The Growing Gap Between SOF Missions and SOF Resources

As Chairman of the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Intelligence and Special Operations, I have the privilege of overseeing some of the most capable, disciplined, and courageous warriors our nation has ever produced. The men and women of the United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) represent the very best of America’s armed forces–oftentimes undertaking the most dangerous missions in defense of our national security and our way of life.

And yet, the USSOCOM budget has remained relatively flat over the last decade, failing to keep pace with inflation. This stagnant budget has not only created critical modernization gaps but has actually eroded buying power for the Combatant Command, resulting in a 14% reduction in purchasing power since 2019. As of the most recent Fiscal Year 2027 President’s Budget Request, USSOCOM now accounts for just above 1% of the total Department of War Budget, while global demand for SOF has surged to meet the evolving landscape of great power competition. 

Last month’s high-risk rescue operation of two downed airmen deep inside Iran demonstrated the extraordinary reach and capability of American special operators. In a mission described as one of the most complex in U.S. history, hundreds of personnel and dozens of aircraft were mobilized for the recovery under hostile conditions, ultimately bringing both home safely. That operation was not just a tactical success. It reaffirmed a foundational American principle: we leave no man behind.

In another notable success earlier this year, U.S. special operations forces executed a precision mission operation targeting Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro. Following months of intelligence preparation, joint-force coordination, and operational rehearsal, that mission showcased the unique ability of SOF to operate in politically sensitive and operationally complex environments where conventional forces are neither designed nor intended to lead.

These missions are not outliers. They are emblematic of what SOF does every day. They keep us safe, often out of public view, and increasingly at the forefront of strategic competition.

As global risks from our foreign adversaries continue to rise, America can no longer afford to remain on peacetime footing. 

China is rapidly expanding its irregular warfare capabilities, cyber operations, and advanced technologies specifically designed to counter American military advantages. Iran, Russia, and transnational criminal organizations are becoming more adaptive, networked, and technologically sophisticated. The operating environment is evolving at an unprecedented pace, and SOF units are often the first called upon to respond. 

Yet, while the mission set expands, the resources have not kept pace. SOF’s culture of discipline, efficiency, and innovation is one of its greatest strengths, BUT there is a difference between being efficient and being under-resourced.

The question before us is not whether SOF can "make do,” because history shows that they will. The question is whether or not we are willing to accept unnecessary risks because we failed to invest at a level commensurate with their importance. Within the last year alone, USSOCOM was forced to deny requests for SOF capabilities around 70 times due to the lack of available resources.

Every additional defense dollar must be carefully scrutinized in today’s constrained fiscal environment. We will continue to ensure that all Department of War resources serve the end goal of ensuring American military dominance and lethality for generations to come. This is precisely why USSOCOM is a responsible home for Department of War resources, for even a modest increase in funding would generate an outsized return on investment for America’s national security.

Restoring balance means investing in next-generation capabilities that allow small teams to operate with greater effectiveness in contested environments. It means ensuring operators have the training, equipment, and support they need to succeed in missions that often carry strategic consequences. 

SOF is no longer a niche capability reserved for exceptional circumstances. It is a central pillar of how the United States competes, deters, and, when necessary, prevails in today’s security environment. As we approach SOF Week, we should celebrate the extraordinary courage of these men and women and extend them our gratitude by ensuring they receive the tools they need to succeed. 

Restoring USSOCOM funding to approximately 2% of the defense budget is a targeted first step that will help ensure America’s special operations forces remain ready, resilient, and capable of meeting the challenges ahead.

In an era defined by speed, complexity, and uncertainty, SOF provides the nation with options that are precise, scalable, and effective. It is time our budget reflects the urgency of this necessity.

Peace through strength remains the cornerstone of American deterrence, and ensuring the continued dominance of our Special Operations Forces is essential to maintaining that strength.

Rep. Ronny Jackson (TX-13) is a retired United States Navy Rear Admiral and former Physician to the President of the United States who has served as the U.S. representative for Texas's 13th congressional district since 2021.