U.S. Military Seeks Cultural Advisors for Somalia Amid ISIS Threat – SOFX

The U.S. special operations task force in Somalia is seeking contractors to serve as cultural and political advisors, acting as a bridge between U.S. forces and Somali society and authorities.

The solicitation, issued in late May on behalf of Joint Special Operations Task Force-Somalia (JSOTF-SOM), calls for three advisors to assist troops with Somali politics, culture, and tribal dynamics, as well as translation support.

“This effort will allow JSOTF-SOM to successfully conduct its mission with an understanding of local customs, history, cultural routines, tribal dynamics, local government, and the socio-cultural context in which operations are being planned and conducted,” the notice states.

The contractors would be based primarily in Mogadishu, Somalia’s capital, and would require Top Secret security clearance. They would also be expected to travel throughout Somalia, as well as to Djibouti and Kenya, and operate in “austere locations,” sometimes at personal risk. The role is expected to begin in September.

The move comes after U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) commander Gen. Dagvin Anderson told Congress that a 75% force drawdown in the region over the past decade has hindered intelligence collection. ISIS and al-Shabab remain active in the region. 

Even with fewer forces on the ground, U.S. military operations in Somalia have stayed intense. In 2025, U.S. Africa Command carried out roughly 125 airstrikes against militant groups, up from 10 in 2024.

In the first three months of the year, AFRICOM carried out 49 strikes in Somalia.