Allied Special Operations Forces Leaders Forge United Front in Split, Croatia

Split, CROATIA – Allied Special Operations Forces Command (SOFCOM) and Croatian Special Operations Command co-hosted the NATO Special Operations Forces Commanders' and Command Senior Enlisted Leaders Conference, November 26-28. The event brought together senior SOF leaders from across the Alliance to tackle the evolving security challenges facing NATO and reaffirmed the critical role of Special Operations Forces (SOF) in safeguarding the Alliance’s collective defence.

Command Sergeant Major Jeremy Lile, Allied SOFCOM Command Senior Enlisted Leader, and Master Sergeant Zoran Sabo, the Croatian Special Forces Command Senior Enlisted Leader, exchange gifts during the closing ceremony of the NATO SOF Commanders’ and Command Senior Enlisted Leaders’ Conference in Split, Croatia. The exchange symbolizes the strong partnership and mutual respect between Allied and Croatian Special Operations Forces.

Lt. Gen. Tihomir Kundid, Croatia's Chief of Defence, opened the conference and welcomed participants emphasizing Croatia’s steadfast commitment to NATO and its shared values, "Croatia is proud to host this crucial gathering of NATO’s Special Operations leaders. Together, we are stronger and more resilient in facing the challenges of our time. This conference reflects our collective determination to adapt and succeed in an ever-changing security landscape."

Lt. Gen. Richard Angle, Commander of Allied SOFCOM, highlighted the importance of unity and innovation, "In a time when the NATO Alliance faces unparalleled challenges, the strength of our collective resolve lies in the ability to learn, adapt, and innovate together. This conference underscores our commitment to ensuring Allied SOF remains at the forefront of modern warfare—prepared to deter and, if necessary, defend against any threat."

Participants dissected the challenges posed by contested environments, Russian hybrid activities, and examined lessons learned from Ukrainian Special Operations Forces (SOF) in their defence against Russian aggression. Ukrainian SOF’s agility, ingenuity, and resilience offered invaluable insights that are shaping updates to NATO SOF doctrine and training.

Lt. Gen. Richard Angle, Commander of Allied SOFCOM, and Colonel Ivan Miloš, Commander of the Croatian Special Forces, exchange gifts at the conclusion of the NATO SOF Commanders’ and Command Senior Enlisted Leaders Conference in Split, Croatia. Lt. Gen. Angle highlighted the importance of unity and innovation, stating, "This conference underscores our commitment to ensuring Allied SOF remains at the forefront of modern warfare."

The conference spotlighted NATO’s partnerships with Indo-Pacific partners, reinforcing the value of global collaboration in addressing shared challenges, including counter-terrorism, maritime security, and technological innovation. These relationships ensure NATO remains ready to adapt to a complex and interconnected world.

Command Senior Enlisted Leaders underscored the importance of leadership development at all levels, highlighting trust and cohesion within the Alliance as key to operational success. Leaders from across NATO reiterated their commitment to fostering resilient, capable SOF teams prepared for future conflicts.

This collaborative forum reinforced Allied SOF's commitment to collective defence and preserving a competitive edge in an uncertain global landscape. The strengthened relationships between Allied SOFCOM, Allied and partner Special Operations Commands exemplify the power and cohesion of NATO’s multinational cooperation.

Story by SOFCOM Public Affairs Office