AFSOC Plots Special Air Warfare Adaptation Strategy

Air Force Special Operations Command focuses on people and rapid adaptability to win future fights.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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Air Force Special Operations Command opened the 2026 Special Air Warfare Symposium with senior leaders underscoring the command's enduring focus on people and rapid adaptability to win the future fight in a complex and ever-changing global security environment. Lt. Gen. Mike Conley, AFSOC commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Courtney Freeman, AFSOC command chief, emphasized AFSOC's role in aligning with the 2026 National Defense Strategy priorities.

Why it matters

AFSOC plays a critical role in protecting the homeland, deterring China, increasing burden-sharing with allies, and accelerating defense innovation. The command's ability to perform high-risk missions from counterterrorism to humanitarian assistance is essential in the evolving global security landscape.

The details

Conley described AFSOC's persistent forward presence, unique access and placement advantages, and the command's ability to perform high-risk missions any place, anytime, anywhere. Freeman thanked partners for their advocacy and support, and stressed the need to elevate the people-focused narrative and identify faster ways to deliver capability to the warfighter. Topics at the symposium ranged from the use of AI and acquisition reform to AFSOC's role in irregular warfare and the need for persistent intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance.

  • The 2026 Special Air Warfare Symposium took place on February 11, 2026.

The players

Lt. Gen. Mike Conley

Commander of Air Force Special Operations Command.

Chief Master Sgt. Courtney Freeman

AFSOC command chief.

Col. Stewart Parker

Commander of the 353rd Special Operations Wing.

Brig. Gen. Clay Freeman

AFSOC director of operations.

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What they’re saying

“Our formation is strong. We are forward deployed in the places the nation needs us to be. We must be able to do multiple missions well, counter terrorism today while preparing for the next fight tomorrow. That balance is central to AFSOC's contribution to the joint force.”

— Lt. Gen. Mike Conley, AFSOC Commander (Mirage News)

“As we engage with our international and industry partners this week, we must keep elevating our people-focused narrative while continuing to identify faster ways to deliver capability to the warfighter.”

— Chief Master Sgt. Courtney Freeman, AFSOC Command Chief (Mirage News)

“I think that [upholding high ethical standards] is our advantage. Competition is inherently values-based and we do ourselves no favors and will not attract the right partners when we are undermining the very values that we espouse.”

— Col. Stewart Parker, Commander, 353rd Special Operations Wing (Mirage News)

“We are in an era of rapidly evolving threats. The demand for continuous, unblinking watch is really driving a monumental shift in our approach to intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance. For ISR, we are moving away from a reliance on centralized, high-end assets to more tactical, easily accessible and widely proliferated capabilities.”

— Brig. Gen. Clay Freeman, AFSOC Director of Operations (Mirage News)

The takeaway

AFSOC's focus on people, rapid adaptability, and aligning with key National Defense Strategy priorities positions the command to effectively counter evolving global threats and maintain a competitive edge through innovation and strong partnerships.