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Headquarters 6 

Leadership 7 

Mission 8 

USSOCOM and Component Map 10 

U.S. Army Special Operations Command 12 

Naval Special Warfare Command 14 

Air Force Special Operations Command 16 

Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command 

Joint Special Operations Command 20 

Special Operations Command - Africa 21 

Special Operations Command - Central 22 

Special Operations Command - Europe 23 

Special Operations Command - Korea 24 

Special Operations Command - North 25 

Special Operations Command - Pacific 26 

Special Operations Command - South 27 

Theater Special Operations Commands Map 28 

Aircraft 30 

Maritime 34 

Ground 36 

SOF Truths 38 

Glossary 39

U.S. Army Lt. Col. Alexandra Weiskopf 

Special Operations 

Office of Communication Director

Michael Bottoms

Managing Editor

This is a U.S. Special Operations Command publication. 

The content is edited, prepared and provided by the 

USSOCOM Office of Communication, 7701 Tampa Point 

Blvd., MacDill AFB, Fla., 33621. An electronic copy can be 

found at https://www.socom.mil/latest-factbook. E-mail the 

editor via unclassified network at 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 

U.S. Army Col. Ralph Puckett, Jr. 

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. Army Maj. John J. Duffy 

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 Col. 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 Lt. Col. Ronald E. Ray 

U.S. Army Master Sgt. Jose Rodela 

U.S. Army Capt. Gary M. Rose 

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

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

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. Williams 

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 Master Chief Petty Officer (SEAL) Edward C. Byers J

U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Christopher A. Celiz 

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 Master Sgt. Leroy A. Petry 

U.S. Army Master Sgt. Earl Plumlee 

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

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

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

Iraq

U.S. Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class (SEAL) Michael A. Monsoo

U.S. Army Sgt. Major Thomas P. Payne

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

States and its interests. 

Personnel - Entire command approximately 70,000 

Location - MacDill Air Force Base, Florida 

Established - April 16, 1987 

Commander - U.S. Army Gen. Bryan P. Fenton 

Deputy Commander - U.S. Navy Vice Adm. (SEAL) Vice Adm. Collin P

Vice Commander - U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Gen. Francis L. Donovan 

Command Senior Enlisted Leader - U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Shan

Headquarters Staff

Chief of Staff - U.S. Navy Rear Admiral Milton Sands III 

J1 Directorate of Personnel - U.S. Army Col. Fancisco Pena 

J2 Directorate of Intelligence - U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Constantin E. Nico

J3 Directorate of Operations - U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Michael E. Mar

J4 Directorate of Logistics - U.S. Army Col. Christopher L. Paone 

J5 Directorate of Strategy, Plans and Policy - Ms. Kimberly C. Field 

J6 Directorate of Communications - Mr. Peter J. Tragakis

J8 Directorate of Force Structure, Requirements, Resources and Strategic 

U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Steven M. Marks 

J10 Directorate Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction - Mr. Sean Hanka

Special Operations Forces Acquisition, Technology & Logistics - Vacan

Special Operations Financial Management - Mr. Mark D. Peterson 

Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Officer - Dan Folliard 

Joint Special Operations University - Vacant 

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

Headquarters USSO
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U.S. Army Gen. 

 Bryan P. Fenton 

Commander

U.S. Army Comm

Shane W. 

Command Senior 

 U.S. Marine C

Francis L. 

 Vice Com

U.S. Navy Vice Adm. 

Collin P. Green 

 Deputy Commander
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pggpp

- 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

- 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

People. “Humans are more important than hardware” speaks to our center of g

Enterprise Priority -- our People. Our Force and families are USSOCOM's com

tive advantage. Our People are the reason we "win." In support of current and f

successess, we will recruit, assess, select, educate, train, diversify, equip, and tr

innovative and groudbreaking team. 

Win. We will “Win” -- every time, every place, in any environment. The “SO

tional, irregular, asymmetric, asynchronous, and done alongside the U.S. Gover

as well as with Allies/Partners. 

Transform. USSOCOM will trail-blaze, and lead, for DoD and the Nation, A

precious resources, we will meet current and future challengess via optimizing, 

innovating, invernting, and transforming our people, organizations, and technol

Title 10 Authoritie

What USSOCOM Do

USSOCOM Prioriti

USSOCOM Values

Honor: Earn the trust of the Nation by doing what is right. 

Courage: Be steadfast in the face of physical and moral danger. 

Excellence: Commit to achieving the highest possible standards. 

Creativity: Seek innovative and novel solutions to the hardest, most complex p

Respect: Treat our teammates and partners with the highest regard. 
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Military Information Support Civil Af

Operations

Unconvention

Foreign Internal Defense

Direct Action
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Comman

C

USASOC is home to:

- Special Forces (Green Berets) 

- Rangers 

- Special Operations Aviators 

- Civil Affairs Soldiers 

- Psychological Operations Units 

- Training Cadre 

- Sustainment Soldiers

Web Address www.soc.mil

Location: Lt.  Fort Liberty, North Carolina 

Established: Dec. 1, 1989 

Mission: The United States Army Special 

Operations Command mans, trains, equips, 

educates, organizes, sustains, and supports 

forces to conduct special operations across the 

full range of military operations and spectrum 

of conflict in support of joint force commanders 

and interagency partners, to meet theater and 

national objectives. 

People: Approximately 36,000
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SINE PARI – WITHOUT E
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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 capabil

the maritime environment, by employing tailored 

support of military commanders, chiefs of mission, in

foreign partners and allies. 

People: Approximately 11,000

Web Address 

www.nsw.navy.mil

NAVSPECWARCOM 

is home to: 

- Sea, Air, Land (SEALs) 

- Special Warfare Combatant-craft 

 Crewmen (SWCC) 

- Enablers

C

Rear A

Command 

Master Chi

W
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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 17,000 

Web Address 

www.afsoc.af.mil

AFSOC is home to: 

Air Commandos

- Special Tactics 

- Special Operations Aviators 

- Support Air Commandos

Co

Lt. Gen. T

Command 

Chief Master 
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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 Wing 

Kadena AB, 

Japan
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Co

Maj. Gen. M

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 attributes 

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

comprised of operators and SOF-specific combat suppo

service support specialists. MARSOC formations are tas

every assigned mission. Marine Raiders leverage their 

command and fused operations and intelligence down to th

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

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

Command 

L

Sgt. Maj. 
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Commander - U.S. Navy Vice Adm. Frank M. Bradley 

Command Senior Enlisted Leader - Command Sgt. Maj. Andrew 

 

Established - Oct. 22, 1980 

The Joint Special Operations Command, located at Fort Libe

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

attached and augmented forces and, when directed, conducts special opera

to protect the homeland and U.S. interests abroad.

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Commander - U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Ronald A. Foy 

Command Senior Enlisted Leader - Command Sgt. Maj. Garric 

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 Afri

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. Army Maj. Gen. Kevin C. Leahy 

Command Senior Enlisted Leader - Master Gunnery Sgt. Andre

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 Afgha

Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Oman, P

Arabia, Syria, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, an

Major Engagement

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

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. Steven G. Edwards 

Command Senior Enlisted Leader - Command Sgt.Maj. Jeremy Lile 

Established - Jan. 22, 1955 

Mission

SOCEUR will integrate with the USEUCOM components and the Interage

objectives. SOCEUR will preserve its distinct theater operational response capabil

readiness, decentralized mission command, and empowered tactical operators. 

operational employment are to gain and maintain persistent access to areas of 

violent extremist organizations areas of operations, to enable preparation of the 

support of USEUCOM OPLANs and CONPLANs, while assuring our European Al

commitments to bilateral and NATO obligations. 

Command Vision

Across Europe, our adversaries are challenging national sovereignty, alliance solid

Within this contested environment, SOCEUR is uniquely postured to galvaniz

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

if necessary, defeat aggression. 

SOCEUR is an inclusive community, dedicated to a culture where all voices are he

ued. We benefit from a broad range of perspectives, backgrounds, experiences, and 

foster enduring teamwork and camaraderie as the most trusted special operations p

Area of Focus

SOCEUR's Area of Responsibility (AOR) consists of the 51 countries within US 

AOR that extends from Greenland east through the European continent and all of R

continent to include the Mediterranean Sea, south to the Caucasus region and Israe

Major Engagements

Trojan Footprint is the premier special operations forces exercise in Europe. While 

on improving the ability of SOF to counter myriad threats, it also increases integra

forces and enhances interoperability with our NATO allies and European partn

Trojan Footprint fortifies military readiness, cultivates trust, and develops lasti

promote peace and stability throughout Europe.incorporates NATO Allies and pa

exercise multinational mission command across echelon, and integrate SOF with co

conditions for the combined joint force. 
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Commander - U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Derek Lipson 

Command Senior Enlisted Leader - Command Sgt. Maj. Paul L

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. Matt Tucker 

Command Senior Enlisted Leader - Chief Master Sgt. Clint A. Griz

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.
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Commander - U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Jeromy B. Williams 

Command Senior Enlisted Leader - Command Sgt. Maj. Walt Z

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 miss

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 complex

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 secu

relationships. 
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Commander - U.S. Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Peter D. Huntley 

Command Senior Enlisted Leader - Command Sergeant Maj. Se

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, Co

Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Panama. Andean Ridge: Bolivia, Colomb

Venezuela. 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-130W 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: Seven. 

CV-

Primary 

operation

infiltratio

resupply. 

Dimensio

in.; length 

ft. 1 in.; r

Range: 5

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 f

Advisors. 

223 m

Windspan 

ft.; heigh

1,010 mil

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.

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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 f

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.

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. 

Primary F

manned 

call/surge 

proved 

Intelligenc

Reconnais

special op

mensions: 

in., Heigh

mph. R

Crew: Fou

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MH-6M Little Bi

Primary function: Externally transport s

Speed: 143 mph. Dimensions: Length: 

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

to six personnel. Crew: Two.

MH-60M Black Ha

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 pe

tanks. Armament: 2 x 7.62 miniguns. C

MH-47G Chinoo

Primary function: Conduct overt and c

exfiltration, heavy assault, resupply, and 

Speed: Max 195 mph, cruise 132 mph

99 ft. rotor diameter: 60 ft. height: 18 

Range: 604 miles. Armament: M-134 

machine guns. Crew: Six.

Dimensions: Length: 32.05 ft., rotor dia

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

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-60M Black Hawk Defe

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, M2

70mm Hydra rockets, AGM-114 Hellfi

siles. Crew: Four.
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MTUAS

Primary function: The Multi-Mission 

Aerial System (MTUAS) Program acquir

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.

Primary function: Unmanned hunter/k

Speed: 230 mph. Dimensions: Wingspa

height 12.5 ft. Range: 1150 miles. A

Hellfire missiles; GBU-12, GBU-38 JDA
2023 USSOCOM Fact Book

34

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 

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 a C-17 aircraft.
2023 USSOCOM Fact Book

35

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.

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.
2023 USSOCOM Fact Book

36

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 le

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
2023 USSOCOM Fact Book

37

Lightweight Tactical All Terrain Vehicl

The LTATV is a SOF modified commercial off-the-shelf lightweight vehic

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 inclu

reconnaissance and medical evacuation. 

MRAP All Terrain Vehicle

The Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) family consists of the RG

(1245). The RG-33 allows seven passengers and increased IED survivabili

(1245) is an armored highly mobile troop carrier designed to provide off-r

Operators while protecting them from IED threats.
2023 USSOCOM Fact Book

38
2023 USSOCOM Fact Book

39

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