House subcommittee hears special-operations commanders on SOF role, limits and gaps in great‑power competition

Chairman Jackson convened the House Armed Services subcommittee hearing to review the role of U.S. Special Operations Forces in great‑power competition and to question component commanders on capabilities, demand and shortfalls.

The witnesses — Lieutenant General Jonathan Braga, commander of the United States Army Special Operations Command; Lieutenant General Michael Connelly, commander of Air Force Special Operations Command; Major General Peter Huntley, commander of Marine Forces Special Operations Command (MARSOC); and Rear Admiral Milton Sands, commander of Naval Special Warfare Command — told the committee that SOF provide unique access, persistent presence and partnership‑building that are central to competing below the level of open conflict.

The commanders said SOF are already modernizing doctrine and units to operate in contested and denied environments, but they warned that current budgets, acquisition timelines and limited authorities constrain the speed at which they can put lessons learned and new technology into the hands of deployed operators. "We must position our people in the proximity to the problem with the right authorities and right resources to identify emerging capability gaps, pioneer solutions, and disseminate lessons learned to all theaters," Lieutenant General Jonathan Braga said.

Why it matters: Members said the committee needs to understand whether SOF have the authorities, funding and acquisition agility required to counter long‑term, state‑level competitors…