Jason Beardsley on Special Operations and Restraint

Jason Beardsley, a former U.S. military veteran and Director of Veterans Affairs at Stand Together, shares his insights on a range of national security issues. Beardsley's diverse background and experiences in the military provide a unique perspective on the challenges and complexities facing the United States in the realm of national security. The non-conventional footprint of SOF provides advantages in certain situations, but it is crucial to ensure that their use is nested under regional or higher-level commanders and connected to the grand strategy of the United States. Strategic alignment and clear objectives are key to maximizing the effectiveness of special operations while avoiding the perception that they are a substitute for broader strategic planning.