Special operations launches ‘secret surrogate’ missions in new counter-terrorism strategy
By: Kyle Rempfer   2 days ago
Pentagon leaders want U.S. special operations troops to command more local forces from a distance during counter-terrorism missions under an obscure program called 127 Echo. (Staff Sgt. Jeremiah Runser/Army)
U.S. counter-terrorism missions will soon place more emphasis on a little-known Pentagon program designed to help “surrogate forces,†rather than traditional allied units that are dependent on U.S. training, advice and assistance.
https://www.militarytimes.com/news/your-army/2019/02/08/fighting-terrorism-may-rely-on-secret-surrogate-forces-going-forward/The shift comes as the Defense Department implements the 2018 National Defense Strategy, which prioritizes near-peer adversaries like China and Russia ahead of violent extremist organizations like the Islamic State.
