Membership in the SOA is open to Veterans or members of a branch of the US Armed Forces Special Operations Community who have conducted Special Operations as an operational combat element or provided direct support to that element within an assigned area of operations.
QUALIFICATIONS
A Veteran or member of a Branch of the U.S. Armed Forces Special Operations Unit as defined by this Association:
- Has conducted Special Operations as an operational combat element or provided direct support to the operational combat element in an operational role,
or,
supported the conduct of his unit’s Special Operations in a non-operational direct support role.
Must provide documentation verifying assignment to a Special Operations Unit, dates served in that unit, location, MOS and their role in that combat element.
We had a special kind of brotherhood. We would have given our lives for each other, and in some cases we did. Jim Butler, Founder
SOA APPROVED UNIT DEFINITION
The unit/project/operational team must be or have been composed of U.S. Armed Forces military personnel with a mission to conduct Special Operations while assigned to what this Association defines as a Unit specifically designated and tasked with conducting combat and other combat-related missions of an unconventional, covert and/or clandestine nature; or,
On a routine basis provided direct combat support as part of the Operational Team performing Special Operations missions, aviation units providing insertion, extraction and direct fire support while in close proximity to enemy forces.
APPROVED UNITS
The Special Operations Association (SOA) accepts applications for membership from veterans or members of a branch of the U.S. Armed Forces Special Operations unit.
Eligible units include those listed in the USSOCOM FactBook that meet the SOA’s qualifications, as well as those units listed in the SOA Approved Units List.
Note: The SOA Approved Units List includes both pre- and post-9/11 units; however, it is not exhaustive. Inclusion may be limited by factors such as time period and location, and some qualifying units may not be listed.
If you have questions, email the Chairman:
DOCUMENTATION IS REQUIRED
DD214/DD215’s are required. If active duty, current ORB/ERB is required.
IMPORTANT: You must provide enough documentation verifying your assignment to a Special Operations Unit, dates served in that Unit, location, MOS and your role in that combat element.
Additional documentation may include: orders, Commendations, Combat Awards, Combat Infantry/Action Badges, Performance Evaluations, etc.
The Archives.com link below is provided as a courtesy.
If you have questions or need more information, email the Committee before submitting an application.
Jeremy Knabenshue, Membership Chairman
[email protected]
Click on the link below to apply for membership.
NOTE: Processing the application may take up to 30 days.
A $35 non-refundable application fee and documentation is required.