The shift of the National Defense Strategy to confronting near-peer competitors will continue the demand for special operations forces, the president's nominee to be the commander of U.S. Special Operations Command said at his Senate Armed Services Committee confirmation hearing today.
If confirmed, Army Lt. Gen. Richard D. Clarke, currently the director of strategic plans and policy on the Joint Staff, would succeed Army Gen. Tony Thomas as commander of the worldwide organization next year. The general testified alongside Marine Corps Lt. Gen. Kenneth F. McKenzie, the nominee to command U.S. Central Command.
Special operations forces have been a go-to force in the years since the 9/11 attacks. Clarke said the forces provide critical capabilities and options to challenging problems.
“Our world continues to evolve and increase in complexity,” he said in his testimony. “While violent extremism persists in challenging regional stability and threatening our interest, near-peer competitors grow in both capability and intent to contest our vital national interest. The United States requires capabilities across all elements of national power and special operations remains a critical part of our defense.”
Special operations forces are crucial parts of the National Defense Strategy, Clarke said, and commanders are shaping those…
