About JSOU
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*Continuous Learning (CL) courses are not shownSpecial Operations Planning Course
Special Operations Forces-Security Cooperation
SOF Sensitive Activities Foundations
Recent Publications
Special Operations Forces Reference Manual, Fifth Edition
The Fourth Age: The Future of Special Operations
Stress: Understanding Its Mechanisms and Impacts
Featured Publications
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About JSOU
Popular Resources
Upcoming Courses
*Continuous Learning (CL) courses are not shownSpecial Operations Planning Course
Special Operations Forces-Security Cooperation
SOF Sensitive Activities Foundations
Recent Publications
Special Operations Forces Reference Manual, Fifth Edition
The Fourth Age: The Future of Special Operations
Stress: Understanding Its Mechanisms and Impacts
Featured Publications
Quick Links
Special Operations Planning Course
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
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).