Membership in the SOA is open to Veterans or members of a branch of the US Armed Forces Special Operations Community who have conducted Special Operations as an operational combat element or provided direct support to that element within an assigned area of operations.
QUALIFICATIONS
Veteran or member of a Branch of the U.S. Armed Forces Special Operations Unit as defined by this Association,
Has conducted Special Operations as an operational combat element or provided direct support to the operational combat element in an operational role, or, supported the conduct of his unit’s Special Operations in a non-operational direct support role.
Can provide documentation to prove assignment to a Special Operations Unit that is recognized by the Association
We had a special kind of brotherhood. We would have given our lives for each other, and in some cases we did. Jim Butler, Founder
SOA APPROVED UNIT DEFINITION
The unit/project/operational team must be or have been composed of U.S. Armed Forces military personnel with a mission to conduct Special Operations while assigned to what this Association defines as a Unit specifically designated and tasked with conducting combat and other combat-related missions of an unconventional, covert and/or clandestine nature; or,
On a routine basis provided direct combat support as part of the Operational Team performing Special Operations missions, aviation units providing insertion, extraction and direct fire support while in close proximity to enemy forces.
APPROVED UNITS LIST
The SOA APPROVED UNITS LIST includes PRE and POST 9/11 units; however, the list is limited by time, location and may not contain all approved units.
- If your unit meets the Approved Unit Definition, but is not on the Approved Units list, or;
- If your unit is listed in the USSOCOM Factbook but is not on the Approved Units List,
Please email:
DOCUMENTATION IS REQUIRED
A DD214/DD215 or ORB/ERB is required.
Be sure to provide enough documentation, (Orders, Commendations, Combat Awards, CIB, etc.) verifying your assignment to a Special Operations Unit, dates served in that Unit, location, MOS and your role in that combat element.
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The Archives.com link is provided as a courtesy.
If you have questions or need more information, email the Committee before submitting an application.
Joe Wilson, Membership Chairman
membership@specialoperations.org
A $35 non-refundable application fee and documentation is required.
