Concerns about the U.S. Army’s ability to successfully handle disputes and rivalry have been raised as it considers eliminating 10 to 20 percent of its special operations units.Â
The U.S. Army is considering reducing its special operation forces by 10 to 20 percent, according to officials and a former top commander. The proposed cuts have raised concerns about the Army’s ability to address great power competition, counterterrorism, and crisis response. The reductions are expected to impact areas such as logistics, intelligence, Special Forces, civil affairs, and psychological operations. Army officials have been discussing these cuts with lawmakers and staff, but the exact depth of the reductions remains unclear. There are concerns that reducing the special operations forces could have devastating consequences, as these forces play a crucial role in intelligence gathering and are essential for addressing ongoing and future conflicts. The loss of capability and capacity in special operations forces is viewed with skepticism by members of Congress, who emphasize the importance of maintaining a strong and prepared force. Rebuilding these forces in the event of cuts would take years, and the demand for specialized operators is currently higher than the military can supply.Â
Source: https://www.defenseone.com/policy/2023/05/army-mulls-10-20-cut-special-operations-forces/386639/Â