SOF in Congress

During a hearing before the House Armed Services Committee today, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said President Donald J. Trump's proposed defense budget for fiscal year 2026 includes funding to meet the increased worldwide demand for the military's special operations forces community.

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. SOF often conducts special operations 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.

“As Co-Chair of the Special Operations Forces (SOF) Caucus and Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee’s Subcommittee on Intelligence and Special Operations, I am honored to advocate for the most lethal and capable force on the planet,” said SOF Caucus Co-Chair Rep. Ronny Jackson. “We place immense responsibility on SOF as they face increasing demands to counter our foreign adversaries. This Caucus gives us a valuable opportunity to ensure our Special Operators have everything they need to protect American interests and remain the most elite force in the world.”