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!
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
New “PACT” Caucus Formed
Those of us working in the Veteran Community know that there is a mental health crisis plaguing our nation’s heroes. The stalwart community of our
Promising New Treatment for Veterans Gains Support
November 17th will be remembered as a pivotal moment in the history of Veteran suicide prevention. Representatives Jack Bergman (R-MI) and Lou Correa (D-CA) came
Breakthrough Therapies for Special Operations Veterans
Today, Senator Booker (D-NJ) and Senator Paul (R-KY) introduced the “Breakthrough Therapies Act.” This legislation will remove the current barriers between Special Operations Forces Veterans
SOAA in Ukraine: Supporting Ukraine is in the U.S.’s Best Interests
By Daniel Elkins The situation in Ukraine is constantly evolving. This conflict, centered in a country the approximate size of Texas, has captured the attention
The Answer to the Decline in Military Recruitment
America draws from its rich and vast resources to support its all-volunteer force – from industry and innovation to personnel and a passion to serve.
Why the Double Standard for Women Operators?
When I was initially asked to write this story, I was thrilled. I had a dream to share my journey as a Cultural Support Team
Looking Beyond the PACT Act
In his State of the Union address, President Biden made specific mention of the Burn Pits afflicting servicemembers with toxic exposure. This toxic exposure, specifically,
Investigate The Afghan Withdrawal
Along with 17 other organizations, we are pushing for a comprehensive investigation into the decisions and actions that shaped our withdrawal from Afghanistan, and the
The Military Adapted To New Wars, So Must Civilians
Over the past 20 years, America’s Special Operations Forces (SOF) have taken on greater prominence than ever before. The United States Operations Command (USSOCOM) is
Support for the Historic and Bipartisan Honoring Our PACT Act of 2022
We’re proud to be joined by over 20 fellow veteran organizations in support of the historic, bipartisan legislation of Senate Veterans Affairs Committee Chairman Jon
Honoring Our PACT Act, Bipartisan Agreement Reached
We wish to thank all who have helped to bring justice and care to toxic-exposed Servicemembers and Veterans by contributing their time, efforts, and resources.
The Four Pillars of Action
Last April, when the Biden Administration announced U.S. forces would depart Afghanistan by September 2021, SOAA went into action. From advocating for speeding up the
