Ken H.’s Post

This is one of the best descriptions of what Special Operations can do that I've seen. Great article.

Thrilled to have published in Defense & Security Analysis late last year, with more articles on the way. Interested in the ways in which the British public might have far-reaching effects on the way warfare in the Information Age is conducted? My experience and research of the war in Afghanistan suggests that Defence professionals must be. https://lnkd.in/ert5eSpY

Yesterday, Defense One published a new article by General James E. Cartwright and #ForwardDefense director Clementine G. Starling on the role of US Special Operations Forces (USSOF) in strategic competition. They call on the national security community to update its understanding of the modern-day special operator and to use these highly trained and specialized forces to pursue US goals against near-peer competitors. One of their arguments: USSOF can operate across the spectrum of competition, executing and supporting US diplomatic, informational, military, and economic efforts to combat adversary threats globally. Read more about how USSOF contributes. https://t.co/Xpq0esHdso

This week the U.S. Army released a White Paper outlining the refocusing of its force structure for large-scale combat operations to address evolving threats and technological advancements. This strategic shift not only underscores the Army's adaptability, but also opens a plethora of opportunities for government contractors in defense modernization, capability enhancement, and support services. Key aspects of the transition include the addition of 30 new or upgraded systems across critical modernization portfolios, the build out of Multi-Domain Task Forces, and investment in the force structure supporting integrated air and missile defense. As the Army aims to streamline its force and bolster readiness, the demand for innovative solutions and partnerships will be paramount. #DefenseInnovation #MilitaryModernization #GovernmentContracting #ArmyTransformation #NationalSecurity #TechnologyAdvancement #MultiDomainOperations #DefenseIndustry #MilitaryReadiness Ward & Berry, PLLC, Ryan Berry, Daniel Ward, Ryan Bradel, Amanda Merced, Eric Kronman, Michael Hatch, Tyson Marx, Chelsea Padgett, Camille Chambers, Brian Yu, Nicholas Perry, International Stability Operations Association (ISOA)

This week, we tackle a large subject. Can USSOCOM adapt and evolve to enhance its effectiveness in supporting the Joint Force’s strategic competition and counterterrorism approach? This takes an understanding of today and the distant future up to 2040. The Commander of USSOCOM plays a pivotal role in steering the SOF enterprise towards future success. In the short term, this means aligning with the objectives set forth in the National Defense Strategy (NDS). In the long term, it means preparing a joint special operations force to succeed in a future context beyond our imagination. This transformation requires a comprehensive approach that embraces technological innovation, reformed processes, and changes in the future operating environment. Ironically, the path forward for USSOCOM involves leveraging a concept often viewed as antithetical to the ethos of special operations: bureaucracy. While bureaucracy is typically associated with inefficiency and rigidity, a well-functioning bureaucracy can also provide a structured, integrated, and repeatable framework to implement wide-ranging reforms and innovations. For the SOF community, a carefully calibrated bureaucratic approach can help focus strategic planning, resource allocation, and the integration of cutting-edge technologies and capabilities for the strategic environment ahead. This article is an open letter to any present and future USSOCOM Commander. The intent is to provide insight on how the command could revise its battle rhythm and synch annual command efforts designed to procure and allocate resources. It is information accrued from many sources and experiences. It is humbly submitted and certainly has errors. Hopefully, it will generate interest in examining how this important command might improve.

This week, we tackle a large subject. Can USSOCOM adapt and evolve to enhance its effectiveness in supporting the Joint Force’s strategic competition and counterterrorism approach? This takes an understanding of today and the distant future up to 2040. The Commander of USSOCOM plays a pivotal role in steering the SOF enterprise towards future success. In the short term, this means aligning with the objectives set forth in the National Defense Strategy (NDS). In the long term, it means preparing a joint special operations force to succeed in a future context beyond our imagination. This transformation requires a comprehensive approach that embraces technological innovation, reformed processes, and changes in the future operating environment. Ironically, the path forward for USSOCOM involves leveraging a concept often viewed as antithetical to the ethos of special operations: bureaucracy. While bureaucracy is typically associated with inefficiency and rigidity, a well-functioning bureaucracy can also provide a structured, integrated, and repeatable framework to implement wide-ranging reforms and innovations. For the SOF community, a carefully calibrated bureaucratic approach can help focus strategic planning, resource allocation, and the integration of cutting-edge technologies and capabilities for the strategic environment ahead. This article is an open letter to any present and future USSOCOM Commander. The intent is to provide insight on how the command could revise its battle rhythm and synch annual command efforts designed to procure and allocate resources. It is information accrued from many sources and experiences. It is humbly submitted and certainly has errors. Hopefully, it will generate interest in examining how this important command might improve.

In commentary: U.S. special operations forces have a unique role to play in today’s strategic competition with China and Russia, yet—outside a niche community—understanding of what SOF do is limited, outdated, and under-appreciated. It’s time that changed. For global security challenges that transcend traditional boundaries and cut across theaters and domains, Defense Department planners should look more often to special operations forces. Read the oped: https://lnkd.in/gVnUFty5 #sof #specialoperations #china #russia

The USAF and USSF are adapting to sweeping changes in response to great power competition. As Charles Darwin said, "it is not the strongest or most intelligent that survive, but those most responsive to change." One of these changes includes the reintroduction of warrant officers to provide an additional layer of technical expertise. However, such changes can reveal organizational cracks. It remains to be seen how the air and space forces will adapt to maintain their superiority. Read more about the overhaul in this article from The Defense Post. #USAF #USSF #greatpowercompetition #defense #defenseindustry

"To be clear, DoD's main effort, integrated deterrence, is SOCOM's main effort," USSOCOM Commander Gen. Bryan Fenton said in testimony to the House Armed Services Committee. "Since 1942, your SOF has accumulated six decades of strategic competition experience, now combined with over two decades of hard-earned combat experience in the Global War on Terror," he said. "These eight decades make your special operations tailormade for this era." Special Operations Forces provide the U.S. with strategic options to prevent great power conflict and ensure the joint force prevails should conflict occur, he said, adding that "integrated deterrence and strategic competition are in our DNA." #People #Win #Transform Full United States Department of Defense story: https://lnkd.in/eDfC6QN7

At the same time, however, the plan will add about 7,500 troops in other critical missions, including air-defense and counter-drone units and five new task forces around the world with enhanced cyber, intelligence and long-range strike capabilities.