num_pages: 189
description: This is a reproduction of two excellent documents on the history and work of the U.S. military Special Operations Forces (Special Ops). The U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) plans, directs and executes special operations in the conduct of the War on Terrorism in order to disrupt, defeat, and destroy terrorist networks that threaten the United States, its citizens and interests worldwide. USSOCOM organizes, trains, and equips Special Operations Forces provided to Geographic Combatant Commanders, American Ambassadors and their Country Teams. Special operations are conducted in hostile, denied, or politically sensitive environments to achieve military, diplomatic, informational, and/or economic objectives employing military capabilities for which there is no broad conventional force requirement. These operations often require covert, clandestine, or discreet capabilities. Special operations are applicable across the range of military operations. They can be conducted independently or in conjunction with operations of conventional forces or other government agencies and may include operations by, with, or through indigenous or surrogate forces. Special operations differ from conventional military actions in the following ways: Greater degree of physical and political risk; Unique operational techniques, mode of employment, and independence from friendly support; Detailed operational intelligence and indigenous assets The business of managing more than 49,000 active duty and Reserve Component SOF personnel is the responsibility of the United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM), which is headquartered in Tampa, Florida. Despite their demonstrated capability and recent successes in Afghanistan and Iraq, SOF face significant challenges in the years ahead. SOF must develop capabilities to defend the U.S. Homeland from terrorism and CBRNE threats wherever they occur, as well as prepare to meet the uncertain challenges of the future. Document contents include: SOF family; SOF schools; Headquarters organizational charts and descriptions; glossary; History on the 15th anniversary; founding and evolution of USSOCOM; evolution of the command; Advanced SEAL delivery system (ASDS); OPTEMPO; Major Operations 1987 to present, Persian Gulf Operation Earnest Will, Panama Operation Just Cause, Task Force Red, Task Force White, Task Force Black H-Hour Missions, Ma Bell Missions, Just Cause Proves it Worth, Iraq Desert Shield and Desert Storm, Combat Search and Rescue, Special Reconnaisance, Direct Action Missions, Operation Urban Freedom, PSYOP and CA missions, Task Force Ranger Operation Support Democracy, Balkans, Operation Allied Force, Operation Joint Guardian, Operation Focus Relief, Counter-drug Operations, Operation Silver Anvil, Operation Assured Response, Operation Shadow Express, Operation Silver Wake, Operation Firm Response, Operation Enduring Freedom.
title: 21st Century U.S. Military Special Operations Forces (Special Ops) History and Posture Statement, U.S. Army Special Operations Command, USASOC and USSOCOM, ... at the Forefront of the War on Terrorism
titlecomplete: 21st Century U.S. Military Special Operations Forces (Special Ops) History and Posture Statement, U.S. Army Special Operations Command, USASOC and USSOCOM, ... at the Forefront of the War on Terrorism
publisher: Progressive Management