The current state of world affairs is a complex and uncertain environment. Unlike during the Cold War, the world is not bi-polar, but unlike the last 16 years, counter-terrorism and the rise of non-state actors cannot be the sole focus of the U.S. security apparatus. The Gray Zone that face the U.S. government and its interests are as varied as they are numerous, however two major security challenges are the ongoing political warfare between the U.S. and its major state competitors and the GWOT. These security challenges are taxing resources and capacity for operations. Considering this resource constrained strategic environment, should the U.S. Government use the Global SOF Network under USSOCOM to conduct covert-like activities or would this be duplicative of the current capabilities and mandate of the CIA?

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