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1. This is a huge change. I worked in this office. The Assistant Secretary for Special Operations & Low-Intensity Conflict (ASD SO/LIC) has reported to the Undersecretary for Policy, the Pentagon’s number 3 since its inception. But it wasn’t a clean fit. https://twitter.com/laraseligman/status/1329065639881879557
2. ASD SO/LIC is unique because the position and responsibilities bridge two worlds. It acts like a service secretary overseeing the manning, training, and equipping of all special operations forces and the acquisition of equipment and technology.
3. ASD SO/LIC also has responsibility for policy and operational oversight of special operations and sensitive activities like the other assistant secretaries that fall under the Undersecretary for Policy.
4. There have been discussions for sometime about ASD SO/LIC performing more service secretary responsibilities and there have been changes to law to enable it. However, this change is in the reporting structure at the Pentagon.
5. This move puts the ASD SO/LIC on par with service secretaries of the Army, Navy, and Air Force in terms of reporting directly to the SECDEF.
6. It’s also worth noting that Chris Miller served as the ASD SO/LIC before becoming the director of the National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC) which gives him unique insight into the position. He is the first person to serve in that role and then subsequently as SECDEF.
