Even as China and Russia are trying to look for areas where they can pick off the strength of partnerships the US has built together over the years, the US special operations community—which is touted to be the most capable in the world—is now increasingly involved in cyber and space domains.
According to Chris Maier, assistant secretary of defense for special operations and low-intensity conflict, the special operations forces have changed from being the 'supported' element to being the 'supporting' element as the force is trying to counter China, Russia, Iran and North Korea.
Special operators are working hand-in-glove with allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific to deter China and prevent the nation from making a miscalculation, Maier said, adding that they are also working with NATO allies and others to counter Russia. Working closely with allies and partners, according to him, must become a trademark of special operations as this would enable the forces to capitalise on the contacts they have built in the past to bring alliances into the future.
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He noted that the special operations forces give the US military an asymmetrical advantage over any possible adversary, and said processes are in place to keep that advantage going well into the future, according to a US Department of Defence report.
"Special operations, by its very nature, is in many countries around the world and operates at the personal level with military leaders of those countries. That alone is an advantage to the United States," Maier said.
According to Maier, these forces understand the conditions on the ground—the people involved and the strengths and weaknesses of the forces involved—and hence their reports can make all the difference for decision-makers.
This applies not only to counterterrorism operations but also in great power competition with China or Russia, he said.
