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The Rise of America's Special Operations Forces: Defending the Nation in a Dangerous World

Boris Pasternak

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Published in Oppose Any Foe: The Rise Of America S Special Operations Forces

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In the post-9/11 world, the United States has relied heavily on its Special Operations Forces (SOF) to carry out complex and dangerous missions around the globe. From counterterrorism operations in Afghanistan to hostage rescues in Iraq, SOF has become an indispensable tool in the nation's arsenal.

But how did SOF come to be? And what are its capabilities? In his new book, "The Rise of America's Special Operations Forces," author Sean Naylor provides a comprehensive history of SOF, from its humble beginnings to its present-day status as a global powerhouse.

Oppose Any Foe: The Rise of America's Special Operations Forces

by Mark Moyar

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2379 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	432 pages

The Early Years

The roots of SOF can be traced back to the early days of the Republic. During the Revolutionary War, George Washington created special units of rangers and scouts to conduct reconnaissance and sabotage missions. These units proved to be highly effective, and they played a key role in the American victory.

In the decades that followed, the United States continued to develop its SOF capabilities. During the Civil War, both the Union and Confederate armies used special forces to conduct raids and guerrilla warfare. And in the Spanish-American War, the Rough Riders, led by Theodore Roosevelt, became a symbol of American military prowess.

World War II and the Cold War

During World War II, the United States created a number of new SOF units, including the Army Rangers, the Navy SEALs, and the Air Force Special Forces. These units played a vital role in the war effort, conducting raids, sabotage missions, and other special operations.

After the war, the United States continued to invest in SOF. During the Cold War, SOF units were used to deter Soviet aggression and to support covert operations around the world. In the 1980s, SOF played a key role in the Reagan administration's "rollback" strategy against communism.

The Post-9/11 Era

The terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, marked a watershed moment for SOF. In the wake of the attacks, the United States launched a global war on terrorism, and SOF units were at the forefront of the fight.

SOF has played a vital role in the war on terrorism. They have conducted raids against terrorist targets, captured or killed key operatives, and trained and advised foreign forces. SOF has also been used to conduct humanitarian missions, such as providing disaster relief and evacuating civilians from war zones.

The Future of SOF

SOF is a key component of the United States' national security strategy. In the years to come, SOF will continue to play a vital role in defending the nation against a variety of threats, including terrorism, cyberattacks, and nuclear proliferation.

As the world becomes increasingly complex and dangerous, SOF will be more important than ever. The United States must continue to invest in SOF and ensure that it has the capabilities it needs to meet the challenges of the 21st century.

The Rise of America's Special Operations Forces is a fascinating and informative book that provides a comprehensive history of SOF. Naylor's book is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of the American military or in the future of national security.

Oppose Any Foe: The Rise of America's Special Operations Forces

by Mark Moyar

4.4 out of 5