Special Forces Command

Our proposed Special Forces Command would consist of a command and control headquarters, drawn from the former US Army Special Forces Command and Army Special Operations Command, and would be commanded by a three-star SF-qualified flag officer. The new Special Forces Command would be assigned a number of operational SF groups, PSYOP Group(s) and CA Bde(s), each organized for, and oriented to, a regional security strategy and trained and equipped to service regional requirements on a continuing basis. Each of these elements would be commanded by branch specific-qualified general officers. The Special Forces UW Command with Title X authority also has a Sustainment Command, commanded by a general officer, responsible for resourcing and integrating DOTML-PF functions. Functions that are currently duplicated in USASOC would be streamlined and those dealing with institutional training would reside only in the Sustainment Command. JSOC would assume control of all units that it has a habitual relationship, like the Rangers, Aviation Regiment and others; however, Title X will be provided by the Sustainment Command. The Special Forces Command is dedicated to continuing regional presence in support of regional strategies.

Key Aspects of the Special Forces Command

The bill payers to form the Special Forces Command and the Sustainment Command would come from existing units and the staff of the Army Special Operation Command. This could be a zero sum effort, but should have growth as required. The 96th CA Brigade and the 4th PSYOP Group would remain intact and subordinate to the Special Forces UW Command.. Battalions of these organizations would be earmarked for direct support of respective Special Forces Groups. Regional orientation would be retained by these units and they would have a habitual direct support (DS) relationship with their respective SF Groups similar to the relationship DS artillery battalions had with their supported maneuver brigades before the new BCT concept. In addition to those SOF units, the SF groups would have assigned supporting maneuver, maneuver support, service support and interagency elements tailored to the regional environment in which it operates. The SF Groups form the basis for deployable Joint Task Forces. The command’s institutional training and education requirements are sustained by the John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School (SWCS). Commander of the Sustainment Command is also Commandant SWCS. The two-star Sustainment Command would have two one-star generals and an SES; one general officer for sustainment; one general officer for training; and the SES as the Provost of Education.

VSF