SOF

SOF is an acronym most commonly used to denote Special Operations Forces, a category of military units trained to conduct high-risk, clandestine, or specialized operations beyond conventional warfare. Nations maintain SOF elements under national defense structures or joint commands. Their missions typically include unconventional warfare, direct action, special reconnaissance, foreign internal defense, counterterrorism, hostage rescue, and security force assistance. Selection and training are lengthy and demanding, often requiring language skills, survival training, and advanced proficiency in weapons and communications. SOF units usually combine specialized aviation, maritime, and ground capabilities and frequently operate in coordination with conventional forces and intelligence services. Operational tempo and governance vary by country, but SOF are generally subject to strict legal and policy frameworks emphasizing discipline, readiness, and adaptability.

Historically, modern SOF trace their roots to World War II with clandestine and irregular units, expanding during the Cold War and into the contemporary era of counterterrorism, expeditionary warfare, and partner-nation capacity building. Their activities can be highly sensitive and often involve cooperation with allied forces and intelligence communities.

In other contexts, SOF may refer to terms in computing or communications, such as a start-of-frame marker in certain digital protocols. This article focuses on the military context of Special Operations Forces.