SOF Utilization in Contemporary Competitive Spaces

ABSTRACT Russia’s resurgent military power, its willingness to utilize force, and its assertive foreign policy in Moscow’s perceived sphere of influence has quickly become a major U.S. security concern. Calculated and proactive efforts by U.S. SOF in Russia’s near abroad, those missions which focus on bolstering societal resiliency, deterrence, and resistance capabilities, will deny Moscow uncontested access to these geopolitical territories in its near abroad and immediately impose cost on Russia. To be effective in these complex goals, U.S. SOF must utilize a more expansive and holistic view of Russian military history and strategy, as well as a macro whole of government approach to contest malign influences. Additionally, more resilient allies who are willing and aptly trained, outfitted, and supported are necessary to blunt Moscow’s hybrid influence and resist a Russian occupation if necessary. These collective efforts will guarantee Moscow no quick or inexpensive victory and immediately allow the U.S. and her allies to compete with and impose cost on Russia.