Came across this at the same time I found the SOCOM Fact Book. It's the SOCOM published doctrine for special operations. It was published in August 2011, so I would assume it is the most recent doctrine from SOCOM. I think something like this is a very useful read for those of us with "Aspiring SOF" under our usernames. IMVHO, it is as close to understanding what we're getting into as we're going to get without passing our respective courses. Scope This publication is the U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) doctrinal foundation for special operations. It describes the nature, operational framework, organization, employment, and synchronization of Special Operations Forces (SOF) and their unique contributions to achieving national security strategy and objectives. Purpose U.S. Code, Title 10, Section 167 and Department of Defense Directive 5100.01 assign the Commander, USSOCOM the responsibility and authority to develop special operations doctrine. Accordingly, this publication outlines the nature of special operations, force composition, command and control, and how best to synchronize and employ SOF to meet global challenges. Furthermore, this document enables SOF to speak with a common and understood voice by providing updated terminology and overarching concepts for the full range of special operations now and in the future. Read the rest of the publication:
