Lawmakers are expressing concern over the U.S. Army’s proposal to reduce up to 3,000 positions from its special operations forces, fearing this could empower China. While the Army emphasizes that these cuts would eliminate redundant positions and not frontline operators, many lawmakers, including Sen. Ted Budd and Sen. Joni Ernst, oppose the cuts, emphasizing the importance of these forces. The specifics of these proposed cuts remain unclear to Congress, and while the House has already prohibited these reductions in its version of the National Defense Authorization Act, the Senate seeks more clarity from the Army.
  

Key Points: 

1. The U.S. Army has proposed a reduction of up to 3,000 positions from its special operations forces, which has caused concerns among lawmakers.
2. The Army claims the aim is to eliminate redundant positions in areas like headquarters, logistics, and support, not reducing frontline operators.
3. Gen. Bryan Fenton, the head of U.S. Special Operations Command, reportedly does not support the cuts, with the issue under review by Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin.
4. Senators, such as Ted Budd and Joni Ernst, stress the vital role of special operations forces, especially in deterring threats like China.
5. The House and Senate have differing stances in their respective versions of the National Defense Authorization Act regarding the proposed cuts, with the Senate demanding a detailed explanation from the Army.

Source: https://www.defenseone.com/policy/2023/09/lawmakers-army-headed-fight-over-special-operations-forces-cuts/390771/