Why are Rare Earth Elements Important to SOF?

July 8, 2025

In this video, we ask: What are Rare Earth Elements—and why do they matter to SOF?

Rare Earth Elements (REEs) are critical to the technologies that give the U.S. military its edge, from missile guidance systems to night vision and secure communications. They also power essential civilian innovations like electric vehicles and smartphones. But with China dominating global production and processing, REEs have become a flashpoint in great power competition.

In this Snapshot, we break down what REEs are, why they’re strategically vital, and how their control affects SOF missions and U.S. national security. Learn why these 17 obscure metals are at the heart of modern warfare and why SOF needs to understand the global resource competition shaping the battlefield.”

00:00 Introduction

01:46 Applications for REEs

03:13 Supply Chain Security

03:58 Strategy and Competition

05:12 Conclusion