SO events offer a unique opportunity for a team effort, where the performance of each participant may have an impact on the overall objective. Some SO events are challenging and it is an opportunity to practise and to demonstrate skills; users of all levels of expertise are welcomed.
General kinds of SO Events include military operations (including application of weapons), humanitarian operations, various aerial work, flying displays and so on. Since SO Events typically involve many participants performing different types of roles, they can be highly realistic and fluid, evolving as they progress. Unlike civil events, there are countless scenarios of SO Events and no two SO events are identical. SO events are thoroughly organised and planned, participants get a chance to experience a mature environment and this is what makes them highly sought venues.
International SO events may be organised by divisions (divisional SO departments), official Special Operations Groups (SOGs) and HQ–SOD. Divisional SO events are organised within a particular division and are intended for members of the respective division. Only the international Special Operations events are mentioned (published) on the HQ–SOD website.
Since HQ–SOD staff individually validates every proposed international SO event, only those that satisfy certain standards are approved. International SO events tend to attract a lot of participants, they are international by definition with users from all the IVAO divisions welcomed, regardless of the event's location. To ensure that no one is left behind, English is used as a working language for international SO events.
You may have a look at the rules that govern international SO events in the SO Regulations (chapter 4).