Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC)

  Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC) was created in 1980 after the failed efforts to free American hostages held in Iran. Peter Bergen explains that following 9/11, “JSOC mushroomed from a force of eighteen hundred to four thousand, becoming a small army within the military.” JSOC remains very secretive, yet many believe it is among the most effective forces within the U.S. military. Based on the readings, please post a reflection that: 1) Briefly describes one aspect of how JSOC is creative, innovative and otherwise different from the regular military; and then 2) Briefly reflects on both positive and negative elements of JSOC in terms of U.S. national security.