WASHINGTON\u00a0\u2014\u00a0The head of U.S. Special Operations Command said his troops are highly skilled, but they can’t do everything.
SOCOM leaders have also in recent months taken the lead in coordinating military anti-terrorism efforts and monitoring the spread of weapons of mass destruction, even though the command only represents about 2 percent of the Defense Department\u2019s budget and manpower.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Earlier this week, Theresa Whelan, acting assistant secretary of defense for special operations, told House lawmakers that the high tempo of operations has forced the command to “eat our young \u2026 we’ve mortgaged the future in order to facilitate current operations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“That has impacted readiness and it’s also impacted the development of force for the future. And as the threats grow, this is only going to get worse.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n
On Thursday, committee chairman John McCain, R-Ariz., also warned against “a seemingly insatiable demand for the unique capabilities of our special operators” among military leaders. Sen.Tim Kaine, D-Va., said he worries about the “growing SOF myth, that you can use special forces and nothing else to achieve your goals.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thomas said he lectures his troops about the importance of working closely with other combatant commands and foreign allies on a regular basis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“You\u2019re right to worry about the perception, and it\u2019s something we battle all the time,” he said. “There have been too many books and movies that imply that we go it alone or do it alone. That\u2019s completely incorrect.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n
Still, he acknowledged the increased pressure on his forces has drained readiness and modernization resources, bills that will have to be paid in future budgets if his command is to remain prepared for future threats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And the cost in lives has also been high. Last month, three Army Rangers were killed in operations overseas, bringing the total to 16 since Thomas took over a year ago and 409 since the 2001.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“It is a stark reminder that we are command at war and rule remain so for the foreseeable future,” Thomas said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n