SOF Week 2026 by the Numbers ♠️
What an incredible week. Thank you to all the attendees, speakers, exhibitors, participating countries, and mission partners who made it possible to bring the global Special Operations community together in Tampa. Across every engagement, panel, demonstration, and even our inaugural prayer gathering, the focus remained on strengthening readiness, advancing capability, and supporting the Warfighter while reinforcing the unity behind the mission.
The numbers tell the story, but the impact goes far beyond them.
#Entérate
La Unidad Naval de Operaciones Especiales #UNOPES, representó a México en el #CAPEX2026, Ejercicio Multinacional que reunió a fuerzas especiales de diversos países, fortaleciendo la cooperación internacional, el intercambio de capacidades y la interoperabilidad entre naciones aliadas.
Durante el ejercicio, personal naval participó en escenarios conjuntos que simularon operaciones especiales multinacionales, demostrando el alto nivel de preparación, profesionalismo y compromiso de México en entornos de colaboración estratégica internacional.
#ArmadaDeMéxico
Capabilities Demonstration 🚁🚤
“Battle in the Bay,” hit @CityofTampa with a full-spectrum display of special operations power across sea, air, and land.
Ten allied nations came together in a synchronized, high-tempo operational showcase. Rotary-wing aircraft carved through the skies while unmanned systems and special operations craft-riverine cut across the water in coordinated execution.
From horizon to waterfront, SOF showcased speed, precision, and interoperability. Proving what it takes to be the tip of the spear ♠️
#SOFWeek2026 #CAPEDEMO
Snapshots of the Day 📸
♠️ Panels throughout the day explored the power of global SOF partnerships and the evolving role of lethal AI and autonomous systems in maintaining the asymmetric edge in modern conflict.
♠️ The Cape Demo brought high-speed SOF capabilities and joint-force precision to the Tampa waterfront.
♠️ SWEAT delivered a high-energy test of endurance, teamwork, and grit—showcasing the resilience and readiness of the Special Operations community.
♠️ Opportunities to engage in meaningful connections with industry partners, military leaders, and innovators.
#SOFWeek2026 #Recap #WinPeopleTransform
Snapshots of the Day 📸
♠️ Official SOF Week Kickoff with the Mayor of @CityofTampa .
♠️ Keynotes from USSOCOM’s Commander, CSM and Acquisition Executive.
♠️ Panel discussions on SOF integrations with the Joint Force
♠️ Student Day welcomed the next generation of leaders for a firsthand look at innovation, partnership, and opportunities across the Special Operations enterprise.
#SOFWeek2026 #Recap #WinPeopleTransform
Today marks 68 years that #NORAD has conducted the distinct missions of aerospace warning and aerospace control, as well as maritime warning since 2006. The images below show some of the past and current homes of the 🇨🇦 & 🇺🇸 bi-national command, as well as the various NORAD missions conducted 24/7/365.
#WeHaveTheWatch #HappyBirthdayNORAD
🩺🌍 On World Health Day, we take a moment to recognize the people behind the care—our healthcare professionals across the NATO SOF community and the broader NATO Alliance.
In Special Operations Forces, healthcare is more than treatment. It is a continuous effort to protect, sustain, and optimize the force—delivering prevention, performance support, and life-saving care in austere, high-risk environments.
Because in SOF, we don’t simply test fitness—we manage the human weapon system. The focus is on performance, survivability, and longevity.
From preparation to recovery and beyond service, your work ensures operators remain ready, resilient, and never alone.
🛡️ Your expertise is a force multiplier.
🤝 Your commitment safeguards those who serve.
#WorldHealthDay
📸 1-2: John Kotara | 3: Mercedez Grove | 4: Michael Bartman | @USSOCOM@US_SOCEUR
Happy birthday, Naval Special Warfare Command! 🔱
For 39 years, NSW has been the Navy’s elite special operations force, driving innovation in strategy, doctrine, and tactics while delivering Maritime-based effects in support of the Joint Force. NSW’s commitment to readiness, adaptability, and operational excellence ensures our forces remain at the cutting edge, ready to meet any challenge and safeguard our nation’s interests.
Thank you to all who have shaped NSW into the formidable force it is today. ⚓️♠️
🎂 Happy anniversary MARSOC!
For the past 20 years, Marine Forces Special Operations Command has delivered the same promise: Always Faithful, Always Forward, and Always Lethal. We are thankful for the unconquerable spirit of every Raider and all you have done to keep the tip of the spear sharp. ♠️
Happy birthday, SOCOM! 🎂
For the past 39 years, U.S. Special Operations Command has played a pivotal role in synchronizing global special operations, maintaining ready and postured forces, and delivering precise, lethal capabilities while fostering strong partnerships with allies across the globe.
“It is our role as Special Operations to meet tomorrow’s challenges, we must continuously adapt today—strengthening our capabilities to remain ready, responsive, and lethal.” - ADM Mitch Bradley
We’re grateful for the 7,000 deployed in 80 countries that make up USSOCOM and all you’ve done to keep the tip of the spear sharp and our nation secure. ♠️
U.S. Special Operations Command inducted 10 former special operators, including 4 Medal of Honor recipients, into the Commando Hall of Honor ♠️
As SOCOM marks 39 years, this week is a reminder that the force is built on those who answered the call—executing no-fail missions with courage and precision 🇺🇸
"The operators of today and tomorrow see further, achieve more, and stand ready for the darkest days because they are elevated by your legacy. You have given them the high ground. A legacy that inspires us to always see pressure as a privilege." -ADM Mitch Bradley
Their legacy lives on, shaping the foundation and future of the SOF community.
Arctic edition: Life-saving skills in action! ❄️
Operators from the 🇺🇸 Air Force Special Tactics (AFST), 🇩🇰 Danish Frogmen & 🇬🇱 Greenland SAR train together during #ArcticEdge26 — mastering navigation, cold-weather medicine & Allied coordination in extreme conditions.
Interoperability in the Arctic = readiness anywhere.
#AE26 #USNORTHCOM
📸 @socnorth & @USNorthernCmd@USSOCOM@forsvaretdk@USNATO@DK_NATO@JFCNorfolk
💥 Firepower at Arctic Edge 26 (AE26)
US 🇺🇸 Marine Raiders train in the Arctic during a Combined Arms Live-Fire Exercise — sharpening coordination, combat capability, and anti-armor firepower in extreme conditions.
💡 AE26 is an annual exercise led by the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) and U.S. Northern Command (USNORTHCOM), bringing together 🇨🇦 🇩🇰 🇺🇸 to strengthen Arctic readiness in Alaska and Greenland.
#ArcticEdge26 #AE26 #USNORTHCOM
📸 @USNorthernCmd & @socnorth@USSOCOM@JFCNorfolk
#ARCTICEDGE26 📷 Wrap-Up Video
From Feb. 23 to March 13, NORAD & USNORTHCOM conducted ARCTIC EDGE 2026, a homeland defense exercise across Alaska & Greenland.
“Success in the Arctic is impossible without a unified approach and Exercise ARCTIC EDGE demonstrates the strength of whole-of-government collaboration. The challenges of the region—vast distances, extreme climate, and challenging terrain—demand a posture that integrates the full spectrum of our national capabilities.” – Gen. Gregory Guillot, Commander, NORAD & USNORTHCOM
📷 Learn more: https://t.co/aclWJg8PyK
#AE26 #HomelandDefense #ArcticSecurity
@ANRALCOM@NORADCommand@ArmySMDC@EielsonAirForce@USArmyAlaska@USCG@USCGArctic@marforres@USMC@USNavy@RCAF_ARC@CanadianForces@DHSgov@socnorth
When the temperature drops ⬇️, the tempo rises ⬆️
During Exercise Arctic Edge 2026 (AE26), operators from the 🇺🇸 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne) train in Alaska’s extreme Arctic conditions.
❄️ Small unit tactics
❄️ React-to-contact drills on snowshoes
❄️ Snowmobile familiarization
❄️ Cold-weather infiltration techniques
No matter the conditions, the mission goes on ⏯️
#ArcticEdge26 #AE26 #USNORTHCOM
📸 @USNorthernCmd & @socnorth@USSOCOM@JFCNorfolk
In the Arctic, survival is a team sport. 🇺🇸❄️🇩🇰
During #AE26 in Kangerlussuaq, @usairforce Special Tactics Airmen teamed up with Danish Frogmen to rehearse recovery ops in one of the harshest environments on Earth.
Training together means faster finds and safer recoveries.
@DOWResponse@USSOCOM@socnorth
#ArcticEdge26 #HomelandDefense #ArcticSecurity
Mobility across the Arctic. Partnership across the force. ❄️🛬🇨🇦🇬🇧
During #ArcticEdge26, U.S., U.K. and Canadian forces move personnel and equipment across Alaska by snow machine and airlift, strengthening the ability to operate in extreme cold-weather environments.
#AE26 #HomelandDefense #ArcticSecurity
@NORADCommand@socnorth@USSOCOM@USMC
Sub-zero temps. Mission continues. 🌌
U.S. Naval Special Warfare Operators train in extreme Arctic conditions during #ArcticEdge26 in Denali National Park, AK. The training includes cold weather mobility, survival and casualty evacuation.
Exercises like #AE26 strengthen readiness and interoperability to defend North America in the High North.
#HomelandDefense #ArcticSecurity #USNORTHCOM
@USNavy@NavalSpecial@DOWResponse@socnorth
Allied Commitment: Always On Target ✅
U.S. 🇺🇸 and U.K. 🇬🇧 Special Operations Forces (SOF) conduct live-fire training in Alaska during Arctic Edge 2026 (AE26).
The result?
🔥 Strengthened readiness
🔥 Demonstrated capabilities
🔥 Enhanced Allied interoperability in the High North
💡 AE26 is a multi-domain Field Training Exercise (FTX) led by the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) and U.S. Northern Command (USNORTHCOM), bringing together the United States, Denmark, and Canada, alongside the Alaska National Guard, interagency partners, and Alaska Native communities.
#ArcticEdge26 #AE26 #USNORTHCOM
📸 @USNorthernCmd & @socnorth@USSOCOM@DefenceOps@BritishArmy