The annual Special Operations Symposium & Exposition is held by the Association of Special Operations Professionals.
ASOP is an association of civilian and military professionals, united in a common goal to serve and support special operations concept and philosophy; dedicated to promote stability and peace locally, regionally and worldwide; committed to the needs of civilian and military Special Operations Forces for the protection of life, liberty and justice anytime and anyplace.
Each year they award two outstanding individuals. This years’ ASOP Man of the Year 2011 Award Recipient is GEN (R) David R Petraeus, the current DCI. The COL Aaron Bank 2011 Award Recipient is LTG John F. Mulholland Jr. Who is currently serving as Commanding General, United States Army Special Operations Command but has been nominated to assume the role of Deputy Commander, United States Special Operations Command.