Special Operations Association of America

Congress is taking steps to address a critical issue impacting the #specialoperations community: "Operator Syndrome," where chronic stress, sleep deprivation, and intense demands cause dangerously low testosterone levels in Operators. Learn more from our board member, Ryan Ziegler, whose experiences with #operatorsyndrome are featured in this Task & Purpose article: https://lnkd.in/e-yFzv4p. The FY 2025 defense bill requires the United States Department of Defense to brief Congress on solutions addressing root causes like hormonal imbalances, blast trauma, and chronic stress—rather than merely treating symptoms. This is progress for those who give so much to serve. #veteranhealth

Veterans, especially from Special Operations Forces (SOF), possess unmatched leadership, adaptability, and critical thinking skills that are essential for our nation’s successful future. Read our blog about just that: https://lnkd.in/dwD-5Hnv Leaders like Ron Johnson, a retired Special Forces Colonel and former U.S. Ambassador, and Dr. Omar L. Hamada, a Special Forces Flight Surgeon and renowned physician, exemplify how Veterans can continue to serve and inspire. Their commitment to bridging divides and driving progress reminds us that the mission evolves, but the oath remains. We encourage Veterans from all walks of life to harness their unique experiences to lead and impact their communities and our nation. America needs you now more than ever.   #specialoperations #specialoperationsforces #veteranleadership #continuedservice

Current or former SOF member? Join SOAA today! We’re the voice of the Special Operations community. You can help us shape policy and protect our nation as we engage with policymakers on Capitol Hill. Stay connected to the SOF community and help us lead the way on the #NationalSecurity and #ForeignPolicy issues that matter most. Become a member today! https://lnkd.in/g2supf2E #specialoperations #specialoperationsforces

Special Operations Forces (SOF) Veterans have experience serving in the most chaotic, ambiguous, high-stakes environments. That is why we proudly endorse SOF Veterans, like Dr. Omar L. Hamada, who answer the call to serve this country once again in strategic leadership roles. As a decorated Special Forces Flight Surgeon and Diving Medical Officer, Dr. Hamada’s blend of medical expertise, battlefield experience, and dedication to steadfast values uniquely positions him to address the complex challenges facing America's Veterans. We stand firmly in support of Dr. Hamada for a critical role in the Veterans Affairs Administration. #specialoperations #specialoperationsforces #veteransaffairs

These Marines volunteered and answered the call to serve our great nation, often before they could legally drink. With tax dollars, we trained them to be the most lethal fighting force the world has ever seen. They came home to poisoned tap water. Who are we to determine how they pursue justice in the courts? Read this Op-Ed in the Military Times by our Executive Director, David Cook, about the Camp Lejeune Technical Corrections (HR 8535), which will ensure justice for contamination victims: https://lnkd.in/gfHspYEj. This bill will fix some existing restrictions that are preventing these Marines from getting the justice they deserve. First, HR 8535 will ensure a jury trial for those sickened at Camp Lejeune. Recent court rulings have eliminated jury trials for these claims. All Americans have a right to trial by jury—taking it off the table for those who served our country is an injustice. The new law would unequivocally reinsert the right to a jury trial. Second, the new law would ensure faster trials; clearing a backlog that has delayed these cases for years and giving Veterans their long-awaited day in court. #supportveterans #camplejeune #toxicexposure #justice

The Atlantic Council held an amazing conference on the future of counterterrorism. Special operations forces (SOF) has an integral role to play. Listen to the conversation Doug Livermore had with an incredible panel of experts: https://lnkd.in/gEG7g5Ns Alex Plitsas did a great job organizing such a timely event. #atlanticcouncil #counterterrorism #specialoperationsforces

In the midst of an exceedingly dynamic geopolitical landscape, leadership rooted in experience, resilience, and strategic insight is more critical than ever. We proudly support Special Operations Veterans who step into leadership roles, using their expertise to, yet again, serve our great nation. Today, we celebrate Ron Johnson, former Green Beret, for his nomination for U.S. Ambassador to Mexico. He exemplifies the best of SOF leadership—operating at the intersection of diplomacy, security, and collaboration to navigate complex international challenges. His deep understanding of cross-border dynamics, honed through years of service, will be instrumental in strengthening the crucial relationship between the United States and Mexico. We stand behind Ron and all SOF Veterans leading the way in building a safer, more secure world. #SpecialOperations #SpecialOperationsForces #NationalSecurity

In our latest newsletter, we covered: ✅ Our event with Sean McFate, PhD discussing irregular warfare ✅ Our fight to get Operators the benefits they've earned ✅ Russia's rapidly escalating hybrid warfare ✅ SOAA's appearance on Fox Business Network talking about escalation in the Middle East Subscribe to stay informed: https://lnkd.in/gYq7i3Xf #SpecialOperations #NationalSecurity

Will you make a small donation this giving season to give back to those who have given so much for us? By making a tax-deductible donation for #GivingTuesday, you're ensuring that the voices of Special Operators are heard by our leaders in Washington. We bring the Ground Truth directly from Operators on the battlefield to policymakers, positively shaping our national security and foreign policy. Not only that, your generosity fuels critical support for the men and women who defend our freedom and their families. Please Donate Today: https://lnkd.in/gDC4wu_K #specialoperations #specialoperationsforces

“My time spent earning the Green Beret in the same class alongside active duty soldiers did not count towards GI Bill eligibility because of a technicality. We were equals in every way that mattered — except when it came to our benefits.” Our founder Daniel Elkins has a long history of serving as a Green Beret for the Army National Guard with multiple combat deployments. Now, because of a technicality, he is being denied the education benefits he has earned right alongside his active duty counterparts. Read the full Op-Ed in Military Times: https://lnkd.in/gZ4nHDYr This disparity negatively impacts countless members of our National Guard and it needs to stop. Equal service deserves equal benefits. We call on the United States Department of Defense to enact Duty Status Reform. It’s a simple fix that does not require an act of Congress. Every day in uniform counts! #GreenBeret #NationalGuard #GIBill #SpecialOperations