An analysis of the United States Special Operations Command's acquisition process to determine its compliance with acquisition reform initiatives of the past decade

Abstract

The United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) is a vital component of our nation's defense that is called upon daily to accomplish a wide variety of unique and challenging missions throughout the world. A critical element of USSOCOM's success is its ability to acquire the finest equipment available to achieve these missions. This research analyzes USSOCOM's acquisition process to determine its level of success at delivering this equipment, and focuses primarily on its ability to incorporate acquisition reform initiatives of the past decade into the process. In developing this analysis, the following areas are discussed: the roles and missions of USSOCOM, acquisition reform initiatives of the past decade beginning with the Packard Commission, the findings and recommendations of the USSOCOM Acquisition Process Action Team Report and the acquisition process at USSOCOM. Based on the research conducted, it is clear that, overall, USSOCOM has done a superb job incorporating reform initiatives into its acquisition process. Areas determined to be non-compliant relate primarily to the concept of empowerment of the Program Executive Officers (PEO). Recommendations for correcting these weaknesses include giving PEOs the authority to execute reprogramming and realignment in accordance with established legal thresholds.