Curated news, analysis, and commentary about special operations, national security, and conflicts around the world.

Photo / Image: East Coast-based Naval Special Warfare Operators use a Submarine Exploration (SUEX) diver propulsion vehicle during a sustainment exercise in Virginia Beach, Va. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Trey Hutcheson, Jan. 7, 2024)

Do you receive our daily newsletter? If not, you can sign up here and enjoy it five (almost) days a week with your morning coffee (or afternoon tea depending on where in the world you are).

SOF News

Questions on the Osprey. AFSOC is eager to get their fleet of CV-22s back in the air but want to ensure it is safe for its crews. In November 2023 a special operations Osprey crash off the coast of Japan’s Yakushima Island resulted in the death of eight crewmen. An investigation is ongoing. (Military.com, 13 Feb 2024) (Editorial Note: One retired SF colonel commented: “Do the troops have a desire to fly IN the CV-22?”) Read more in “Is the V-22 Osprey Headed to the Scrap Yard?”, National Interest, February 16, 2024; and in “US Navy’s Six-Decade-Old Greyhounds to fill Grounded V-22 Osprey’s Role”, The Defense Post, February 14, 2024.

Women in SOF. An interesting article takes a look at the history (and outcome) of the effort to integrate women into special operations forces. “A Reconsideration of Women’s Role in Special Operations: Critical Questions, Mooted a Decade After the Fact”, Small Wars Journal, February 19, 2024.

Change of SEAL Mission. Naval Special Warfare sailors are pivoting away from being a counterterrorism force to supporting the combatant commands. Training is now more focused on the maritime environment. “The Navy SEAL Mission is Shifting from Raids to Supporting the Service”, Military.com, February 14, 2024.

USS Canley Commissioned. An Expeditionary Sea Base ship (ESB) was recently commissioned (DOD, 16 Feb 2024) on February 17, 2024, in Coronado, California. It will support a variety of missions to include the staging of Special Operations Forces (SOF). It has a four-spot flight deck, mission deck, and hangar. The ship is named in honor of a U.S. Marine, Gunnery Sergeant John Canley (DVIDS, 17 Feb 2024), who won the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions during the Battle of Hue City, Vietnam in 1968. Watch a video about the ESB ship that describes the mission and layout of the ship. In the video, the captain of the ship describes the ESB as a “large command and control platform for sea basing Marines and Special Forces.” “USS John L. Canley (ESB 6) Virtual Tour”, DVIDS, February 10, 2024. See also “Explore the Floating Navy SEAL Base: A Closer Look at the US Warship Resembling a Tanker”, Texas Breaking News, February 12, 2024.

MoH – Zabitosky. The U.S. Department of Defense published a story about a U.S. Army Special Forces soldier who was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions during a 1968 helicopter crash in the Vietnam War. His recon team was tasked with monitoring the Ho Chi Minh Trail on February 19, 1968, in the midst of the Tet Offensive. Read more in “Medal of Honor Monday: Army Master Sgt. Fred W. Zabitosky”, DOD News, February 19, 2024.

“The Unit”. The New York Post has published an article entitled “This military special ops unit is so classified, even its name is a secret – and getting into it is absolute hell.” February 19, 2024.

NSW Force Multiplier. Rear Adm. Keith Davids recent participated in and provided some commentary at the AFCEA-USNI West 2024 Conference held in February 2024 in San Diego. “Naval Special Warfare a Force Multiplier for Fleet, Prioritizing Reintegration with Joint Force”, Seapower Magazine, February 15, 2024.

1st SFG(A) Training in Taiwan. The United States and Taiwan appear to be having a more robust relationship over the past year or more. Members of the 1st Special Forces Group are reported to be working on two bases of the 101st Amphibious Reconnaissance Battalion – a Taiwanese special operations force. “US Army Special Forces Train Taiwan Troops Near China’s Coast”, Newsweek, February 8, 2024.

Nine Honored at Fort Liberty. Some prominent members of the special operations and airborne community were recently honored at the Iron Mike Conference Center on Fort Liberty. (CityView, 17 Feb 2024)

26th MEU (SOC). The 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) is conducting cold weather bilateral training with the 32nd Marine Brigade in Volos, Greece at the Mount Olympus Mountain Training Center. (DVIDS, 19 Feb 2024)

Cigars Honoring the SEALs. A cigar line honoring the Navy SEALs and their families has been created by a New Hampshire-based smoke shop. “United Cigars To Release New Smokes Honoring Navy SEALs”, Cigar Aficionado, February 14, 2024.

Special Forces Scholarship Fund. The Special Forces Scholarship Fund has now become a part of the Green Beret Foundation (GBF). Read a press release dated February 9, 2024, by the GBF.

5th SFG(A) Memorial. Over 800 Special Forces men were lost during the Vietnam War. There is a plan underway to build a memorial on Gabriel Field, Fort Campbell, Kentucky close to the headquarters of the 5th Special Forces Group. Members of the Special Forces Association and Special Operations Association are involved in the project and the fundraiser to make the memorial a reality.
https://specialoperations.org/soa/5th-group-vietnam-memorial/

International SOF

Royal Marines New CRC. A new CRC is replacing the troop-carrying and fire support variants of the Offshore Raiding Craft (ORC). The new craft is multi-purpose and more supportive of the Commando Force. “Royal Marines Receive New Commando Raiding Craft”, Forces.net, February 14, 2024.

Paddy Mayne and the SAS. A member of the Special Air Service executed some of the most daring raids against enemy strongholds during World War II. (War History Online, 13 Feb 2024)

UKSF Blocks Afghans from Triples. Afghan fighters of CF 333 and ATF 444 have been stymied in their attempt to resettle in the UK under the Afghan Relocation and Assistance Policy (ARAP) scheme. Recent reports from multiple media sources (Express, Arab News, AOAV, Independent, Guardian) indicate that the roadblock may be because the applications did not receive approval from UK Special Forces. “Special Forces blocked UK resettlement applications from elite Afghan troops”, BBC, February 19, 2024.

SOF History

Burma. On February 24, 1944, Merrill’s Marauders began a campaign in northern Burma. The mission of the 5307th Composite Unit (provisional) was to disrupt Japanese supply and communications lines.

Corregidor. On February 16, 1945, members of the 503rd Parachute Regimental Combat Team (PRCT) dropped onto Corregidor in an effort to recapture the island from the Japanese.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Corregidor_(1945)

Desert Storm. On February 23, 1991, SOFDA 525 was inserted by helicopter at night and moved to a hide site to conduct a recon mission deep behind enemy lines in Iraq. On the next morning, the 24th, this 5th SFG(A) team would find itself fighting for survival against an overwhelming enemy force.
https://sof.news/history/sfoda-525/

MARSOC. On February 24, 2006, the Marine Corps Special Operations Command (MARSOC) was officially activated at Camp Lejeune, N.C.

Robin Moore. On February 21, 2008, Robin Moore, the author of The Green Berets, died. He attended the Special Forces Qualification Course and would later deploy to South Vietnam where he spent time with the 5th Special Forces Group.

Conflict in Israel and Gaza

Situation Update. The Israeli Defence Force (IDF) says that Hamas’ Khan Younis (map) Brigade is defeated. Next big target is Rafah. The humanitarian situation and civilian casualties are the foremost concern in the international community.

Civilian Casualties. Israel is taking a lot of heat over the number of civilian casualties suffered by Palestinians in Gaza. The numbers often quoted in news media usually comes from Hamas government sources – so the claims are unverifiable and likely inflated. John Spencer, Chairman of the Urban Warfare Studies Program at the Modern War Institute at West Point, argues that Israel has taken more steps to avoid harming civilians than any other military in history. Read more in “Urban warfare expert says Israeli military taking unprecedented steps to protect Gaza civilians”, by Ruth Marks Eglash, Fox News, February 17, 2024. (sign in required)

City of Rafah. One of the last remaining strongholds for Hamas fighters and a location where many Israeli and foreign hostages are held could be the next target of the Israeli Defence Force (IDF). Complicating an offensive in Rafah (map, NSI) is the fact that over a million Palestinians are sheltering in the city and surrounding areas after being displace from their homes. The international community is calling for an immediate ceasefire; but Hamas refuses to release the remaining hostages (over 100) and Israel won’t stop until Hamas is defeated and the hostages are released. There are reports that the IDF will begin an offensive in Rafah by the start of Ramadan (March 10?) if the remaining hostages are not released.

Hospital Raid by IDF. Israeli forces entered the Nassar Medical Complex in Khan Younis (map) in a “precise and limited” raid in attempt to recover the remains of hostages taken by Hamas. Thousands of displaced persons had taken refuge in the hospital. (Associated Press, 15 Feb 2024)

References:

• Map Gaza Strip (2005), and more maps of Gaza Strip, West Bank, and Israel.
• Israel-Hamas War: Insights from RAND

Ukraine Conflict

Fall of Avdiivka. After many months of fierce resistance by Ukrainian forces it appears that Ukraine has withdrawn from the small city of Avdiivka (Google Maps). Shortages of supplies, ammunition, artillery rounds, and manpower have contributed to the difficulties that Ukrainian forces have had in continuing to defend the city. Without the departure from the city, Ukrainian troops would have been cut off and encircled by Russian troops. The victory came at a high cost for Russia. (Business Insider, 18 Feb 2024) A detailed account of the Battle for Avdiivka can be read here on Wikipedia.

IG Report on Ukraine. The Special Inspector General report to the U.S. Congress was recently put online. It covers the period from October 1, 2023, to December 31, 2023. The publication has an executive summary, mission update, operational update, info on security assistance, diplomacy, development, and humanitarian assistance. “Operation Atlantic Resolve“, DoS, February 2024, PDF, 158 pages.

Brave Chopper Pilots Who Resupplied Mariupol. When Russia invaded Ukraine (SOF News) in February 2022, one of its principal targets was the coastal city of Mariupol on the Sea of Azov. However, the defenders held on for months despite overwhelming odds. The resistance by these fighters most likely stalled the Russian assault on Kiev and provided time for the Ukrainian defense forces to reconstitute and reorganize. The 36th Separate Marine Brigade and Azov Battalion fought a heroic defense of the city but were ultimately reduced to defending a small, four-mile in area industrial complex located on the shore of the Sea of Azov. Resupply of ammunition and the evacuation of wounded was difficult as the city was surrounded. But a handful of brave helicopter pilots provided a lifeline that prolonged the resistance in Mariupol. “The Untold Story of the Ukrainian Helicopter Rescue Missions During the Mariupol Siege”, Time, February 15, 2024.

Frontline Evacuation. Read a story of how medics tend to patients picked up from the trenches and the journey to a hospital – the race to save a life. “The quiet intimacy of a desperate frontline evacuation”, The Counteroffensive, February 15, 2024.

More News Snippets. A Russian helicopter pilot who defected to Ukraine with his Mi8 aircraft (for $1 million?) has been confirmed dead (Kyiv Post Twitter) in Spain by the Ukrainian Main Intelligence Directorate (HUR). He was shot multiple times and then run over by a vehicle in what appears to be an assassination. The U.S. Defense Department says that without U.S. funding, Ukraine’s defense will likely collapse. (DOD, 16 Feb 2024)

Battle of Irpin River. In the early days of the war, late February 2022, Russia forces were stopped short of Kyiv. One of the key factors was stopping the Russian advance on the capital from the north and northwest. Read more about this in “The Battle of Irpin River”, The British Army Review, Spring 2024, 54 pages.

Reality Check. Martin Stanton, a retired Army officer, provides his appraisal of the likely outcome of the Ukraine conflict – a negotiated peace. “The Ukraine War at Two: Time for Some Reality”, Small Wars Journal, February 14, 2024. See also “Does the West’s Ukraine policy need a reality check?”, Brookings Institute, February 15, 2024. And there is this as well “A Frozen War in Ukraine Would Be a Victory for Russia”, by Paul Poast, World Politics Review, February 16, 2024.

• References:
• Interactive Map. Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine by the Insitute for the Study of War and Critical Threats. On storymaps.arcgis.com See also https://www.national-security.info/ukraine/maps.html
• U.S. Security Assistance to Ukraine, Congressional Research Service, CRSIF12040, periodically updated, PDF, 3 pages. https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/IF/IF12040
• Ukraine Conflict, National Security Info. https://www.national-security.info/ukraine-conflict.html

Commentary and Reports

Air Power and IW. The Irregular Warfare Initiative has a new program called Project Air Power that will explore and advocate for the totality of air, aviation, and space power in the unconventional, hybrid, and gray-zone environments. The director is a retired USAF Air Commando, Richard D. Newton, PhD. Read more in “Air and Space Power in the Gray Zone”, Irregular Warfare Initiative, February 2, 2024.

IW Masters. Sal Artiaga provides details the strategic thoughts and successes of Mao Zedong, T.E. Lawrence, Michael Collins, and Vo Nguyen Giap. “The Legacy of Irregular Warfare Masters”, Irregular Warfare Center, January 31, 2024.

Report – The Conceptualization of Irregular Warfare in the Indo-Pacific Region, by Dr. Sandor Fabian and Gabrielle Kennedy, Irregular Warfare Center, February 13, 2024, PDF, 21 pages. Abstract or PDF.

National Security

Report – FARA Program Cancelled? The U.S. Army is seeking to cancel the Future Attack Reconnaissance Aircraft program in its FY2025 budget request. The program is part of an effort to improve existing rotorcraft and replace the AH-64 Apache and OH-58 Kiowa helicopters. Read more in Army Future Attack Reconnaissance Aircraft (FARA) Program Proposed Cancellation: Background and Issues for Congress, Congressional Research Service, CRS IF12592, February 16, 2024, PDF, 3 pages.
https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/IF/IF12592

Dropping Munitions from Drones. The increased drone activity in the Middle East and Ukraine is changing up modern warfare. The U.S. Army is trying to stay up with the times. “The 82nd Airborne is dropping munitions from drones”, Task & Purpose, February 15, 2024.

Conexs, Pallets, and Rucksacks. Anyone who has deployed has taking part in loading a Conex, pallet, and personal gear into rucksacks, duffel bags, kit bags, and team boxes. One of the never-ending questions is what to pack and what to leave in the supply room. The Army has come around to the idea that ‘leaner is better’ and more efficient. “Lighten the load: The Army’s plan to save time by shedding excess gear”, Army Times, February 13, 2024.

Border Security. The Texas government is looking at opening a base along the Rio Grande River at some point in the future. This 80-acre base camp for National Guard troops could house as many as 2,300 troops and will provide improved living conditions for those maintaining border security. (Task & Purpose, 17 Feb 2024)

SECDEF Out of Hospital. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin was released from Walter Reed National Military Hospital Medical Center on Tuesday, February 13, 2024. He was held for two nights for “supportive care and close monitoring” in the critical care unit of the Hospital. “Austin Released From Hospital Today”, DOD News, February 13, 2024. DOD announced that he returned to work at the Pentagon on Thursday, February 15, 2024.

Strategic Competition

China and IW. Sal Artiaga writes about the contrasting approaches of two world powers – China and the United States – towards irregular warfare. He says that the U.S. is playing Chess while China is playing Go. “Contrasting Chinese and American Approaches to Irregular Warfare”, Irregular Warfare Center, February 12, 2024.

China’s Gray Zone Operations. “The latest wave of gray zone operations initiated by Beijing will heighten tension in the region and increase other countries’ concerns about China’s aggressive posture. Gray-zone operations involve using irregular tactics without resorting to open combat.” “Analysts: China Challenges Taiwan’s Sovereignty Through Gray Zone Operations”, by William Yang, Voice of America, February 19, 2024.

U.S. Engagement in SE Asia. Derek Grossman, a senior defense analyst at RAND, takes a hard look at the limited success that the Biden administration has had in countering the influence of China in southeast Asia. With some countries – Philippines, Singapore, Vietnam, and Indonesia – there have been some achievements. But other countries like Laos and Cambodia seem to be neglected. “The Good and the Bad for Biden in Southeast Asia”, RAND Blog, February 8, 2024.

Russia’s New Space Capability. The U.S. security establishment and politicians in D.C. a buzzing about a new space weapon (Associated Press, 15 Feb 2024) that may be part of Russia’s arsenal in the future; many characterizing it as a “serious national security threat”. At risk could be GPS and communications networks that depend on satellites. The 1967 Outer Space Treaty (Arms Control Association) prohibits the deployment of nuclear weapons in space. The White House has publicly confirmed that Russia has an anti-satellite capability that is not yet operational.

Death of Navalny. A well-known dissident and Putin critic, Alexei Navalny (age 47), is reported to have died on while in a Russian penal colony in the Arctic region of Siberia. He had survived two poisonings – with Russian intelligence agents as the suspected perpetrators. He was imprisoned in 2021. Even while imprisoned he continued his criticism of Putin to include the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. “Alexey Navalny dead in a Russian penal colony, prison service says”, CBS News, February 16, 2024. See also commentary by Ambassador Daniel Fried in “Navalny’s Death and the Kremlin”, Just Security, February 16, 2024.

Afghanistan

UN Meeting on Afghanistan in Doha. On February 18-19, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres will convene a meeting on Afghanistan in Doha to discuss the ongoing humanitarian and human rights crises and the recent report on a way forward by U.N. Special Coordinator for Afghanistan Feridun Sinirlioğlu. A host of representatives from various international organizations and U.N. member states will attend. Read some news reports about the conference.

• “What to Expect from the Doha Conference on Afghanistan”, by Kate Bateman and Andrew Watkins, United States Institute of Peace, February 15, 2024.
• “The UN Doha Meeting: Sustain Aid and Confront Unyielding Taliban Rule”, by Nader Nadery, Asia Dispatches, Wilson Center, February 15, 2024.
• “The Contest for a Special Envoy: Will the meeting in Doha yield a shift in the world’s engagement with the Emirate?”, by Roxanna Shapour, Afghanistan Analysts Network (AAN), February 17, 2024.

SOF News Book Shop

View our selection of books about special operations forces at the SOF News Book Shop.

Middle East

U.S. Strike Kills Afghans in Middle East. Afghan refugees who joined the Fatemiyoun Brigade have died in strikes by the United States in Syria. The Afghans join the expeditionary unit to escape crushing poverty and to battle for Shiite Islam. The brigade is estimated to be about 20,000 strong and operates under the command of Iran’s Quds Forces. “U.S. Strike Killed Afghans Recruited to Fight for Iran”, The New York Times, February 19, 2024. (subscription)

Report – Iraq: Attacks and U.S. Strikes Reopen Discussion of U.S. Military Presence, Congressional Research Service, CRS IN12309, updated February 16, 2024, PDF, 4 pages. https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/IN/IN12309

IG Report on Operation Inherent Resolve. The US Department of State’s Office of Inspector General has published its quarterly report to Congress for Operation Inherent Resolve. The publication, posted online in February 2024 is 114 pages long (PDF). Major sections cover the security situation, mission update, activities of CJTF-OIR, CSOJTF-L, ISIS, talks on transitioning the U.S. presence in Iraq, the “new operating paradigm”, U.S. policy goals, IG oversight activities, and the security partners in the region (Iraqi, Kurdish, and Syrian) to include the Iraqi Counterterrorism Service (CTS) which is advised by the Special Operations Advisory Group. Russia and Turkey get a mention as well.

Yemen. The situation in the seas around Yemen has not improved. There are unconfirmed news reports that the Houthis have shot down a MQ-9 Reaper. In addition, the Houthis are using unmanned underwater vessels (UUV) (USNI News, 19 Feb 2024) and unmanned surface vessels (USV). On February 18, 2024, an anti-ship ballistic missile struck a UK-owned bulk carrier. The crew was evacuated and transported to a nearby port. Some news reports say the Houthis are now using underwater drones.

Podcasts and Videos

Podcast – Analyzing Emerging IW Trends. LTG (ret) David Barno and Dr. Nora Bensahel analyze the emerging trends in the character of Irregular Warfare as seen in the ongoing conflicts in both Ukraine and Gaza. The Trident, U.S. Naval College, February 15, 2024, 1 hour. https://digital-commons.usnwc.edu/the-trident/2/

Podcast – Three Missions in Panjwai District. A Special Forces NCO tells of his time in a dangerous district in southern Afghanistan that was littered with IEDs. Ryan Hendrickson shares his stories on The Spear Podcast, Modern War Institute at West Point, February 14, 2024.

Podcast – Flashpoints in the US-China Relationship. This podcast is focused on the book entitled Facing China: The Prospect for War and Peace, which examines various flashpoints in the Indo-Pacific that could result in military conflict. Bonnie Glaser and Jean-Pierre Cabestan are featured in this 22-minute episode presented by the German Marshall Fund. (20 Feb 2024)

Video – 5th SFG(A) Tactical Skills Assessment. Soldiers from across all battalions of 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne) teamed up and conducted a three-day tactical skills assessment Jan. 31 – Feb. 1, 2024, at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. The assessment included day and night marksmanship, stress shoots, tactical combat casualty care, timed rucks, and land navigation. (U.S. Army video by Staff Sgt. Gregory T. Summers, 5th SFG(A) Public Affairs) (DVIDS, 7 Feb 2024, 1 minute)

Upcoming Events

February 27-29, 2024
Special Air Warfare Symposium – Global SOF
Fort Walton Beach, FL

March 11-13, 2024
Irregular Warfare COI Symposium
Mclean, Virginia

April 12-14, 2024
Best Ranger Competition

April 24-25, 2024
12th Border Security & Intelligence Summit
Defense Strategies

May 6-10, 2024
SOF Week – Global SOF
Tampa, FL

June 24-25, 2024
CIWAG Maritime Symposium – Newport, R.I.
Center on Irregular Warfare and Armed Groups

Curated news, analysis, and commentary about special operations, national security, and conflicts around the world.

Photo / Image: A CV-22 Osprey assigned to the 21st Special Operations Squadron, sits on the flightline during a snow fall March 29, 2020, at Yokota Air Base, Japan. (U.S. Air Force photo by Yasuo Osakabe)

Do you receive our daily newsletter? If not, you can sign up here and enjoy it five (almost) days a week with your morning coffee (or afternoon tea depending on where in the world you are).

SOF News

Recovery of CV-22B Crew. The U.S. Air Force Special Operations Command reports that six bodies have been located by divers from the eight-man crew of the Osprey that crashed into waters off Japan. As of Tuesday, the remains of three of the Airmen have been recovered. The status of all the Airmen has been changed from DUSTWUN to deceased and the names have been released to the public. “AFSOC Aircraft Mishap Releases”, AFSOC, December 10, 2023. The Department of Defense has grounded all CV-22 Osprey variants of the Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps. (DoD, Dec 7, 2023) The Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) is leading the investigation into the Osprey mishap. The crash is likely due to a problem with the aircraft, not crew error.

Votel Joins AeroVironment. General Joseph L. Votel has joined the Board of Directors of AreoVironment. Votel is a former commander of Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC), U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM), and Central Command (CENTCOM). AreoVironment provides technology solutions at the intersection of robotics, sensors, software analytics and connectivity that deliver more actionable intelligence so you can proceed with certainty. Headquartered in Virginia, AeroVironment is a global leader in intelligent, multi-domain robotic systems and serves defense, government and commercial customers.

SEALs and India’s MARCOS Training. A U.S. Navy SEAL Team conducted a joint training exchange with the Indian Marine Commando Force (MARCOS) from Oct. 20 to Nov. 11, 2023. The combined tactical training, which built upon the partner nation’s collective maritime capabilities and long-standing partnership, included a focus on maritime interdiction operations, close quarters combat training, tactical combat casualty care and casualty evacuation procedures. “Indian MARCOS, U.S. Navy SEALs Conduct Joint Training Exchange”, DVIDS, December 5, 2023.

SEALs and Delta in South America. George Hand, a retired Green Beret writes about the time his team of Delta ‘lads’ joined some Navy SEALs to do some riverine training ‘in the jungles ‘down south’. “Navy SEALs and Delta Force Commandos Living Together in the Jungles of South America”, SANDBOXX, December 6, 2023.

26th MEU (SOC) in the Med. The Marines and Sailors with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable), embarked on the USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19), participated in an integrated Greek Bi-Lateral Exercise with the 32nd Hellenic Marine Brigade, Mediterranean Sea, Dec. 1-3, 2023. (Navy, Dec 7, 2023)

SOCAFRICA’s Silent Warrior 23. Military and government leaders from the across the globe came together for Silent Warrior 23, Dec. 4 – 7, 2023 in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany. The multi-day conference, hosted by Special Operations Command Africa, aimed to facilitate forums for senior military leaders to discuss shared concerns and identify collaborative solutions to the strategic, operational, and tactical issues in Africa. “SOCAFRICA’s Silent Warrior 23”, SOF News, December 9, 2023.

SOF and Voice Analyzer. US Special Forces utilize many technologies to go after the enemies of this country. One such technology is the Computer Voice Stress Analyzer (CVSA), a system that is manufactured by NITV Federal Services, located in West Palm Beach, Florida. Read a scenario where the CVSA is useful in spotting security violations by partner forces. “US Special Forces Use the Computer Voice Stress Analyzer (CVSA) in Combat Zones”, PR Newswire, December 5, 2023.

International SOF

UK’s SF. Javier Sutil Toledano provides a detailed description of the UK’s special forces: history, purpose, organization, units, and notable operations. “UKSF: the United Kingdom Special Forces”, Grey Dynamics, December 8, 2023.

Omega PMC. Ukraine is the home of the Omega Consulting Group – a private military corporation that is playing a growing role within the privatized military sector. Since 2011, Omega has assisted companies, organizations, and governments by supporting and developing their projects in sensitive areas. Their operations throughout Africa, the Middle East, and Europe have benefitted clients in wide-ranging industries and foreign and Ukrainian governments. “Omega Consulting Group: Omega PMC”, by George Englehart, Grey Dynamics, December 9, 2023.

Elite Afghan Troops at Risk. About 200 members of Afghan special forces, trained and funded by the UK, face imminent deportation to their Taliban-controlled homeland. Some were members of Commando Force 333, set up by the UK to counter Afghanistan’s growing problems with opium production. “Elite Afghan troops face return to Taliban after UK ‘betrayal'”, BBC News, December 10, 2023.

Just Cause. On December 20, 1989, the entire 75th Ranger Regiment participated in Operation Just Cause (Panama). Parachute assaults were conducted onto Torrijos/Tocumen International Airport, Rio Hato Airfield and other locations to neutralize Panamanian Defense Forces.

The Coast Watchers. Unsung heroes of Australia’s intelligence network reported on naval activity in the Pacific Islands and along Australia’s coastline during the Imperial Japanese advance and occupations. Learn more in “Australia’s Secret Army”, Cove Talk, December 5, 2023.

Conflict in Israel and Gaza

Southern Gaza Now a Battleground. Israeli Defense Force (IDF) launched their attack on the main city in the southern Gaza Strip last week. It was the biggest assault since the collapse of the truce. The IDF advanced in a westerly direction and entered the city of Khan Younis. Many of the Hamas military and political leadership fled north Gaza for the city. This referred to as the second phase of the offensive. Since the truce collapsed, Israel has been posting an online map to tell Gazans which parts of the enclave to evacuate and has specified that the Salah ah Din Road that runs north-south is the designated humanitarian corridor. Hamas had constructed a massive system of underground tunnels in Gaza and the West Bank (FDD, Dec 6, 2023) that shield supplies, weapons, and fighters from Israeli attacks. The Israelis are responding by pumping seawater into the tunnels to render them unusable and to push fighters from underground refuge. Hamas continues to launch rockets into Israel and has stated that it has the intent of repeating October 7th again and again in the future.

Hostages. There are about 130 hostages held by the Hamas terrorists still in Gaza – negotiations for their release have stalled. The U.S. Justice Department is investigating (AP News, Dec 6, 2023) the deaths of 30 Americans and kidnappings of about 13 Americans in the October 7th Hamas terrorist attack.

Civilian Casualties. As with many conflicts . . . civilian casualties in Gaza are numerous. This is especially true due to the nature of urban combat and with limited safe places for civilians to evacuate to for safety. The October 7th Hamas terrorist attack killed over 1,200 people, most of them civilians. In addition, thousands of Palestinians have been killed – the majority of them civilians. This is compounded with the tactics used by Hamas – hiding amongst the civilian population and using them as shields. Lt. General Mark Schwartz (Ret.) is interviewed by CNN’s Jake Tapper on the topic. (CNN, Dec 6, 2023) Schwartz’s last assignment in the military was as the United States Security Coordinator for Israel and the Palestinian Authority. He led a multinational and interagency team responsible for U.S. security policy in developing the Palestinian Authority Security Forces. He served as the United States Executive Branch and Department of State, personal representative to the Palestinian Authority. Schwartz spent most of his career in Special Forces.

Humanitarian Crisis. Much of the population of north Gaza has fled to the south, about 1.7 million people have been displaced from their homes. Now they are in peril due to the current fighting between Palestinian militants and Israeli forces in southern Gaza. Living conditions for the internally displaced Palestinians is dire – communication outages, disease, shortages of food, water, fuel, and medical services are prevalent. Some aid is coming across the border from Egypt . . . but not enough. A recent article explores the options for the IDPs in Gaza – none of them good. “Displaced in Gaza: The Least-Bad Option”, The RAND Blog, December 4, 2023.

Refuge in Egypt – Foreign Nationals? Yes. Palestinians? No. Wounded civilians and foreign or dual nationals are permitted to cross the border crossing from Gaza to Egypt. The Egyptians are not allowing refugees to enter Egypt. Israel would love to see the 2 million plus Palestinians of the Gaza Strip, many now displaced, flow into refugee camps in Egypt supported by the international community. Egypt and other Arab nations? No so much.

Report – USAID and Gaza. The U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) has published a brief on the over $7.6 billion in assistance to Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza since 1993. West Bank and Gaza Aid, GAO-24-106243, December 7, 2023, PDF, 49 pages. https://www.gao.gov/products/gao-24-106243

University Presidents Under Fire. The Presidents of Harvard University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and University of Pennsylvania testified before Congress on Tuesday, December 6, 2023, where they provided ”inadequate responses” about whether calls for the genocide of Jewish people would violate university policies. The president of Harvard has issued an apology (The Harvard Crimson) and the president of one of the other universities has resigned in the aftermath of the testimony. (CNN)

And The Future? The Israel Defense Forces’ (IDF) Gaza campaign lacks a critical component, betraying a major strategic flaw: the absence of a plan to provide security, sufficient aid, and critical services to a largely displaced and vulnerable Palestinian population. Jonathan Lord of the Center for a New American Security argues that for both Israel’s security and the safety of the Palestinian people, the US needs to step up and organize a multi-national security force in Gaza. “The case for an immediate, US-led stabilization mission in Gaza”, Breaking Defense, December 4, 2023.

References: Map Gaza Strip (2005), and more maps of Gaza Strip, West Bank, and Israel.

Ukraine Conflict

U.S. Funding for Ukraine. The United States will soon run out of money and equipment to send to Ukraine by the end of the year if Congress does not approve additional aid. Many Republicans are against providing the money in a supplemental budget request – they don’t see the conflict as a fight we should be involved with. Some Republicans are tying financial support to Ukraine with fixing the serious security concerns associated with the U.S. southern border and meaningful immigration reform. Republicans argue that the laws need to be changed; saying that currently anyone who shows up in the United States legally or illegally to claim asylum are allowed to stay in the country while their cases are adjudicated by a system that is backlogged and overwhelmed. “Republican senators urge Biden to step in after Schumer vote fails over border dispute“, Washington Examiner, December 7, 2023. The latest security assistance package was provided to Ukraine on December 6, 2023. (DoD, Dec 6, 2023) The U.S. has provided more than $44.8 billion in security assistance to Ukraine since the beginning of Russia’s invasion on February 24, 2022. (DoD Fact Sheet, Dec 6, 2023)

Russian Women Want Their Men Back. A growing movement of Russian women is demanding the return from the front of their husbands, sons and brothers who were mobilized after a decree by President Vladimir Putin in September last year. “In Russia, some women demand return of their men from Ukraine front”, Reuters, December 5, 2023.

Interactive Map. Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine by the Insitute for the Study of War and Critical Threats.
On storymaps.arcgis.com

National Security

NDAA. A final version of the National Defense Authorization Act (House version, congress.gov) has been agreed upon by House and Senate conferees. Both chambers of Congress will vote on the bill this week and send to the President for signing. Read more here in a statement by the U.S. Senate Committee on Armed Services (Dec 7, 2023).

WH War Powers Report. The White House has sent a letter to Congress with information about the deployments around the world of U.S. Armed Forces conducting counterterrorism missions.

Border Security. Arrivals of migrants in Mexico range from foreign born entrepreneurs to those who never intended to make Mexico their final destination – looking to move further north. “A New Wave of Migration is Changing Mexico”, America’s Quarterly, December 7, 2023.

Special Collection Service. The United States Special Collection Service (SCS), codenamed F6, is a joint NSA-CIA program that is referred to as the “mission impossible force.” The SCS’s existence is denied by the U.S. government, but its activities and capabilities have been revealed over the years. “Special Collection Service: America’s Mission Impossible Force”, by George Englehart, Grey Dynamics, December 10, 2023.

Space Force Now in Europe. U.S. European Command, U.S. Africa Command and U.S. Space Force officially activated the U.S. Space Forces Europe and Africa (SPACEFOREUR-AF) component command at a ceremony in Ramstein, Germany, on Dec. 8, 2023. SPACEFOREUR-AF is the newest service component under EUCOM and AFRICOM with their permanent headquarters at Ramstein Air Base. EUCOM and AFRICOM are the latest combatant commands to establish a space component, following in the footsteps of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command and U.S. Central Command. (AFRICOM, Dec 10, 2023)

LRHW. The Army’s Long-Range Hypersonic Weapon (LRHW) (Figure 1), with a reported range of 1,725 miles, consists of a ground-launched missile equipped with a hypersonic glide body and associated transport, support, and fire control equipment. Read more about the LRHW in The U.S. Army’s Long-Range Hypersonic Weapon (LRHW), Congressional Research Service, CRS IF11991, updated December 8, 2023, PDF, 3 pages. https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/IF/IF11991

Great Power Competition

Resisting China’s Gray Zone Activities Against Taiwan. China has sharply escalated its pressure campaign targeting Taiwan in recent years, particularly by leveraging military and security operations in the “gray zone” between peace and war. Policymakers in Washington and Taipei should respond to such gray zone pressure tactics by gauging their effectiveness, improving tracking and information-sharing, bolstering resilience, strengthening response capabilities, clarifying and consulting on response thresholds, and shaping the narrative. Jacob Stokes explains more in Resisting China’s Gray Zone Military Pressure on Taiwan, CNAS, November 2023, PDF, 14 pages.
https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/files.cnas.org/documents/GreyZone_Final.pdf

PLA a Paper Tiger? Not Really. The Chinese People’s Liberation Army is more capable than the United States cares to admit and only needs to be good enough at a certain time and place to send the US packing from the Indo-Pacific. “Think China’s PLA is a paper tiger? Think again, warns retired US Marine Officer”, Defense Connect, November 29, 2023.

Disrupting the PLA. RAND Corporation has published a new report on China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) that explores the tasks the PLA will be expected to carry out in support of key missions in peacetime and in a low-intensity conflict. The report goes on to cite some vulnerabilities that could disrupt the PLA’s path towards carrying out the tasks and how the United States can leverage those vulnerabilities to disrupt the PLA’s tasks and Chinese strategic objectives. “Disrupting the Chinese Military in Competition and Low-Intensity Conflict”, RAND Corporation, November 2023, PDF, 116 pages. https://www.rand.org/pubs/research_reports/RRA1794-2.html

Chinese Overseas Ports. The Council of Foreign Relations has an interactive map that tracks China’s growing maritime influence through investments in strategic overseas ports. Users can plot the location of each port and view satellite images alongside detailed information. “Tracking China’s Control of Overseas Ports”, Council of Foreign Relations, November 6, 2023.

Paper – Russian Drones. Since 2009, Russia has invested significant effort into developing unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), or drones, for military purposes. They have used drones for reconnaissance, targeting, electronic warfare, and direct strikes. The Ukraine conflict has diminished the inventory of Russian drones, and the country is relying on Iranian drones. Russia is losing in the drone war with Ukraine. Read more in Russian Military Drones: Past, Present, and Future of the UAV Industry, by Pavel Luzin, Foreign Policy Research Institute, November 2023, PDF, 32 pages. https://www.fpri.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/russian-military-drones-.pdf

Russia and Finland Border Security. Since August 2023, around 900 asylum seekers from the Middle East and Africa have been waved through by Russian border control to the Finnish border checkpoints without proper documentation. Finland accuses Russia of transporting the refugees to the border points where they then ask for asylum. The EU’s external border agency, Frontex, has dispatched staff to help Finnish colleagues stave off Russia’s weaponization of migrants on its border. Once across the border, the asylum seekers and refugees become a costly burden for the Finnish government and people. “Russian Border Bullying is Back – Finland This Time”, by Charlotta Collen, Center for European Policy Analysis, November 28, 2023. See also “Russia Taunts Finland with Migrant Maneuvers”, by Elisabeth Braw, CEPA, November 28, 2023. While the use of migrants as a weapon against Finland may be new, the tactic has been employed by Belarus against other European countries since 2021. See “A migrant crisis at the Latvia-Belarus border”, by Daniel Ofman, CEPA, November 22, 2023.

SOF News welcomes the submission of articles for publication. If it is related to special operations, current conflicts, national security, or defense then we are interested.

News From Around the World

Myanmar Conflict. The world’s longest running conflict is seeing the increasingly overstretched military junta losing ground in northern Myanmar in an area near the Chinese border. Lucas Myers, a senior associate for Southeast Asia at the Wilson Center’s Asia Program, provides a lengthy commentary on this topic. “The Myanmar Military is Facing Death by a Thousand Cuts”, War on the Rocks, November 17, 2023.

Report – Afghanistan: Background and U.S. Policy. The Congressional Research Service has updated a publication that covers the following topics: Taliban government, regional dynamics, counterterrorism, Afghan women and girls, relocations of Afghans to the U.S., and the humanitarian crisis. CRS R45122, updated December 4, 2023, PDF, 21 pages. https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/R/R45122

Afghanistan’s UN Seat. While the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA) maintains that it deserves full-scale recognition, it has not been given the country’s seat at the United Nations. “Whose Seat Is It Anyway: The UN’s (non) decision on who represents Afghanistan”, Afghanistan Analysts Network, December 7, 2023.

Looking for a break from the snow and cold weather? Florida could be your next trip!

Attacks on U.S. Bases. The U.S. military in Iraq and Syria continue to receive rocket and drone attacks from various jihadist militia groups – many with an affiliation with Iran. The U.S. Embassy in Iraq has been subjected to attacks as well. In recent days, some servicemembers have received minor injuries. U.S. naval vessels in the waters in the Middle East region are intercepting drones and missiles fired by Houthis from Yemen. Some of these Houthi attacks are meant for Israel (Reuters, Dec 6, 2023) and others against military and commercial maritime traffic. (FDD, Dec 6, 2023) The Iranian-backed Houthis say they will prohibit the passage of any ships to Israel and consider them a target.

Venezuelan Referendum and Invading Guyana. Voters overwhelming cast their vote to establish a new Venezuelan state in a highly contested oil-rich territory of Guyana known as Essequibo. The region has been under dispute for years and Venezuela has been getting more active in its complaints and could consider taking military action to occupy the contested zone.

SOF News Book Shop

View our selection of books about special operations forces at the SOF News Book Shop.

Books, Podcasts, Videos, and Movies

Video – ThinkJSOU with Dr. Michael G. Vickers. Dr. Jeff Rogg interviews Dr. Michael G. Vickers, former Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence and Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special Operations and Low Intensity Conflict. Dr. Vickers had a storied career in Army Special Forces and the Central Intelligence Agency, partially captured in the popular book and film, Charlie Wilson’s War. In his new book, By All Means Available: Memoirs of a Life in Intelligence, Special Operations, and Strategy, Dr. Vickers fills in the rest of the story and offers a deeper look into a life dedicated to public service. In this interview, Dr. Vickers discusses some of the key moments in his career, lessons learned along the way, and insights for U.S. national security today. Think JSOU, YouTube, December 6, 2023, 58 minutes.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J8wglBG6YcM

Video – Mike Vickers on The Teamhouse. The former Assistant Secretary of Special Operations and Low Intensity Conflict is interviewed by The Teamhouse. One topic covered is Vicker’s latest book. December 8, 2023, 1 hour 30 minutes. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iRInktLnLXM

Podcast – Counter-Terrorism and U.S. Foreign Policy Priorities. War on the Rocks, December 8, 2023, 38 minutes. Christy Abizaid, the director of the National Counterterrorism Center, spoke about the duties of the center, terrorist threats to the United States and the role of counter-terrorism during an era of strategic competition. https://warontherocks.com/2023/12/counter-terrorism-and-u-s-foreign-policy-priorities/

Armor. The mounted maneuver journal published by the U.S. Army Armor Branch has posted its Fall 2023 issue online. Ten different articles for tankers. DVIDS, PDF, 62 pages. https://www.dvidshub.net/publication/issues/68480

Strategika. The Hoover Institution has posted its latest issue of Strategika. Articles on the Ukraine conflict, Putin’s legitimacy, and prevailing in great power competition. December 7, 2023. https://www.hoover.org/publications/strategika/issue-88

Military Review. The November – December 2023 issue is now online. https://www.armyupress.army.mil/Journals/Military-Review/English-Edition-Archives/November-December-2023/

Upcoming Events

September 17-22, 2024
5th SFG(A) Reunion
Clarksville, TN

October 16-19, 2024
Special Operations Association Reunion
Las Vegas, NV

October 22-25, 2024
SFA Caribbean Cruise and Annual Convention
Special Forces Association – Tampa, Florida

SOF News is not a ‘money making’ enterprise; but we do have administrative, operating, and publishing expenses. Individuals and businesses provide the funds to defray these expenses. Their contributions are deeply appreciated. Learn how you can support SOF News.

Sometimes, even the bravest need saving. It’s up to the highly trained Airmen who make up Pararescue (PJs) to provide those rescues. Combining medical skills with elite combat skills, these Airmen are experts in personnel recovery and combat search and rescue. Watch this pararescue video to learn more.

“U.S. Air Force Special Warfare – Pararescue”, USAF Recruiting, YouTube, Oct 19, 2023, 2 mins.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=3vVPalcGNS8

Curated news, analysis, and commentary about special operations, national security, and conflicts around the world.

Photo / Image: Sailors assigned to the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Carney (DDG 64) stand watch in the ship’s Combat Information Center during an operation to defeat a combination of Houthi missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles, Oct. 19. Carney is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations to help ensure maritime security and stability in the Middle East region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Aaron Lau)

Do you receive our daily newsletter? If not, you can sign up here and enjoy it five (almost) days a week with your morning coffee (or afternoon tea depending on where in the world you are).

SOF News

White House Photo Compromise of SOF Operators. The White House has removed a picture (Task & Purpose, Oct 19, 2023) shared on social media that apparently showed President Joe Biden shaking hands with American special operators in Israel during his recent visit to the country. A White House spokesman says the photograph had been posted by accident.

NSW Drug Testing. The Navy’s Special Warfare Command is poised to begin regularly testing all Navy SEALs for performance-enhancing drugs next month, but the effort to root out the potentially dangerous substances could also lead the service into a legal minefield. (Military.com, Oct 20, 2023)

Berets of the Military. At one time there was the Green Beret worn by members of the U.S. Army Special Forces. In time, multiple colors of berets have emerged, and it seems almost everyone is wearing one now. “A guide to every beret worn by American service members”, Task & Purpose, October 19, 2023.

SOCOM Seeking New Urban Warfare Tools. The U.S. Special Operations Command is on the hunt for new non-line-of-sight targeting tools to help commandos fight in cities. The envisioned solution is to create new networks of sensors and supporting technologies that enable “virtual” line-of-sight targeting and allow commandos to remain in unexposed positions. (DefenseScoop, Oct 18, 2023)

U.S. SOCOM and Grenada. In the aftermath of Iran-Grenada, several congressional leaders took the initiative to reorganize the Pentagon’s special operations forces, culminating in the creation of U.S. Special Operations Command in 1987. “How War in Grenada Built U.S. SOCOM”, National Interest, October 20, 2023.

AFSOC’s SWTW. Five years ago, the U.S. Air Force took a significant leap forward in combat preparedness by establishing the Special Warfare Training Wing (SWTW), an evolution that addressed decades of training shortfalls and operational demands. The SWTW marked a paradigm shift, assuming control over an extensive network of squadrons and detachments. Notably, the wing superseded the former Battlefield Airman Training Group, extending its legacy of ground warfare specialization. “Special Warfare Training Wing: Five Years of Advancing Ground Combat Forces Training”, by Jennifer Gangemi, SWTW, October 19, 2023.

SOF and PR Missions. The mission of personnel recovery of missing or isolated personnel has evolved over time. Many special operations units have performed this mission in the last several decades. Learn more in “No Man Left Behind: This Special Forces Mission Is More Important Than All the Others”, National Interest, October 18, 2023.

GSOF Europe. The Global SOF Foundation is holding a symposium in Europe from October 24-26, 2023 in Brno, Czech Republic. https://www.gsofeurope.org/

AFSOC’s T-AOS. The Air Force Special Operations Command is establishing five Theater Air Operations Squadrons. The units will regionally synchronize, integrate, enable, and selectively employ Air Force Special Operations Forces capabilities to increase advantage against national priorities and strategic competitors by providing multi-domain options for the Joint Force. “AFSOC’s Theater Air Operations Squadron”, SOF News, October 19, 2023.

International SOF

Israel’s Sayeret Matkal. One of the premier special operations units of the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) has been in existence for decades. It has taken part in several hostage rescue operations since its inception. The Sayeret Matkal specializes in hostage rescue and reconnaissance missions. It is best known for its role in the 1976 Entebbe airport raid in Uganda that saved 102 hostages from Palestinian hijackers. “How Israel’s Sayeret Matkal Are Trained for Gaza Hostage Scenario”, Newsweek, October 16, 2023.

New Israeli SOF Command Center. Mossad and Shin Bet have set up an operations center to track down members of the Gaza-ruling terror group’s Nukbha forces. The center will be tasked with finding and killing members of the Hamas commando unit that led the terror groups raids into southern Israel on October 7, 2023. (The Times of Israel, Oct 22, 2023)

Ukraine’s Commandos. Lightening assaults by Ukrainian special operations forces are part of a larger campaign using drones and missiles to degrade Russian forces and demoralize the public. Some of these SOF raids have been against Russian forces on Crimea using jet skis to travel long miles over the Black Sea. “Inside the Commando Raids Unnerving Russia in Crimea”, The New York Times, October 22, 2023. (subscription) See also “Jet Skis: The Secret Weapon in Ukraine’s Commando War on Crimea”, Popular Mechanics, October 22, 2023.

ROKs New SOF Helos. Seoul has plans for significant upgrades to its tactical transport capabilities, with plans to buy 18 Special Operations Heavy Helicopters (SOHHs). (Flight Global, Oct 19, 2023)

SOF History

Beirut Terrorist Attack. 40 years ago today, early on a Sunday morning, October 23, 1983, two terrorist truck bombs struck buildings in Beirut, Lebanon, housing American and French service members of the Multinational Force in Lebanon (MNF). The attack killed 307 people. (Wikipedia)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1983_Beirut_barracks_bombings

‘Puff the Magic Dragon’. The Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) has a number of AC-130Js that perform as aerial gunships in support of special operations forces. The beginnings of the gunship can be traced back to the Vietnam War when C-47 cargo planes were converted into AC-47 gunships. Read more in “Flashback: Puff the Magic Dragon: Development of the AC-47 Gunship”, Wright-Patterson AFB, October 20, 2023.

Nick Rowe Capture in Vietnam. On October 29, 1963, Captain James “Nick” Rowe was captured by the Viet Cong. He was a Special Forces officer and one of only 34 American prisoners of war to escape captivity during the Vietnam War. He would later help establish the Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape (SERE) program taught to high-risk military personnel.

Urgent Fury. On October 25, 1983, Operation Urgent Fury took place in Grenada.

Hostage Rescued. In October 2020, U.S. special operations forces rescued Philip Walton, a US citizen living in Niger who was kidnapped. He was a Christian missionary who worked in Niger. No military personnel were injured during the operation. Several of the gunmen were killed. The rescue is credited to Naval Special Warfare Development Group (DEVGRU).

Conflict in Israel and Gaza

War Update. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) has conducted limited security operations in the West Bank as well as excursions into the Gaza Strip. The IDF air force is continuing its extensive bombing campaign against Hamas military targets. Various Palestinian militant and terrorist groups continue to launch missiles and rockets into Israel – bringing the total to about 6,900 since October 7th.

Hospital Strike. The Gaza Health Ministry reported that at least 500 people were killed in an explosion at a hospital on October 17. However, the real culprit seems to be an errant Hamas rocket fired from Gaza struck the al-Ahli al-Mamdani Hospital. Expert analysis of imagery and events indicates (Twitter) “with a high degree of confidence that Israel did not strike the hospital.”

Egyptian Border Crossing. At least two aid truck convoys have passed through the Rafah border crossing from Egypt to Gaza. Limited numbers of foreign citizens have passed through the crossing into Egypt from Gaza; however, Egypt has not opened the crossing to Palestinian refugees.

Hostages. Two U.S. citizens held hostage by Hamas were released and are now in Israel. The mother and daughter were taken hostage on the first day of the conflict. Qatar (DoS) and other nations in the region are conducting negotiations for the release of the hostages taken by Hamas.

Caution Notice to U.S. Citizens. The U.S. Department of State has issued a worldwide travel warning and provided information for citizens wishing to evacuate from Israel. “Latest Information for U.S. Citizens”, DoS, October 21, 2023. https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/ea/situation-in-israel-2023.html

U.S. Force Posture Increased in Middle East. The Department of Defense is taking additional steps to further strengthen U.S. forces in the region, increase force protection for U.S. forces, and assist in the defense of Israel. Two carrier strike groups will soon be in the Central Command area of responsibility. Anti-aircraft and missile defense systems are flowing into region as well. (DoD, Oct 21, 2023) Rocket attacks against U.S. bases in Iraq have taken place; DoD reports no casualties. The U.S. Embassy in Baghdad and consulate in Erbil is now on reduced staffing. The Department of State has ordered the departure of eligible family members and non-emergency U.S. government personnel.

U.S. to Provide Humanitarian Assistance to Palestinians. President Biden announced that the United States is providing $100 million in humanitarian assistance for the Palestinian people in Gaza and the West Bank. This funding will help support over a million displaced and conflict-affected people with clean water, food, hygiene support, medical care, and other essential needs. The United States provides humanitarian assistance through trusted partners including UN agencies and international NGOs. “U.S. Announcement of Humanitarian Assistance to the Palestinian People”, The White House, October 18, 2023.

U.S. Military Assistance. A constant stream of C-17 cargo planes is delivering military aid to Israel; most of the flights arriving from and returning to Ramsten AB, Germany. U.S. warships have intercepted missiles and drones launched from Yemen going towards Israel.

Evacuating U.S. Citizens from Israel / Gaza. The Congressional Research Service has published “Assisting and Evacuating U.S. Citizens Abroad During the Israel-Hamas Conflict and Other International Crisis”, CRS IF12515, October 20, 2023, PDF, 3 pages. https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/IF/IF12515

Ukraine Conflict

No End in Sight. The Ukraine-Russia conflict is dragging on. In the past several months neither side has made significant progress in the offensive campaigns. The slow, grinding Ukrainian counteroffensive has taken limited ground. At stake is the support of the Europeans and the United States as ‘war fatigue’ sets in. U.S. support for Ukraine is threatened by the actions of Republicans in the House of Representatives. Read more in “IntelBrief: No End in Sight, Hard Questions Ahead for Ukraine and Allies”, The Soufan Center, October 17, 2023.

ATACMs. Apparently, another long-range strike capability is now in the hands of the Ukrainian military. A limited number of U.S. Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMs) have been sent by the United States to Ukraine and have already been employed. With a range of 190 miles the missiles can attack Russian strategic targets like supply depots, airfields, and command posts. “Why Sending Ukraine ATACMs Will Help It Win in the Long Term”, by Jonathan Harman, Real Clear Defense, October 20, 2023.

Report – War Crimes in Ukraine. The Congressional Research Service has published a document that addresses war crimes and other international crimes in Ukraine, the U.S. and international responses to those crimes, and other associated issues and options for Congress. PDF, October 16, 2023, 38 pages. https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/R/R47762

National Security and Commentary

Former SF General on Hostages. Brigadier General (Ret.) Russ Howard explains the problem set of hostages and Iran in the context of the Israel – Gaza Strip conflict. He explains the difficulty in rescuing hostages and in navigating what is to be done with Iran . . . if that country is complicit in the terrorist attack on Israel. “IF”, Small Wars Journal, October 16, 2023.

UW, SF, and IW. Sal Artiaga reflects upon the evolving tapestry of global conflict and how unconventional warfare is deeply entrenched within the Department of Defense’s broader irregular warfare (IW) framework. “Unconventional Warfare: The Strategic Ingenuity of Special Forces in Shaping DoD’s Irregular Warfare Strategies”, LinkedIn, October 21, 2023.

Fact Sheet – 2023 China Military Power Report. This two-page report provides a brief synopsis of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) to include capabilities, coercion, strategy, and more. DoD, October 19, 2023.

Report – Military and Security Developments Involving the People’s Republic of China 2023. This annual report to Congress on China by the U.S. Department of Defense covers a number of topics to include PRC strategy, PLA forces, power projection, activities on China’s periphery, global presence, force modernization, and more. The section on China’s SOF can be found on pages 82-87. U.S. Department of Defense, October 19, 2023, PDF, 212 pages.

Finland – Applying Lessons to the Pacific. Euan Graham, a senior analyst at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, recently attended a security conference in Helsinki. He believes that Indo-Pacific countries, including Australia and New Zealand, can learn a lot from the broad security focus of Finland. “Lessons from Finland for the Indo-Pacific”, The Strategist, October 23, 2023.

Help Special Operations Forces (SOF) personnel with spine injuries receive the healthcare options, education, and care they need.

Karabakh Armenians – A Displaced Population. Since December 2022 the 120,000 Armenians residing in Nagorno-Karabakh have endured an economic blockade imposed by the Azerbaijan government. In late September 2023 Azerbaijan military forces took control of the Armenian-populated region resulting in a cease-fire that included the disarmament of the Nagorno-Karabakh’s self-defense forces and the region’s reintegration with Azerbaijan. More than 100,000 people have fled the region and have arrived in Armenia. Read more in Azerbaijan’s Retaking of Nagorno-Karabakh and the Displacement of Karabakh Armenians, Congressional Research Service, CRS IN12265, October 18, 2023, PDF, 4 pages. https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/IN/IN12265

Border Crisis. In an era of unprecedent migrant movement across the southern border and a severe housing shortage across the nation, the U.S. Department of State has established a mechanism to establish a ‘safe way’ across the border for migrants and refugees. “Announcement of Safe Mobility Office in Ecuador”, Department of State, October 19, 2023.

Backlog in Immigration Courts. More than 2 million cases are pending in U.S. immigration courts. This backlog has more than tripled since the start of fiscal year 2017. The effects of the backlog are significant and widespread. In particular, the backlog causes delays and poses challenges for noncitizens whose cases are being heard in immigration courts, as well as attorneys and immigration judges and court staff. Some noncitizens—including children and families—wait years to have their cases heard. The delays postpone decisions for vulnerable populations who may be eligible for protections, such as asylum. They also prolong the removal from the U.S. of those who do not have valid claims to remain. “U.S. Immigration Courts See a Significant and Growing Backlog”, U.S. Government Accountability Office, October 19, 2023.

Arrow Security & Training, LLC is a corporate sponsor of SOF News. AST offers a wide range of training and instruction courses and programs to include language and cultural services, training, role playing, and software and simulation. https://arrowsecuritytraining.com/

Afghanistan

Facebook and Surviving. One Afghan journalist has coped with the economic downturn and no job with selling traditional Afghan clothing online. Afghanistan Analysts Network, October 16, 2023.

Another Natural Disaster. A third earthquake, measuring 6.3 magnitude, struck an area close to Herat on Sunday, October 14, 2023. Over 100 have been injured with some deaths reported as well. The last two earthquakes flattened thousands of homes, killed over 3,000 people, injured more than 7,000, and displaced thousands. The United States is providing over $12 million in aid for Afghan earthquake relief. The Hindu Kush Mountain range lies near the junction of the Eurasian and Indian tectonic plates.

Diversity Visa. Although a long short, some Afghans may be able to apply for a U.S. Diversity Visa and if lucky, find their way to the United States. Read more here: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/immigrate/diversity-visa-program-entry/diversity-visa-instructions.html

Letter to Pakistan. #AfghanEvac organized an open letter to Pakistani leaders in October 2023. More than 150 Americans across the diplomatic, national security, and humanitarian sectors from the leadership level all the way down to volunteers signed on to send a clear message. The intent is to ask Pakistani leaders to not deport Afghans who have a pending or approved pathway to legal U.S. immigration. Open Letter to Pakistani Leaders, #AfghanEvac, October 17, 2023.

SOF News Book Shop

View our selection of books about special operations forces at the SOF News Book Shop.

Books, Podcasts, Videos, and Movies

Podcast – More Reality Than Fiction. The Global SOF Foundation presents an interview with Jeffrey Fischer, a successful author of thrillers and an experienced journalist in international security with a 30-year military career. SOFspot, October 2023, 35 minutes. https://gsof.org/sofspot/

Podcast – The Battle of Hostomel. John Spencer from the Urban Warfare Project joins Paul in the G-Base to discuss a 21st century version of the Battle of Thermopylae; how 200 Ukrainian Guardsmen, defending the Hostomel Airfield, saved Kiev from falling into the hands of elite Russian paratroopers on the morning of 24 February 2022. Time and again, history informs us how a few determined warriors are able to overcome insurmountable odds and defeat an overwhelming adversary. The Pinelander Podcast, October 20, 2023. https://pinelander.podbean.com/e/episode-84-the-battle-of-hostomel-october-20-2023/

Video – SOF – Space – Cyber Triad. The AUSA 2023 Warriors Corner presented a panel discussion / presentation on “The Special Operations Forces (SOF) Space Cyber Triad – Enhancing Large Scale Combat Operations Now and in the Future”. DVIDS, October 11, 2023, 30 minutes. https://www.dvidshub.net/video/900044/ausa-2023-warriors-corner-special-operations-forces-sof-space-cyber-triad-enhancing-large-scale-combat-operations-now-and

Video – Soldier in Europe. This video shows the lives of soldiers and how they stayed alert and ready during peacetime in a time of Cold War. A historical “The Big Picture” black and white film. DVIDS, October 16, 2023, 30 minutes. https://www.dvidshub.net/video/900535/big-picture-soldier-europe

Video – Rotary Wing Parachute Jump. Members of Group Sustainment Battalion, 20th Special Forces Group conducted an airborne sustainment operation. Watch video here. DVIDS, October 14, 2023, 2 minutes.

Publication – Spotlight. The Irregular Warfare Center’s October 2023 monthly newsletter is now posted online. https://irregularwarfarecenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2023-10-IWC-Spotlight.pdf

Upcoming Events

October 24-26, 2023
GSOF Symposium Europe
Global SOF Foundation

October 30-31, 2023
34th Annual NDIA SO/LIC Symposium
National Defense Industrial Association

November 29-30, 2023
SOF & Irregular Warfare Symposium
Defense Strategies Institute

December 8, 2023
Winter Cruise
Combat Diver Association

December 8-10, 2023
2023 Civil Affairs Conference
Civil Affairs Association

SOF News is not a ‘money making’ enterprise; but we do have administrative, operating, and publishing expenses. Individuals and businesses provide the funds to defray these expenses. Their contributions are deeply appreciated. Learn how you can support SOF News.

Story by Dhruv Gopinath.

Wherever U.S. service members may find themselves, Air Force rescue squadrons stand ready to rapidly mobilize, deploy and employ to provide combat and peacetime search and rescue in support of U.S. national security interests. In the Horn of Africa and the 449th Air Expeditionary Group’s area of responsibility, that task falls on members of the 303rd Expeditionary Rescue Squadron and their HH-60W Jolly Green IIs.

“Our role in supporting airpower in East Africa includes providing a continuous 24/7 personnel recovery capability for all U.S. and allied air-assets,” says Capt. John Rudy, 303d ERQS director of operations. “If any emergency occurs, we can respond immediately to rescue those downed aircrew members.”

The geography and situation on the ground in the Horn of Africa create challenges that members of the 303d ERQS plan meticulously around to make sure they can complete their missions.

Photo: U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Justin Frawley, center right, is a special missions aviator assigned to the 303rd Expeditionary Rescue Squadron in the Horn of Africa. (Photo by Tech. Sgt. Dhruv Gopinath).

“East Africa is massive, which creates time, distance, and fuel considerations which impact the mission and require quick coordination to ensure we have what we need to get to the survivor,” says Tech. Sgt. Justin Frawley, an HH-60W Special Mission Aviator with the 303d ERQS. “This forces us to be critical thinkers and come up with sound game plans on the fly.”

When the mission relies on saving lives, it’s critical for members of the 303rd ERQS to maintain not only a high level of readiness but to also be on the same page as their mission partners.

“We work hard to maintain a high level of proficiency with our aircraft and to keep up with current events in our area of responsibility,” says Frawley. “We integrate with multiple units from different services, so every situation we encounter is unique and must be solved differently in order to achieve mission success. Since we deal in lives, our mission cannot fail.”

Working in service of others is a key theme for members of the 303rd, something which is often a family tradition.

Photo: A U.S. Air Force HH-60W Jolly Green II assigned to the 303rd Expeditionary Rescue Squadron sits on the flightline at an undisclosed location in the Horn of Africa, Sept. 4, 2023. (Courtesy photo, Tech. Sgt. Dhruv Gopinath)

“My family has been serving in the military since World War II,” says SrA Bryan Estes, an electrical and environmental journeyman assigned to the 303d ERQS. “To carry on that tradition, I chose this job and I felt this position would allow me to contribute the most toward the mission.”

For Estes, whose home station is Moody Air Force Base, Georgia, being deployed to East Africa has been an eye-opening experience and provided him with a different perspective on the job he performs.

“Out here, there is a heightened sense of purpose because we directly witness the impact of our work we’re a much smaller group of maintenance personnel, so every career field gets to see and learn first-hand how everyone else works,” says Estes. “Seeing the results of what we do first-hand is one of the most rewarding things I have ever experienced in my career.”

The 303rd has been kept busy, not only working with joint forces but with local partners as well.

Photo: U.S. Air Force Capt. John Rudy, 303rd Expeditionary Rescue Squadron director of operations, pilots an HH-60W Jolly Green II over the Horn of Africa, Sept. 5, 2023. (Courtesy photo by Tech. Sgt. Dhruv Gopinath)

“Along with maintaining our personnel recovery alert, our primary task here has been casualty evacuation for local forces in their fight against violent extremist organizations,” says Rudy. “Our ability to launch immediately following the report of injuries and capability to land directly at the point of injury with our highly-skilled pararescue brethren gives our partner force members the best chances of survival after sustaining life-threatening injuries.”

No matter how far from home the members of the 303d ERQS may find themselves, their unique mission and the close bonds they share make the deployment experience incredibly memorable.

“We get to fly, shoot guns and save lives with our best friends,” says Frawley. “Out here I’m a part of the best community the DOD has to offer!”

*********

This story by Tech. Sgt. Dhruv Gopinath of the 406th Air Expeditionary Wing was first published on September 8, 2023, by the Defense Visual Information Distribution Service. Image derived from CIA map and photos courtesy of DVIDS (photos by Tech. Sgt. Dhruv Gopinath, Sep 2023).

Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin announced on Wednesday, September 6, 2023, the following nominations:

Air Force Lt. Gen. James C. Slife for appointment to the grade of general, with assignment as vice chief of staff, U.S. Air Force, Pentagon, Washington, D.C.  Slife is currently serving as deputy chief of staff, Operations, Headquarters U.S. Air Force, Pentagon, Washington, D.C. He is a former commander of Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC). He began his career as a helicopter pilot flying MH-53s. Air Force biography of Lt. Gen. Slife

Air Force Maj. Gen. Sean M. Farrell for appointment to the grade of lieutenant general, with assignment as deputy commander, U.S. Special Operations Command, MacDill Air Force Base, Florida.  Farrell is currently serving as deputy commanding general, Joint Special Operations Command, Fort Bragg, North Carolina. He began his career as a pilot of AC-130 gunships. Air Force biography of Maj. Gen. Farrell.

Air Force Col. Matthew S. Allen for appointment to the grade of brigadier general.  Allen is currently serving as the director, Legislative Affairs, Headquarters U.S. Special Operations Command, Pentagon, Washington, D. C. Allen, a Special Tactics officer, is the former commander of the 24th Special Operations Wing at Hurlburt Field, Fla.

*********

View the DoD announcement (Sep 6, 2023).

Curated news, analysis, and commentary about special operations, national security, and conflicts around the world.

Photo / Image: CSM Paul Langley during a ceremony where he assumed the position of Senior Enlisted Leader (SEL) for Special Operations Command Korea (SOCKOR) in August 2023.

Do you receive our daily newsletter? If not, you can sign up here and enjoy it five (almost) days a week with your morning coffee (or afternoon tea depending on where in the world you are).

SOF News

New SEL for SOCKOR. CSM Paul Langley is the new Senior Enlisted Leader for Special Operations Command Korea. He steps into this role after serving as the Commandant at the Army Special Operations NCO Academy at Fort Liberty (FBNC), North Carolina.

AFSOC Changes Up Training. On the chopping block is dive training for three special warfare fields. The Air Force Special Operations Command is looking at cutting the five-week combat dive qualification course from the initial training pipeline for special tactics officers and enlisted combat control and special reconnaissance airmen. “Air Force considers training changes across all special ops jobs”, Air Force Times, August 14, 2023.

NSW WOs Eligible for Bonus. The Navy’s Critical Skills Accession Bonus is offering those with a 7151 or 7171 special warfare designator a hefty bonus. Some CWOs are eligible for a lump sum payment in phases once signing a contract extension. “Special warfare chief warrant officers eligible for $90,000 bonus”, Navy Times, August 18, 2023.

CA and SEALs Conduct MEDCAP in Philippines. Members of a Naval Special Warfare (NSW) unit and the U.S. Army Civil Affairs hosted a medical civic action program (MEDCAP) with the local government of El Nido in Palawan, Philippines, from July 29-30, 2023. The team worked with medical professionals from local hospitals, the provincial health unit, the Palawan dental chapter, and local volunteers to serve hundreds of patients in various medical and dental services. “U.S. Civil Affairs, Navy SEALs Host Medical Civic Action Program in the Philippines”, PACOM.mil, August 16, 2023.

SF SGM Now Army’s Senior Enlisted. A former member of Delta Force and former SEL for USASOC is now the Sergeant Major of the Army. “A Delta Force Operator is Now Sergeant Major of the Army: Meet Mike Weimer”, SOFREP, August 5, 2023.

AFSOC Conference. The Air Force Special Operations Command held the 2023 Weapons and Tactics Conference at Hurlburt Field on August 2-11, 2023. Weapons and tactics experts from across the AFSOC enterprise gathered to participate in mission focused working groups to produce warfighter driven solutions to tactical problems. Working groups during the conference included focus areas such as precision strike, irregular warfare, specialized mobility, information warfare, and small unmanned aerial systems tactics. “AFSOC hosts 2023 Weapons and Tactics Conference”, AFSOC, August 14, 2023.

International SOF

‘Dnipro Devils’ of Ukraine. The Ukrainian special forces troops that are now launching daring raids across the Dnipro River and are wreaking havoc on Russian positions were trained by UK Royal Marines. “Dnipro Devils Drilled by British Special Forces”, Kyiv Post, August 14, 2023.

Russian PMCs. Independent Russian news outlets reported that the State Duma was pushing through an amendment to allow Russian regions to form their own private military companies (PMCs) on June 25, 2023. These PMCs are employable during mobilization, military emergencies or wartime to aid security forces against internal security threats. “Russian Regional Private Military Companies: Key Implications”, Grey Dynamics, August 21, 2023. (subscription)

SOF History

The Carlos Ghosn Affair. In 2019 a former Special Forces soldier, Mike Taylor, and his acquaintances helped a high-level executive with Lebanese origins facing imprisonment escape Japan – in a custom-made music box. He was put into a box, loaded onto a private plane, and flown to Turkey. Lebanon has no extradition policy. Unfortunately, Mike Taylor and his son (who assisted in the escape) were extradited to Japan and spent a few years imprisoned. “We smuggled an incarcerated US business tycoon out of Japan in a 3-foot box – then he stiffed us $1m”, New York Post, August 18, 2023.

Marine Recon Battalions. There are three active-duty Recon Battalions and one reserve battalion. Read about the history, organization, training, and more in “Marine Recon Battalion 101”, SOFREP, August 5, 2019.

Disastrous Day for Green Berets. On August 23, 1968, a large North Vietnamese Army force attacked MAC-V SOG FOB 4 and mission launch site on Marble Mountain in Da Nang. Most of the attacking NVA died in the three-hour attack, but they killed over two dozen Americans and over 40 Montagnards who manned the Recon Teams or the Hatchet Force alongside Americans. Seventeen Green Berets were killed in the battle. Read an account of the attack by John S. Meyer (former SOG member).

Ukraine Conflict

Long, Slow Campaign. The hopes that Ukraine would make a rapid strike deep into Russian held territory and possibly take the logistics node of Melitopol (Google Maps) have been dashed. The Russians have extensive dug-in positions and the probing attacks on multiple fronts by Ukrainian troops have yielded only slow progress. The Ukrainians strategy of advancing cautiously has succeeded in degrading Russian forces – the result which could create opportunities for a strategic breakthrough to the Sea of Azov. This would cut the land route between Russian and Crimea.

F-16s for Ukraine. President Biden has given the go-ahead for the Netherlands and Denmark to transfer advanced aircraft to Ukraine. But first the pilot training has to be completed . . . so it is still several months away from happening. Kyiv has been asking for the warplanes since early 2022 but the U.S. has stalled on the request. The F-16s are not likely to be used in 2023.

CRS Report – DoS funding for Ukraine. The Congressional Research Service has published a 13-page document entitled Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs (SFOPS) Supplemental Funding for Ukraine: In Brief. The United States Congress has, in total, appropriated about $113 billion for supplemental funding for Ukraine in FY2022 and FY2023. This funds a wide range of activities for the Department of State, Department of Defense, foreign assistance programs, weapons transfers, and more. On August 10, 2023, the Biden Administration submitted a request for almost $24 billion in FY2024 emergency supplemental funding for Ukraine and other international needs related to the conflict. This report details, if approved, where some of the money would go. (PDF, August 2023). https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/R/R47275

U.S Security Assistance. The Defense Department has updated its Fact Sheet on security assistance to Ukraine. It describes the several categories of material, weapons, and equipment provided. These include ground maneuver, aircraft, UASs, small arms, anti-armor, maritime, and other capabilities. (DoD, August 14, 2023, PDF, 3 pages).

Legal Status for Ukrainians in the U.S. The Biden administration has announced an extension and expansion of temporary legal status for Ukrainians who are in the United States.

CRS Report – Moldova: An Overview. The post-Soviet state lies on the western border of Ukraine. While it seeks greater integration with the West it also is constrained by Russian territorial occupation in the Transnistria region (located along the Ukraine border). CRS IF10894, updated August 14, 2023, PDF, 3 pages. https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/IF/IF10894

National Security

IW Strategy. Paul Burton presents his perspective that the role of policy makers have in implementing irregular warfare campaigns over the long term. “Irregular Warfare Strategy Policy Friction: Perpetual Disruption Is Not Victory, or Is It?”, Small Wars Journal, August 16, 2023.

NATO Increases Advisory Mission in Iraq. Following a request from the Iraqi authorities and a decision by the North Atlantic Council, the scope of NATO Mission Iraq will now include support of the Iraqi Ministry of Interior and Federal Police Command. The NATO Mission Iraq was established in 2018. “NATO Mission Iraq takes on additional advisory and capacity-building tasks”, NATO, August 17, 2023.

Proxy Wars. Vladimir Rauta reflects on the thinking behind the thinking about proxy wars while discussing a recently published publication on the topic. “How to Think about Proxy Wars in the Twenty-first Century”, Irregular Warfare Initiative, August 15, 2023.

MAVNI Recruitment Program. Hope Hodge Seck provides details about the Military Accessions Vital to the National Interest (MAVNI) program. She presents the argument that the program should be reinstituted to bring back cultural and language fluency to the U.S. military forces. “For More Effective Irregular Warfare, Bring Back the MAVNI Recruitment Program”, Irregular Warfare Initiative, August 4, 2023.

Border Crisis. The number of immigrants encountered by U.S. authorities while attempting to enter from Mexico illegally soared in July. “Biden dealt massive border blow as illegal crossings spike 33%”, Washington Examiner, August 19, 2023.

Afghanistan: More Docs to Congress. Congressional leaders have received a batch of 300 documents related to the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan from the Department of State. House Republicans are continuing their probe of the chaotic military retreat from the country in the summer of 2021. The documents are situational reports and memos from the Afghanistan Task Force, which was created to coordinate efforts on evacuations and bring Afghans with special immigrant visas (SIVs) to the United States. “State Department Sends More Afghanistan Documents to Congress”, The Hill, August 17, 2023.

Help Special Operations Forces (SOF) personnel with spine injuries receive the healthcare options, education, and care they need.

Coup in Niger – Is a NEO About to Happen?

Another NEO – now Niger? The United States has, in the past few years, received quite a bit of experience in conducting non-combatant evacuation operations (NEOs). Recent NEOs include Afghanistan, Ukraine, and Sudan. The U.S. military is drawing up plans for a potential withdrawal of its 1,100 troops from Niger, a counterterrorism ally in West Africa that is in the throes of a coup, the commander of U.S. air forces in Europe and Africa said Friday. There are no immediate plans for military personnel to evacuate the country and abandon the two drone bases operated by U.S. forces in Niger’s northern desert, said Air Force Gen. James Hecker. But he said preparations are underway in case troops are ordered to leave. “US military in Niger drawing up evacuation plans amid coup, air force general says”, Stars and Stripes, August 18, 2023.

Niger – Is it a Coup or Not a Coup? The Pentagon and State Department refuse to call the overthrow of the government of Niger a coup. If it did, then it would force decisions about military assistance, a U.S. drone base in Niger, and the presence of about 1,100 U.S. troops. There are legal prohibitions (Section 7008 of the Consolidated Appropriations Act) on providing security assistance to juntas; however, Niger has been a key ally in the fight against jihadism in the Sahel and western Africa. A large $110 million U.S. airbase hosts special operations forces, MQ-9 Reapers, and SOF aviation. “When is a coup not a coup? When the U.S. says so.”, The Intercept, August 19, 2023. The U.S. Department of State is actively pursuing efforts to resolve the political crisis in Niamey. A senior diplomat, Ambassador Kathleen FitzGibbon, has been dispatched to Niger (arriving Saturday, August 19, 2023) for discussions with the coup leaders and other stakeholders. She was nominated to be ambassador to Niger in the later part of August.

SOF Training Coup Leaders. Senior SOF leaders are disappointed that the leader junta leaders of Niger are former trainees of U.S. special operations forces. “It’s like a bad monster movie: U.S. officials who helped train Nigerien troops reel from coup“, Politico Defense, August 15, 2023.

“It is hard to not be disappointed. Backsliding on democratic values is never a good thing”.

Retired Gen. Joseph Votel, former commander of U.S. Special Operations Command.

“He’s the kind of guy that gives you hope for the future of the country, so that makes this doubly disappointing”.

Retired Maj. Gen. J. Marcus Hicks, former commander of U.S. Special Operations Forces Africa.

West Africa – Region in Crisis. A series of coups have replaced governments in Guinea, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger in recent years – eroding a trend towards democratic rule. In addition, violent extremism has escalated across the Sahel and West Africa. European nations are being asked to reduce their military forces that are fighting jihadism and Russia is making advances in the region (Wagner Group is instrumental in this effort). Much of this instability is exacerbated by ethnic, religious, and economic pressures. The deteriorating situation deserves another look by the international community for a new approach for a broad regional strategy. “West Africa’s Grim Trajectory”, Just Security, August 11, 2023.

Blacksmith Publishing is a media partner of SOF News. They are a book publishing firm, sell ‘Pinelander Swag’, have a weekly podcast called The Pinelander.

Upcoming Events

September 18-23, 2023
5th Special Forces Group Reunion

September 24-28, 2023
Combat Diver Competition
Special Forces Underwater Operations School

October 3, 2023
2023 Virtual MOG Mile
Three Rangers Foundation

October 16-20, 2023
SOAR XLVII
Special Operations Association

Books, Pubs, and Reports

CRS Report – Navy Columbia (SSBN-826) Class Ballistic Missile Submarine Program. CRS R41129, Congressional Research Service, updated August 16, 2023, PDF, 55 pages. The Navy has three types of submarines – the SSBN is the only one that carries submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs) that are large, long-range missiles armed with multiple nuclear warheads. The SSBNs provide the United States with an assured second-strike capability to carry out a retaliatory nuclear attack.
https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/R/R41129

IWC Spotlight. The August 2023 newsletter of the Irregular Warfare Center is now posted online.
https://irregularwarfarecenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2023-8-IWC-Spotlight.pdf

Podcasts, Videos, and Movies

Video – New SEAL Mini-Sub. Watch a short video about the Navy SEALs new mini-sub that allows them to stay dry while moving underwater. (at the 2:15 minute mark). Military Times, YouTube, Aug 13, 2023.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bJPF2YelQq8

Podcasts

SOFCAST. United States Special Operations Command
https://linktr.ee/sofcast

The Pinelander. Blacksmith Publishing
https://www.thepinelander.com/

The Indigenous Approach. 1st Special Forces Command
https://open.spotify.com/show/3n3I7g9LSmd143GYCy7pPA

Irregular Warfare Initiative
https://irregularwarfare.org/category/podcasts/

Irregular Warfare Podcast. Modern War Institute at West Point
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/irregular-warfare-podcast/id1514636385

SOF News is not a ‘money making’ enterprise; but we do have administrative, operating, and publishing expenses. Individuals and businesses provide the funds to defray these expenses. Their contributions are deeply appreciated. Learn how you can support SOF News.

By Hannah Canales.

The 27th Special Operations Wing will be supporting the tenth and largest iteration of the biennial Australian-led exercise, Talisman Sabre 2023, running from mid-July to early August.

Talisman Sabre is the largest bilateral military exercise between Australia and the United States, and provides an opportunity to strengthen relationships and interoperability amongst the key allies. The exercise is a demonstration of the strong alliance that is underpinned by deep levels of cooperation and trust built over decades of operating, training, and exercising together. Training together enhances the U.S. and Australia’s collective capability to support a free and open Indo-Pacific.

From the 27th Special Operations Wing, AC-130J Ghostrider gunships with the 17th Special Operations Squadron, an MC-130J Commando II with the 9th Special Operations Squadron, and the Mission Sustainment Team with the 27th Special Operations Support Squadron will participate in Exercise Talisman Sabre. Additionally, MC-130J Commandos with the 1st Special Operations Squadron at Kadena Air Base, Japan, will participate.

The 17th SOS AC-130Js are already in the Indo-Pacific theater supporting exercise Teak Action, another Australian-U.S. bilateral exercise. Their presence in Australia marks the first time AC-130s have ever flown to Australia and operated there, highlighting one of our most critical alliances in the region.

Several other units from across the Wing, to include members of the 27th Special Operations Maintenance Group and the 27th Special Operations Mission Support Group, will be providing the munitions, maintenance, and logistics necessary for effective deployment to the region.

“The 27th Special Operations Wing’s support to Talisman Sabre is historic. It reaffirms Air Force Special Operations Command’s commitment to the region and our partnerships to ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific,” said U.S. Air Force Col. Jeremy Bergin, 27th Special Operations Wing commander. “The ability to rapidly project power into the region from Cannon AFB not only builds trust with our allies and enhances our collective capabilities, but it intentionally prepares Cannon’s Air Commandos to respond to our nation’s call…any time, any place, anywhere.”

The 27th SOW’s participation in the upcoming iteration of Exercise Talisman Sabre is a testament to AFSOC’s shift to align with National Defense priorities.

While Talisman Sabre is jointly sponsored by U.S. Indo-Pacific Command and Australian Defence Force Headquarters Joint Operations Command, other nations participating are: Canada, Fiji, France, Germany, Indonesia, Japan, Republic of Korea, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Tonga, and United Kingdom.

**********

This story by 1st lt. Hannah Canales was first published on July 22, 2023 by the Defense Visual Information Distribution Service. DVIDS content is in the public domain.

Photo: Two RAAF PC-21 aircraft conduct sorties over the Newcastle region with the US Air Force AC-130J Ghostrider from 17th Special Operations Squadron. Photo by Leading Aircraftman Samuel Miller, July 16, 2023.

The Editor of SOF News attended the week-long SOF Week 2023 in Tampa, Florida from May 8-11, 2023. There were hundreds of exhibits, seminars, panel discussions, and presentations. It was impossible to see all of them as many of them ran concurrently. In addition, there is no way for one single media outlet to write about all of the events and happenings. So found below is some coverage of SOF Week 2023 by several different media sources. Enjoy!

Can SOF Shift from CT/COIN to GPC? During a panel discussion the head of Special Operations Command Pacific (SOCPAC) suggested that some operators are struggling in the new mission of ‘competitive campaigning’. “The ‘morale challenge’ facing some special operations in the era of Great Power competition”, Breaking Defense, May 11, 2023.

USSOCOM and a New Approach. The Pentagon’s McNamara-era philosophy is woefully insufficient to a world that changes daily. USSOCOM is working to put together a ” . . . new management philosophy, enabled by data, analytics, and AI . . .” Dan Folliard, the Chief Digital and AI Officer at U.S. Special Operations Command, provides his perspective on this topic. “DOD Managers Need a New Approach. SOCOM Can Lead the Way”, Defense One, May 12, 2023.

Refining SOF’s Role in GPC. During a panel discussion on Wednesday at the Global SOF Foundations’s SOF Week the role of special operations forces in a time of strategic competition was a topic. “Special operations role in great power competition needs work”, Military Times, May 11, 2023.

Photo: A Vision 60 Q-UGV ground robot does a simulated route mission at Holloman Air Force Base, N.M., April 17, 2023. The robot is capable of maneuvering through rough terrains. (Photo by Airman 1st Class Isaiah Pedrazzini) Several firms had their ground robots on exhibit; many of them walking along the exhibition hall floor and on the grounds outside.

SOF and Space. Over the past four years there has been increasing coordination among SOCOM, Cyber Command, and Space Command. This was demonstrated in a recent mission in Syria where the three commands coordinated to take down an ISIS leader. “Special Operators Look to Space to Boost Capabilities”, National Defense Magazine, May 11, 2023.

Ukraine on a Shopping Trip. Howard Altman interviews a Ukrainian arms dealer who is trying to procure weapons, drones, and other military equipment from U.S. companies for his country’s fight against Russia. “Ukrainian Arms Dealer’s Experience Shopping at a U.S. Special Ops Trade Show”, The WarZone, May 15, 2023.

Ukraine to Get M-ACE C-UAS Systems. One of the counter-unmanned aerial systems (C-UAS) displayed during SOF Week 2023 was the Northrop Grumman Mobile, Acquisition, Sueing and Effector System (M-ACE) and its gun truck. It will soon be deployed to Ukraine. The M-ACE platform identifies the UAS and shares its exact location with the gun truck – which will shoot the UAS down with its M230 Link Fed 30 mm weapon system and proximity ammunition. “Ukraine will operate Northrup Grumman M-ACE C-UAS”, Military Embedded, May 8, 2023.

Photo: A U.S. Army paratrooper assigned to the 173rd Airborne Brigade uses a Dronebuster 3B to disrupt enemy drones as part of Exercise Shield 23, April 20, 2023 in Pula, Croatia. (Photo by Sgt. Mariah Y. Gonzalez)

Next Generation Drones. Defense and commercial companies showcased several cutting-edge uncrewed aerial systems (UASs) at the SOF Week 2023 exhibition. The companies aim to fill capability gaps and meet the often-uniqe needs of SOF teams. “What capabilties can next-generation drones provide to SOF teams?”, Military Embedded, May 11, 2023.

Sky Warden Begins Production. Jim Smith, the United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) acquisitions executive, says that the initial production run has begun for the AT-802U Sky Warden program. The aircraft will replace the Pilatus U-28A Draco turboprops used by SOCOM for aerial reconnaissance. The program of record includes up to 75 aircraft at a value of $3 billion. “Armed Overwatch special-ops turboprop enters low-rate production”, FlightGlobal, May 12, 2023.

SOF and Leveraging Private Equity. During a panel discussion last week at SOF Week 2023 a discussion was held on how to speed the integration of commercial technology by a panel of venture capitalists and other experts. The commerical market and small-medium enterprises continue to drive hi-tech development in defense – particularly in the areas of artificial intelligence, cyber, and autonomy. These are tech areas that can help SOF stay on the cutting edge. “In race with China, SOCOM must leverage private equity, say experts and VCs”, Breaking Defense, May 15, 2023.

Amphib MC-130J? Not So Fast. The aircraft that USSOCOM hoped would provide an amphibious capability is going to be delayed. Converting an MC-130J special operations tanker / transport aircraft into a floatplane is about two or three years away. It is anticipated that this capability would be very useful for special operations in the Pacific region. “Amphibious C-130 Won’t fly For Two to Three More Years”, The War Zone, May 9, 2023.

Arrow Security & Training, LLC is a corporate sponsor of SOF News. AST offers a wide range of training and instruction courses and programs to include language and cultural services, training, role playing, and software and simulation. https://arrowsecuritytraining.com/

SOF Small Arms – Improvements Needed. Special operators need a host of small arms, ammunition, weapons accessories, and explosive devices to be more competitive on the battlefield. “New guns means new bullets, suppressors and tech for special ops”, Marine Corps Times, May 10, 2023.

2nd Generation CCMs for NSW. According to US Special Operations Command there is ongoing planning for a second-generation Combatant Craft Medium (CCM). The USSOCOM Program Executive Office – Maritime confirmed that the command is looking to replace the 31 legacy CCMs which are currently in sustainment. The CCMs are a multi-role surface vessel with a primary mission to insert and extract special operations forces. “US special forces kick off search for new multi-role watercraft”, Shepard News, May 11, 2023.

Dry Minisub News. Naval Special Warfare Command are set to receive its long-awaited dry minisub – an underwater vehicle that will deliver Navy SEALs to coastal targets without them getting completely wet in the process. “Navy SEALs Receive Long-Awaited Dry Minisub”, Maritime Executive, May 11, 2023. See also “Navy SEALs’ New Mini-Submarine to be Operational Within Weeks”, The War Zone, May 11, 2023.

Videos

Video – MARSOC and Recruiting. The Commander of US Marine Forces Special Operations Command talks about recruiting and retaining talent during SOF Week 2023. Major General Matthew Trollinger outlines the challenges of finding the right talent for unique requirements. Shepard Media, YouTube, May 10, 2023, 3 minutes. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-i3VD6P7vxk

Video – NSW Challenges and Priorities. The Commander of US Naval Special Warfare Command, Rear Admiral Keith Davids, is interviewed at SOF Week 2023 and speaks about how NSW seeks to be on the leading age using technology to communicate, extend operational reach, field systems of systems, and accelerate its warfighting advantage. Shepard Media, YouTube, May 10, 2023, 4 minutes. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B6UkK-SXEwY

Video – AFSOC Training and Recruitment Priorities. Lieutenant General Tony Bauernfeind, Commander of U.S. Air Force Special Operations Command, talks about investing in Air Commandos and an outreach program to share information about AFSOC. Shepard Media, YouTube, May 11, 2023. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LHZ3O8E7MqA

**********

Curated news, analysis, and commentary about special operations, national security, and conflicts around the world.

Photo: Project DYNAMO flight boards AMCITs for evacuation from Port Sudan to Egypt on April 30, 2023. Read more about Project DYNAMO under Sudan conflict heading. (photo courtesy Project Dynamo).

Do you receive our daily newsletter? If not, you can sign up here and enjoy it five (almost) days a week with your morning coffee (or afternoon tea depending on where in the world you are).

SOF News

USASOC – First Female CSM. The United States Army Special Operations Command (USASOC) is making history with the appointment of the first woman to be its command sergeant major. Command Sgt. Maj. JoAnn Naumann, the current senior enlisted advisor for Special Operations – Korea, will be appointed on Monday. Naumann entered the Army in 1996 as an Arabic linguist; she has served for 27 years. On May 1, 2023 Command Sgt. Maj. Michael Weimer handed over colors to Command Sgt. Maj. JoAnn Naumann. “1st Woman to Take Top Enlisted Job at Army Special Ops”, Military.com, April 28, 2023.

SOCOM Shopping List. Josh Luckenbaugh describes some of the upgrades that the United States Special Operations Command is looking for in its vehicle fleet. The shift from CT/COIN to near-peer strategic competition has the SOF command upgrading its ground mobility capability to meet the new operating environment. “SOCOM Lays Out Shopping List For Key Vehicle Upgrades”, National Defense Magazine, May 1, 2023.

Evans to 25th ID. Maj. Gen. Marcus S. Evans, chief of staff, U.S. Special Operations Command, MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, will be assigned to be commanding general, 25th Infantry Division, Schofield Barracks, Hawaii.

JSOC Leadership and USASOC. There is a growing trend of officers from the Joint Special Operations Command leading United States Army Special Operations Command (USASOC) units. According to Sal Artiaga, this raises several concerns related to cultural differences, operational focus, and disparities in training and expertise. “Assessing the Impact of JSOC Leadership in USASOC Units”, LinkedIn, April 29, 2023.

New SOF Wing? A Special Operations ‘Power Projection Wing’ is planned for Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Arizona. It will include MC-130s and light attack aircraft. (Air & Space Forces, April 27, 2023). See also “SOCOM’s New Recon Aircraft to Pack Big Punch”, National Defense Magazine, April 27, 2023.

Roger Carstens – Green Beret and Ambassador. The special presidential envoy for hostage affairs has been busy. “To us every day counts’: How top diplomat works to get hostages like Lombard’s Frerichs home”, Daily Herald, April 29, 2023.

Arrow Security & Training, LLC is a corporate sponsor of SOF News. AST offers a wide range of training and instruction courses and programs to include language and cultural services, training, role playing, and software and simulation. https://arrowsecuritytraining.com/

Mental Health and NSW. Naval Special Warfare Command is conducting a campaign that focuses on the importance of physical wellness and mental health among NSW personnel and their families. The NSW community offers a range of resources, programs, and services to help operators manage stress, cope with challenges, and enhance their emotional wellbeing. Learn more in “NSW Focuses on Mental Health Awareness”, DVIDS, April 28, 2023.

USAF SWTW. Getting ready for a confrontation with China? Learn more in “Special Warfare Training Wing and Strategic Competition”, Air Education and Training Command, April 25, 2023.

Emerald Warrior. Air Force Special Operations Command is hosting the 16th Annual Emerald Warrior exercise at multiple locations across Florida as well as in Puerto Rico. The exercise lasts about two weeks and will end in mid-May. “16th Annual Emerald Warrior Jumps Into Action”, AFSOC, April 27, 2023.

DTRA, SOF, and CWMD Training. A highly specialized team from the Defense Threat Reduction Agency trained a SOF unit during a countering Weapons of Mass Destruction (CWMD) scenario. “DoD Leaders Observe ‘Nearly Invisible’ CWMD Training Mission”, DVIDS, April 27, 2023.

Next-Gen Tech for SOF. Jennifer Stewart writes about the need for SOF to acquire systems to improve its cyber and space capabilities. “Special Operators Require Next-Gen Technologies”, National Defense Magazine, April 28, 2023.

SOCAFRICA in Uganda. Civil Affairs soldiers recently concluded a JCET alongside the Uganda Wildlife Authority during a six-week period. The training focused on teaching park rangers how to counter illicit trafficking within the country’s national parks. Topics included weapons handling, field medical care, land nav, crime scene investigations, and more. “U.S. Military Hosts JCET With Uganda Wildlife Authority Rangers”, DVIDS, May 1, 2023.

International SOF

Book on Spetsnaz. Read an excerpt from a recent book by Mark Galeotti entitled Putin’s Wars: From Chechnya to Ukraine. The topic is Russia’s Spetsnaz forces – what it is and what it really does. “Moscow’s ‘special’ forces: An inside look at how Russia’s famed Spetsnaz really operate”, Business Insider, April 30, 2023.

SOCSOUTH and Chile. The Chilean Army’s Special Operations Command (COPE) and military personnel form U.S. Special Operations Command South carried out a communications exercise to develop capabilities and integrate communications. The exercise took place in February 2023 and included elements of the U.S. Army’s 112th Special Operations Signal Battalion. “SOCSOUTH Sponsors Exercise with Chilean Army”, Dialogo-Americas, April 26, 2023.

SAS – Myths and Reality. Every once in a while the folks at Action on Armed Violence (AOAV) run an article about the British Special Air Service. While these articles provide information and ‘facts’ about the SAS they also have a bit of a political tone to them. “The myths and reality of the British Special Air Service (SAS)”, AOVA, April 25, 2023.

Video – Czech Joint Tactical Attack Controllers during Close Air Support Training. NATO Allied Air Command, YouTube, May 1, 2023, 2 minutes. (nicely done!)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yFRDoFEre0s

SOF History

Video – London Embassy Siege. On April 30, 1980, a group of Arab terrorists seized the Iranian Embassy in London and held its occupants hostage for six days. The British Special Air Service ended the hostage event when it raided the embassy killing 5 of the 6 terrorists. Watch the official trailer of 6 Days, YouTube, 3 minutes. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7HthiTi_IcI

UK and NEO History. The current evacuation of foreign nationals from Sudan (see below) has sparked renewed interest in non-combatant evacuation operations (NEO). The United Kingdom has frequently conducted NEOs around the world. Most evacuations by the United Kingdom involved the Royal Air Force, Royal Navy, and one or more of its elite special forces units. Read “From the Archives ` Non-Combatant Evacuation Operations”, Joint Forces.com, April 30, 2023.

LRDG. Stavros Atlamazoglou has published an article about a small British special operations unit established in World War II. Read “The Long Range Desert Group and the Birth of SOF”, Real Clear Defense, April 27, 2023.

Son Tay Raid. Read about one of the most daring special forces operations in U.S. history. (Real Clear Defense, April 26, 2023).

Ukraine Conflict

Conflict Update. In the last few days the pace of Russian missile attacks jumped dramatically. Various targets have been hit including logistics facilities, railway hubs, and fuel depots. In addition, a number of civilian targets have been struck as well. Many of the Russian cruise missiles are intercepted by Ukrainian air defense but still some get through to their targets. A Crimean oil depot was on fire after being struck by two Ukrainian drones. Russia has stiffened penalties for men who are avoiding military service.

Counteroffensive? Russia has been digging in its defenses in anticipation of the expected Ukrainian campaign to take back occupied territory in eastern and southern Ukraine. There has been an increase in sabotage of the Russian logistics system – warehouses, bridges, and rail lines. “Explosion in Russian border area derails freight train”, BBC News, May 1, 2023.

Russian Casualties. There are varying estimates of the Russian personnel losses in the Ukraine conflict since February 2022 as well as during the Battle for Bakhmut. According to the White House tens of thousands of Russian soldiers have been injured since fighting intensified in eastern Ukraine in December. Over 20,000 Russians killed and perhaps as many as 80,000 wounded or injured. Over half of these casualties are likely from the Wagner Group. “US believes 20,000 Russians killed in Ukraine war since December”, Aljazeera, May 1, 2023.

Sudan Conflict and Evac of Foreign Nationals

Update on the conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and Rapid Support Forces (RSF), ceasefire, humanitarian crisis, and evacuation of foreign nationals.
https://www.national-security.info/country/sudan/sudan-neo.html

Project DYNAMO – Evac Flight. Social media reports that almost 100 American citizens were airlifted out on a plane coordinated by Project DYNAMO. The plane landed in Port Sudan, picked up evacuees, and was reported to be ‘wheels up’ at 302200RAPR23. It’s destination was Egypt. Thus far Project DYNAMO has conducted bus and plane evacs for AMCITs in Sudan. The cost to the passengers was zero; Project DYNAMO operates on donations. The U.S. State Department was cooperative and helpful with the coordination needed for the private charter plane to enter Sudan airspace. Project DYNAMO is an international search, rescue, aid and assistance, 501(c)(3) non-profit organization based in the United States. It was founded and is led by U.S. military veterans. It has been active in the Afghan Evac and Ukraine Evac efforts as well.
https://www.projectdynamo.org/

Netherlands Evac. De Marine Spearhead Task Unit (MSTU) participated in the evacuation of 250 people from Sudan. Koninklijke Marine, YouTube, May 1, 2023, 6 minutes. The Dutch conducted a total of 8 flights; including 150 people from 18 different nationalities.

Greece SOF and Sudan. Two C-130 transport aircraft and a C-27j aircraft and a SOF element joined the Sudan Evac effort. There were an estimated 150 Greek nationals in Khartoum. “Greece Deploys Special Forces, Aircraft in Egypt for Sudan Rescue”, Greek Reporter, April 23, 2023.

DoS Evacuation Efforts. The United States government was a little slow to react to the Sudan crisis. Although it quickly and safely evacuated over 100 people during its U.S. Embassy evacuation it, initially, did very little to help the over 16,000 American citizens at risk. Other nations, like India, China, United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia stepped up big-time and picked up the slack for the U.S., evacuating their own nationals as well as U.S. citizens. However, it has now run three U.S. government-facilitated convoys (700 people) on three successive days; April 29th, April 30th, and May 1st. This probably doesn’t mean that U.S. troops or State Department officials were present with the convoys – just that DoS made the appropriate phone calls and spent the necessary cash to make it happen. A press briefing by DoS says the locally employed staff made the arrangements. Or, perhaps, someone from the agency or an SMU was on the ground facilitating the convoy – something we may never get wind of.

The U.S. AMCIT Numbers. The State Department said in a May 1st press briefing that over 1,000 U.S. citizens have been evacuated by either private volunteer groups or allies. In addition, in the 700 who traveled by convoy; some are AMCITS, which would raise the 1,000 evacuated AMCIT figure higher. Over 5,000 of the estimated 16,000 U.S. citizens are requesting evacuation or assistance. The State Department spokesman was grilled on the numbers and failed to provide the clarity needed to understand ‘the numbers’. “Department Press Briefing”, U.S. Department of State, May 1, 2023.

U.S. Navy Support. The Navy did not have an amphibious readiness group in the region to respond to the Sudan crisis. Instead, it sent two unique ships to the Red Sea off the coast of Port Sudan. “U.S. Navy Sends Nontraditional Ships to Support Sudan Evacuation”, USNI News, May 1, 2023.

26th MEU (-) Deploys. A small task-organized element of the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) is deploying on short notice the United States Central Command (CENTCOM) area of operations on May 2, 2023. As a crisis response force, the 26th MEU is prepared to aggregate forces at a moment’s notice to support operations across the globe. “26th Marine Expeditionary Unit deploys an element to CENTCOM”, DVIDS, April 29, 2023. See also “Marines Update Evacuation Playbook”, Defense One, April 28, 2023. See also “Marines Look to Get Closer to Special Operations Teams While Practicing Extractions”, Military.com, April 25, 2023.

National Security and Commentary

‘Partners’ or ‘Proxies’. Terms carry a lot of meaning – and the term ‘local proxy forces’ has a little bit of baggage. US defense posture has been emphasizing the benefits of working by, with, and through allies and partners. Some in the national security establishment use the term ‘proxies’. Barbara Elias has some thoughts on that. “Local Partners Are Not Proxies: The Case for Rethinking Proxy War”, Irregular Warfare Initiative, April 20, 2023.

Taiwan and U.S. SOF. At the U.S. Army Special Operations Command (USASOC) annual capabilities exercise (CAPEX) members of the command gamed out a scenario of the PRC invading Taiwan. The commander of USASOC, Lt. Gen. Jonathan Braga, said that the People’s Republic of China is the true pacing challenge faced by the United States. Read more in “Defending a Mock Invasion of Taiwan Signals Shift for Army Special Operations After Years of Counterinsurgency”, Military.com, April 29, 2023.

Army’s Operating Concept. An explanation of the Army’s operating concept and its relationship to doctrine is provided in this article. It explores the importance of having concepts that are looking out to the middle of the century. “War in 2050: The Army’s Operating Concept After Next”, Modern War Institute at West Point, May 1, 2023.

Border Crisis. The Biden administration is sending troops to the southern border. The numbers of illegal crossing have surged in the past several months and it is believed that it will get even worse when the pandemic policy Title 42 ends next week. “Biden sending 1,500 active-duty troops to border ahead of Title 42 ending”, Washington Examiner, May 2, 2023.

Wagner Group in Africa. The Russian paramilitary group has been active in a number of African countries. The Russians have managed to displace the U.S. and some European nations – extending the influence of its country and protecting its strategic interests. “Forces of Destabilization: Countering Wagner Group in the Sahel”, by Anthony Marco, Irregular Warfare Initiative, April 4, 2023.

Wagner Group – Report. The Foreign Policy Research Institute has published a report entitled “The Wagner Group’s Expanding Global Footprint”, FPRI, April 2023, 36 pages.

Afghanistan

Female Tactical Platoon – Members Seek Legal Status in U.S. A small yet highly effective unit of female Afghan soldiers worked closely with U.S. special operations forces on secret and dangerous missions in Afghanistan. In August 2021 and shortly after, some members of the Afghan National Army’s Female Tactical Platoon (FTP) managed to escape Afghanistan on U.S. military evacuation flights and arrived in the United States. They now are seeking Congressional legislation that will address their precarious immigration status. Currently they are in the U.S. on a temporary two-year humanitarian parole that is set to expire in August. The Afghan Adjustment Act would provide the security needed for the FTP as well as for members of the Afghan Air Force (AAF), Special Mission Wing (SMW), and Afghanistan National Army Special Operations Command (ANASOC). Read more in “Afghan Women Who Fought With U.S. Military Seek Legal Immigration Status”https://www.nytimes.com/2023/04/27/us/politics/female-afghan-soldiers-us.html, By Luke Broadwater and Ava Sasani, The New York Times, April 27, 2023. (subscription)

Moral Injury. Veterans are continually receiving messages from former Afghan counterparts and interpreters desperately seeking assistance in fleeing Afghanistan. Some veterans are wondering where the U.S. government is on this issue and don’t believe enough is being done. Many of these veterans have been emotionally and mentally affected by the experience. “Moral Injury – the Ongoing Fight to Bring Our Afghan Allies Home”, Newsweek, May 1, 2023.

Upcoming Events

May 8-11, 2023. Tampa, Florida
SOF Week
USSOCOM

May 16-18, 2023. Fort Bragg, NC and via Zoom
Geostrategic Symposium 2023
USASOC

May 22-26, 2023. Indianapolis, Indiana
Special Forces Association Convention

May 31, 2023. Ijamsville, MD
6th Annual Golf Tournament
Three Rangers Foundation

June 21-22, 2023
Warrior East
ADS

August 5, 2023. Perdido Key, Florida
Deep Dive 2023 Combat Diver Reunion
CDF

Books, Pubs, and Reports

Sentinel. The May 2023 issue of the Special Forces Association Chapter 78 Newsletter is now available online. There are a number of interesting articles to read: MoH recipient Col. (Ret.) Paris Davis, Special Forces Association Convention, Book Review of Break in the Chain, SFQC Graduation – Class 332, Bringing the Wall That Heals, SOF Integration Detachment and the Iraq War, Billy Waugh, and more.

Carrying the Gun. The latest monthly issue is now online. Some interesting perspectives by the author on a host of topics. CTG #30, May 1, 2023.

Special Warfare. A magazine that was once published by the U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center & School should be brought back to life. Zachary Griffiths sees value in getting the magazine published once again. “Bring Back Branch Magazines”, Modern War Institute at West Point, April 27, 2023.

CTC Sentinel. The Combating Terrorism Center at West Point has published the April 2023 issue of its monthly online magazine. This issue examines U.S. counterterrorism in the Sahel and its relation to great power competition, the Islamic State in Somalia, and the digital terror financing of Central Asian Jihadis. PDF, 29 pages.

Podcasts, Videos, and Movies

Video – Former Acting SECDEF and Green Beret Chris Miller. Watch this great interview by The Team House. An interesting and hours-long discussion. One of the topics is Miller’s recently published book. It is amazing just how good cigars and neat whiskey can enhance a conversation about special operations and national security. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WO6k4j1p928

Video – Foreign Nationals in MACV SOG? Lodge Philbin Act. A quick video depicting the names and faces of members of Military Assistance Command Vietnam – Studies and Observations Group who came from foreign countries. MACVSOG69 History, April 30, 2023, 2 minutes. Watch video here.

SEAL Movies. “Why Are These 5 Navy SEAL Movies so Popular?”, Coffee or Die Magazine, April 27, 2023.

Podcasts

SOFCAST. United States Special Operations Command
https://linktr.ee/sofcast

The Pinelander. Blacksmith Publishing
https://www.thepinelander.com/

The Indigenous Approach. 1st Special Forces Command
https://open.spotify.com/show/3n3I7g9LSmd143GYCy7pPA

Irregular Warfare Podcast. Modern War Institute at West Point
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/irregular-warfare-podcast/id1514636385

SOF News is not a ‘money making’ enterprise; but we do have administrative, operating, and publishing expenses. Individuals and businesses provide the funds to defray these expenses. Their contributions are deeply appreciated. Learn how you can support SOF News.