Special Operations

The hub for thinking, dialogue, and professional growth across the Special Operations community, bridging operators, policymakers, researchers, and industry partners.

Space and Ice: Envisioning Special Operations Forces’ Role in Future Operational Environments

New frontiers of strategic competition beckon for immediate special operations forces (SOF) transformation to prevail in the space domain and the polar regions. Aligned with Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special Operations and Low Intensity Conflict Colby Jenkins’ call to think differently and work together, this article proposes two enhanced

Book Review - Into the Void: Special Operations Forces after the War on Terror

This book review was originally published by the US Army War College Press in the Summer 2025 issue of The US Army War College Quarterly, Parameters at https://press.armywarcollege.edu/parameters/vol55/iss2/1/ and in the online book review forum Parameters Bookshelf at https://press.armywarcollege.edu/parameters_

Enhancing US Special Operations Forces Capacity to Foster Resistance: Aligning Authorities and Resources to Win the Gray Zone

Introduction US Special Operations Forces (USSOF) provide a unique advantage to the Joint Force with their responsiveness, adaptability, and specialized skills. USSOF capabilities—from cyber expertise to civil affairs—enable them to shape and stabilize regions and preempt threats before they escalate. USSOF is incredibly impactful in Irregular Warfare, where

SOF’s Role in Conflict

Episode 118 focuses on SOF in Conflict. The podcast falls within the SOF Special Project. Contact Director SOF Adam Darnley-Stuart to join the team. Episode 118 of the Irregular Warfare podcast explores the definitions of conflict and SOFs value proposition to the joint force. Our guests discuss the unique capabilities

SOF and Influence Activities

Episode 116 of the Irregular Warfare Podcast explores the role of Special Operations Forces (SOF) in influence activities, featuring insights from Professor Martijn Kitson and Major General Ron Smits. The guests discuss the value proposition of SOF in influence operations, emphasizing their ability to integrate various capabilities for maximum effect.

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Bridging the gap between irregular warfare scholars, practitioners, and policymakers.

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The IWI SOF Program is the hub for thinking, dialogue, and professional growth across the Special Operations community. Built as a virtual team house, it brings together operators, policymakers, researchers, and industry partners to explore how SOF contributes to irregular warfare and to the broader national security mission. The program curates analysis, ideas, and debates that help the force learn faster, think deeper, and stay relevant as strategic competition evolves.

At its core, the program strengthens the human network that makes SOF effective. It gives the community a place to read, write, debate, and test ideas—whether examining the future of SOF activities, unpacking emerging technologies, or translating lessons learned into forward-leaning concepts. Contributors can publish articles, propose podcasts, shape events, and collaborate across the joint force and interagency. The goal is to cultivate a shared intellectual space where the profession sharpens itself.

The SOF Program is also a platform for leadership development and service. Team members gain visibility, build experience, and help shape the profession’s future direction. Anyone with a stake in the SOF enterprise—practitioners, scholars, and industry professionals—is invited to engage, contribute, and join the team as we advance the conversation around SOF and irregular warfare.

Meet the Team

Dr. Joseph Long Dr. Joseph Long Director, SOF Program
David Cook David Cook Advisor, SOF Program
David Maxwell David Maxwell Advisor, SOF Program
Don Edwards Don Edwards Advisor, SOF Program
Dr. Frank Sobchak Dr. Frank Sobchak Advisor, SOF Program
Dr. Robert Burrell Dr. Robert Burrell Advisor, SOF Program
Jaclyn "Jax" Scott Jaclyn "Jax" Scott Advisor, SOF Program
Paul Cobaugh Paul Cobaugh Advisor, SOF Program