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Army's Warfighter Information Network-Tactical (WIN-T) Program [October 10, 2017]
From the Document: "The WIN-T [Warfighter Information Network-Tactical] program is the Army's high-speed, high-capacity tactical communications network to distribute classified and unclassified information through all echelons of Army command by means of voice, data, and real-time video. WIN-T was being developed and fielded in three increments."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Feickert, Andrew
2017-10-10
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Army's Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicle (AMPV): Background and Issues for Congress [May 31, 2017]
"The Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicle (AMPV) is the Army's proposed replacement for the Vietnam-era M-113 personnel carriers, which are still in service in a variety of support capacities in Armored Brigade Combat Teams (ABCTs). While M-113s no longer serve as infantry fighting vehicles, five variants of the M-113 are used as command and control vehicles, general purpose vehicles, mortar carriers, and medical treatment and evacuation vehicles. The AMPV is intended to be a non-developmental program (candidate vehicles will be either existing vehicles or modified existing vehicles--not vehicles that are specially designed and not currently in service). Some suggest a non-developmental vehicle might make it easier for the Army to eventually field this system to the force, as most of the Army's past developmental programs, such as the Ground Combat Vehicle (GCV), the Future Combat System (FCS), the Crusader self-propelled artillery system, and the Comanche helicopter, were cancelled before they could be fully developed and fielded [...] The FY2018 budget request for the AMPV requests $647.4 million for the production of 107 vehicles. A potential issue for Congress is whether the Administration's proposal to increase the size of the Army will translate into a requirement for additional AMPVs."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Feickert, Andrew
2017-05-31
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Infantry Brigade Combat Team (IBCT) Mobility, Reconnaissance, and Firepower Programs [September 26, 2017]
"Infantry Brigade Combat Teams (IBCTs) constitute the Army's 'light' ground forces and are an important part of the nation's ability to project forces overseas. The wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as current thinking by Army leadership as to where and how future conflicts would be fought, suggest IBCTs are limited operationally by their lack of assigned transport and reconnaissance vehicles as well as firepower against hardened targets and armored vehicles. There are three types of IBCTs: Light, Airborne, and Air Assault. Light IBCTs are primarily foot-mobile forces. Light IBCTs can move by foot, by vehicle, or by air (either air landed or by helicopter). Airborne IBCTs are specially trained and equipped to conduct parachute assaults. Air Assault IBCTs are specially trained and equipped to conduct helicopter assaults."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Feickert, Andrew
2017-09-26
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Army's Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicle (AMPV): Background and Issues for Congress [Updated March 14, 2019]
From the Document: "The Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicle (AMPV) is the Army's proposed replacement for the Vietnam-era M-113 personnel carriers, which are still in service in a variety of support capacities in Armored Brigade Combat Teams (ABCTs). While M-113s no longer serve as infantry fighting vehicles, five variants of the M-113 are used as command and control vehicles, general purpose vehicles, mortar carriers, and medical treatment and evacuation vehicles. The AMPV is intended to be a nondevelopmental program (candidate vehicles will be either existing vehicles or modified existing vehicles--not vehicles that are specially designed and not currently in service). Some suggest a nondevelopmental vehicle might make it easier for the Army to eventually field this system to the force, as most of the Army's past developmental programs, such as the Ground Combat Vehicle (GCV), the Future Combat System (FCS), the Crusader self-propelled artillery system, and the Comanche helicopter, were cancelled before they could be fully developed and fielded."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Feickert, Andrew
2019-03-14
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Army's Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicle (AMPV): Background and Issues for Congress [September 19, 2018]
"The Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicle (AMPV) is the Army's proposed replacement for the Vietnam-era M-113 personnel carriers, which are still in service in a variety of support capacities in Armored Brigade Combat Teams (ABCTs). While M-113s no longer serve as infantry fighting vehicles, five variants of the M-113 are used as command and control vehicles, general purpose vehicles, mortar carriers, and medical treatment and evacuation vehicles. The AMPV is intended to be a nondevelopmental program (candidate vehicles will be either existing vehicles or modified existing vehicles--not vehicles that are specially designed and not currently in service). Some suggest a nondevelopmental vehicle might make it easier for the Army to eventually field this system to the force, as most of the Army's past developmental programs, such as the Ground Combat Vehicle (GCV), the Future Combat System (FCS), the Crusader self-propelled artillery system, and the Comanche helicopter, were cancelled before they could be fully developed and fielded."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Feickert, Andrew
2018-09-19
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Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV): Background and Issues for Congress [Updated March 19, 2019]
From the Document: "The JLTV [Joint Light Tactical Vehicle] is an Army-led, multiservice initiative to develop a family of future light tactical vehicles to replace many of the High Mobility, Multi-Wheeled Vehicles (HMMWVs) used by the armed services today. HMMWVs, which first entered service in 1985, were developed during the Cold War when improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and other antivehicle explosive devices were not a major factor in military planning. The HMMWVs' demonstrated vulnerability to IEDs and the difficulties and costs experienced in 'up-armoring' HMMWVs already in the inventory have led to renewed emphasis on vehicle survivability. DOD officials have emphasized that JLTVs are not intended to replace HMMWVs 'one for one.'"
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Feickert, Andrew
2019-03-19
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Army's Optionally Manned Fighting Vehicle (OMFV) Program: Background and Issues for Congress [Updated March 21, 2019]
From the Document: "In June 2018, in part due to congressional concerns, the Army announced a new modernization strategy and designated the Next Generation Combat Vehicle (NGCV) as the program to replace the M-2 Bradley. In October 2018, Army leadership decided to redesignate the NGCV as the Optionally Manned Fighting Vehicle (OMFV) and to add additional vehicle programs to what would be called the NGCV Program. The M-2 Bradley, which has been in service since 1981, is an Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV) used to transport infantry on the battlefield and provide fire support to dismounted troops and suppress or destroy enemy fighting vehicles. Updated numerous times since its introduction, the M-2 Bradley is widely considered to have reached the technological limits of its capacity to accommodate new electronics, armor, and defense systems. Two past efforts to replace the M-2 Bradley-- the Future Combat System (FCS) Program and the Ground Combat Vehicle (GCV) Program-- were cancelled for programmatic and cost-associated reasons."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Feickert, Andrew
2019-03-21
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Infantry Brigade Combat Team (IBCT) Mobility, Reconnaissance, and Firepower Programs [Updated July 8, 2019]
From the Summary: "Infantry Brigade Combat Teams (IBCTs) constitute the Army's 'light' ground forces and are an important part of the nation's ability to project forces overseas. The wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as current thinking by Army leadership as to where and how future conflicts would be fought, suggest IBCTs are limited operationally by their lack of assigned transport and reconnaissance vehicles as well as firepower against hardened targets and armored vehicles. [...] Potential issues for Congress include the future of the LRV [Light Reconnaissance Vehicle] effort; Security Force Assistance Brigades (SFABs) and GMV/ISV [Ground Mobility Vehichle/Infantry Squad Vehicle], LRV, and MPF [Mobile Protected Firepower] requirements; and GMV/ISV, LRV, and MPF fielding plans."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Feickert, Andrew
2019-07-08
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War Legacy Issues in Southeast Asia: Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) [June 3, 2019]
From the Document: "More than 40 years after the end of the Vietnam War, unexploded ordnance (UXO) from numerous conflicts, but primarily dropped by U.S. forces over Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam during the Vietnam War, continues to cause casualties in those countries. Over the past 25 years, the United States has provided a total of over $400 million in assistance for UXO clearance and related activities in those three countries through the Department of Defense (DOD), Department of State (DOS), and United States Agency for International Development (USAID), as well as funding for treatment of victims through USAID and the Leahy War Victims fund. Although casualty numbers have dropped in recent years, no systematic assessment of affected areas has been done, and many observers believe it may still take decades to clear the affected areas. War legacy issues such as UXO clearance and victim assistance may raise important considerations for Congress as it addresses the impact of U.S. participation in conflicts around the world and how the United States should deal with the aftermath of such conflicts."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Martin, Michael F.; Feickert, Andrew; Dolven, Ben . . .
2019-06-03
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Army's Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicle (AMPV): Background and Issues for Congress [Updated June 27, 2019]
From the Summary: "The Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicle (AMPV) is the Army's replacement for the Vietnam-era M-113 personnel carriers, which are still in service in a variety of support capacities in Armored Brigade Combat Teams (ABCTs). While M-113s no longer serve as infantry fighting vehicles, five variants of the M-113 are used as command and control vehicles, general purpose vehicles, mortar carriers, and medical treatment and evacuation vehicles. The AMPV is a nondevelopmental program (candidate vehicles would be either existing vehicles or modified existing vehicles--not vehicles that are specially designed and not currently in service). Some suggest a nondevelopmental vehicle might make it easier for the Army to eventually field this system to the force, as most of the Army's past developmental programs, such as the Ground Combat Vehicle (GCV), the Future Combat System (FCS), the Crusader self-propelled artillery system, and the Comanche helicopter, were cancelled before they could be fully developed and fielded."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Feickert, Andrew
2019-06-27
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Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV): Background and Issues for Congress [Updated June 24, 2019]
From the Summary: "The Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) is being developed by the Army and the Marine Corps as a successor to the High Mobility, Multi-Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV), which has been in service since 1985. On October 28, 2008, awards were made for the JLTV Technology Development (TD) Phase to three industry teams: (1) BAE Systems, (2) the team of Lockheed Martin and General Tactical Vehicle, and (3) AM General and General Dynamics Land Systems. On January 26, 2012, the Army issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) for the JLTV's Engineering Manufacturing Development (EMD) phase. Up to three EMD contracts scheduled for June could have been awarded. The period of performance for EMD contracts was 27 months, and the overall EMD phase was scheduled to last 33 months. Vendors were required to provide 22 JLTV prototypes for testing 12 months after contract award. The target cost for the base vehicle was $250,000, excluding add-on armor and other kits. On August 22, 2012, the Army announced the award of three firm-fixed price JLTV EMD contracts totaling approximately $185 million. The three companies awarded the EMD contracts were AMGeneral, LLC (South Bend, IN); Lockheed Martin Corporation (Grand Prairie, TX); and Oshkosh Corporation (Oshkosh, WI)."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Feickert, Andrew
2019-06-24
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Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV): Background and Issues for Congress [Updated February 18, 2020]
From the Background: "The JLTV [Joint Light Tactical Vehicle] is an Army-led, multiservice initiative to develop a family of future light tactical vehicles to replace many of the High Mobility, Multi-Wheeled Vehicles (HMMWVs) used by the armed services today. HMMWVs, which first entered service in 1985, were developed during the Cold War when improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and other antivehicle explosive devices were not a major factor in military planning. The HMMWVs' demonstrated vulnerability to IEDs and the difficulties and costs experienced in 'up-armoring' HMMWVs already in the inventory led to renewed emphasis on vehicle survivability. DOD officials have emphasized that JLTVs are not intended to replace HMMWVs 'one for one.'"
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Feickert, Andrew
2020-02-18
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Marine Corps Amphibious Combat Vehicle (ACV): Background and Issues for Congress [Updated February 20, 2020]
From the Summary: "On January 6, 2011, after spending approximately $3 billion in developmental funding, the Marine Corps cancelled the Expeditionary Fighting Vehicle (EFV) program due to poor reliability demonstrated during operational testing and excessive cost growth. Because the EFV was intended to replace the 40-year-old Amphibious Assault Vehicle (AAV), the Pentagon pledged to move quickly to develop a 'more affordable and sustainable' vehicle to replace the EFV. The Amphibious Combat Vehicle (ACV) is intended to replace the AAV, incorporating some EFV capabilities but in a more practical and cost-efficient manner. In concert with the ACV, the Marines were developing the Marine Personnel Carrier (MPC) to serve as a survivable and mobile platform to transport Marines when ashore. The MPC was not intended to be amphibious like an AAV, EFV, or the ACV but instead would be required to have a swim capability for inland waterways such as rivers, lakes, and other water obstacles such as shore-to-shore operations in the littorals. Both vehicles were intended to play central roles in future Marine amphibious operations. On June 14, 2013, Marine leadership put the MPC program 'on ice' due to budgetary pressures but suggested the program might be resurrected some 10 years down the road when budgetary resources might be more favorable."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Feickert, Andrew
2020-02-20
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Army's Modernization Strategy: Congressional Oversight Considerations [February 7, 2020]
From the Document: "In October 2019, the Army published a new modernization strategy aimed at transforming the Army in order to conduct Multi-Domain Operations (MDO) which are intended to address the current and future actions of near-peer competitors Russia and China. The Army's Modernization Strategy is part of a hierarchy of strategies designed, among other things, to inform the Service's respective modernization plans. These strategies include the National Security Strategy (NSS), the National Defense Strategy (NDS), the National Military Strategy (NMS), and the Army Strategy. The Army's Modernization Strategy establishes six material modernization priorities: [1] Long Range Precision Fires; [2] Next Generation of Combat Vehicles; [3] Future Vertical Lift; [4] Army Network; [5] Air and Missile Defense; [6] Soldier Lethality. [...] This report provides a number of possible questions and observations related to a potential Army modernization oversight architecture which could serve to provide both an element of continuity for hearings and a standard by which Congress might evaluate the efficacy of Army Modernization."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Feickert, Andrew; McGarry, Brendan W.
2020-02-07
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Army's Optionally Manned Fighting Vehicle (OMFV) Program: Background and Issues for Congress [Updated October 10, 2019]
From the Document: "In June 2018, in part due to congressional concerns, the Army announced a new modernization strategy and designated the Next Generation Combat Vehicle (NGCV) as the program to replace the M-2 Bradley. In October 2018, Army leadership decided to redesignate the NGCV as the Optionally Manned Fighting Vehicle (OMFV) and to add additional vehicle programs to what would be called the NGCV Program. The M-2 Bradley, which has been in service since 1981, is an Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV) used to transport infantry on the battlefield and provide fire support to dismounted troops and suppress or destroy enemy fighting vehicles. Updated numerous times since its introduction, the M-2 Bradley is widely considered to have reached the technological limits of its capacity to accommodate new electronics, armor, and defense systems. Two past efforts to replace the M-2 Bradley--the Future Combat System (FCS) Program and the Ground Combat Vehicle (GCV) Program--were cancelled for programmatic and cost-associated reasons."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Feickert, Andrew
2019-10-10
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Defense Primer: Special Operations Forces [Updated January 2, 2020]
From the Overview: "Special Operations Forces (SOF) are those active duty and reserve component forces of the military services designated by the Secretary of Defense (SECDEF) and specifically selected, organized, trained, and equipped to conduct and support special operations. Special operations frequently require unique modes of employment, tactics, techniques, procedures, and equipment. They are often conducted in hostile, politically, and/or diplomatically sensitive environments, and are characterized by one or more of the following: time-sensitivity, clandestine or covert nature, low visibility, work with or through indigenous forces, greater requirements for regional orientation and cultural expertise, and a high degree of risk."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Torreon, Barbara Salazar; Feickert, Andrew
2020-01-02
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Defense Primer: Organization of U.S. Ground Forces [Updated January 2, 2020]
From the Document: "The Army and Marine Corps are organized as hierarchies of units, with each type of unit commanded by a noncommissioned or commissioned officer of a specific rank. These units are described from smallest to largest."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Torreon, Barbara Salazar; Feickert, Andrew
2020-01-02
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Defense Primer: Department of the Army and Army Command Structure [Updated January 2, 2020]
From the Overview: "Article I, Section 8, Clause 12 of the Constitution stipulates, 'The Congress shall have power ... to raise and support Armies ... make rules for the government and regulation of the land and naval forces ... for calling forth the militia to execute the laws of the Union, suppress insurrections and repel invasions.' The Department of the Army (DA) is one of the three military departments reporting to the Department of Defense (DOD). The Army's primary mission is to fight and win the nation's ground wars. The Army's mission is both operational and institutional, and it is composed of four distinct components: the regular Active component (AC), the reserve components of the United States Army Reserve (USAR), the Army National Guard (ARNG), and Department of the Army civilians (DAC)."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Feickert, Andrew; Torreon, Barbara Salazar
2020-01-02
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New U.S. Antipersonnel Landmine Use Policy [February 28, 2020]
From the Document: "On January 31, 2020, the Department of Defense (DOD) announced a new policy regarding the use of antipersonnel landmines (APL). According to a January 31, 2020, DOD memorandum, President Trump 'decided to cancel Presidential Policy Directive-37 (PPD-37),' which was issued by the Obama Administration in January 2016. The Administration adopted the new policy following an internal DOD review ordered by former Secretary of Defense James Mattis that was completed in 2018."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Feickert, Andrew; Kerr, Paul K.
2020-02-28
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U.S. Special Operations Forces (SOF): Background and Issues for Congress [Updated March 11, 2020]
From the Summary: "Special Operations Forces (SOF) play a significant role in U.S. military operations and, in recent years, have been given greater responsibility for planning and conducting worldwide counterterrorism operations. U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) has about 70,000 Active Duty, National Guard, and reserve personnel from all four services and Department of Defense (DOD) civilians assigned to its headquarters, its four service component commands, and eight sub-unified commands."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Feickert, Andrew
2020-03-11
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Defense Primer: Army Multi-Domain Operations (MDO) [January 16, 2020]
From the Document: "As an operational concept, Multi-Domain Operations (MDO) influence what types of weapon systems and equipment the Army procures, what types and numbers of soldiers are needed, and what type of training is required-- significant legislative concerns for Congress. In this regard, an understanding of MDO could prove beneficial for congressional oversight activities."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Feickert, Andrew
2020-01-16
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Army's Optionally Manned Fighting Vehicle (OMFV) Program: Background and Issues for Congress [Updated February 14, 2020]
From the Document: "In June 2018, in part due to congressional concerns, the Army announced a new modernization strategy and designated the Next Generation Combat Vehicle (NGCV) as the program to replace the M-2 Bradley. In October 2018, Army leadership decided to redesignate the NGCV as the Optionally Manned Fighting Vehicle (OMFV) and to add additional vehicle programs to what would be called the NGCV Program. The M-2 Bradley, which has been in service since 1981, is an Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV) used to transport infantry on the battlefield and provide fire support to dismounted troops and suppress or destroy enemy fighting vehicles. Updated numerous times since its introduction, the M-2 Bradley is widely considered to have reached the technological limits of its capacity to accommodate new electronics, armor, and defense systems. Two past efforts to replace the M-2 Bradley--the Future Combat System (FCS) Program and the Ground Combat Vehicle (GCV) Program--were cancelled for programmatic and cost-associated reasons."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Feickert, Andrew
2020-02-14
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Army's Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicle (AMPV): Background and Issues for Congress [Updated February 19, 2020]
From the Summary: "The Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicle (AMPV) is the Army's replacement for the Vietnam-era M113 personnel carriers, which are still in service in a variety of support capacities in Armored Brigade Combat Teams (ABCTs). While M-113s no longer serve as infantry fighting vehicles, five variants of the M-113 are used as command and control vehicles, general purpose vehicles, mortar carriers, and medical treatment and evacuation vehicles. The AMPV is a nondevelopmental program (candidate vehicles would be either existing vehicles or modified existing vehicles--not vehicles that are specially designed and not currently in service). Some suggest a nondevelopmental vehicle might make it easier for the Army to eventually field this system to the force, as most of the Army's past developmental programs, such as the Ground Combat Vehicle (GCV), the Future Combat System (FCS), the Crusader self-propelled artillery system, and the Comanche helicopter, were cancelled before they could be fully developed and fielded."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Feickert, Andrew
2020-02-19
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Defense Primer: Army Multi-Domain Operations (MDO) [Updated April 22, 2021]
From the Document: "As an operational concept, Multi-Domain Operations (MDO) influence what types of weapon systems and equipment the Army procures, what types and numbers of soldiers are needed, and what type of training is required-- significant legislative concerns for Congress. In this regard, an understanding of MDO could prove beneficial for congressional oversight activities. [...] According to the U.S. Army's Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC): Multi-Domain Operations (MDO) describes how the U.S. Army, as part of the joint force [Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marines] can counter and defeat a near-peer adversary capable of contesting the U.S. in all domains [air, land, maritime, space, and cyberspace] in both competition and armed conflict. The concept describes how U.S. ground forces, as part of the joint and multinational team, deter adversaries and defeat highly capable near-peer enemies in the 2025-2050 timeframe. MDO provides commanders numerous options for executing simultaneous and sequential operations using surprise and the rapid and continuous integration of capabilities across all domains to present multiple dilemmas to an adversary in order to gain physical and psychological advantages and influence and control over the operational environment."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Feickert, Andrew
2021-04-22
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Army's Optionally Manned Fighting Vehicle (OMFV) Program: Background and Issues for Congress [Updated April 19, 2021]
From the Document: "The Army's Optionally Manned Fighting Vehicle (OMFV) is the Army's third attempt to replace the M-2 Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV) which has been in service since the early 1980s. Despite numerous upgrades since its introduction, the Army contends the M-2 is near the end of its useful life and can no longer accommodate the types of upgrades needed for it to be effective on the modern battlefield. Because the OMFV would be an important weapon system in the Army's Armored Brigade Combat Teams (ABCTs), Congress may be concerned with how the OMFV would impact the effectiveness of ground forces over the full spectrum of military operations. Moreover, Congress might also be concerned with how much more capable the OMFV is projected to be over the M-2 Bradley to ensure that it is not just a costly marginal improvement over the current system. A number of past unsuccessful Army acquisition programs have served to heighten congressional oversight of Army programs, and the OMFV may be subject to a high degree of congressional interest."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Feickert, Andrew
2021-04-19
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U.S. Special Operations Forces (SOF): Background and Issues for Congress [Updated March 28, 2019]
From the Document: "Special Operations Forces (SOF) play a significant role in U.S. military operations and, in recent years, have been given greater responsibility for planning and conducting worldwide counterterrorism operations. U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) has about 70,000 Active Duty, National Guard, and reserve personnel from all four services and Department of Defense (DOD) civilians assigned to its headquarters, its four service component commands, and eight sub-unified commands."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Feickert, Andrew
2019-03-28
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U.S. Special Operations Forces (SOF): Background and Issues for Congress [May 8, 2014]
"Special Operations Forces (SOF) play a significant role in U.S. military operations, and the Administration has given U.S. SOF greater responsibility for planning and conducting worldwide counterterrorism operations. U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) has about 66,000 active duty, National Guard, and reserve personnel from all four services and Department of Defense (DOD) civilians assigned to its headquarters, its four components, and one sub-unified command. […] In February 2014, DOD issued the 2014 Quadrennial Defense Review (QDR). The 2014 QDR calls for 3,700 personnel to be added to USSOCOM's current strength but falls short of the 72,000-person goal set by the 2010 QDR. The 2014 QDR also places heavy emphasis on USSOCOM's role in counterterrorism operations. Beyond this, the QDR offers little detail as to how these additional personnel will be allocated and how the counterterror mandate will be accomplished. USSOCOM's FY2015 budget request was $9.913 billion--a 4% reduction over the $10.409 billion FY2013 budget request. This includes both the Base Budget and Overseas Contingency Operation (OCO) funding. Potential issues for Congress include possible greater clarification of the 2014 QDR's implications for USSOCOM and U.S. SOF and recent events in Crimea and the rest of Ukraine. This report will be updated."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Feickert, Andrew
2014-05-08
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U.S. Special Operations Forces (SOF): Background and Issues for Congress [October 29, 2018]
"Special operations are military operations requiring unique modes of employment, tactical techniques, equipment,and training. These operations are often conducted in hostile, denied, or politically sensitive environments and are characterized by one or more of the following elements: time sensitive, clandestine, low visibility, conducted with and/or through indigenous forces, requiring regional expertise, and/or a high degree of risk. Special Operations Forces (SOF) are those active and reserve component forces of the services designated by the Secretary of Defense and specifically organized, trained, and equipped to conduct and support special operations. The U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM), headquartered at MacDill Air Force Basein Tampa, FL, is a functional combatant command responsible for training, doctrine, and equipping for all U.S. SOF units."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Feickert, Andrew
2018-10-29
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U.S. Special Operations Forces (SOF): Background and Issues for Congress [January 6, 2017]
"Special Operations Forces (SOF) play a significant role in U.S. military operations and, in recent years, have been given greater responsibility for planning and conducting worldwide counterterrorism operations. U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) has about 70,000 Active Duty, National Guard, and reserve personnel from all four services and Department of Defense (DOD) civilians assigned to its headquarters, its four Service component commands, and eight sub-unified commands. In 2013, based on a request from USSOCOM, the Secretary of Defense assigned command of the Theater Special Operations Commands (TSOCs) to USSOCOM. USSOCOM now has the responsibility to organize, train, and equip TSOCs. [...] The current Unified Command Plan (UCP) stipulates USSOCOM responsibility for synchronizing planning for global operations to combat terrorist networks. This focus on planning limits its ability to conduct activities designed to deter emerging threats, build relationships with foreign militaries, and potentially develop greater access to foreign militaries. USSOCOM is proposing changes that would, in addition to current responsibilities, include the responsibility for synchronizing the planning, coordination, deployment, and, when directed, the employment of special operations forces globally and will do so with the approval of the Geographic Combatant Commanders, the Services and, as directed, appropriate U.S. government agencies. Further, the proposed changes would give broader responsibility to USSOCOM beyond counterterrorism activities, to include activities against other threat networks. Potential issues for Congress include USSOCOM's new leading role in countering weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and how the Trump Administration envisions USSOCOM's role in U.S. national security."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Feickert, Andrew
2017-01-06
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U.S. Special Operations Forces (SOF): Background and Issues for Congress [April 8, 2016]
"Special Operations Forces (SOF) play a significant role in U.S. military operations and, in recent years, have been given greater responsibility for planning and conducting worldwide counterterrorism operations. U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) has about 70,000 Active Duty, National Guard, and reserve personnel from all four services and Department of Defense (DOD) civilians assigned to its headquarters, its four Service component commands, and eight sub-unified commands. In 2013, based on a request from USSOCOM (with the concurrence of Geographic and Functional Combatant Commanders and the Military Service Chiefs and Secretaries), the Secretary of Defense assigned command of the Theater Special Operations Commands (TSOCs) to USSOCOM. USSOCOM now has the responsibility to organize, train, and equip TSOCs. While USSOCOM is now responsible for the organizing, training, and equipping of TSOCs, the Geographic Combatant Commands will continue to have operational control over the TSOCs. Because the TSOCs are now classified as sub-unified commands, the Services are responsible to provide non-SOF support to the TSOCs in the same manner in which they provided support to the Geographic Combatant Command headquarters."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Feickert, Andrew
2016-04-08
