The Last A-Team: Special Forces Aren't Special Anymore
Published: 6/10/2026
Digital Only
The Last A-Team: Special Forces Aren't Special Anymore
By Ned Marsh
Published May 18, 2026, by the Irregular Warfare Initiative
The article argues that U.S. Army Special Forces have failed to adapt to modern warfare, leaving them ill-suited for highly contested, technologically advanced environments where surveillance, cyber capabilities, and cultural fluency are critical. It contends that the traditional 12‑person “A‑Team” model no longer meets current operational demands. The author concludes that a fundamental redesign of Special Forces is necessary, as its current structure prioritizes global presence over meaningful strategic outcomes.