Editor's corner.

• Position: U.S. Special Operations Command - Editorial

Much of the responsibility for planning military operations in the war on terrorism now is in the hands of the U.S. Special Operations Command.

When SOCOM was created in 1987, its primary role was to support the geographic combatant commanders, providing them with trained and well-equipped forces. After 9/11, at tire direction of the secretary of defense, SOCOM led the way in the Afghanistan and Iraq wars. Along with the additional duties came an influx of dollars (about a $2 billion surge in annual spending) and authority In grow in size, particularly those units that are in high demand, such as tactical aviation and civil affairs.

To help meet the new mission needs, SOCOM recently set tip a Center for Special Operations, which serves as the command's "war fighting hub," says Army Gen. Bryan "Doug" Brown, commander of SOCOM. The center--led by a two-star general--has as its sole purpose to assist in the planning, support and execution of special operations in the war on terrorism.

In our cover story beginning on page 16, Brown outlines SOCOM's duties and priorities, as well as efforts to improve the coordination between the command and other agencies that are involved in the war.

The growth in SOCOM budgets, lie says, nor only will pay for more troops, but also will translate into new equipment, such as protection systems for aircraft, body armor, night vision devices, lightweight electronics and...