Special Operations Command South (SOCSOUTH) located at Homestead Air Reserve Base, Fla., is a sub-unified command operationally assigned to U.S. Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM). It is a joint (military members from all four services) Special Operations headquarters that plans and executes special operations in Central & South America and the Caribbean, principally employing Special Operations Forces provided by U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) and the Services' Special Operations Forces (SOF) component commands. The headquarters staff of military, DoD civilian employees and contractors is comprised of more than 200 personnel. SOCSOUTH has five assigned, or attached subordinate commands, including "Charlie" Company, 3rd Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group; "Charlie" Company, 3rd Battalion, 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment; Naval Special Warfare Unit FOUR; 112th Signal Detachment SOCSOUTH; and Joint Special Operations Air Component-South. Special Operations encompass the use of small units in direct or indirect military actions that are focused on strategic or operational objectives. They require units with combinations of specialized personnel, equipment, training, and tactics that exceed the routine capabilities of conventional military forces. Special Operations Forces (SOF) are units that are formally designated by the Secretary of Defense to conduct special operations. SOCSOUTH is the focal point for SOF operating in the USSOUTHCOM area of responsibility.