SOF Technology Development
This project conducts studies and develops laboratory prototypes for applied research and advanced technology developments and leverages other organizations' technology projects. Small incremental co-investments with the Department of War (DoW), other government agencies, and commercial organizations allow the United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) to influence the schedule and direction of technology developments, emerging technologies, and capabilities for Special Operations Forces (SOF), with significant economies of investment. This USSOCOM investment strategy is used to link technology opportunities with capability deficiencies, capability objectives, technology thrust areas, and technology objectives through key stakeholder relationships with the DoW and government technology developers. Technology development needs in these areas may be advertised to industry and government research and development agencies via agency announcements and calls for white papers.
Continued ongoing technology development projects in areas such as, but not limited to: advances in lightweight materials, pulse laser technologies, adversarial artificial intelligence, technologies for combat medical equipment, human performance, sensors, information to create effects, improved human-machine interfaces and displays, SOF…
Read the FY2027 plan →FY2027 planned work Continue ongoing SOF longitudinal blast exposure study, aimed at better characterizing the effects of long-term blast exposure in SOF and includes neurocognitive assessments, imaging, blast monitoring, biomarkers, and self-reported exposures and symptoms. The program also continues to develop and evaluate technologies that can provide rapid mitigation of blast overpressure exposures in the training and operational environments.
FY2026 to FY2027 change Increase of $2.918 million is based on Command emphasis of protecting and improving SOF Operator Brain Health and a realignment from SOF Technology Development.
FY2026 plans — current year Continues ongoing SOF longitudinal blast exposure study, aimed at better characterizing the effects of long-term blast exposure in SOF and includes neurocognitive assessments, imaging, blast monitoring, biomarkers, and self-reported exposures and symptoms. The program also continues to develop and evaluate technologies that can provide rapid mitigation of blast overpressure exposures in the training and operational environments.
FY2027 planned work Details provided under separate cover.
FY2026 to FY2027 change Details for increase of $0.159 million provided under separate cover. Sub-project is reported in accordance with Title 10, United States Code, Section 119(a)(1), in the Special Access Program Annual Report to Congress.
FY2026 plans — current year Details provided under separate cover.
FY2025 accomplishments Details provided under separate cover.