Thirty years ago, Congressional and military leaders envisioned a Special Operations Command, an elite fighting force drawn from all of the branches of the Armed Forces. This elite force was needed as America faced an increasing need for rapid response to emerging threats that often required unconventional warfare. U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL14), who represents MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, Fla where the United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) is headquartered, today introduced a bipartisan resolution, with her fellow co-chairs of the Special Operations Forces Caucus, honoring the incredible work of USSOCOM over the past 30 years, which has evolved into an essential strategy for our national security.

“Today, USSOCOM is an agile and effective global force for good. We must be vigilant in our support for modernizing our strategic capabilities that will bolster counterterrorism efforts,” said U.S. Rep. Castor, who co-chairs the bipartisan U.S. Congressional Special Operations Forces Caucus.

“USSOCOM carries out diverse and complicated missions that are central to the defense of the nation, including unconventional warfare, foreign internal defense, special reconnaissance, direct action, counter-terrorism and much more. Their missions are often secret, so our neighbors likely will never know the details and extent of the bravery of our Special Operations Forces, but it is my honor to file this resolution to honor of our fallen and our active special forces who answer the call to keep America safe.”

“The USSOCOM has been indispensable to our national security and counterterrorism efforts over the past 30 years,” said U.S. Rep. Walter Jones (NC3). “Today, I am honored to join my colleagues in support of our active Special Operations Forces and in remembrance of the brave troops we have lost serving this country.”  

“In an era of new and dynamic threats, we increasingly rely on USSOCOM to be the tough, smart tip of the spear in the fight against terrorism and tyranny,” U.S. Rep. Scott Peters (CA52) said. “Our special operators make tremendous sacrifices – standing ready to respond at a moment’s notice and leave their families for often unknown lengths of time. In 2016 alone we lost two San Diego-based Navy SEALs who were leading the fight to destroy ISIS and eliminate their ability to conduct attacks in the west. Today we honor their bravery, and that of all of our special operators who have given so much to make America safer.”

“Our special operations forces are the bedrock upon which our current national security strategy is built,” said U.S. Rep. Tim Walz (MN01). “These quiet professionals are out there as we speak in faraway places that most of us haven’t even heard of doing their jobs each and every day to keep us safe. The U.S. Special Operations Command has been the tip of the spear for our democracy and our way of life for the last thirty years. Whether in the alleys of Mogadishu, the rainforests of Colombia, the mountains of Afghanistan or the jungles of the Philippines, these specialized warrior-diplomats have dedicated their lives to ensuring oppressed people around the globe have hope.”

The U.S. House and Senate passed Special Operations Forces reform bills in 1986, and the U.S. Department of Defense activated USSOCOM on April 16, 1987. View resolution: Commemorating the 30th anniversary of USSOCOM

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