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cover of episode The View from Washington: Civilian Oversight of SOF

The View from Washington: Civilian Oversight of SOF

2021/3/12
logo of podcast Irregular Warfare Podcast

Irregular Warfare Podcast

Shownotes Transcript

As policymakers’ focus shifts from counterterrorism to great power competition, the implications for special operations forces are unclear. In this episode, our guests—Senator Joni Ernst and Owen West, a former Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special Operations and Low-Intensity Conflict—argue that SOF is uniquely suited to address irregular warfare challenges in the era of great power competition. However, limited understanding of these threats among policymakers in Washington, budget constraints, and outdated authorities hinder SOF’s ability to evolve. According to our guests, civilian leadership and oversight can help overcome these challenges.

Intro music: "Unsilenced)" by Ketsa)

Outro music: "Launch)" by Ketsa)

CC BY-NC-ND 4.0)