ARSOF 2022, USASOC’s planning roadmap for the next decade, makes the point that while the existing Special Forces soldier has performed brilliantly across the world’s battlefields since 9/11, there is a genuine need to make them even better. If you can, please explain how you plan to make “America’s Best” soldiers even better, and what qualities about them do you intend to add to or improve?

We have addressed the need for growth and change – not in numbers but in capabilities – through a structured reorganization of the 4th Battalion at each group. The 4th Battalion redesign was conceived in response to the changing operational environment, and to meet ARSOF 2022 priority to invest in human capital. The 4th Battalion transformation increases the capability and versatility the Special Forces Regiment provides our nation.

The Special Forces ODA has always been center of gravity for the global special warfare mission set, and will continue to endure through ARSOF 2022 transformation. The ODA structure has survived the test of time and numerous conflicts throughout the world due to the flexibility and comprehensive special skill sets that are resident in each ODA, which include: operations, intelligence, weapons and target engagement, communications, medical, engineering expertise, and regional expertise specific to each special forces group based on their regional alignment within the SOF global network.

The present basic structure of the Special Forces Group (SFGs) and Operational Attachment Alpha (“A-Team) has remained essentially untouched since created in the 1960s by Gen. Bill Yarborough. Are the organizations and structures of these units still credible more than five decades later? And do you or ARSOF 2022 anticipate any structural changes to them in the next few years?

The Special Forces ODA has always been center of gravity for the global special warfare mission set, and will continue to endure through ARSOF 2022 transformation. The ODA structure has survived the test of time and numerous conflicts throughout the world due to the flexibility and comprehensive special skill sets that are resident in each ODA, which include: operations, intelligence, weapons and target engagement, communications, medical, engineering expertise, and regional expertise specific to each special forces group based on their regional alignment within the SOF global network. These core skills remain the foundation of the SF ODA. As we look forward, the ODA will remain the primary element required to support the vision for ARSOF 2022. However, current and future operations have and will demand that we also leverage the same core capabilities and special skills in unit sizes tailored to the requirements of the mission – such as split detachments and in two and three man elements – that will provide an agile unconventional warfare capability with a reduced footprint.

 

Since 9/11, the Special Forces soldier in the field has been supplied with all variety of new weapons and technologies, everything from satellite telephones to backpackable unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). What new technologies do you see enhancing the Special Forces soldiers in your command over the next decade, and do you see removing anything they have been supplied with since 9/11, to reduce the “soldier’s load?”

In the past decade, industry has supported Special Forces soldiers with some amazing technological advances. This support has helped enable the SF soldier to outperform anyone that we have encountered on the battlefield, bearing in mind that the first “SOF Truth” is “humans are more important than hardware.” Our communications have advanced to form, fit, and function, while increasing capabilities. Software defined radios are now more capable of data and voice transmission than earlier predecessors. The Special Forces will see a reduction in a constant cycle of replacements of C4I equipment as a direct link to being able to upgrade capabilities with software updates. Industry, with the help of SOF subject matter experts, have focused on lightening the load of ammunition carried by the soldier while increasing the lethality and accuracy of our soldiers through emerging technologies – such as polymer cased ammunition and improved bullet co-efficiencies. SOF body armor and protective gear such as our uniforms, ballistic plates, and helmets have become lighter by approximately 25 percent while providing increased ballistic protection. We are on the verge of seeing new fabric breakthroughs that will add more capability with a lightened load.

We make the effort to utilize modernization through sustainment; as new technologies emerge in current programs of record, we begin to field those items after proper testing to replace worn equipment and gear, thus making the most of our equipment while remaining fiscally prudent. Our focus remains providing the best support to the soldier.

We make the effort to utilize modernization through sustainment; as new technologies emerge in current programs of record, we begin to field those items after proper testing to replace worn equipment and gear, thus making the most of our equipment while remaining fiscally prudent. Our focus remains providing the best support to the soldier.

 

ARSOF 2022 spends a great deal of time discussing the mobility of USASOC personnel when deployed. What is the current state of SF ground mobility assets, and what are you looking to add/enhance to these assets in the years ahead?

For many regions of the world, SOF soldiers need ground mobility platforms to conduct their mission. Each special forces group has Ground Mobility Vehicle (GMV) capabilities. This fleet of vehicles has been tailored in many ways to provide enhanced protection, with special emphasis on protection from IEDs, while also maintaining cross-country mobility. As we look to the future, we will adapt emerging technology to enhance the next generation of GMV design to ensure that they provide our operators the most nimble, adaptable, and deployable platforms possible.

 

ARSOF 2022 references a genuine need for even greater language skills for SF personnel in the decade ahead. In addition, the need for additional human terrain and cultural training is mentioned. How do you interpret these points in ARSOF 2022, and how do you intend to meet the mandates laid forth in that document?

Special Forces soldiers train diligently on language, regional expertise and cultures (LREC) oriented to specific areas of the world throughout their careers. Within the Special Forces Regiment, we have a dedicated LREC Program, tailored to the geographic combatant command areas of responsibility. To optimize the maintenance of language (and culture & regional expertise) needs, we are in the process of revising sustainment programs of instruction that meet higher language proficiency levels. We are also developing programs that capitalize on greater immersion training within specific countries across the world. This immersion is a cornerstone of our education, because it provides opportunities for Special Forces soldiers to practice the education and training they receive at their home station. Immersion provides practical experience in cultural, religious, and historical context, thereby allowing Special Forces soldiers first-hand experience to demonstrate their knowledge in a fluid, real-world environment. Finally, to meet the current and future demands of our customers (geographic combatant commands and the theater special operations commands (TSOC)), we will continue to conduct a review of their requirements to proactively adjust our LREC Program for the purpose of perpetual relevancy and precision within our Special Forces formations.