The Joint Special Operations University (JSOU) is seeking new submissions for its Call for Special Operations Papers, focused on the Space–Cyber–SOF Nexus—a topic JSOU says is increasingly central to future conflict and operational advantage.
The featured theme encourages original analysis on how Special Operations Forces can better integrate space and cyber capabilities to strengthen lethality, protect decision advantage, and keep pace with peer and near-peer competitors, particularly in contested environments and across converging domains.
JSOU has extended the submission deadline to March 27, 2026, and the call is open to all.
Submissions must align with one of the following SOF technology-related topics:
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Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence in Targeting
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Next-Generation ISR / Advanced Situational Awareness
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Space–Cyber–SOF–STRATCOM Nexus and capability integration
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Ethical, legal, and operational challenges of AI-driven warfare and autonomous systems
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NEXUS/Triad strategic-level synthesis
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Harnessing data for irregular warfare
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Digital force protections and cyber threats to SOF
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Rapid all-domain fusion for SOF
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SOF use of non-government hackers in support of strategic objectives
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Optimizing drone use and counter-UAS strategies
In addition to traditional papers, JSOU is also accepting fiction submissions, giving writers the opportunity to explore future conflict, SOF roles, and strategic challenges through narrative storytelling—so long as the work maintains a clear connection to technology and SOF.