special operations forces

Overview
Army Special Forces
Navy SEALs
Marine Special Units
Air Force Special Forces

Active and reserve forces of the armed services selected by the secretary of defense and organized, trained, and equipped to carry out and support special operations.

See the Introduction, Abbreviations and Pronunciation for further details.

(DOD) Those Active and Reserve Component forces of the Military Services designated by the Secretary of Defense and specifically organized, trained, and equipped to conduct and support special operations. Also called SOF. See also Air Force special operations forces; Army special operations forces; naval special warfare forces.