U.S. special operators are adapting their focus to support the National Defense Strategy by filling the gaps left by conventional forces as the world faces new challenges and threats. Christopher Maier, assistant secretary of defense for special operations and low intensity conflict, emphasized the continued importance of the expertise special operators gained during the counterinsurgency fight, even as priorities shift. In the past, special operations forces were often in the lead in counterterrorism fights, but now the conventional military is taking the lead, with special operators providing support and enhancing the efforts of conventional forces in areas like the Indo-Pacific.
Maier described the current approach to defense as a “Swiss Army Knife approach,” with special operations forces working alongside allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific to train them, provide cultural knowledge, and prepare for potential crises or conflicts. These special operators have generational military relationships in many of these nations, which allows them to have a better understanding of the human environment and the operational challenges that may arise. The goal is to shape the environment and set the stage for future combat operations, ensuring that the odds are in favor of the U.S. and its allies through persistent engagement and collaboration.
As the tactics of conflict evolve, special operators are also adapting their strategies to reduce instances of civilian casualties, drawing lessons from conflicts like Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Maier emphasized the importance of reducing civilian harm as a moral imperative and a key component of the U.S. military’s professional education and exercises. In response to this challenge, DOD has implemented a comprehensive action plan to mitigate civilian casualties, with Maier responsible for operationalizing these changes and providing commanders with the tools and expertise to consider the strategic implications of their actions.
To address the issue of civilian harm mitigation, DOD has established a team of civilian harm mitigation response officers (CHMROs) who are experts in this space and can provide guidance to commanders on the broader implications of their actions. These officers work with combatant commanders, intelligence agencies, and other key stakeholders to ensure that military actions are carried out in a way that minimizes harm to civilians and considers the long-term strategic consequences. By integrating civilian harm mitigation into targeting cells and providing additional resources and training, DOD aims to enhance the expertise of commanders and ensure that military operations are conducted with a full understanding of the operational environment.
