 ft. 10 in. Rang

ment: 2 x 7.62 mm M134 minigun, M

70mm Hydra rockets, AGM-114 Hellfi

siles. Crew: Four.

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Aircraft - Rotary Wi

pgp

14 ft. Speed: 250 mph. Range: 1,726 m
g

Range: 604 miles. Armament: M-134 

machine guns. Crew: Six.

MTUAS

Primary function: The Multi-Mission 

Aerial System (MTUAS) Program acqui

Navy special operators unmanned air

These systems provide Naval Special W

organic, tactical, runway independent U

ing in both ground and maritime envir

retrofitted with SOF unique payloads to 

airborne intelligence, surveillance, an

support theater operations.

EOTACS

Primary function: The Expeditiona

Airborne Intelligence, Surveillance, 

Capability Sets (EOTACS) program is s

procure commercial off the shelf/gov

small unmanned aerial systems for r

special operations forces operators. EOT

isting commercial market as well as pa

government agencies in a family of syste

to ensure SOF operators have a range o

tailor to their assigned mission.

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Aircraft - Unmanne
Speci

Cra

The Spec

Riverine 

insertion 

SOF in ri

vironmen

high-perf

to permit 

C-130 or 

craft. Eac

a crew of 

Combatan

can carry 

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Combatant Craft 

Medium

The Combatant Craft 

Medium, operated by Special 

Boat Teams, is a reconfigurable multi-mission craft 

with a primary mission of 

SOF insertion, extraction, 

and fire support in mediumto-high threat environments. 

It can also support maritime 

interdiction and visit, board, search, and seizure operations; maritime intel

reconnaissance; and counter-terrorism operations. 

The Com

a fast boa

Boat T

primary 

maritime 

tions in m

environm

perform 

tion of sp

and coastal patrol operations. The CCA is air transportable in an C-17 aircraft
SEAL DELIVER

The SEAL Delivery Veh

free-flooding wet subm

undersea special operati

action, hydrographic reco

tion/extraction of SEALs. 

into the water via Dry D

submarines, or surface sh

is slightly larger than th

longer range, higher pay

advanced computer and 

tems, and improved navig

undersea platforms - the Dry Combat Submersible (DCS) and the Shallow Water Combat 

Submersible (SEAL Delivery Vehicle (SDV) 

MK 11). The DCS has a dry interior, enabling 

longer mission durations with improved 

comfort and communication. DCS contains a 

compartment to carry operators, a swimmer 

lock-in/lock-out compartment, and a command 

compartment where the pilot and co-pilot operate the submersible.

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SOF COMBAT DIVING 

The SOF Combat Diving program provides 

for the development, testing and fielding of 

SOF-peculiar diving equipment for SOF 

combat divers and interfaces this 

equipment for use with platforms 

developed and fielded by Program Executive Office-Maritime. The SOF Combat 

Diving program supports the fielding of 

new SOF-peculiar diving equipment via the 

Middle Tier of Acquisition Authority.
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Ground Mobility Vehicle 1.1 (GMV 1.1) 

The Ground Mobility Vehicle version 1.1 (GMV 1.1) is a highly mobile Spe

combat vehicle with the operational flexibility to support a wide range of let

Special Operations missions and core activities. The GMV 1.1 can be transp

47.

Ground Mobility Vehicle 1.0 

(GMV 1.0) 

The Ground Mobility Vehicle 1.0 (GMV 1.0) 

is a medium class High Mobility Multipurpose 

Wheeled Vehicle with Special Operationspeculiar modifications. Several variants have 

supported Special Operations Forces reliably 

in contingency and combat operations.

Non Standard 

Vehic

NSCV provides support 

forces during overseas m

or operationally constrai

permissive, or denied op
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Lightweight Tactical All Terrain Vehicl

The LTATV is a SOF modified commercial off the shelf lightweight vehicl

ported by CV-22, MH-53 and MH-47 aircraft. The vehicle is low velocity 

consists of two- and four-seat variants with the ability to change configuratio

and/or threat. It’s intended to perform a variety of missions to includ

reconnaissance and medical evacuation. 

MRAP All Terrain Vehicle

The MRAP family consists of the RG-33 and SOF MATV (1245). The 

passengers and increased IED survivability. The SOF M-ATV (1245) is an a

troop carrier designed to provide off-road mobility for five Operators while 

IED threats.
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- Is married and has at least two kids 

- Average age is 29 years-old enlisted; 34 years-old officer 

- Has eight years experience in the general purpose forces 

- Receives cultural and language training 

- Has attended multiple advanced tactical schools 

- Enjoys games which require problem solving like chess 

- Is well educated and likely to have a college degree 

- Is a thinking athlete - water polo, track, wrestling or football

The SOF typical Opera
C4 Command, Control, Communications and C

CCA Combatant Craft Assault

CCT Combat Controller

CSO Critical Skills Operator

DoD Department of Defense 

FID Foreign Internal Defense 

GMV Ground Mobility Vehicle 

ISR Intelligence, Surveillence, Reconnaissance

JCET Joint Combined Exchange Training

JSOC Joint Special Operations Command 

JSOU Joint Special Operations University 

LTATV Lightweight Tactical All-Terrain Vehicle 

MARSOC Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Co

MISO Military Information Support Operations 

MRAP Mine Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicle 

NG National Guard

NSCV Non-Standard Commercial Vehicle

NSWC Naval Special Warfare Command 

NSWG Naval Special Warfare Group 

PJ Pararescueman

RHIB Rigid-hull Inflatable Boat

RPA Remotely Piloted Aircraft 

SDVT SEAL Delivery Vehicle Team 

SEAL Sea-Air-Land Forces 

SF Special Forces 

SFG(A) Special Forces Group (Airborne) 

SOCAFRICA Special Operations Command-Africa

SOCCENT Special Operations Command-Central 

SOCEUR Special Operations Command-Europe 

SOCKOR Special Operations Command-Korea 

SOCNORTH Special Operations Command-North

SOCPAC Special Operations Command-Pacific 

SOC-R Special Operations Craft-Riverine 

SOCSOUTH Special Operations Command South

SOF Special Operations Forces 

SRSE Special Reconnaissance, Surveillance and E

SWCC Special Warfare Combatant-craft Crewman 

TSOC Theater Special Operations Command 

UAV Unmanned Aerial Vehicle 

USAJFKSWCS U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare 

USASOAC U.S. Special Operations Aviation Command 

USASOC U.S. Army Special Operations Command 

USSOCOM U.S. Special Operations Command

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