U.S. Special Operations Forces (SOF) have always been the tip of the spear, poised to strike swiftly and silently. But as the world enters an era of heightened strategic competition with global powers like China and Russia, their roles have broadened far beyond the widely perceived image of elite soldiers parachuting into enemy territory under the cover of darkness.

Special operations forces are not just operators deployed in kinetic, physical battlespaces. They are enablers, conducting placement and access in domains where they collect intelligence, enabling missions through AI and engineering support. These highly trained and specialized forces are versed in fields such as coding, space, and cyber operations. “Representing less than 2 percent of the Defense budget, USSOF provide an outsized role in the national defense strategy,” Assistant Defense Secretary for Special Operations and Low Intensity Conflict Christopher Maier testified before the Senate Armed Services Committee in 2022.

The versatility and specialized expertise of U.S. special operations forces position them as an indispensable player in the strategic competition across at least four roles. They serve as the supporting arm of U.S. integrated deterrence, shaping regional environments, and thwarting Russian and Chinese information and irregular warfare. Special operators also maintain multi-generational relationships with international allies and partners, giving them in-depth understandings of local dynamics and players, especially in less prioritized parts of the globe like Africa, Central Asia, and Latin America.

Furthermore, these operators have their fingers on the pulse of strategic competition. They maintain persistent engagement, improving situational awareness and operational responsiveness for the broader U.S. military. Their presence is light and often covert, enabling them to observe and share intelligence in areas where others cannot operate, ensuring favorable outcomes even if diplomacy and deterrence fail.

These forces also support the U.S. military’s push toward joint multi-domain operations, working across the Joint Force, with interagency partners, and allies. They draw on expertise and capabilities during training, planning, and execution, becoming a vital link in the operational chain.

But the challenges facing U.S. defense spending, amid conflicts in Europe and the Middle East and heightened tensions with China, compel the military to do more with less. This pressure has led to a major force structure transformation within the Army, reducing its size by 24,000 troops as it shifts from counterinsurgency operations to preparing for large-scale combat against technologically advanced militaries. This transition includes a focus on eliminating positions historically vacant or hard to fill within the special operations forces, as Army Secretary Christine Wormuth stated during a Defense Writers Group breakfast.

In the same vein, innovations within the infantry units themselves have sparked debate. Proposals for creating an “excepted” category of infantrymen, separate from the ground service rank and file, have emerged. Such a force could offer similar bonuses to those offered to submariners to attract high-quality recruits. The Army and Marine conventional infantry, which have borne the brunt of combat deaths in past conflicts, could significantly benefit from the transfer of skills from JSOC warriors, enhancing their capabilities.

The diverse array of skills within U.S. SOF is a testament to the evolution of the modern special operator. From engaging in direct-action missions to enabling broader strategic objectives, these forces operate across the spectrum of competition. They embody the concept of a multipurpose force that is light, affordable, and capable of complex missions, offering an outsized role in national defense with a minimal footprint. Their continued adaptation and integration into the wider military strategy are crucial as the U.S. confronts a future of complex security challenges.