CALL FOR SPECIAL OPERATIONS PAPERS ACADEMIC YEAR 2025

As the U.S. refines national strategy, resourcing levels, and global focus to address the contemporary threat environment, the role of special operations has never been more vital. 

In response, USSOCOM is relooking, and, in some cases, reimagining its role in multiple operations. Recognizing the critical need for advanced discourse and creative idea generation, JSOU is pleased to announce its Academic Year 2025 Call for Special Operations Papers.


REQUIREMENTS

Submissions must be informed by topics included in the 2024 Special Operations Research Topics (SORT) booklet that focus on the USSOCOM commander’s three lines of effort: 

 

  •     PEOPLE: How can SOF improve the execution of its service-like responsibilities (e.g., Program,     Planning, Budget, and Execution [PPBE]); Cost Assessment Program Evaluation (CAPE); and     Doctrine, Organization, Training, Materiel, Leadership, Personnel, Facilities, Policy [DOTMLPF-P])? 


        WIN: How can the SOF enterprise leverage asymmetric options and new forms of irregular warfare to     fill critical gaps in Joint Force capabilities and to “Prevent, Prepare, Prevail, and Preserve” against     near-peer competitors (i.e., Russia/PRC)?


        TRANSFORM: How can SOF leverage emergent technology and/or advanced concepts that enable     SOF operations, such as the SOF-Space-Cyber-Strategic Command Nexus, to “Prevent, Prepare    ,     Prevail, and Preserve” in conflict against a near-peer competitor (e.g., Russia/PRC)?  


        As a starting point for research, review the SORT for a list of refined, salient topics grouped by     the above themes or see Appendix A of the Academic Year 2025 JSOU Call for Special     Operations Papers Memorandum. 



NOTE: All submissions must be unclassified. Paper length should be between 1,500 and 3,000 words. 


CATEGORIES AND DEADLINES

To ensure divergent and convergent perspectives and meet varied submission timelines, JSOU is sponsoring three writing categories for the AY25 Call for Special Operations Papers:

 

  • Category 1: Joint Special Operations Forces Senior Enlisted Academy (JSOFSEA) personnel, with focus on the Career Education Program. Quarterly submission deadlines/winners as set by JSOFSEA commandant.

  • Category 2: Professional military education (PME) students and military practitioners. Submission deadline 28 February 2025.  

  • Category 3: Academic faculty and civilian scholars. Submission deadline 28 February 2025.  


  • One paper from each category will be selected as the winner.


    Please review the JSOU Press Manuscript Submission Format Guidance for paper preparation and submission guidelines.


  • FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO SUBMIT A PAPER FOR CONSIDERATION, EMAIL CALLFORPAPERS@JSOU.EDU