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What would special operations forces do in a really big war?

A U.S. Green Beret assigned to 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne) covers his sector fire during a night raid training on a complex after fast roping from a CH-47 Chinook helicopter near Aviona, Greece, Mar. 12, 2024. Exercise Trojan Footprint provides NATO Allies and partner special operations forces an opportunity to enhance their skills, build interoperability and demonstrate the capability of ready and postured special operations forces within the European theater. (U.S. Army photo taken by
A Green Beret with 10th Special Forces Group trains for a night raid in Greece in March 2024. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Nathan Baker. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Nathan Baker.
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Automatically curated summary from Task & Purpose.

U.S. Army Special Operations Command (USASOC) leaders, Lt. Gen. Lawrence Ferguson and Brig. Gen. Joseph Wortham, discussed how special operations forces would adapt to potential large-scale conflicts against major powers like China or Russia. While small-team tactics defined recent wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, commanders emphasized that in large conventional warfare, USASOC units would likely serve as reconnaissance sensors, execute psychological operations, handle Civil Affairs tasks, and leverage long-standing allied relationships to assist conventional division commanders.

Context and limitations

Statements regarding operational strategies and unspecified recent special forces operations reflect claims by military commanders that cannot be independently verified.

Green Berets assigned to 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne) enter a building during close-quarters battle training at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, Sept. 16, 2026. The exercise replicated realistic operational conditions, allowing Soldiers to refine close-quarters tactics, communication, and team coordination in preparation for real-world missions. 1st SFG(A) maintains highly lethal, rapidly deployable forces to execute the full spectrum of special operations alongside allies, partners,
Green Berets with 1st Special Forces Group conduct close-quarters battle training at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, Sept. 16, 2026. Army photo by Staff Sgt. John Bae.

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