ASW Anderson

In WWII, the Office of Strategic Services was forged on a defining American truth: when the Nation is tested, Americans rise, endure, and prevail. The men and women of the OSS went into the night with no promise of safety, no guarantee of return, and no expectation of praise. They went because their country called. They went because the cause was just. They went because Americans do not turn from the hard road when duty points the way. That legacy lives today in America’s Special Operations Forces. They carry the Nation’s hardest missions into the world’s most dangerous places, often without recognition and always with extraordinary responsibility. Today, I am pleased to announce that Secretary Hegseth has signed a pivotal memorandum enabling the ASW(SO/LIC) to fully exercise its statutory authority in line with Congress’s intent by elevating the office to Under Secretary of War equivalence and restoring its name to the Office of Strategic Services (OSS). This action is a pledge that those sent into the hardest places, entrusted with the gravest responsibilities, and called upon when all else has failed will have a voice equal to the burden placed upon their shoulders. They will be given the resources, authority, and support required to prepare, to endure, and to prevail. In honoring our Special Operators, we honor the courage, sacrifice, and unbreakable American spirit that has carried this Nation through its hardest hours and will carry us forward still. Read the full release here: war.gov/News/Releases/Releas…

Freedom is not inherited without sacrifice. It is preserved by those willing to defend it. This Veterans Day, we honor the generations of American warriors who came before us—those who answered the call, carried the burden of service, and paved the way for those who serve today. A special tribute to our Special Operations Forces, past and present, whose courage, quiet professionalism, and unwavering commitment to the mission embody the very best of our Nation. Much of your sacrifice will never be known, but your legacy will never be forgotten. To every veteran: Your service matters. Your sacrifice endures. Our Nation remains forever grateful. God Bless Our Veterans. 🇺🇸

📸 This week, I joined Special Boat Training Command in Mississippi, the elite “brown water navy,” as they demonstrated special operations riverine capabilities.   On the water, these operators are redefining maritime security, turning emerging technology into mission-ready capability that protects the homeland.

No better way to start the day than sunrise PT with America’s great special operators 💪🇺🇸

Lethality is forged through hard training, unwavering discipline, and warriors who set the standard.

What an incredible Saturday evening celebrating 85 years of SOF and those who shaped its legacy.

From the pioneers of the OSS to today's SOF warriors, the same spirit endures, defined by courage, innovation, teamwork, and a resolve to answer our Nation's call.

As we honor our past, we are focused on shaping our future.  In fulfilling our statutory Secretariat role, we champion SOF, secure critical resources, and enable decisive action with speed, focus, and urgency. 

We are building on an extraordinary legacy to create lasting impact for generations to come. 

Our work is far from over. The SOF enterprise is entering a new era—one that will reshape how we resource, innovate, and modernize. For SO/LIC, that means returning to our roots. More to come. Stand by.

We challenged industry to move at the speed of the warfighter, and they answered the call.   White papers were submitted within 30 days, while warfighters shaped solutions through live pitches. We awarded contracts that same day.   The result: critical capabilities that reach our forces faster, putting decisive tools in the hands of those defending U.S. interests around the world.

No matter how fast technology evolves, our greatest advantage will always be our people. Proud to showcase the unmatched adaptability of our operators at AUSA 2026.

Proud to stand alongside @SecWar and our Service secretaries, united in mission to build a more lethal, agile, and ready Joint Force. Together, we’re eliminating bureaucratic barriers, unleashing American innovation, and delivering next-generation warfighting capabilities at the speed of relevance.

Unprecedented unity across the Joint Force. Today, I will be joining @SecWar, @SecArmy, @SecNavy, and @SecAFOfficial for a rare joint session on the future of combat power: Project Agincourt @AUSAorg. Secretary Hegseth is advancing a bold vision to establish a four-star Autonomous Warfare Command that will expand unmanned systems across all Services and transform how the Joint Force fights. The future of defense is here. Be in the room: Time: 1000-1100 Link: dvidshub.net/webcast/38558