When was the Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) enacted?

The Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) was enacted after World War II as part of the broader legal framework governing the presence and conduct of military personnel from one country stationed in another country. This legal instrument outlines the rights, responsibilities, and legal jurisdictions applicable to these military personnel, ensuring a structured relationship between host nations and foreign military forces.

The necessity for SOFAs arose in the post-war context, particularly as the United States and its allies sought to maintain military bases and partnerships in various countries during the Cold War era, leading to agreements that formalize the operational and legal status of their forces abroad. As such, enacting SOFAs after WWII reflects the geopolitical realities of that time, where international military cooperation became essential.