Change is in the Mission for U.S. Special Operations Command
OPINION — U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM), which has grown to become the world’s top counterterrorism force over the past 20 years, is now facing […] More
Special Operations Forces
The US Deal with the Taliban
The United States signed a peace agreement with Taliban leaders on Saturday that is intended to end the US’ 18-year involvement in Afghanistan. The deal […] More
Why a Closer Look at SOCOM Should be on the Radar
OPINION — It’s time for the House or Senate Armed Services Committees to take a close look at U.S. Special Operations Forces (SOF) and hold […] More
NATO’s Most Elite Operators and their Biggest Challenges
The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) was established in April 1949 with the goal of deterring Soviet expansionism and to move European nations closer to […] More
The Latest
No Longer Worried About ISIS? Think Again.
The killings of ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi and his possible deputy by U.S. special operations forces are major losses for the extremists, ones that are likely […] More
Milley’s Mindset
Army Gen. Mark Milley indicated he would continue Pentagon independence from some of President Trump’s policies at his confirmation hearing to become the next chairman […] More
The Special Operations Mission: A View from the Hill
It’s been a busy national security week in DC. Congressional lawmakers and the President managed to reach a deal that would fund the government but […] More
SOF Leader’s Advice For Reaching Full Potential
The Cipher Brief’s new Friday column, ‘Cipher Select’ talks with retired Command Sergeant Major (CSM) Rob Lively, who spent 28 years in the U.S. Army, […] More
A Green Beret Congressman’s Take on Terrorism
As this month’s terror attacks in Syria and Nairobi make clear, organizations like ISIS and al-Shabab remain focused on launching attacks as a show of […] More
Special Operations Meets Human Trafficking
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime says countries around the world are detecting and reporting more victims of human trafficking than ever before. […] More
SOCOM’s Discipline and Ethics on the Radar
The Cipher Brief’s new Friday column Cipher Select, is laser-focused on bringing you a range of different perspectives on special operations issues over the next several […] More
Special Operations Focuses Inward
United States Special Operations Forces are attracting attention for the wrong reasons after a spate of incidents overseas that involved the murder of Americans, allegedly […] More
Special Operations DEPTEMPO and the National Security Risk
Most of my adult life was spent as a soldier in special operations. One of the most persistent issues throughout my career was finding the […] More