In light of the war in Ukraine and the need to do more with less, U.S. special operations commanders are faced with the task of adding more high-tech experts to their teams while simultaneously reducing overall forces by approximately 5,000 troops over the next five years. This complex balancing act is prompting a broader restructuring of commando teams responsible for carrying out high-risk counterterrorism missions and other sensitive operations worldwide, as they draw lessons from the conflict in Ukraine and the experiences of British special operations forces.

The U.S. Army Special Operations Command, which is set to bear the bulk of the personnel cuts, is exploring plans to increase the size of its Green Beret teams, typically consisting of 12 members, in order to incorporate individuals with specialized technical abilities. This may involve the addition of computer software experts who can reprogram drones or other technical equipment on-the-go. Similar changes are being considered across all military services, with commanders recognizing the need for professionals such as Air Force pilots, Navy ship drivers, cryptologists, and cyber experts to navigate increasingly challenging and technology-oriented battlefields.

Gen. Bryan Fenton, commander of U.S. Special Operations Command, emphasizes the importance of learning from the experiences in Ukraine, especially through the insights of the U.K. special operations partners. British commandos found the need for Royal Air Force pilots to advise on drone operations and Royal Navy teammates to provide expertise on naval navigation. By incorporating these lessons, U.S. special operations forces hope to enhance their capabilities and effectiveness in diverse operational environments.

The troop reductions primarily stem from the U.S. Army's decision to restructure its forces and reduce their size by around 24,000 personnel. This strategic shift reflects the nation's evolving priorities from counterterrorism and counterinsurgency towards a greater focus on large-scale combat operations. However, the Army has faced challenges in meeting recruitment goals, resulting in the need to lower overall force size.

Maj. Gen. Patrick Roberson, deputy commander of the Army Special Operations Command, recognizes the technical nature of certain specialties and the limitations of traditional training methods. While the Green Berets can be taught the basics of using drones, programming the equipment requires specialized expertise, such as that of a software engineer. As a result, the command is actively seeking individuals with high-tech skills to augment their operations.

The proposed cuts to Army special operations forces have encountered opposition from Congress, which has raised concerns about the impact on military installations like Fort Liberty. General Fenton has been frank about the increasing demand for special operations forces and the potential consequences of reducing their numbers. However, Pentagon leaders argue that the reduction in forces is manageable, given the changing operational requirements and the current capacity for adapting to new technologies.

As the cuts are implemented, Army leaders are focusing on identifying redundant positions, particularly among trainers and instructors, to mitigate the impact on existing personnel. Additionally, psychological operations and civil affairs units within the Army command also anticipate reductions. These changes prompt reflection on the past 20 years of war and reassessment of future needs.

Furthermore, the Army recognizes the necessity of quickly augmenting special operations teams with specialists as required by missions. This may involve the incorporation of a few technical support members or a larger contingent of six or seven, depending on the specific operational needs. To adapt to the changing landscape, the training of special operations forces must also be adjusted or expanded to include advanced technology, robotics, and signals intelligence information. Currently, troops are engaged in experimentation and training activities at the National Training Center in California and deployed in Iraq and Syria.

Overall, the U.S. Special Operations Command faces significant challenges in simultaneously reducing troop numbers while enhancing their high-tech capabilities. By drawing inspiration from the experiences in Ukraine and collaborating with allies, they aim to navigate these complexities and maintain their operational effectiveness.