Special Operations Planning Course

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SOF Staff and Enabling Support SOPC SOC 3625 Open Nomination Only ACCET Accredited Unclassified

Description

The Special Operations Planning Course (SOPC) instructs students on operational-level, Special Operations Forces (SOF)-centric, operational design and planning. Each day students will be challenged to exercise critical thinking and problem-solving skills during multiple different learning activities. These activities include readings, analysis of prepared PowerPoint and other materials, completing homework assignments, and synthesizing information from online resources such as audio and video files. Collaborative interaction occurs through seminar discussions with a small group mentor, group-level practical application exercises, and briefings and presentations. Students will gain an understanding of the relationship between Joint doctrine, SOF operational approaches, national and Theater strategy, and operational-level planning. SOPC prepares students to participate in Joint Planning Groups within a Theater Special Operations Command (TSOC), special operations component, special operations command, or Joint Force Headquarters. For both the virtual and resident course iterations, students should plan for full days, nightly & weekend homework, and participation in group practical exercises. SOPC is Joint-certified annually by the Joint Staff J7, and officers completing the course earn 1.5 credits toward Joint Officer Qualification (JQO) status. Registration will open 60 days before the course’s start date.

Audience

Special operations military officers (O3-O5), warrant officers (W1-W4), senior noncommissioned officers (E7-E9), and government civilians (GS11 and up) as well as non-SOF military and civilians who are preparing for, are en route to, or are serving in a joint special operations assignment (TSOC, JTF, JSOTF, GCC SOF billet USSOCOM, or component HQ) that may involve joint staff planning.This course is available to international partners. Prospective international students must contact the security cooperation training element at the U.S. Embassy in his/her country to initiate course attendance. Provide the following MASL Number: D126091

Remarks

Registration will open 60 days prior to class start date.

Prerequisites

Introduction to Special Operations Forces - Distance Learning

Materials

The instructor of record will email students any required text or materials. Students must have access to a commercial computer, internet access, and must have Microsoft Office (PowerPoint, Word, and Excel).

Accreditation

JSOU is currently an accredited educational institution accredited through the Accrediting Council for Continuing Education & Training (ACCET) - a national accrediting agency recognized by the Department of Education. This course has been reviewed and accredited.

Schedule
26A (08-Dec-2025 to 19-Dec-2025)
Location: JSOU Bldg
Comments: Open Enrollment date: 08 Oct 25 Resident Learning 08-19 Dec 25
Enrollment Closed
26B (01-Jun-2026 to 12-Jun-2026)
Location: JSOU Bldg
Comments: Open Enrollment date: 01 Apr 26 Resident Learning: 01-12 Jun 26
Enrollment Closed