Providing specially selected, well-trained, highly qualified, and well-led Army Special Operations Forces (ARSOF) to commanders prosecuting the Global War on Terrorism (GWOT), from kinetic to non-kinetic, direct action to unconventional warfare, worldwide demand continues to increase for the U.S. Army Special Operations Command’s (USASOC) most precious asset: selfless, dedicated Soldiers. On any given day, there are 6200 members of the ARSOF deployed worldwide, on over 115 missions in 65 different countries supporting conventional joint and combined operations.

The mission of the U.S. Army Special Operations Command (USASOC) is to organize, equip, train, educate, fund, administer, mobilize, deploy and sustain ARSOF worldwide. ARSOF conduct world wide operations across the full spectrum of military operations in support of the Combatant Commanders, American ambassadors and other agencies as directed. Additionally, ARSOF possess unique capabilities to conduct Counterterrorist Operations, Foreign Internal Defense (FID), and Civil Military Operations (CMO).

To maintain the capability to execute their full range of missions, ARSOF require maintenance of a robust force structure; realistic training; light-weight equipment designed with special operations capabilities; dedicated combat service support; and long-range, high-speed infiltration and exfiltration platforms.

Investment in a well-trained and technologically enhanced ARSOF will allow the Nation to continue responding quickly to a broad spectrum of conflicts and create new opportunities for global stability.


WE THEREFORE RESOLVE to urge the Administration and Congress to:

• Fund research, development and procurement for Special Operations Forces’ unique equipment: advanced weapons, munitions, long-range high-speed infiltration/exfiltration platforms and survival enhancements
  
  
• Fund full inclusion of ARSOF in information warfare programs, technologies and systems
  
  
• Fund a robust Special Operations force structure of highly motivated, uniquely-trained, and well-equipped professionals supported by dedicated combat support and combat service support elements
  
  
• Fund realistic Joint and Combined exercises, to include deployments for training
  
  
• Fund the Foreign Military Financing Program
  
  
• Fund the procurement of additional CV-22 aircraft for Air Force Special Operations Command. This aircraft provides improved range and speed capabilities to get Special Operations Forces around the battlefield
  
  
• Fund ARSOF aviation requirements of 29 additional MH-47G helicopters which includes 4 for combat and crash losses, and 10 additional MH-60 helicopters
  
  
• Fund U.S. Special Operations Command initiatives to ensure ARSOF are supported adequately by Air Force special operations infiltration, exfiltration, fire support, and air refueling platforms
  
  
• Fund lighter, smaller, state-of-the-art communications equipment with: low probability of intercept; low probability of detection capability; and automated command, control, communications, computers, and intelligence systems to enhance ARSOF ability to support conventional force commanders