Every two years, the Commander, USSOCOM, hosts the International Special Operations Forces Commanders Conference (ISOF) in Tampa, Florida. ISOF is USSOCOM’s signature engagement event and brings together SOF Commanders and Senior Enlisted Advisors to strengthen networks and to discuss topics, issues and challenges relevant to the international SOF network. Participating countries are nominated by Commanders of Theater Special Operations Commands as well as the Commander of NATO SOF HQ. Typically, SOF leaders from over 70 countries participate in ISOF.
ISOF 2018 was held last May. 363 people from 67 nations, including 74 SOF Commanders attended. The conference centered on key factors to consider with respect to interoperability, training and resourcing for multilateral operations.
ISOF 2020 will be held 11 – 15 May in Tampa in conjunction with the SOF Industry Conference. The theme and topics of discussion will be finalized soon. Once they are finalized, the J3-I Engagement Team will be hosting monthly planning VTC sessions on the All Partners Access Network (APAN).
In order to participate in the planning sessions, you must establish or reactivate your APAN account by going to: https://community.apan.org/socom/ and request to establish an account under the ISOF tab. Information about upcoming APAN accounts will be sent out via email and on the APAN ISOF 2020 site.
Please contact LTC Jose Guandique at: (813) 826-5256, jose.guandique@socom.mil for conference questions or Noah Shmiedecke for APAN questions at: (813) 826-4461; Noah.schmiedecke.ctr@socom.mil .