Popular Resources
Upcoming Courses
*Continuous Learning (CL) courses are not shownSpecial Operations Forces- Influence and Operations in the Information Environment (Pilot)
Summit
Theater Special Operations Command Staff Preparation Course-Mobile
Recent Publications
Special Operations Research Topics 2023
The Network Illusion: How a Network-Centric Special Operations Culture Impedes Strategic Effect
ArcticNEXT: Compound Security Threats in Strategic Competition
Featured Publications
Quick Links
JSOU's Upcoming Events
ThinkJSOU with Dr. Rory Cormac: How To Stage A Coup And Ten Other Lessons from the World of Secret Statecraft
Lunchtime Talk with Nick Reynolds: Need to Know: World War II and the Rise of American Intelligence
Recently Ended
Lunchtime Talk with Nick Reynolds: Need to Know: World War II and the Rise of American Intelligence
Lunchtime Talk: Irregular Warfare in Strategic Competition
ThinkJSOU Panel: The 2022 National Security Strategy and Interagency Cooperation
Popular Resources
Upcoming Courses
*Continuous Learning (CL) courses are not shownSpecial Operations Forces- Influence and Operations in the Information Environment (Pilot)
Summit
Theater Special Operations Command Staff Preparation Course-Mobile
Recent Publications
Special Operations Research Topics 2023
The Network Illusion: How a Network-Centric Special Operations Culture Impedes Strategic Effect
ArcticNEXT: Compound Security Threats in Strategic Competition
Featured Publications
Quick Links
JSOU's Upcoming Events
ThinkJSOU with Dr. Rory Cormac: How To Stage A Coup And Ten Other Lessons from the World of Secret Statecraft
Lunchtime Talk with Nick Reynolds: Need to Know: World War II and the Rise of American Intelligence
Recently Ended
Lunchtime Talk with Nick Reynolds: Need to Know: World War II and the Rise of American Intelligence
Lunchtime Talk: Irregular Warfare in Strategic Competition
ThinkJSOU Panel: The 2022 National Security Strategy and Interagency Cooperation
Special Operations Planning Course
Description
The Special Operations Planning Course (SOPC) instructs students on the pathways to conduct operational-level, Special Operations Forces (SOF)-centric, Operational Design for development of a special operations crisis operation. Students follow Operational Design with instruction and application of detailed planning for a SOF-led operation through the Joint Planning Process. Each day students will be challenged to exercise critical thinking and problem-solving skills during multiple different virtual learning activities outlined on the agenda. These activities include: readings, analysis of prepared Power Point and DOCNET materials, completing online assignments, and synthesizing information found in online resources such as audio and video files. Collaborative interaction occurs through seminar discussions with a small group mentor, briefings to peers and a culminating brief to a senior SOF mentor (former TSOC, JSOTF/SOJTF Commander). Students will gain an understanding of the relationship between joint doctrine, SOF military strategy, and operational-level planning in order to better prepare them to serve in a Theater Special Operations Command (TSOC) or other special operations component or command. Using case study scenarios and collaborative exercises, students apply all phases of the military planning process, SOF focused, as they create a variety of analytical products. SOPC is a Joint-certified course, and students completing the course earn 1.5 credits towards full Joint Officer Qualification (JQO). Registration will open 60 days prior to class 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.
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).