As the only organization that engages in policy and legislation advocacy on behalf of the men and women in the Special Operations community, SOAA is committed to identifying solutions and making recommendations that best serve Special Operation Forces on and off the battlefield.
Here’s a snapshot of some of the issues we’re currently working on. Join us, as we fight for you!
Recent studies show what we already suspected: That the rate of suicide is higher among our community than that of the civilian population and even that of the rest of the military with TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury) and PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) being major contributing factors.
Learn about these new findings and what we are doing to help!
Afghan and Iraqi translators and their families are being targeted and killed due to the inefficiency of the Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) program. There is a backlog of about 19,000 Afghan translators and others who helped U.S. forces. Not protecting those that risked their lives for us would not only dishonor their sacrifices but also who we are as a nation.
Learn more about this critical issue!
We believe that the 2017 National Defense Authorization Act (sec. 922), correctly highlights the need to strengthen civilian oversight of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special Operations and Low-Intensity Conflict while still allowing USSOCOM to innovate and reform.
Learn more about why this change is so vital.
For far too long, members of the military have been negatively impacted by burn pits, and it’s time to take action for the victims exposed to toxic exposure.
Register yourself and your SOF community in the Burn Pit Registry if you suspect you have ever been exposed to toxic chemicals from burn pits, even if it was just once. Early identification and monitoring could save your life and the lives of your brothers in arms.
It’s not always easy to get the benefits you deserve and it’s even harder for us operators to prove eligibility when many missions are classified in nature. We’re fighting to make sure that the SOF community gets what they have earned.
We’re demanding that the Department of Defense (DoD) make proving eligibility for Veteran’s benefits simple and straight forward for all members of SOCOM across all components.
As past and current Servicemembers ourselves, we know that decisions and policies out of Washington impact the Operator on the ground. We’re working to help educate politicians on how to make policies that free up SOF to do our best work.
Learn more about how Rules of Engagement effect troops in Afghanistan!
From the blog
Dr. Frueh Speaks On Operator Syndrome
It’s been well documented that the Special Operations community wrestles with a higher rate of suicide than the rest of the US military. As an
Camaraderie Is Essential When Transitioning Out Of SOF
Transition struggles are real for every SOF operator and those who have served with us in a direct support function. The connection we have in
Trying to Fix My Brain: Daniel Luna’s Experience
I remember asking the neurologist at the top military brain clinic in the United States if he had ways to make my brain better. I
Women in SOF Face Unique Challenges
As a valued member of the SOAA team, Jaclyn (Jax) Scott has shown tireless dedication in advocating for the SOF community. As a woman, serving
Members of Congress Support SOAA and will Work for the SOF Community
A couple of weeks ago, we published a piece about our time on Capitol Hill, meeting with our Nation’s Representatives to discuss key issues regarding
VETS Program Provides Veterans with Alternate Treatments
Our members are no strangers to the invisible scars of war that follow veterans home. Current treatments for issues such as PTSD and TBI have
22 Suicides A Day: Time for a Change
It’s Time for a Change: A Case Study on Psychedelics The repercussions of war on a Veteran are severe, not only in terms of physical
CALL TO ACTION: Support the Afghanistan Evacuation Mission
Tens of thousands of Afghans that supported US policy have been left behind in Afghanistan and currently face repression, imprisonment, torture, and death. The Special
Our Experience: On The Ground with Afghan Evacuees
Sometimes things just don’t play out in the way you would expect. The Taliban closed in on Kabul much faster than anyone thought, and Hamid
UPDATE: We’re Headed to Doha to Help Treat Afghan Refugees
A huge part of our mission-set is to be able to give the Ground Truth to decision-makers in Washington. We’re proud to announce that after
Critical Issues Facing SOF Members: Webinar
In a few weeks, our founder, Daniel Elkins, will be speaking at a webinar, hosted by ENDEAVOUR to discuss critical issues facing members of SOF
Daniel Elkins on Fox News: Airlift of Afghans
In case you missed it, SOAA founder Daniel Elkins was invited on Fox & Friends yesterday to share about his personal connection to Afghan interpreters
