US Special Operations Command (SOCOM): Its Place in the Department of Defense

The United States Special Operations Command (SOCOM) is a unified combatant command under the United States Department of Defense. Established in 1987, SOCOM oversees the special operations forces of the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps, ensuring they are organized, trained, and equipped for missions such as counterterrorism, direct action, special reconnaissance, and foreign internal defense. It reports to the Secretary of Defense and operates globally in coordination with geographic combatant commands.