The shift in global strategic focus from the War on Terrorism to strategic competition has led to a reevaluation of the role of Special Operations Forces (SOF) in the Arctic. In this changing landscape, SOF must transition from their predominant role in counterinsurgency and counterterrorism to becoming force multipliers, supporting conventional forces. The Arctic has gained importance in strategic calculations due to factors like Russia’s increased military activity in the region and Finland’s accession to NATO. SOF will need to prioritize maritime and littoral operations, enhance interoperability with allies, and restructure their units to adapt to the challenging Arctic environment while remaining a valuable asset in potential conflicts with peer adversaries.

Best Coverage: https://wavellroom.com/2023/12/20/into-the-cold-special-operations-in-the-arctic/