I Corps Commander reinforces importance of integration during 1st SFC(A) commanders' decision roundtable

JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. — Leaders from across 1st Special Forces Command (Airborne) gathered at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, Oct. 26–28… JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. — Leaders from across 1st Special Forces Command (Airborne) gathered at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, Oct. 26–28, 2026, for a three-day Commanders’ Decision Roundtable focused on talent management, organizational readiness and preparing the force for future operations. 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne) hosted the event, bringing together command teams and staff from across the Special Operations Forces enterprise. On the final day, a central discussion focused on integrating SOF with conventional forces during Large-Scale Combat Operations. During a leader professional development session, Lt. Gen. Matthew McFarlane, commanding general of I Corps, addressed the growing importance of understanding the theater before crisis occurs, using SOF as the ‘human’ sensor.

“Special Operations Forces inform commanders based on the access and relationships built with partners,” said McFarlane. “SOF is the Joint Force’s primary contact layer with our partners to inform how we see ourselves, the enemy, and the environment.” 1st SFG(A) and I Corps have deliberately strengthened their partnership to improve coordination and develop a more integrated approach to future conflicts. The relationship between 1st SFG(A) and I Corps provides an example of how geographically aligned organizations can build strong working relationships before they are required to operate