COMMANDS

U.S. Special Operations Command

14

U.S. Army Special Operations

Command

16

Naval Special Warfare Command

18

Air Force Special Operations

Command

20

Marine Corps Forces Special

Operations Command

22

Subordinate Special Operations

Commands
INVENTORY

26

Aircraft

30

Maritime

32

Ground

34

Weapons

36

Command, Control,
Communications, and Computers

37

Special Reconnaissance,
Surveillance, and Exploitation
OPERATORS

40

USASOC

41

NSWC

42

AFSOC

43

MARSOC
EXERCISES

46

Balikatan, Cold Response,

Flintlock, and Foal Eagle

47

Fuerzas Comando, Jackal Stone,

and Panamax
SOF POTPOURRI

48

SOF Truths

50

SOF Acronyms

51

The typical SOF warrior

USSOCOM Factbook

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USSOCOM Factbook

Adm.
Bill H. McRaven

Command Sgt. Major

Chris Faris

USSOCOM
Commander

USSOCOM
Command Sgt. Major

Lt. Gen.
David P. Fridovich

Lt. Gen.
Bradley A. Heithold

USSOCOM
Deputy Commander

USSOCOM
Vice Commander

6 www.socom.mil

Korea
Army Master Sgt. Ola L. Mize

Afghanistan
Navy Lt. (Seal) Michael P. Murphy

Army Staff Sgt. Robert Miller

Vietnam
Army Sgt. 1st Class Leroy A. Petry
Army Capt. Humbert Roque Versace
Army Capt. Roger H. C. Donlon
Iraq
Army 1st Lt. Charles Q. Williams
Navy Master-at-Arms 2nd Class (SEAL) Michael Monsoor
Air Force Maj. Bernard F. Fisher
Army Capt. Ronald E. Ray
Navy Boatswains Mate 1st Class James E. Williams
Army 1st Lt. George K. Sisler
Navy Lt. (Seal)
Michael P. Murphy
Navy Seaman David G. Ouellet
Medal of Honor awarded
Army Master Sgt. Charles E. Hosking, Jr.
posthumousy Oct. 22, 2007
Army Sgt. Gordon D. Yntema
Army Staff Sgt. Drew D. Dix
Army Sgt. 1st Class Eugene Ashley, Jr.
Army Sgt. 1st Class Fred W. Zabitosky
Navy Master-at-Arms 2nd
Army Master Sgt. Roy P. Benavidez
Class (SEAL)
Air Force Lt. Col. Joe M. Jackson
Michael Monsoor
Army Specialist 5th Class John J. Kedenburg
Medal of Honor awarded
Air Force Col. William A. Jones III
posthumousy Apr. 8, 2008
Army Staff Sgt. Laszlo Rabel
Air Force Capt. James P. Fleming
Army Specialist 4th Class Robert D. Law
Army Staff Sgt.
Air Force Airman 1st Class John L. Levitow
Robert Miller
Navy Lt. j.g. (SEAL) Joseph R. Kerrey
Medal of Honor awarded
Army Sgt. 1st Class William M. Bryant
posthumousy Oct. 6, 2010
Army Staff Sgt. Robert J. Pruden
Army Staff Sgt. Franklin D. Miller
Army Sgt. Gary B. Beikirch
Army Sgt. 1st Class Gary L. Littrell
Army Sgt. 1st Class
Army Sgt. Brian L. Buker
Leroy Petry
Army Staff Sgt. John R. Cavaiani
Medal of Honor awarded
Army 1st Lt. Loren D. Hagen
July 12, 2011
Navy Lt. (SEAL) Thomas R. Norris
Navy Engineman 2nd Class (SEAL) Michael T. Thornton
Somalia
Army Master Sgt. Gary I. Gordon
Army Sgt. 1st Class Randall D. Shughart

USSOCOM Factbook

USSOCOM Mission

Provide fully capable Special Operations Forces to defend the United States and its interests.
Synchronize planning of global operations against terrorist networks.

SOF Core Activities

Preparation
of the Environment

Special
Reconnaissance

Security Force
Assistance

Military Information
Support Operations

SOF Core Operations

Unconventional
Warfare

Counterinsurgency

Stability
Direct
Action
Countering
Weapons of Mass
Destruction

SOF Combat
Support

National Strategies,
Global Campaign
Plans and Theater
Plans

Counterterrorism

SOF Service
Combat Support

Foreign Internal
Defence

Civil
Affairs
Operations

Support to Major
Combat Operations
& Campaigns

Hostage Rescue
and Recovery

Interdiction & Offensive

CWMD Operations

Title 10 Authorities and Responsibilities

Develop special operations strategy, doctrine and tactics
Prepare and submit budget proposals for
SOF
Exercise authority, direction and control
over special operations expenditures
Train assigned forces
Conduct specialized courses of instruction
Validate requirements
Establish requirement priorities
Ensure interoperability of
equipment and forces
Formulate and submit intelligence support requirements
Monitor Special Operations

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officers promotions, assignments, retention,

training and professional military education
Ensure Special Operations Forces combat
readiness
Monitor Special Operations Forces
preparedness to carry out assigned missions
Develop and acquire special operationspeculiar equipment, materiel, supplies and
services
Command and control of U.S. based
Special Operations Forces
Provide Special Operations Forces to the
geographic combatant commanders
Activities specified by the President or
Secretary of Defense

Civil Affairs

Foreign Internal Defense

Military Information Support Operations

Unconventional Warfare

Direct Action

USSOCOM Factbook

Artwork by Timothy Lawn

Headquarters USSOCOM
Location MacDill Air Force Base, Fla.
Established April 16, 1987
Commander Adm. Bill H. McRaven
Deputy Commander Lt. Gen. David P. Fridovich
Vice Commander Lt. Gen. Bradley A. Heithold
Command Sgt. Major Command Sgt. Major Chris Faris
Role Provide fully capable Special Operations Forces to defend the United States and its interests
People Approximately 2,500

Headquarters Staff
Chief of Staff and Command Support Directorate
Special Operations Research, Development and Acquisition Center
Directorate of Interagency Task Force
Special Operations Financial Management
J1 Directorate of Personnel
J2 Directorate of Intelligence
J3 Directorate of Operations
J4 Directorate of Logistics
J5 Directorate of Strategy, Plans and Policy
J6 Directorate of Communications
J7/J9 Directorate of Training, Doctrine, and Capability Development
J8 Directorate of Force Structure, Requirements, Resources and Strategic Assessments

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Commander
Lt. Gen. John F. Mulholland Jr.
Command Sgt. Major
Command Sgt. Maj. Parry L. Baer
Web Address
www.soc.mil

Location Fort Bragg, N.C.

Established Dec. 1, 1989
Deputy Commander Maj. Gen. Kurt Fuller
Mission To enhance the readiness of Army Special Operations Forces
People Approximately 28,500

Subordinate commands
U.S. Army Special Forces Command (Airborne)
- 1st, 3rd, 5th, 7th, 10th, 19th and 20th Special Forces Groups (Airborne)
U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School
- 1st Special Warfare Training Group (Airborne)
- Special Warfare Medical Group (Airborne)
U.S. Army Special Operations Aviation Command
- 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne)
75th Ranger Regiment
- 1st, 2nd, 3rd Battalions and the Regimental Special Troops Battalion
4th Military Information Support Group (Airborne)
- 6th, 7th, and 8th Military Information Support Battalions
8th Military Information Support Group (Airborne)
- 1st, 5th, and 9th Military Information Support Battalions
95th Civil Affairs Brigade
91st, 92nd, 96th, 97th, and 98th Civil Affairs Battalions
528th Sustainment Brigade (Airborne)
112th Special Operations Signal Battalion (Airborne)

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USSOCOM Factbook

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Commander
Rear Adm. Sean A. Pybus
Force Master Chief
Force Master Chief Stephen D. Link
WebAddress
www.public.navy.mil/nsw

Location Coronado, Calif.

Established Apr. 16, 1987
Deputy Commander Rear Adm. Garry Bonelli
Mission Man, train, equip, deploy and sustain NSW Forces for operations and activities abroad,
in support of Combatant Commanders and U.S. National Interests
People Approximately 8,900

Subordinate commands
Naval Special Warfare Group ONE
- SEAL Teams 1, 3, 5, and 7, Logistics Support Unit 1, NSW Units 1 and 3
Naval Special Warfare Group TWO
- SEAL Teams 2, 4, 8, and 10, Logistics Support Unit 2, Unit 2 Detachment South, NSW Unit 10
Naval Special Warfare Group THREE
- SEAL Delivery Team 1, Logistics Support Unit 3, SEAL Delivery Vehicle Detachment 1
Naval Special Warfare Group FOUR
- Special Boat Teams 12, 20 and 22, Naval Small Craft Instruction and Technical Training School
Naval Special Warfare Group TEN
- Support Activity 1 and 2, Mission Support Center
Naval Special Warfare Group ELEVEN
- SEAL Teams 17, 18
Naval Special Warfare Center
- Basic Training Command, Advanced Training Command
Naval Special Warfare Development Group

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USSOCOM Factbook

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Commander
Lt. Gen. Eric E. Fiel
Command Chief
Chief Master Sgt. William Turner
WebAddress
www2.afsoc.af.mil

Location Hurlburt Field, Fla.

Established May 22, 1990
Deputy Commander Maj. Gen. O.G. Mannon
Mission Conduct global special operations missions ranging from precision application of
firepower, to infiltration, aviation foreign internal defense, exfiltration, resupply and refueling
of SOF operational elements
People Approximately 16,000

Subordinate commands
23rd Air Force
1st Special Operations Wing
623d Air Operations Center
27th Special Operations Wing
919th Special Operations Wing (AFR)
193rd Special Operations Wing (ANG)
USAF Special Operations Training Center
720th Special Tactics Group
352rd Special Operations Group
353rd Special Operations Group
724th Special Tactics Group

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Commander
Maj. Gen. Paul E. Lefebvre
MARSOC Sgt. Major
Sgt. Maj. Richard W. Ashton
WebAddress
www.marines.mil/unit/marsoc

Location Camp LeJeune, N.C.

Established Feb. 24, 2006
Deputy Commander Col. Peter Warker
Mission Direct action, special reconnaissance and foreign internal defense, counterterrorism,
information operations, and unconventional warfare.
People Approximately 2,600

Subordinate commands
Marine Special Operations Regiment
- 1st Marine Special Operations Battalion
- 2d Marine Special Operations Battalion
- 3d Marine Special Operations Battalion
Marine Special Operations Support Group
Marine Special Operations Intelligence Battalion
Marine Special Operations School

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USSOCOM Factbook

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USSOCOM SUBORDINATE SPECIAL OPERATIONS COMMANDS

Established in 1980, the Joint Special
Operations Command is a sub-unified
command of USSOCOM. JSOC provides a
joint headquarters to study Special Operations
requirements, ensures interoperability and
equipment standardization, develops joint
Special Operations plans and tactics, and
conducts joint Special Operations exercises
and training.
The Joint Special Operations University resides at MacDill Air Force Base, Fla.
JSOUs mission is to educate Special

Operations Forces executive, senior and

intermediate leaders and selected other
national and international security decisionmakers, both military and civilian, through
teaching, research and outreach in the science
and art of Joint Special Operations.
The Special Operations Command Joint Capabilities headquartered at Norfolk,
Va., has the mission of acting as the
Department of Defense's primary joint special
operations forces trainer and integrator.

THEATER SPECIAL OPERATIONS COMMANDS

Each geographic combatant command
have a Special Operations component
commander just like it has a ground, air and
naval component commander. The TSOC
provides
the
geographic
combatant
commanders with a separate element to plan
and control joint SOF in their theaters.
SOCAFRICA
Special Operations Command - Africa
supports AFRICOM and is headquartered in
Stuttgart, Germany.
SOCCENT
Special Operations Command Central is
headquartered at MacDill Air Force Base,
Fla., and supports U.S. Central Command.
SOCEUR
Special Operations Command Europe

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headquarters is located at Stuttgart, Germany,

support European Command.
SOCKOR
Special Operations Command Korea,
located at Camp Kim in Yongsan, Korea, is the
Theater SOC for United States Forces Korea .
SOCPAC
Special Operations Command Pacific,
located at Camp H. M. Smith, Oahu, Hawaii,
and serves as the SOF component command
for the U.S. Pacific Command.
SOCSOUTH
Special Operations Command South is
headquartered at Homestead Air Reserve Base,
Fla., and supports Southern Command.

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AC-130H/U
Primary function: Armed over-watch, close-air
support, air interdiction and force protection.
Speed: 300 mph. Dimensions: Wingspan 132
ft. 7 in.; length 97 ft. 9 in.; height 38 ft. 6 in.
Range: 1,496 miles unlimited with air refueling. Armament: AC-130H, 40 mm Bofors cannon and 105 mm Howitzer. AC-130U, 25 mm
Gatling gun, 40 mm Bofors cannon and 105 mm
cannon.Crew: AC-130H, 14, and AC-130U, 13.

CV-22B Osprey
Primary function: Special Operations Forces
long range infiltration, exfiltration and
re-supply. Speed: 277 mph (cruising speed).
Dimensions: Wingspan 84 ft. 7 in.; length 57 ft.
4 in; height 22 ft. 1 in.; rotary diameter, 38 ft.
Range: 2,100 miles with one re-fueling Crew:
Four.

EC-130J Commando Solo

Primary function: Military information support
operations. Dimensions: Wingspan 132 ft. 6 in.;
length 97 ft.; height 38 ft. 8 in. Speed: 335 mph.
Range: 2,300 miles unrefueled. Crew: 10.

MC-130E/H Combat Talon

Primary function: Infiltration, exfiltration and
resupply of Special Operations Forces. Speed:
300 mph. Dimensions: Wingspan 132 ft. 7 in.;
length MC-130E 100 ft. 10 in.; MC-130H 99 ft.
9 in.; height 38 ft. 6 in. Range: 2,700 miles unrefueled. Crew: MC-130E, nine; MC-130H,
seven.

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MC-130P Combat Shadow

Primary function: Air refueling Special
Operations Forces helicopters. Speed: 289 mph.
Dimensions: Wingspan 132 ft. 7 in.; length 98
ft. 9 in.; height 38 ft. 6 in. Range: 4,000 miles
unrefueled. Crew: Eight.

MC-130J Combat Shadow II

Primary function: Infiltration, exfiltration and
resupply of Special Operations Forces; in-flight
refueling of special operations vertical lift
aircraft. Speed: 385 mph. Dimensions:
Wingspan 132 ft. 7 in.; length 97 ft. 9 in.; height
38 ft. 9 in. Range: 3,200 miles unrefueled.
Crew: Seven.

MC-130W Combat Spear

Primary function: Infiltration, exfiltration and
resupply of Special Operations Forces; in-flight
refueling of special operations vertical lift aircraft. Speed: 300 mph. Dimensions: Wingspan
132 ft. 7 in.; length 98 ft. 9 in.; height 38 ft. 6 in.
Range: 1,208 miles unrefueled. Crew: Seven.

U-28A
Primary function: Provide support to Special
Operations Forces. Speed: 359 mph.
Dimensions: Wingspan 57 ft. 11 in.; length 46
ft. 8 in.; height 14 ft. 4 in. Range: 350, 1,700
miles. Crew: Two.

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27

AH-6M Little Bird

Primary function: Close air support. Speed: 143 mph.
Dimensions: Length: 32.05 ft., Rotor diameter: 27.5 ft., Height: 8 ft.
11 in. Range: 230NM. Armament: 2x 12.7 mm GAU-19 or 2x 7.62
mm M134 minigun, 2x M260 rocket pods or 2x MJ-12 rocket pod;
Anti-tank guided missile, 2x AGM-114 Hellfire air to ground
missiles. Crew: Two.

MH-6M Little Bird

Primary function: Externally transport several combat troops.
Speed: 143 mph. Dimensions: Length: 32.05 ft., Rotor diameter:
27.5 ft., Height: 8 ft. 11 in. Range: 230 NM. Payload: up to 6
personnel. Crew: Two.

MH-60K/L/M Black Hawk

Primary Function: Conduct overt or covert infiltration, exfiltration
and resupply of Special Operations Forces. Speed: Max 222 mph,
Cruise 138 mph. Dimensions: Length: 64 ft. 10 in. Range: 450NM.
Payload: 10 personnel w/internal tanks. Armament: 2 x 7.62 miniguns. Crew: Four.

MH-60L/M Black Hawk Defensive Armed Penetrator (DAP)

Primary Function: Armed escort and fire support for Special
Operations Forces. Speed: Max 222 mph, Cruise 138 mph.
Dimensions: Length: 64 ft. 10 in. Range: 450NM. Armament:
2x7.62 mm M134 minigun, M230 30MM Chaingun, 70mm Hydra
rockets, AGM-114 Hellfire air to ground missiles. Crew: Four.

MH-47 Chinook
Primary function: Conduct overt and covert infiltration,
exfiltration, heavy assault, resupply, and sling load operations.
Speed: Max 195 mph, Cruise 132 mph. Dimensions: Length 99 ft,
Rotor diameter: 60 ft, Height: 18 ft 8 in. Unrefueled Range: 525
NM. Armament: M-134 and M-240 7.62mm machine guns.
Combat Crew: Six.

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NSAV (Light) PC-12

Primary Function: Provides
flexible rapid, short suspense
operational movement of
personnel. Speed: 359 mph,
Dimensions: Wingspan 57ft.
11 in., length 46ft. 8in., height
14ft. 4in. Range: 350, 1,700
miles 350ER 2,700 miles.
Crew: Two

NSAV (Light) M-28

Primary Function: Provides
flexible rapid, short suspense
operational movement of
personnel. Speed: Max 220
mph. Dimensions: Length
5.26 m, width 1.74m, height
1.72m. Range: 785 ER Crew:
Three.

NSAV (Medium) Do-328

Primary Function: Provides
flexible rapid, short suspense
operational movement of
personnel. Speed: In excess of
310 mph. Range: 500 nm with
8,750 lb payload Crew: Two.

MQ-1 Predator
Primary function: Armed reconnaissance, airborne surveillance and target acquisition. Speed: Up to 135 mph. Dimensions: Wingspan 48 ft. 7
in.; length 27 ft.; height 6 ft. 9 in. Range: 454 miles. Armament: AGM114 Hellfire missiles.
MQ-9 Reaper
Primary function: Unmanned hunter/killer weapon system. Speed: 230
mph. Dimensions: Wingspan 66 ft.; length 36 ft.; height 12.5 ft. Range:
3,682 miles. Armament: AGM-114 Hellfire missiles; GBU-12, GBU-38
JDAM. Crew: Pilot and sensor operator on the ground.
AECV/Puma AE
Primary function: All Environment Capable Variant, Small Unmanned
Aircraft System. Provides autonomous low altitude electro-optical,
infrared camera reconnaissance and surveillance; recoverable either land
or maritime. Speed: 23-46 mph. Dimensions: Wingspan 110 inches;
length 56 inches. Range: 15 km with a flight endurance of 2 hours.
Viking 400 (V400)
Primary function: Provides Day/Night Reconnaissance. Speed: 60 knots.
Dimensions: Wingspan 20 ft.; Length 14.7 ft.; Height 5 ft. Range: 75+
Nautical Miles. Crew: Pilot and Sensor Operator.

USSOCOM Factbook

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MK V Special Operations Craft

The MK V Special Operations Craft performs
medium-range infiltration and extraction of
SOF, limited coastal patrol and interdiction in
low to medium threat environments. The MK
V SOC is a high-performance combatant craft
sized to permit air deployment aboard C-5 aircraft. Each craft is manned by a crew of five
Special Warfare Combatant-craft Crewmen
and can carry 16 SOF personnel.

Special Operations Craft-Riverine

The Special Operations Craft-Riverine
performs short-range insertion and extraction
of SOF in riverine and littoral environments.
The SOC-R is a high-performance craft sized
to permit air transport aboard C-130 or larger
military aircraft. Each craft is manned by a
crew of four Special Warfare Combatant-craft
Crewmen and can carry eight SOF personnel.

Rigid-hull Inflatable Boat

The Rigid-hull Inflatable Boat performs shortrange insertion and extraction of SOF, limited
coastal patrol, and interdiction and reconnaissance. The RHIB is a high performance
combatant craft that is air transportable by C5 Galaxy, C-17 Globemaster and C-130
Hercules aircraft, and it can be air dropped
from C-130 or larger military aircraft. Each
craft is manned by a crew of three Special
Warfare Combatant-craft Crewmen and can
carry eight SOF personnel.

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MK VIII MOD SEAL Delivery Vehicle and Dry Deck Shelter

The Dry Deck Shelter is a floodable pressure vessel carried by a host submarine for undersea
operations. A minimum crew of six Navy divers operates the controls for flooding, draining and
pressurizing the DDS. The host submarine provides the DDS with electrical power and highpressure air. The DDS can be used to launch and recover a SEAL Delivery Vehicle or to conduct
mass swimmer lock-out/lock-in operations utilizing SEALs and Combat Rubber Raiding Craft.
The divers who operate the DDS control assist in all launch and recovery operations.

SEAL Delivery Vehicle

The MK VIII MOD 1 SEAL Delivery Vehicle
is a free-flooding wet submersible designed for
undersea special operations including direct
action, hydrographic reconnaissance and
insertion/extraction of SEALs. SDVs can be
inserted into the water via a DDS-equipped
submarine, MK V SOC or surface ships.

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Mine Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicle

The RG-31s/RG-33s/RG-33 Auxiliary Utility
Vehicles provide protection for SOF operators
against the expanded use of improvised explosive
devices, and provide a lethal offensive capability in
the form of an integrated remote weapon station.

MRAP All Terrain Vehicle

The M-ATV provides a mine-resistant all-terrain
vehicle capability specifically for small-unit combat operations in highly restricted rural,
mountainous, and urban environments.

Ground Mobility Vehicle

The GMV is a standardized joint SOF combat vehicle with the operational flexibility to support the
SOF core activities of direct action, special reconnaissance, unconventional
warfare, counterterrorism,
security
force
assistance,
and
counterinsurgency operations.

Ground Mobility Vehicle-Navy

The GMV-N is a humvee specifically designed for
SEALs that employs a multitude of weapons and is
fitted with a modular armor kit. Depending on the
mission, armor can be added or removed to either
increase speed and maneuverability or increase
protection. The GMV-N can carry up to five operators into some of the harshest terrain in the world.

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Non-Standard Commercial Vehicle

The NSCV is a commercial vehicle with varying
levels of modification, depending upon mission
need. Models include, but are not limited to, pickup trucks, sport utility vehicles, sedans, and vans.
Vehicles can range from unarmored and low-profile
to heavily armored and overtly military. NSCVs
provide SOF with the capability to conduct missions
where there is no military logistical presence and
where vehicles must be maintained on the economy.

Lightweight Tactical All Terrain Vehicle

The LTATV is a side-by-side seat vehicle that provides a light, all-terrain capability to allow SOF to
undertake operations across a wide variety of missions with increased mobility and maneuverability.
The LTATV is internally transportable by H-47 and
V-22 variant aircraft; carries two personnel; can be
used for a multitude of operations from logistic support to casualty evacuation; and provides a high degree of speed and mobility over rough terrain.

All Terrain Vehicle

The ATV provides individual, all-terrain mobility to
deployed SOF in austere locations and across a myriad of special operations missions. The vehicles are
extremely flexible and internally transportable
within rotary wing assets, and they allow fully combat-equipped SOF operators to move around the battlespace rapidly in terrain not easily navigated by
larger, heavier vehicles.

USSOCOM Factbook

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MK20
Sniper Support Rifle

The Combat Assault Rifle is

a family of weapons from the MK
13 to the MK 20 and is a modular
rifle made for the U.S. Special
Operations Command. This family
of rifles consist of two main types.
The CAR-L, for light, is chambered
in the 5.56x45mm NATO cartridge
and the CAR-H, for heavy, fires
7.62x51mm NATO. Both are
available in Long Barrel and Close
Quarters Combat variants.

MK 17 Long Barrel

MK 17 (Close Quarters Battle)

MK 13 mounted to MK 17

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MK 13 (Stand Alone)

MK 13 mounted to MK 16

Multi-purpose Anti-armor Antipersonnel Weapon System

The MAAWS capability provides
an 84 mm recoilless, shoulder-fired,
man-portable, line-of-sight, re-loadable, anti-armor, and anti-personnel
weapon system.

Lightweight Assault Weapon

The LAW development is a Firefrom-Enclosure capability, allowing
the Warfighter to fire both variants
(M72A7 Anti-Armor and M72A9 AntiStructure Rounds) from confined
spaces.

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The Enterprise Networks Division is

responsible for designing, acquiring, fielding, and
sustaining the garrison and tactical network
automation infrastructure systems. The programs
include the Special Operations Command
Research, Analysis, and Threat Evaluation
System (SOCRATES); C4 and Intelligence (C4I)
Automation Systems (C4IAS); and Tactical Local
Area Network (TACLAN).

The Tactical Communications consists of

1) Blue Force Tracking, 2) Joint Tactical C4I
Transceiver System, 3) Joint Base Station/Radio
Integration System, and 4) SOF Tactical
Communications. These tactical radio systems
provide the critical C2 link between SOF
commanders and SOF teams deployed globally.
They also provide interoperability with all
Services, various government agencies, air
traffic control, commercial agencies, and
coalition forces.

Military Information Support Operations

and Civil Affairs Systems include the Media
Production Center Heavy, Medium, and Light;
Special Operations Media System-Broadcast
(SOMS-B); Fly-Away Broadcast System (FABS);
and PDS. These systems primarily provide the
capability to develop, produce, distribute, and
disseminate MISO products to overseas target
audiences.

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Biometrics and forensics system equipment

provide SOF with the capability to rapidly and
efficiently examine and exploit sensitive sites. The
collection of forensic evidence and the identity
verification of personnel detained on-site produce
actionable intelligence that expedites SOF decisionmaking processes. Biometric tools are also used to
gather and store information on captured combatants
and to verify the identities of local nationals seeking
employment or access to foreign and domestic U.S.
bases and installations.

Clandestine Tagging, Tracking, and

Locating exploits emerging technologies to locate
and track targets or items of interest. CTTL is a
Science and Technology development and
prototyping program that is unique in its focus on
SOF Warfighter-defined capability gaps and
selection of highly promising technology solutions.

The Special Operations Tactical Video

System/Reconnaissance Surveillance Target
Acquisition program provides sensor systems that
equip SOF with enhanced stand-off capabilities for
both manned and unmanned special reconnaissance
missions. Capabilities within the portfolio range
from man-in-the-loop imagers and data transmission
devices to fully automated, programmable
unattended ground sensors emplaced by SOF
operators that support information and intelligence
gathering operations.

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Special Forces
Special Forces units perform seven doctrinal missions:
Unconventional Warfare, Foreign Internal Defense, Special
Reconnaissance, Direct Action, Combatting Terrorism, Counterproliferation, and Information Operations. These missions make
Special Forces unique in the U.S. military, because they are
employed throughout the three stages of the operational
continuum: peacetime, conflict and war.
The "Quiet Professionals," Special Forces units are today
deployed worldwide displaying their dominance in full
spectrum operations through their unconventional warfare
expertise. From humanitarian assistance and training of
indigenous forces, to direct action and special reconnaissance
missions, Special Forces Soldiers live up to the Special Forces
motto: De Oppresso Liber, to Free the Oppressed.

Army Ranger
Rangers are capable of conducting squad through
regimental size operations using a variety of infiltration
techniques including airborne, air assault and ground platforms.
The 75th Ranger Regiment remains an all-volunteer force with
an intensive screening and selection process followed by
combat-focused training. Rangers are resourced to maintain
exceptional proficiency, experience and readiness. The 75th
Ranger Regiment is a proud unit and a team of teams serving the
Nation - Rangers Lead The Way.

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Sea, Air, Land (SEAL)

The SEAL Team is the heart of the NSW force; a multipurpose
combat force organized and trained to conduct a variety of Special
Operations missions in all environments. SEALs conduct clandestine
missions infiltrating their objective areas by fixed- and rotary-wing
aircraft, Navy surface ships, combatant craft, submarines and ground
mobility vehicles.

Special Warfare Combatant-craft Crewmen

Special Boat Teams are manned by Special
Warfare Combatant-craft Crewmen who operate and
maintain state-of-the-art surface craft to conduct
coastal patrol and interdiction and support special
operations missions. Focusing on infiltration and
exfiltration of SEALs and other SOF, SWCCs provide
dedicated rapid mobility in shallow water areas where
larger ships cannot operate. They also bring to the table
a unique SOF capability: Maritime Combatant Craft
Aerial Delivery System the ability to deliver
combat craft via parachute drop.

Enablers
If SEALs and SWCC are considered to be the action arms of NSW,
then the Enablers would be the backbone of the organization. SEALs
rely heavily on the services of technicians such as mobile
communications teams, tactical cryptologic support and explosive
ordnance disposal specialists. Enablers contribute heavily toward the
success of the special warfare operations mission.

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AFSOC Special Tactics Airmen include

Combat Controllers, Pararescuemen, Special
Operations Weathermen and Combat Aviation
Advisors.
Combat Controllers are Special Operators
and certified air traffic controllers who are an
integral part of the Air Force Battlefield Airmen
team. Their motto, First There, indicates the
CCT commitment to be the first deployed into
restricted environments by air, land or sea to
establish assault zones.
Pararescuemen, commonly known as PJs,
are the only Defense Department specialty
specifically trained and equipped to conduct
conventional and unconventional recovery
operations. A PJs primary function is as a
personnel recovery specialist with emergency
trauma medical capabilities in humanitarian and
combat environments. Their motto, That Others
May Live, reaffirms the Pararescuemans
commitment to saving lives and self-sacrifice.
Special Operations Weathermen are Air
Force weather technicians with unique training
to operate in hostile or denied territory. They
gather, assess, and interpret weather and
environmental intelligence from forward
deployed locations, working with Special
Operations Forces.
Combat Aviation Advisors of the 6th
Special Operations Squadron help U.S. global
partners to wield airpower. These Air
Commandos are culturally savvy, linguistically
trained and politically astute Airmen, hand
selected for their skill, maturity and
professionalism to advise foreign forces in rotary
and fixed-wing combat aviation, maintenance,
base support, security and tactics.

42 www.socom.mil

Critical Skills Operator

Critical Skills Operators are the front line
Marines and Sailors who are complex problem
solvers able to operate across the full spectrum
of Special Operations in small teams under
ambiguous, sometimes austere, environments
while maintaining a high level of mental
flexibility and physical endurance.
CSOs
exemplify the Marine Corps concepts of
Distributed Operations and the Strategic
Corporal. These warrior-diplomats are able to
operate across the spectrum of force. They are
experts in utilizing the right force at the right
time with the right effect. MARSOC forces
provide Foreign Internal Defense, special
reconnaissance, and direct action capabilities to
commanders.
In other words, MARSOC
Marines often train host-nation military groups,
gather information about the enemy, and engage
the enemy with lethal force when necessary.

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Special Operations Command - Pacific

Balikatan
Republic of the Philippines

Special Operations Command - Europe

Cold Response
Norway

Annual bilateral combined exercise, held in the

Philippines, structured to further develop the
Armed Forces of the Philippines.

Norwegian sponsored, scheduled, and conducted

multinational invitational exercise, with more
than 9,000 military personnel from 14 countries.

Special Operations Command - Africa

Flintlock
Trans-Sahara Africa

Special Operations Command - Korea

Foal Eagle
Republic of Korea

U.S. Africa Commands premier Special

Operations Forces exercise and trains joint
multinational forces to improve information
sharing at the operational and tactical levels
across the Saharan region while fostering
increased collaboration and coordination.

Annual large-scale exercise focused on rear area

security and stability operations, onward
movement of critical assets to the forward area,
special
operations,
ground
maneuver,
amphibious operations, combat air operations,
maritime action group operations.

46 www.socom.mil

Special Operations Command - South

Fuerzas Comando
Central and South America

Special Operations Command - Europe

Jackal Stone
Europe

Military skills competition between top

military and police Special Operations teams in
the Western Hemisphere. Security forces from
19 countries take part promoting
militaryto-military
relationships,
increased
interoperability and improved regional security.

Coordinated
by
Special
Operations
Command Europe, the exercise is designed to
build Special Operations Forces capacity, the
capabilities of current and future partner
nations, and to promote interoperability
between the participating forces.

Special Operations Command - South

Panamax
Panama
Special operations forces from Peru, Colombia,
Brazil, Panama and the United States train
together in an exercise simulating a
multinational effort to defend the Panama Canal.

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Acronym Glossary
AFB
AFSOC
ATV
C4
CCT
CSO
DOD
FID
GMV
JSOC
JSOU
LTATV
MARSOC
MISO
MRAP
NSCV
NSWC
NSWG
PJ
RHIB
SDVT
SEAL
SF
SFG(A)
SOCAFRICA
SOCCENT
SOCEUR
SOC-JC
SOCKOR
SOCPAC
SOC-R
SOCSOUTH
SOF
SRSE
SWCC
TSOC
UAV
USAJFKSWCS
USASOC
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www.socom.mil

Air Force Base

Air Force Special Operations Command
All Terrain Vehicle
Command, Control, Communications and Computers
Combat Controller
Critical Skills Operator
Department of Defense
Foreign Internal Defense
Ground Mobility Vehicle
Joint Special Operations Command
Joint Special Operations University
Lightweight Tactical All Terrain Vehicle
Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command
Military Information Support Operations
Mine Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicle
Non-Standard Commercial Vehicle
Naval Special Warfare Command
Naval Special Warfare Group
Pararescueman
Rigid-hull Inflatable Boat
SEAL Delivery Vehicle Team
Sea-Air-Land forces
Special Forces
Special Forces Group (Airborne)
Special Operations Command Africa
Special Operations Command Central
Special Operations Command Europe
Special Operations Command-Joint Capabilities
Special Operations Command Korea
Special Operations Command Pacific
Special Operations Craft-Riverine
Special Operations Command South
Special Operations Forces
Special Reconnaissance, Surveillance and Exploitation
Special Warfare Combatant-craft Crewman
Theater Special Operations Command
Unmanned Aerial Vehicle
U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center & School
U.S. Army Special Operations Command
U.S. Special Operations Command

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