Why is the Global SOF Foundation necessary?
The world is growing more volatile, unpredictable and threatening. The conduct of war continues to shift: from large-scale clashes between nations to those characterized by unconventional methods, as well as long-term engagements with and against non-state transnational groups. Globalization has brought unprecedented transnational threats—be they unconventional, terrorist or criminal.
Countering these globally networked threats requires a global “good-guy” network that can innovate and operate at speeds that traditional governments cannot. The Global SOF Foundation (GSOF), a non-profit organization, is forging this “good-guy” network among the world’s special operations forces (SOF). It brings together military, government, industry and intellectual leaders from around the world for the purpose of advancing the capability and efficacy of SOF.
What is the relationship between the Foundation and USSOCOM and/or other national Special Operations Forces?
The GSOF has no formal relationship with, nor does it speak for, any government or military. It is a non-governmental, non-profit, non-partisan organization based in the U.S., but with members from 68 countries. Much like organizations such as AUSA or the Navy League in the U.S., the GSOF serves as a non-governmental voice for joint and multi-national special operations personnel. In addition GSOF is the co-sponsor, with U.S. Special Operations Command, of SOF Week from 2023-2029.
Countering globally networked threats requires a global “good-guy” network that can innovate and operate at speeds that traditional governments often cannot. The Foundation focuses on this informal network among SOF stakeholders — and goes beyond just military personnel. The GSOF includes the private sector and other non-governmental entities.
THIS IS A NON–FEDERAL ENTITY. IT IS NOT A PART OF THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE OR ANY OF ITS COMPONENTS AND IT HAS NO GOVERNMENTAL STATUS
Who serves on the GSOF board?
There are three entities principally guiding the direction of the Foundation:
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The Board of Directors is comprised of Mr. Peter Bergen (Chairman), Mr. Stuart Bradin, Mr. Al Di Leonardo, Ms. Meaghan Keeler, Ms. Lori Larsen, Mr. Jerry Parker, CAPT (Ret.) Stephen Wisotzki and Dr. Keenan Yoho. The Board of Directors has the fiduciary responsibility for the organization.
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The Advisory Council is comprised of a diverse set of people dedicated to the success of SOF globally. This group works on a strictly voluntary basis and is not compensated. Learn more about them, here.
- The Governing Committee is comprised of voting representatives of the Founding Corporate Partners as well as one representative from each of the other levels of Partnership: Strategic, Sustaining, Patron, Small Business, and Non-Profit.
What type of non-profit is the GSOF? Is it a charity? Is it tax-exempt?
The GSOF is an educational non-profit 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization registered in Florida. The GSOF is not a philanthropic organization that aims to help wounded warriors or veterans’ families. Instead, it is a professional association for the international special operations community.
What is the GSOF’s Privacy Policy?
You can find our Privacy Policy here.