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
Huge Win for Operators
Back in July, we called attention to a major issue – Veterans dying by high suicide rates. In addition to passing the Commander Jon Scott
Military Leadership: A Case for the 1st SF SOCOM Commander
The U.S. Army Special Forces – better known as the Green Berets – perform a great deal of our country’s missions that call for a
National Security and the Role of Special Operations
The primary goal of US National Security policies is to protect Americans and American interests at home and abroad. The formulation and implementation of such
Transferring Education Benefits to Family Members
Since 2009, Servicemembers have been able to transfer their Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits to their dependents or spouse. Over the past 10 years since this
The Third Wave: Changing Civilian Oversight of Special Operations Forces
When Congress created the U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) in 1987, it also appointed a civilian official – the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special
Great Power Competition: Reimagining the Special Forces
In the 2018 National Defense Strategy, the Department of Defense redirected its focus from Counterterrorism (CT) and Foreign Internal Defense (FID) operations to what has
The War of Tomorrow “Gray Zone Conflicts”
The U.S. continues to retain the most capable armed forces in the world. Rivals are well aware of their inability to compete with our conventional
Veterans Deserve Better Mental Health Care
It is estimated that an average of 20 veterans die by suicide every day. Of those who have sought help, studies have shown a connection
Advocating for Degree Pathways for SOF
The training operators receive is highly respected and trusted within the ranks of the armed forces. But is this training respected and rewarded in American
SFC Heath Robinson Burn Pit Transparency Act
Today, June 1st, SOAA stands with all operators and the Veteran community to demand a united front. For far too long, members of the military
Help for Those Exposed to Burn Pits
Since 1990, it is estimated that there are over one million Servicemembers and Veterans whose exposure to toxic chemicals from burn pits has made them
We Must Not Allow Politicians in DC to Hurt Troops in Afghanistan
Over the last 15 years has the U.S. military been able to accomplish its mission in Afghanistan? Are we any closer to defeating the Taliban
