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Defense Strategies Institute is pleased to announce the upcoming 15th Annual SOF & Irregular Warfare Symposium, taking place in Tampa, Florida, December 9-10, 2026.
As global security threats continue to evolve, the demand for Special Operations Forces and the need for innovative approaches to unconventional and hybrid warfare have become increasingly essential to maintaining the strategic advantage of the United States.
The SOF & Irregular Warfare Symposium will convene senior leaders and decision-makers from across the SOF community, regional combatant commands, the Department of War, federal agencies, industry, and academia to examine the complexities of unconventional and hybrid warfare strategies, as well as the operational challenges currently facing the SOF enterprise.
This forum will highlight efforts to enhance force modernization, advance capability development, integrate emerging technologies, and strengthen the partnerships required to ensure USSOF remains a globally deployed, high-impact force prepared to counter emerging threats and succeed across future operational environments.
Confirmed Speakers as of September 9, 2026
- HON Derrick M. Anderson, Assistant Secretary of War for Special Operations & Low-Intensity Conflict
- HON Daniel Zimmerman, Assistant Secretary of War for International Security Affairs, Office of the Under Secretary of War for Policy
- Col Ian Fletcher, USMC, SOUTHCOM Autonomous Warfare Command
- Col Sasha Kuhlow, USMC, Commanding Officer, II Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group
- Leslie Babich, Director, SOFWERX
- Jonathan Schroden, Chief Research Officer, CNA
- David Spirk, Senior Counselor, Palantir; Former Department of War & U.S. Special Operations Command CDO
- Lisa Sanders, Former Director, Science & Technology, SOF AT&L, U.S. Special Operations Command
- Neil Tipton, Former Director of Defense Intelligence for Collection & Special Programs, OUSW(I)
- Moderator: MG (Ret.) Patrick Roberson, USA, President/CEO, Crossed Arrows Consulting; Former Deputy Commanding General, U.S. Army Special Operations Command
Topics of Discussion Will Include:
- Prioritizing asymmetric deterrence and special operations readiness in contested environments
- Maintaining SOF technological and operational superiority in a dynamic threat landscape
- SOF AT&L: Providing innovative technology through strategic acquisition
- Winning in the gray zone: Successfully operating in the information domain
- Integrating AI and autonomy at the tactical edge to increase SOF lethality
- Accelerating cutting-edge technology for Special Operations Forces
- Bridging strategy and policy to synchronize SOF capability with regional geopolitics
- SOF convergence: Integrating cyber, space, and special warfare for strategic advantage
- Past and current conflicts and SOF in the future of irregular warfare
DSI is now welcoming Sponsors and Exhibitors for the forum. The SOF & Irregular Warfare Symposium provides opportunities including exhibit space, round table discussions, product demonstrations, and networking receptions.
Complimentary attendance is available to active military and government personnel. Those interested in participating in the SOF & Irregular Warfare Symposium can visit Defense Strategies Institute’s website. Anyone seeking further information or wishing to submit questions can contact the DSI team.
