This Intercept article has some facts and figures on the growth of U.S. special operations forces.

U.S. Special Operations Command has grown exponentially over the last 20 years. “Special operations-specific funding” topped out at $3.1 billion in 2001, compared with $13.1 billion now. Before 9/11, there were roughly 43,000 special operations forces. Today, there are 74,000 military personnel and civilians in the command. Two decades ago, an average of 2,900 commandos were deployed overseas in any given week. That number now stands at 4,500, according to SOCOM spokesperson Ken McGraw.

Intercept

It seems to me they do the job of a much larger conventional military force, and the future of war (also known as “defense”) is probably some combination of special operations and high technology. My concern is when the military takes over functions more appropriate to civilian diplomats, which it seems to me has been happening.