Who generally exercises Operational Control (OPCON) over attached Special Operations Forces (SOF) in theater?

The Geographic Combatant Commander typically exercises Operational Control (OPCON) over attached Special Operations Forces (SOF) in a theater. This is because the Geographic Combatant Commander is responsible for a specific geographic area of responsibility and must oversee all military operations within that region, including the deployment and integration of special operations units.

The role of the Geographic Combatant Commander involves the planning, coordination, and execution of military operations to achieve strategic objectives. Since SOF often operate in specialized, complex environments that require close coordination with other military branches and interagency partners, having the Geographic Combatant Commander in charge ensures that these forces are effectively utilized in alignment with the broader operational strategy within the theater.

While the Joint Chiefs of Staff and Unified Combatant Command play critical roles in broader strategic oversight and coordination across multiple combatant commands, they typically do not directly exercise OPCON over forces within a specific theater. Similarly, the Special Forces Command is focused on the training, readiness, and specific operational capabilities of special operations units rather than their direct command in a theater of operations. Therefore, the Geographic Combatant Commander is the appropriate authority for exercising OPCON over SOF in theater.