Joint Special Operations University

04/24/2026

24 April 1980–Operation Eagle Claw

Operation Eagle Claw marked a turning point for U.S. military operations.

The events at Desert One exposed critical gaps in joint planning, interoperability, command and control, and the integration of special operations forces. Those shortfalls drove a fundamental shift in how the U.S. military organizes and conducts complex missions.

In the years that followed, the U.S. Government implemented major reforms to strengthen unity of effort, improve joint coordination, and better integrate special operations capabilities. These changes helped shape the modern joint force and contributed directly to the establishment of U.S. Special Operations Command.

Today’s ability to plan, integrate, and execute across services and domains is rooted in the lessons learned from Desert One.

At JSOU, we study Operation Eagle Claw as a case study in institutional adaptation. It reinforces a core truth: enduring advantage comes from learning faster than the challenges we face.

We honor those lost by continuing to refine the force they helped shape.

04/16/2026

Happy birthday, SOCOM! 🎂

For the past 39 years, U.S. Special Operations Command has played a pivotal role in synchronizing global special operations, maintaining ready and postured forces, and delivering precise, lethal capabilities while fostering strong partnerships with allies across the globe.

“It is our role as Special Operations to meet tomorrow’s challenges, we must continuously adapt today—strengthening our capabilities to remain ready, responsive, and lethal.” - ADM Mitch Bradley

We’re grateful for the 7,000 deployed in 80 countries that make up USSOCOM and all you’ve done to keep the tip of the spear sharp and our nation secure. ♠️

04/16/2026

04/09/2026

U.S. Army Special Forces Branch Established as a Basic Branch of the Army

Today we recognize the establishment of the U.S. Army Special Forces Branch, which is a defining moment in the evolution of America’s special operations forces.

While Special Forces traces its roots to World War II formations like the OSS Operational Groups and the 1st Special Service Force, the branch was formally established on April 9, 1987. This milestone institutionalized a capability that had already proven essential in irregular warfare, partnership, and global competition.

From its activation in 1952 with the 10th Special Forces Group to its expansion during Vietnam and beyond, Special Forces has remained at the forefront of missions that demand precision, adaptability, and trust — from unconventional warfare and foreign internal defense to counterterrorism and special reconnaissance.

The green beret, authorized by President John F. Kennedy, and the motto “De Oppresso Liber” (To Free the Oppressed) reflect more than tradition. They represent a mindset.

At JSOU, we study and teach a mindset grounded in cultural understanding, disciplined initiative, and the ability to operate in ambiguity. It is central to Advancing the SOF Warrior Mind and preparing leaders for today’s complex operating environment.

On this anniversary, we recognize the legacy of Special Forces and the enduring role they play in defending the nation, often quietly, always decisively.

03/25/2026

🎖️ Medal of Honor Day

On this Medal of Honor Day, we honor the extraordinary courage and sacrifice of those who have received our nation’s highest award for valor.

Within the special operations community, that legacy includes Sergeant First Class Randall Shughart, who gave his life defending others in Battle of Mogadishu; Master Sergeant Roy Benavidez, who risked everything to save his team in Vietnam; Master Sergeant Gary Gordon, who stood his ground against overwhelming odds; Sergeant First Class Leroy Petry, who acted without hesitation to protect his fellow Rangers; Sergeant First Class Melvin Morris, who led with courage under intense fire in Vietnam; Master Sergeant Earl Plumlee, who fought to repel a complex attack in Afghanistan; and Staff Sergeant William Maud Bryant, who made the ultimate sacrifice while defending his team in Vietnam.

Their actions reflect the highest standards of service: selflessness, courage, and commitment to the mission and the team.

At JSOU, we study and share these stories not only to honor the past, but to prepare the force for the future. Their example continues Advancing the SOF Warrior Mind—reinforcing the mindset, discipline, and moral clarity required in today’s complex operating environments.

We remember their actions. We carry their legacy forward.

03/20/2026

7 Days Left: Get your submissions in before the March 27 Deadline!

The future of Special Operations isn’t just written in the field, it’s shaped by the thinkers, operators, and innovators who challenge the status quo.

Joint Special Operations University is seeking original submissions for the Call for Special Operations Papers—and time is running short.

Deadline: March 27, 2026

Your ideas can strengthen warrior preparedness, sharpen lethality, and advance the SOF warrior mind across the enterprise. Don’t wait until the final hour—finalize your submission now!

👉 Submit here: https://www.jsou.edu/Press/CallForPapers

03/11/2026

🎧 Now Available as an Audiobook | Gulf of Guinea: A Primer

Maritime security challenges in West Africa continue to shape the global operating environment. Special Operations Forces play a critical role in strengthening regional resilience.

In this Quick Look from Joint Special Operations University Press, Christiane Thompson introduces the strategic dynamics of the Gulf of Guinea, outlining the region’s security challenges and examining how SOF partnerships contribute to developing more capable regional defenses.

From piracy and illicit networks to maritime governance and partner capacity, the discussion highlights how persistent engagement and cooperation help strengthen stability in a critical global corridor.

Now available as an audiobook, this Quick Look allows SOF professionals and security practitioners to engage with these insights while on the move.

Small in size but designed for oversized impact, JSOU Press publications help sharpen warrior preparedness and strategic awareness across the SOF enterprise.

🎧 Listen and explore the region shaping the future maritime security environment. https://www.jsou.edu/Press/PublicationDashboard/264

03/10/2026

🎙️ New Episode | The SOF Professional Podcast

What if today’s global tensions aren’t the start of a new era, but the continuation of an old one?

In Episode 3 of The SOF Professional Podcast, JSOU welcomes back futurist and economist Jason Schenker to discuss “Cold War 2” and what renewed great-power competition means for the future of Special Operations Forces.

Drawing on decades of geopolitical forecasting, Schenker argues that today’s competition with powers such as China and Russia reflects unresolved dynamics from the first Cold War. Like the conflicts in Korea and Vietnam during the 20th century, today’s competition is unfolding through proxy conflicts, economic coercion, technology rivalry and information warfare.

For SOF leaders, the implications are clear: persistent, low-visibility competition will define the operating environment—and SOF will remain a decisive edge.

🎧 Listen now and join the conversation shaping the future of the SOF enterprise.

The SOF Professional Podcast — Episode 3: Cold War 2 and the Future of SOF with Jason SchenkerThe geopolitical fault lines of the 21st century aren't new. Th...

03/06/2026

⏳ The Clock is Ticking: March 27 Deadline ⏳

The future of Special Operations isn’t just written in the field—it’s written by the thinkers, operators, and innovators who challenge the status quo.

JSOU is officially seeking original submissions for our latest Call for Special Operations Papers.

The Essentials:
* Deadline: March 27, 2026
* Format: < 5,000 words
* Style: Chicago Manual of Style (18th Ed.)
* New for 2026: We are now accepting submissions in our Fiction Category!

Your ideas have the power to strengthen warrior preparedness and refine the SOF mind. Don’t wait until the final hour to polish your work.

Submit your paper here: 👉 https://www.jsou.edu/Press/CallForPapers

03/05/2026

Artificial intelligence is not coming to professional military education — it is already here.

In Episode 2 of The SOF Professional Podcast, Joint Special Operations University hosts Dr. James Lacey, Horner Chair of War Studies at Marine Corps University, for a candid and provocative discussion: Should PME move to “all AI, all the time”?
Drawing on his experience redesigning curriculum around AI-enabled learning, Dr. Lacey argues that resisting AI in the classroom may already be a strategic mistake. From accelerating research and writing to reshaping the role of faculty from lecturers to coaches, AI is redefining how military professionals learn — and how they prepare for AI-enabled warfare.

This episode tackles hard questions:
• Does AI strengthen or erode critical thinking?
• What happens to academic integrity in an AI-enabled classroom?
• How must assessment and curriculum evolve?
• What does AI literacy mean for future SOF leaders?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-URIEbeAMyE

The SOF Professional Podcast — Episode 2: AI All the Time? The Future of Military Education with Dr. James Lacey Artificial intelligence is rapidly transform...

03/04/2026

🎥 Why submit to the JSOU Call for Special Operations Papers?
Eddie Edwards, Category III winner of the 2025 JSOU Call for Papers, shares why taking the leap matters.

His winning idea started as a paper. It’s called the SEEC, an online database that connects SOF professionals to courses across the enterprise. Now it’s a contribution to how the force learns and grows.

Your insight could be next.
🗓️ Get your paper in by the end of the month.�🔗 More info visit: jsou.edu/Press/CallForPapers