Special Operations Forces (SOF) have played a critical role in US counterterrorism operations. But now, as policymakers’ focus shifts from counterterrorism (CT) to great power competition (GPC), the implications for SOF are unclear. Two panelists, Senator Joni Ernst and Owen West, argue that SOF is uniquely suited to address irregular warfare (IW) challenges in the era of GPC.
Senator Joni Ernst served in the military for over twenty-three years and is now representing Iowa in the United States Senate. She serves on the Senate Committee on Armed Services. Owen West is a former assistant secretary of defense for special operations and low-intensity conflict (ASD SO/LIC). Previously, Mr. West has worked in the private sector and as a Marine Corps officer He served two deployments to Iraq and is the author of three books on military affairs.
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“The View from Washington: Civilian Oversight of SOF”, Irregular Warfare Podcast, October 25, 2022, 37 minutes. This episode originally aired on March 23, 2021.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YGrfE1m031Y
