Other Items <$5M

The LI 0204OTHER OTHER ITEMS <$5M program within the United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) budget is designed to provide procurement and rapid fielding of specialized equipment and systems that do not fit into other defined procurement categories and exceed the $350,000 threshold. This line item supports a wide range of operational needs, including aircraft support, military construction collateral equipment, command and control systems, tactical networks, special access networks, joint operational stocks, and broadcast systems. The goal is to ensure that Special Operations Forces (SOF) have timely access to modern, mission-critical capabilities that enhance readiness, operational flexibility, and technological advantage.

Funding for aircraft support is allocated for minor modifications and equipment to support SOF fixed-wing aircraft, as well as Simulator Block Upgrades (SBUD) for the Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC). The SBUD initiative focuses on procuring hardware and software to modernize training devices and simulators, improving the fidelity and efficiency of the AFSOC training pipeline. This modernization is essential for maintaining high-quality training standards and ensuring that SOF aircrews are prepared for evolving mission requirements.

Military Construction (MILCON) Collateral Equipment provides necessary equipment for newly constructed SOF facilities, including IT systems, video monitoring, and intrusion detection systems. These investments support specific MILCON projects at locations such as Fort Bragg, Coronado, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, and Baumholder, Germany. The objective is to equip new and renovated facilities with advanced technology and security infrastructure, supporting both operational and administrative functions while meeting centrally managed equipment requirements above the operations and maintenance threshold.

Command, Control, Communications, and Computer Information and Automated Systems (C4IAS) is a support program that delivers commercial off-the-shelf IT hardware and software for MISO media production and operational infrastructure. C4IAS investments include distributed data center hardware, network upgrades, cyber and zero trust infrastructure, and cloud data initiatives. The program aims to provide high-availability access to USSOCOM systems worldwide, facilitate integrated deterrence, and ensure compliance with federal cybersecurity mandates such as Zero Trust Architecture and NSA's Raise the Bar strategy. The FY 2026 budget reflects increased investments in cyber security, identity management, and infrastructure modernization to address emerging threats and replace unsupported assets.

Special Access Program Network (SAPNET) supports secure collaboration and information exchange for mission operations involving multi-SAP environments. SAPNET provides commercial IT hardware and software to enable secure voice, video, and data communications between SOF and select partners, focusing on resilience and modernization, particularly in the Pacific and European theaters. Technology Insertions are procured to support network infrastructure upgrades and ensure mission readiness. The program's objective is to build a resilient joint force capable of deterring aggression and prevailing in conflict.

Joint Operational Stocks (JOS) is a centrally managed repository of SOF-peculiar equipment, configured for rapid response to contingency operations, humanitarian assistance, disaster response, and training missions. JOS inventory includes night vision devices, weapons, communications, biometric systems, and bare-base support equipment. The program ensures that SOF units have immediate access to critical equipment for deployment in austere environments, with recent budget increases supporting deferred equipment replacement and readiness.

Fly-Away Broadcast System (FABS) is a third-generation broadcast system used for disseminating influence products to foreign audiences via radio, television, and cellular networks. FABS supports Military Information Support Operations (MISO) and counters adversarial propaganda, integrating new capabilities to reduce size, weight, and power requirements. The system includes light, medium, and heavy variants, and its funding has been realigned to the Warrior Systems line item beginning in FY 2026.