Sean Naylor, one of the world’s leading experts on special operations and author of Relentless Strike breaks down the real story behind Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC), America’s most elite and secretive military force. From its origins in the failed Iran hostage rescue to its evolution into the dominant force during the Global War on Terror, this conversation reveals how JSOC reshaped modern warfare, intelligence operations, and counterterrorism strategy.
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We dive deep into: • The origins of JSOC after Operation Eagle Claw • How JSOC became the main effort in Iraq and Afghanistan • The F3EAD targeting cycle (Find, Fix, Finish, Exploit, Analyze, Disseminate) • Operation Anaconda and the reality of the “fog of war” • The hunt for Al-Qaeda leaders and counterterrorism missions • CIA vs JSOC: operational differences and tensions • Counter-proliferation missions and the Iran challenge • Unlawful killings, controversial operations, and ethical dilemmas • Havana Syndrome and modern intelligence mysteries
