United States Naval Special Warfare Studies and Observation Group (NSWSOG)

The US Naval Special Warfare Studies and Observation Group (NSWSOG) is one of the United States’ secretive tier-one counter-terrorism (CT) and Special Missions Unit (SMU). While NSWSOG is administratively supported by the Naval Special Warfare Command, it is operationally commanded by the Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC). It is based on at the Training Support Center Sierra Falls, Angel Cove, Virginia.

Roles and Responsibilities

The official mission of NSWSOG is to test, evaluate and develop technology and maritime, ground and airborne tactics applicable to Naval Special Warfare forces; however, it is presumed this is only a small part of the group’s work assignment and more of a cover.

NSWSOG’s full mission profile is classified but includes but not limited to preemptive, proactive counter-terrorist operations, counter-proliferation, capture of high-value-targets (HVTs) from unfriendly nations, direct action, hostage rescue and raids. NSWSOG is one of only handful of US Special Missions Units authorized to use preemptive actions against terrorists and their facilities.

Organization and Structure

The group is under the organization of the Naval Special Warfare Command (NAVSPECWARCOM) but is controlled by the Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC). Command of the NSWSOG is a captain’s billet.