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  • Predictive Analytics

    The analysis of large datasets can provide new insights into relationships between variables and potentially enable better predictions of the likelihood of processes and events. Areas of interest to the SOE for these data-driven analytics could include selection, training, scenario development, and

  • Winning with Partner Nations

    SOF are often in the role of being the primary U.S. face to partner nations. Professional ethics matter in the effort to build trust with these nations. How do ethical conduct and adherence to high moral standards contribute to the credibility and trustworthiness of SOF missions in unconventional

  • Developing and Modeling Strategic Patience

    It is sometimes more prudent to exercise patience and pursue a long-term strategy instead of rushing into immediate action or resorting to aggressive measures. Strategic patience can also involve a willingness to wait for favorable circumstances or changes in the geopolitical landscape before taking

  • Irregular and Unconventional Warfare Campaigning

    The SOE has renewed its focus on irregular and unconventional warfare. How can SOF better understand, articulate, and operationalize irregular and unconventional warfare campaigns? What is the relationship between irregular warfare, unconventional warfare, foreign internal defense, security force

  • Forecasting Unintended Consequences

    Given the current focus on strategic competition and competitive statecraft, SOF’s operations around the globe have an important role to play. However, activities in one country or on one continent may have far-reaching effects in neighboring countries or across the globe. The scale of

  • Integrated Deterrence

    Integrated deterrence is the alignment of the DOD’s “policies, investments, and activities to sustain and strengthen deterrence— tailored to specific competitors and coordinated to maximum effect inside and outside the Department,” in order to address competitors’

  • Organizing for Irregular Warfare

    Does the SOE require organizational changes to better carry out irregular warfare campaigns and operations? Are purpose-built SOF organizations and capabilities needed to successfully wage irregular warfare campaigns against adversaries? If most irregular warfare problems have at least some

  • SOF’s Relationship with Space and Cyber

    What is the role of special operations in the cyber and space domains, to include the electromagnetic spectrum? How can SOF best work with space and cyber forces and capabilities within the DOD? What cyber and space capabilities are best suited for collaboration with SOF? What would supported and

  • Political Limitations on Operations

    The war in Ukraine has highlighted the continued relevance of strategic deep attacks by SOF such as the attempts to degrade and/ or destroy the Kerch bridge. However, both Ukraine and its partners have been under severe political pressure to minimize these attacks for fear of provoking a Russian

  • Assessing Civilian Vulnerabilities in Conflict

    How can SOF prepare for conflicts where the objectives may include hostile actions intended to disrupt civilian supplies of food and energy locally, regionally, and globally? How should the protection of resources and their associated infrastructure be assessed and prioritized? What can SOF do to