Tampa, Fla.—In his keynote at SOF Week, the Pentagon’s top special operations official outlined a vision for the future: a leaner, smarter, and faster Force that is fully equipped to operate in increasingly complex and contested environments.
Preparing for a More Challenging Battlefield
Colby Jenkins, acting Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special Operations and Low-Intensity Conflict, emphasized that tomorrow’s SOF must be capable of operating farther from support, with cutting-edge technology integrated seamlessly into their missions. “They must be able to seize initiatives, create dilemmas, and deliver strategic effects—from partner bases to submerged platforms to contested urban areas,” Jenkins said.
He highlighted the importance of incorporating autonomous systems, artificial intelligence, cyber operations, and electronic warfare directly into tactical units—enabling forces to generate both kinetic and non-kinetic effects with speed and precision.
A Force Built for the 21st Century
Jenkins painted a picture of SOF that operates “faster, farther, harder, and longer” than adversaries expect, aiming to dominate across all domains and conflict scenarios. “The future of SOF is relentless—smaller teams making quicker decisions, utilizing smarter systems, and engaging harder targets,” he declared.
He also underscored the need to operate in “denied and destructive environments,” where communications and air superiority are not guaranteed. Specifically, he pointed to expanding capabilities in the Arctic and underwater areas—regions where competitors seek uncontested access.
Speed and Innovation as Strategic Imperatives
A central theme was the importance of rapid technology adoption. Jenkins warned that advantage belongs not to the side with the most technology but to those who apply it first, fastest, and with the greatest impact. “We must drive purposeful innovation—building capabilities that impose costs on enemies, create dilemmas, and deny advantages,” he said.
He emphasized that development must be accelerated—focusing on delivering real-world capabilities, not just prototypes or briefs. “We’re not interested in slides; we’re interested in solutions that matter operationally,” Jenkins stated.
Evolving with the World in a Post-Global War on Terror Context
Jenkins acknowledged a strategic shift from static counterterrorism formations toward adaptable, multi-domain SOF teams capable of maneuvering across environments. “While crisis response remains a core strength, we’re moving toward formations that are agile, capable, and ready for future challenges,” he said.
His closing message was clear: “Invest, experiment, and deliver small-team capabilities that punch above their weight, offering strategic leaders more options to shape outcomes and win future conflicts.”
