Understanding SOF Authorities

Special Operations Forces (SOF) and interagency activities go hand-to-hand in today’s operational environment. Understanding SOF authorities allow operators to articulate their operations with interagency partners. A military leader once described to me that understanding authorities meant you understood the "rules of the game.” The article, “Demystifying the Title 10-Title 50 Debate,” highlights the confusion over the “rules of the game.”

As future Special Forces Warrant Officers (SFWO), the regiment will look at us to be the experts in ASO, UW, and PE. When working in the JIIM environment, SFWOs need to be able to understand and articulate their authorities. Understanding and articulating SOF authorities will lead to greater confidence from interagency partners.

A common question asked by intelligence partners to SOF elements is, “What authorities are you working under?” A simple
The primary reason for debate is over oversight and funding. The 9/11 commission recommended congress instead question that is funding the activity and exercising control. Congress has not enacted the recommendation continuing the debate.

At the operational level, military and intelligence operations appear similar in nature. Similarities lead to questions over authorities and debates into infringement into the other's charter. Debates over authorities at the operational level lead to inaction on the ground. I have seen SOF operations stopped because interagency partners did not have a clear understanding of SOF's mission.

At the tactical level, individuals conducting similar activities, debate which organization should conduct the activities. Operators at the tactical level usually put policy concerns to the side. However, SOF operators need to be as skilled as their interagency partners are when articulating their authorities and