**Location and Event**
Tampa, Florida – The annual Global SOF Foundation Special Operations Force Week took place recently, where Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth addressed the significance of special operations forces (SOF) within the Pentagon’s priorities.
**Key Statements**
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth emphasized that “Special Operations have never been more important in our country.” He reported a 200% increase in SOF-specific missions over the past three years, alongside the successful elimination of 500 enemy combatants and the capture of another 600 in global operations in the last six months.
**Operational Increase**
There has been a 35% surge in deterrence support requested from SOF units and the Special Operations Command. General Bryan Fenton, the head of the Special Operations Command, noted the asymmetrical nature of the force’s operations, comparing it to a “scalpel,” while also highlighting their capacity to deliver greater force when necessary.
**Technological and Strategic Adaptation**
The importance of acquiring the right technology for the forces was stressed, with Hegseth declaring the need for rapid adaptation and evolving capabilities to remain effective against current threats. He stated, “We can’t and we won’t fight today’s opponents at yesterday’s pace.”
**Challenges and Collaborative Efforts**
General Fenton pointed out that adversaries like Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea are collaborating, which adds complexity to the environments where SOF operates. He referred to the Sonic Spear exercise conducted in April, which assessed SOCOM’s capabilities in integrated communications and operational synchronization from various platforms.
**Future Developments**
Lt. Gen. Francis Donovan, SOCOM vice commander, announced plans for future task force development, aiming to create an O-6 level multi-domain special operation task force. The Army has already established equivalent units in the Pacific and Europe.
**Learning from Allies**
Fenton also noted that lessons from allies, particularly from Ukraine, underscore the necessity of innovation in short timeframes. He stated, “you innovate in minutes, days and weeks, not years and decades.”
**Author Background**
The article was written by Todd South, a journalist with extensive experience covering military and government issues since 2004. He is a Marine veteran and was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in 2014 for a joint project on witness intimidation.
