Defense Primer on U.S. Special Operations Forces

The following is the Nov. 3, 2026, Congressional Research Service report Defense Primer: U.S. Special Operations Forces. From the Report U.S. Special Operations Forces (SOF) are active duty and reserve components of the military services that are designated as SOF by the Secretary of Defense, who is using “Secretary of War” as a “secondary title” under Executive Order (EO) 14347, dated September 5, 2025. SOF are selected, organized, trained, and equipped to conduct and support special operations

Source: USNI News