Pentagon Cuts Will Stretch Special Operations Forces

2012.01.31

Proposed cuts to United States military forces will leave gaps that Special Operations Forces (SOF) will be unable to fill, experts have warned. This view is at odds with the official plan that Special Operations Forces will be expanded to cover any capability gaps left by cutting thousands of soldiers and Marines from regular units. The proposals will cut $487 billion of defense spending over a period of 10 years.

While there is little doubt of the effectiveness of SOF in many scenarios, some experts warn that without sufficient support from regular forces, SOF operations become harder to sustain. For instance, without tanks or artillery or indeed the logistical support provided by the Army and Marine Corp, many SOF operations become much more difficult.

Another factor that worries experts is that with reduced numbers of regular forces to draw from, the pool of suitable candidates for new SOF operators is also reduced, at a time when plans call for SOF numbers to increase.

US and allied special operations forces prepare to move out on operations in Afghanistan. Planned defense cuts will see special operations forces expand in both size and role.

U.S Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class David A. Brandenburg/Not Released

more info / further reading:

• Pentagon cuts will leave gaps special operations can't fill, experts warn
  (Washington Examiner)
  
  
• More Drones, Fewer Troops"
  (Wall Street Journal)
  
  

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