Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force – Afghanistan (CJSOTF-A) was the headquarters responsible for coordinating and commanding U.S. and coalition special operations forces throughout Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom and subsequent missions. Operating under the larger framework of U.S. Special Operations Command Central (SOCCENT), CJSOTF-A oversaw Army Special Forces (Green Berets), Navy SEALs, Air Force Special Tactics, Civil Affairs, and Psychological Operations units. Its mission was to conduct counterterrorism, counterinsurgency, and stability operations in support of both U.S. Forces–Afghanistan (USFOR-A) and the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF).
Headquartered primarily at Bagram Airfield, the task force worked closely with Afghan National Army Commando and Special Forces units, mentoring and partnering through embedded Operational Detachment Alphas (ODAs). CJSOTF-A was instrumental in training and equipping Afghanistan’s elite security forces, conducting direct action missions against insurgent and terrorist networks, and fostering local defense initiatives such as the Afghan Local Police program. Throughout the campaign, it served as a key link between tactical special operations missions and the broader strategic objectives of stabilizing Afghanistan and denying sanctuary to extremist groups.