Defense Strategies Institute Presents: 7th Special Operations & Irregular Warfare Symposium

Tampa, NJ, October 11, 2018 --(PR.com)-- Defense Strategies Institute’s 2018 Special Operations & Irregular Warfare Symposium will provide an educational “town-hall” style forum to discuss the strategic goals and operational needs required to combat evolving threat networks and protect U.S. national security interests, as well as aid the U.S. Military in remaining agile and lethal when navigating a complex security environment.

The 2018 symposium will welcome members of the special operations community, regional combatant commands, Department of State, Intelligence Community, academia, industry and other critical partners. Attendees will partake in this open forum to discuss the strategic priorities and operational needs required by US special operations forces to achieve mission success.

2018 Speaker Sessions will Include:
· Keynote Speaker: Honorable Owen West, Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special Operations/Low-Intensity Conflict, DoD will explore Guiding the Policy and Oversight of Strategic Capabilities and Resources for Special Operations Forces.
· LTG Michael Nagata, USA, Director, Directorate of Strategic Operational Planning, National Counterterrorism Center, ODNI will present Addressing Strategic Priorities to Effectively Combat Terrorist Activities.
· RADM Hugh W. Howard, USN, Commander, SOCCENT will examine SOCCENT Initiatives Toward Enabling SOF Capabilities in Support of Regional Stability & U.S. National Interests.
· BG Christopher T. Donahue, USA, Deputy Director for Special Operations and Counterterrorism, J3, Operations Directorate, Joint Staff will analyze Supporting and Delivering Guidance to Support Mission-Critical Operations.
· Dr. Kathleen H. Hicks, Senior Vice President; Henry A Kissinger Chair, Director, International Security Program, CSIS will address Detailing Why Gray Zone Conflicts Will Become More Frequent and Complex.
· Garry Reid, Director for Defense Intelligence (Intelligence and Security), Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence will discuss Addressing Policy and Resources Required to Sufficiently Enhance Intelligence Missions.

In addition to the speaker presentations, senior members of SOF AT&L will engage in a panel discussion about SOF AT&L Top Acquisition Priorities that are Currently Being Undertaken to Mitigate Risk and Speed Up Deliver of Service to Special Operations Forces moderated by Mr. Howard Strahan, Deputy Director, S&T, SOF AT&L. Panelists include:
· COL David Philips, USA, Deputy Director, S&T, SOF AT&L
· COL Joel Babbitt, USA, PEO Rotary Wing, SOF AT&L
· COL James D. Miller, USA, Director, TALOS Program, SOF AT&L
· Ms. Margaret McCaskey, PEO Special Reconnaissance, Surveillance & Exploitation, SOF AT&L

Please visit sof.dsigroup.org for the full agenda and list of speakers.

Seating is limited to allow for actionable discussion in a “Town Hall” format. Active military, government and state personnel attend free of charge. Those interested in participating in the Special Operations & Irregular Warfare Symposium can visit the website at: sof.dsigroup.org

Anyone interested in learning more or sending questions, please contact Nick Liberato-Randall at nliberatorandall@dsigroup.org, 201-210-8804.

Summit is Closed to Press/No Recordings