Special Operations
Forces (SOF)

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Special Operations Forces have seen significant growth in many of the militaries around the world. SOF forces were instrumental during World War II; however the terrorist attacks experienced in the 1970s saw a significant growth of special operations capabilities - especially among the European nations.

The United States can trace the use of special operations type forces back to the French and Indian War. Throughout time there have been instances of special operations forces engaged in almost all of the conflicts and wars the U.S. has participated in.

Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC)

Naval Special Warfare (NSW)

Marine Special Operations Command (MARSOC)

Armed Overwatch Program

Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC)

ASD Special Operations / Low Intensity Conflict (SO/LIC)

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Related Pages

History of US SOF

SOF History Timeline

Foreign SOF