The Joint Special Operations Command, or JSOC, is a special part of the U.S. military that focuses on elite operations. It was created in 1980 and works to study new methods, make sure equipment and units can work together, plan training, and carry out important missions around the world. Its headquarters are in North Carolina.
JSOC oversees highly skilled "special mission units" that perform secret and complex tasks. Among these well-known units are the Army's Delta Force and the Navy's SEAL Team Six, which are famous for their counter-terrorism efforts and hostage rescue missions. The Air Force's 24th Special Tactics Squadron provides vital support to these teams, like directing air operations and giving medical aid.
Sometimes, JSOC also lends its expertise to help local law enforcement with security during big events, such as the Olympics or presidential inaugurations. Although military involvement in local policing is usually restricted, special rules allow them to offer expert assistance, especially for national security threats.
Throughout its history, JSOC has conducted many significant operations. They performed numerous raids in Afghanistan and focused on hunting down dangerous individuals in Iraq. JSOC also played a key role in the mission that successfully located and eliminated Osama bin Laden in Pakistan. They have also been involved in directing drone strikes against terrorist leaders in Yemen and other regions.
