FORT LIBERTY, N.C. (AP) — U.S. special operations commanders are facing the challenge of incorporating more high-tech experts into their teams while reducing their overall forces by approximately 5,000 troops over the next five years. This restructuring is influenced by the war in Ukraine, with lessons learned from British special operations forces.
The U.S. Army Special Operations Command is considering enlarging its Green Beret teams to include individuals with specialized technical skills, such as computer software experts who can reprogram drones on the spot. This shift towards high-tech expertise is a response to the evolving nature of modern battlefields.
As a result of the Army's decision to downsize its force by around 24,000 personnel, Army Special Operations Command is absorbing about 4,000 cuts and is looking to recruit individuals with high-tech capabilities. The aim is to enhance the effectiveness of special operations forces in increasingly complex environments.
Despite facing some opposition from Congress regarding the cuts, special operations leaders emphasize the need to adapt to changing demands and focus on essential skills for future operations. The reductions are part of a broader effort to streamline operations and enhance the technological capabilities of special forces.
Army leaders are evaluating where to make cuts, focusing on open positions and redundancies. They are also emphasizing the importance of training in technology, robotics, and intelligence gathering to ensure readiness for diverse mission requirements.
Adaptability is highlighted as a key factor in navigating these changes, with a focus on maximizing the effectiveness of special operations forces in a rapidly evolving global landscape.
