As the U.S. military transitions to great power competition it must also counter Violent Extremist Organizations (VEOs). Balancing these two important missions, while also prioritizing readiness of the force requires careful consideration of the employment of U.S. Army Special Forces (SF) globally. Nevertheless, U.S. SF are uniquely capable to contribute to U.S. security challenges in the era of great power competition. Case studies of SF operations, actions, and activities in the Philippines, Lebanon, and Egypt demonstrate the successes, failures, and opportunities for SF countering VEOs and contributing to great power competition.

Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited. The opinions and conclusions expressed herein are those of the student-authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College or any other governmental agency. (References to these studies should include the foregoing statement.)