training and capability gap between the SOF CA FID/
UW battalions and the General Purpose battalions.
Now that the SOF CA mission exists entirely on the
active duty side and active duty CA has a selection
and assessment course and a comprehensive qualification course, that gap has widened considerably.
While the active component SOF CA element has
expanded from one to five battalions with the creation
of the 95th CA brigade, the net SOF CA force structure
has not increased from the pre-2006 levels (96th plus
four FID/UW battalions). At the same time, the SOF
mission has expanded to include the Civil-Military
Engagement program. SOF CA Civil Military Support
Elements (CMSEs) now work on a rotational basis out
of Embassies and conducting persistent engagement
in support of the Global SOF Network. The 95th also
continues the FID/UW missions supporting Theater
Special Operations Commands and maintaining a UW
focused CA capability. The active component 85th CA
brigade and all of USACAPOC are designated as ‘conventional’ and unable to support the CMSE mission or
TSOC requirements, including the FID/UW mission.
It goes without saying that the engagement mission
will need to be targeted judiciously, but it will also
require an increa