Past event: 4th Annual SOF Symposium 2015

Applying Special Operations to Combat Global Security Challenges

Our SOF Symposium (Special Operations Forces) is designed as an educational and training “Town Hall” forum, where thought leaders and key policy-makers across military and civilian organizations can come together for actionable discussions and debate. The symposium will focus on utilizing SOF to stabilize regions and networks that present a threat to US national security interests.

This Symposium will emphasize the critical role of SOF as an instrument of US strategic power. SOF’s multi-faceted mission set will be discussed with an emphasis on training, readiness, and materiel to stabilize regions in conflict and ensure US and partner security against unconventional threats.


ALL NEW for SOF 2015 Symposium:

  • Analysis of the global security environment and the role of SOF
  • Combatting the threat from violent extremist groups
  • Improving SOF access to ISR in support of mission success
  • Opportunities for industry to partner with SOF organizations to accelerate development and fielding of solutions to meet urgent operational needs
  • Re-purposing conventional platforms for SOF mission sets
  • Training and delivery of highly capable SOF from all services in support of National Security interests
  • Improving SOF Integration with the IC
  • Utilizing TSOC's to create force multipliers through partnerships in regions of interest
  • Capability requirements and acquisition priorities necessary to respond to current and future missions


2015 Program Design & Goals:

The United States in 2015 faces the most complex security environment since World War II. Major security challenges include Russia, China, Iran, and Sunni Jihadism. The US must ensure SOF resources are applied effectively to support a strong global strategic security posture which protects US and allied interests.

This Symposium will emphasize the critical role of SOF as an instrument of US strategic power. SOF must be adequately resourced and trained to provide effective deterrence against unconventional threats. In order to be effective, SOF must build trust with allies and partner nations to ensure stability and to protect US interests. SOF’s multi-faceted mission set will be discussed with an emphasis on training, readiness, and materiel to stabilize regions in conflict. Discussions will also focus on COIN and counter terrorism operations, and perhaps most importantly the fight against global unconventional threats to US and partner interests.

Our 2015 SOF Symposium will provide a forum for SOF, its partners including regional combatant commands, USAID, Department of State, the IC, partner nations, industry, and academia as well as other critical organizations to discuss strategic priorities and operational needs to meet national goals.


How You Will Benefit?

  • Hear from SOCOM and SO/LIC Leadership on Critical Capability Requirements
  • Learn how your organization can support SOF priorities
  • Hear US Government priorities to enhance regional stability to support US national security
  • Network and dialogue with your colleagues and leaders from SOF, the Foreign Service, and Partner Nations

2015 SOF Symposium Keynote Speakers:

  • The Honorable Michael Lumpkin, Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special Operations and Low Intensity Conflict
  • Lt Gen Thomas Trask, USAF, Vice Commander, United States Special Operations Command

Additional Speakers Include:

  • The Honorable James Jeffrey, Philip Solondz Distinguished Fellow, The Washington Institute, Former Ambassador to Iraq
  • LTG Mike Flynn, USA (Ret), Former Director, DIA, Chairman and CEO, Flynn Intel Group LLC
  • BG Christopher Burns, USA, Assistant Commanding General, SOCCENT
  • Dr. Andrea Dew, Co-Director, Center for Irregular Warfare and Armed Groups, USNWC
  • Stephen Lennon, Acting Director, Office of Transition Initiatives, USAID
  • Damon Stevens, Middle East Group Chief, NCTC

Please fill in your name and email to receive the draft agenda of this event.


The draft agenda is available as PDF under downloads at the right side of the page.

Venue

Mary M. Gates Learning Center
701 N Fairfax St, 22314
Alexandria, VA, USA

Attendee Profile

Senior-level professionals from government agencies, contractors and technology service providers with the following responsibilities:
  • Intelligence
  • Capability development
  • Operations
  • Procurement
  • Program management
  • Special operations
  • Planning
  • Fire Support
  • Weapons systems
  • Lightweight power systems
  • Equipment and supplies
  • Contracted security support
  • Training
  • Modeling and simulation


Venue

Mary M. Gates Learning Center
701 N. Fairfax St. Alexandria, VA
http://www.marygateslearningcenter.com

Hotel
Sheraton Suites Old Town Alexandria
801 North St. Asaph Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
www.sheraton.com\suitesalexandria
(Two walking blocks from the Mary M. Gates Learning Center.)
Hotel Rooms are available at a discounted rate at ($192 per night) Please identify that you are with Defense Strategies Institute to receive your discount or use the following links:
DSI Sheraton Suites Discounted Room Rate
Event details
Organizer : DSI
Event type : Conference
Reference : ASDE-6996