Report: US Special Operations Forces leading the charge against China and Russia in global power competition.

U.S. Special Operations Forces (SOFs) have long been recognized for their vital role in counterterrorism operations, but their evolving significance in addressing challenges posed by great power competition with China and Russia is increasingly evident. According to a report by the U.S. Department of Defense on December 19, 2024, Chris Maier, the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special Operations and Low-Intensity Conflict, emphasized this expanded role during a recent event at the Center for a New American Security, highlighting the critical contributions of SOFs in this broader strategic context.
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U.S. Special Forces Soldiers conduct vehicle movement during a Panzer Kaserne, Germany training event. (Picture source: U.S. DoD)

Maier underscored how U.S. SOFs (Special Operations Forces) operate within a whole-of-government framework, enabling them to play a pivotal role in fostering alliances, strengthening partnerships, and providing early warnings of emerging threats. He noted the global reach of special operations, saying, “Our special operations enterprise is in many different places. This gives special operators a chance to reassure allies and partners and also a chance to give a heads-up when they see things going amiss.” The agility and innovative culture of SOFs make them uniquely suited for the complex dynamics of great power competition, where nonconventional and hybrid threats abound.

The evolution of SOFs' mission reflects broader changes in U.S. defense strategy. While they were once predominantly focused on counterterrorism, their role in irregular warfare has gained prominence. Maier noted that in the 2018 National Defense Strategy, irregular warfare was relegated to an annex, but the 2022 iteration fully integrated it into the core strategy. This change highlights the recognition of asymmetric operations as a key component of modern defense. "Asymmetric and nonconventional operations are now side by side with conventional aspects of the strategy," Maier said, pointing to the growing alignment between SOF capabilities and broader military objectives. He acknowledged the complex terminology used to describe unconventional warfare—terms such as irregular, hybrid, gray zone, and asymmetric—all of which signify the nuanced challenges of differentiating these operations from traditional warfare.

A significant aspect of U.S. SOF operations in the current era is their role in countering China's multifaceted strategies. Maier identified China as the primary pacing challenge, citing its use of both conventional and unconventional tools. The Belt and Road Initiative, a cornerstone of China’s diplomatic and security strategy, exemplifies its hybrid approach. Similarly, China's actions in the South and West China Seas, including the deployment of maritime militias, are indicative of its irregular warfare tactics. These militias, though not conventional military forces, exert significant coercive influence. Maier emphasized the importance of partnerships with regional allies, particularly the Philippines, in countering these tactics. "At the end of the day, a lot of this type of activity is dissuaded with the ability to put it in the open," he said, underscoring the importance of transparency and exposure in disrupting coercive operations.

Taiwan remains a critical flashpoint in U.S.-China relations, and Maier stressed the importance of deterrence in maintaining stability in the region. The U.S. commitment to the Taiwan Relations Act and other agreements aims to prevent any unilateral changes to the status quo through force. “We’re carefully calibrating what we’re doing to establish deterrence and dissuade a military operation into Taiwan,” Maier said. The South China Sea is another area of tension, with China's excessive territorial claims and assertive actions posing challenges to regional stability.

While China dominates much of the strategic discourse, Russia's activities also remain a significant concern. U.S. SOFs contribute to NATO's resilience efforts in Europe, countering Russian hybrid tactics, disinformation campaigns, and proxy operations. These efforts are integral to bolstering allied defenses and maintaining stability in Eastern Europe.

Special operations forces within the United States military are organized across several branches, each with distinct missions and capabilities. The U.S. Army Special Forces, commonly known as the Green Berets, specialize in unconventional warfare, foreign internal defense, and counterinsurgency. They are highly skilled in working with partner forces to build capacity and conduct operations in contested environments. The Navy SEALs, part of the Naval Special Warfare Command, are experts in maritime operations, counterterrorism, and direct action missions, often operating in hostile and politically sensitive regions. The Air Force’s Special Tactics units provide critical support in combat search and rescue, precision airstrikes, and battlefield control. The Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command (MARSOC), also known as Raiders, focuses on direct action, special reconnaissance, and building relationships with foreign militaries. The U.S. Army’s 75th Ranger Regiment is a highly trained light infantry unit specializing in direct action and airfield seizure, while the Delta Force and SEAL Team Six, both Tier 1 units, conduct high-risk counterterrorism and hostage rescue missions.

The adaptability of these forces ensures they remain at the forefront of addressing emerging threats, including those posed by great power competitors. Maier noted the ongoing evolution of the U.S. defense strategy, with integrated deterrence as its cornerstone. This approach spans all domains—land, sea, air, space, and cyberspace—and leverages both conventional and unconventional capabilities to address the full spectrum of challenges. "This is about deterrence,” Maier said, adding that the strategy increasingly emphasizes competition and crisis management as integral to warfighting.

With their unique blend of agility, innovation, and expertise, U.S. Special operations forces have transitioned from being solely the vanguard of counterterrorism to a central element in the U.S. approach to maintaining global stability and countering aggression from major powers like China and Russia. Their role in modern warfare is indispensable as the global security environment continues to evolve.