Special Operations Command (SOCOM)

OVERVIEW:

The United States Special Operations Command (SOCOM) is one of nine unified combat commands. It was activated in April 1987 to provide command, control and training for all special operations forces (SOF) in the United States. The command has approximately 47,000 active, National Guard and reserve forces.

SOCOM headquarters is at MacDill Air Force Base, Fla. Its components include the U.S. Army Special Operations Command at Fort Bragg, N.C.; the Air Force Special Operations Command, Hurlburt Field, Fla; the Naval Special Warfare Command, Coronado, Calif., and the Joint Special Operations Command at Fort Bragg. The John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School, the U.S. Air Force Special Operations School, and the Naval Special Warfare Center are also assigned to the command.

Special operations are those conducted against strategic and tactical targets in pursuit of national military, political, economic or psychological objectives, by personnel specially trained, equipped, and organized to do so.

SOCOM's primary mission is to provide combat-ready forces for rapid reinforcement of the other unified commands worldwide. To carry out this mission, SOCOM:

Develops doctrine, tactics, techniques and procedures for all special operations;
Conducts specialized courses of instruction for all SOF;
Trains assigned forces and ensures interoperability of equipment and forces;
Monitors the preparedness of its forces assigned to other unified commands; and
Develops and acquires unique SOF equipment, material, supplies and services.

In short, U.S. Special Operations Command prepares assigned forces to carry out special operations, psychological operations and civil affairs missions as required. Also, the command plans for and conducts special operations if directed by the president or the secretary of Defense. These operations may be conducted in peacetime or during hostilities. SOF have been employed in more than 95 percent of the military contingencies accomplished since the Vietnam War.

During Operation Desert Storm, SOF played a unique and important role, operating on land, on and under the sea, and in the air as part of the combined arms team. These teams remained behind enemy lines and conducted special reconnaissance, combat search and rescue, and direct action missions.

Special operations forces contributed significantly to coalition warfare and the reconstruction of Kuwait's military and public infrastructure.

Today, some 20,000 SOCOM personnel are employed in more than 20 countries around the world providing training, advice and "nation-building" assistance.

POINT OF CONTACT:

SOCOM Public Affairs, (813) 830-2011