U.S. SPECIAL OPERATIONS COMMAND IS SENDING MORE TROOPS FOR HOSTAGES


By bblouin
U.S. Special Operations Command Soldier jumping out of a plane.

The U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM or SOCOM) is sure to be busy as it’s helping the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) to rescue hostages. U.S. Special Forces like SEAL Team, Delta Force, and the Marine Raiders from nearby European countries have been on alert to help rescue hostages and are now mobilizing. Things are evolving as the Israel-Hamas War continues and now U.S. Commandos are on the ground with IDF helping secure the release of those taken. Recently, a notable change in American involvement has been undertaken. Their exact capacity is still a bit of a blur but whatever the role, their goal remains to rescue those taken hostage by the terrorists on October 7, 2023. Related read: Israel's Ground War In Gaza In 2023 Has Begun

What Is Special Operations?

Special operations is a broad term for missions that require specialized skills and groups to complete them. Led by U.S. Special Operations Command, you’ll find a variety of groups, such as SEAL Team, working to conduct counterterrorism operations, rescue hostages, evacuate personnel from hostile situations, and fight in unconventional warfare. There are different groups, such as the Army Rangers, Green Berets, and the SOAR Night Stalkers. Each branch operates with U.S. Commandos while USSOCOM helps coordinate efforts through leadership. You can find SOCOM in different regions operating in some of the most sensitive areas, harshest conditions, and critical scenarios. This is what makes them perfect for the Israeli-Hamas War. Specialized capabilities and lethal experience are just a few of the features USSOCOM brings to the table. These are critical for times like these as hostages are still in the hands of terrorists throughout the Gaza Strip. Suggested read: Memorial Day vs Veterans Day: What's the Difference?

American Boots Fighting Hamas in Under a Month

There are still hundreds of hostages in the hands of Hamas at the time of this writing, which is why U.S. Commandos are taking a more direct approach. It’s unsure how SOCOM is planning to help the IDF, but boots are on the ground and it hasn’t even been a month since the war began. It’s believed that several dozen are in Israel collaborating with the IDF. This would be in addition to those already there, including the FBI and other specialists from America who have experience in recovering hostages from hostile situations. As it stands, U.S. Special Operations Command isn’t actively in combat but continue to be on alert both in the Middle East and in Europe due to the ongoing situation. For now, advisory roles seem to be more of the fit for Americans, but Commandoes are also at a variety of embassies in the region just in case. This trend is highlighted by American news sources because, well, this is the United States. However, several other Western countries are also positioning their special forces throughout the region to help with possible evacuations. The core focus is citizens who may need to leave either Israel or Lebanon.

U.S. Special Operations Command Involvement a Great Learning Opportunity (For Both Parties)

Some of the first troops America sent to become involved in the Vietnam War were Special Force units. For this reason and more, critics are concerned that getting U.S. Commandos involved this go-round could be a precursor to further involvement by America. However, as experienced and knowledgeable as SOCOM is, you can never learn too much. Truth be told, the IDF has a lot it can learn from our military, but the same can be said the other way around. Operating against Hamas is going to have parallels with the decades of fighting terrorism the American Armed Forces has seen. But it won’t be exactly the same, and learning the nuances can make the difference between life and death on the battlefield. Lt. Gen. James Glynn is a 3-Star General who has been advising IDF since the end of October. Around a week later, more groups were in the area. How much more the U.S. Special Operations Command becomes involved is a mystery for now, but it’s also a potential opportunity to learn about an increasingly important adversary. Read next: National Day of the Deployed Is October 26


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