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)

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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

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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

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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.

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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.

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

Photo / Image: Marines swim during the Caribbean Coastal Warrior exercise in Savaneta, Aruba, May 18, 2023. The bilateral event with Dutch Marines expands the participants’ knowledge and proficiency when operating in littoral and coastal regions. Photo by Marine Corps Cpl. Cassidy Shepherd.

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

Ridge Runner in ‘Vandala’. About 300 special operations troops are taking part in a military exercise in West Virginia during June 2023. The Ridge Runner Irregular Warfare Exercise sees participation from the Texas-based 5/19th Special Forces Group, 92nd Civil Affairs, 6th PSYOP, and US Marines. There are also SOF troops from the UK, Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland. Observers from several other countries are present as well. The Joint Special Operations University (JSOU) and Irregular Warfare Center is supporting the exercise as well as the West Virginia National Guard. “Irregular Warfare infiltrates West Virginia this month”, MetroNews, June 7, 2023.

Marine Force Reconnaissance. The history, organization, structure, training, and equipment of this specialized unit is explained. “Marine Force Reconnaissance: Swift, Silent, Deadly”, Grey Dynamics, June 3, 2023.

NSW RHIB Strikes Jetty – 5 Go to Hospital. Five Naval Special Warfare sailors were injured on Friday, June 16, 2023, in a routine night time training exercise when their inflatable boat struck San Diego’s Zuniga Point jetty. The injuries are non-life threatening. “Five special warfare sailors injured in boat training mishap”, Navy Times, June 16, 2023.

USSOCOM Leaders Visit NSW. The U.S. Special Operations Command commander Gen. Bryan Fenton and senior enlisted leader, Command Sgt. Maj. Shane Shorter, visited Naval Special Warfare Command (NSWC) and Naval Special Warfare Center (NSWCEN) in early June. During their visit the toured NSW Center and NSW Group One. “USSOCOM Commander Visits Naval Special Warfare Command, Validates Value of Rigours Training”, DVIDS, June 5, 2023.

Prince Joins SOF Mag Advisory Committee. Erik Prince, a former SEAL and founder of Blackwater USA, is now a member of the Soldier of Fortune Magazine Advisory Committee. Prince sold Blackwater in 2010 and established Frontier Resource Group. Read more in “Soldier of Fortune Advisory Committee: Meet Blackwater Founder Erik Prince”, SOFMAG, June 8, 2023.

SEALs Train Up on NEO. East-coast based Naval Special Warfare Operators recently conducted a comprehensive training exercise focused on non-combatant evacuation operations (NEO). In the midst of the recent crisis in Sudan the SEALs conducted a NEO rescuing embassy personnel in Khartoum. “US Navy SEALs Conduct Nightime Non-Combatant Evacuation Operation Training”, NSW, June 7, 2023.

Palantir Contract. The US Special Operations Command has awarded a contract to Palantir Technologies to deliver technology solutions to support enterprise capabilties. The contract is worth up to $463 million. “US Special Operations Command Awards Contract to Palentir”, PR Newswire, June 5, 2023.

International SOF

ROK and U.S. SOF Conduct ‘Friendship’ Jump. South Korea’s Special Warfare Command Commander Lieut. Gen. Son Sik and SOCKOR Commander Major Gen. Michael Martin staged a high altitude low opening (HALO) jump. (Yonhap News Agency, June 8, 2023).

Fuerzas Comando 23. The annual special operations forces competition supported by U.S. Southern Command and Special Operations Command South began on June 12, 2023 in the Dominican Republic. Twenty two countries are competing in the SOF skills competition.

New Boats for Greek SOF? Two new SOF craft may soon be available for Greece. One is an interceptor and the other a troop transport. “Greek Shipbuilder Reveals New Special Operations Craft Designs”, Naval News, Jun 15, 2023.

UK ‘Ditching’ C-130 SOF Aircraft. A cost-cutting measure to ditch a special forces aircraft is being criticized as “perverse” and “extrodinary”. Some UK security analysts believe the removal of the aircraft will leave a capability gap at a time of rising security risks. The A400 is to replace the C-130 but there will be ‘niche capabilities’ that will have gaps. (Sky News, Jun 14, 2023).

Australian SAS War Crimes Case. The “trial of the century’ concluded earlier this month in Sydney where a man commonly described as Australia’s most decorated living soldier had brought a libel case against Australian newspapers. Ben Roberts-Smith, a former member of the Special Air Service Regiment, lost his case in court. Douglas Guilfoyle, a Professor of Law and International Security at the University of New South Wales Canberra, explains the context in which the case arose, what the Court found, and what comes next. “The Libel Case Confirming Australian War Crimes in Afghanistan”, Articles of War, Lieber Institute West Point, June 14, 2023.

SOF History

OSS. On June 13, 1942, the Office of Strategic Services (OSS) replaced the COI. It was placed under the Joint Chiefs of staff (JCS). The Office of the Coordinator of Information was an intelligence and propaganda agency of the United States government founded on July 11, 1941 by President Roosevelt.

Army’s Birthday. The Army’s birthday was celebrated on June 14th. The U.S. Army was founded on June 14, 1775, when the Continental Congress authorized enlistment of expert riflemen to serve the United Colonies for one year.

10th SFG(A) Established. On June 19, 1952, 71 years ago, the 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne) was established on Fort Bragg, North Carolina. https://www.specialforceshistory.info/groups/10sfga.html

Combat Divers and Their ‘Skimpy’ Swim Trunks. The very brief swim gear worn by today’s combat divers came into fashion in World War II when Underwater Demolition Teams (UDTs) swimmers used them as they reconned landing beaches on Pacific islands. The UDT shorts are still used today – by combat divers of all of the services. But the use of tiny briefs goes beyond the UDT shorts – the Rangers and the Marines have their version for physical training. Read more in “UDT Shorts, Silkies, and Ranger Panties: A Risque Military Fashion Trend”, Coffee or Die Magazine, June 14, 2023.

SF Greenlight Teams. During the Cold War Green Berets practiced infiltration behind enemy lines by high altitude low opening (HALO) parachute jumps with Special Atomic Demolition Munitions (SADMs). Read more in “Special Forces Parachuted With Nukes Strapped to Them During the Cold War”, The WarZone, June 9, 2023.

Ukraine Conflict

Ukraine Offensive. The long-awaited spring offensive by the Ukraine military has begun. It apparently is currently concentrated in the southeastern region along the front lines with some modest gains. It isn’t the explosive punch deep into Russian-held territory that some had anticipated. Social media reports indicate that much of the offensive power of Ukraine has still not been committed. Many analysts believe the Ukrainians are conducting feints and reconnaissance in force operations in a prelude to a deep strike with some of its newly-formed and NATO trained brigades. CNN World provides a brief on the attacks with a map depicting where the current offensive is underway. (June 17, 2023).

CRS Report – Central Asia: Implications of Russia’s War in Ukraine. The Congressional Research Service has published a report that decribes the difficult position – economically and diplomatically – that five Central Asian states now find themselves since the Russian’s have renewed their offensive in Ukraine. The five countries of Central Asia – Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan – share historical, economic, and military ties with Russia. However, since their indepence from the Soviet Union in 1991, they have generaly sought to balance relations between Russia, China, and other powers. Central Asian states are now seeking to diversify their trade relationships and establish transit routes that bypass Russia. They are also seeking to engage with other partners in the security sphere. CRS R47591, June 9, 2023, PDF 35 pages. https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/R/R47591

Commentary

Role of SOF in IW and GPC. Sal Artigia has penned an essay on SOF’s role in IW in an era of strategic competition. He says that SOF’s distinct capabilities offer several advantages in IW. He advocates a balanced approach that includes a comprehensive, whole-of-government strategy that leverages all elements of national power – and that SOF should be a key component of this strategy. “The Role of Special Operations Forces in Irregular Warfare within the Framework of Great Power Competition”, LinkedIn Pulse, June 10, 2023.

Changing Role of SOF. The Department of Defense is focused on the Indo-Pacific region and competition with China. It is placing less emphasis on CT and COIN. It didn’t take long for the ‘knives’ to come out and see proposals for the reduction of SOF forces. There is the possiblity that ARSOF will see a 10% budget reduction in the coming years. These proposed reductions would mainly affect logistical and intelligence enablers. Read more in “From Counterinsurgency to Conventional Warfare: The Changing Role of U.S. Special Operations Forces”, SOFREP, June 10, 2023.

Ellsberg, the Papers, Phoenix Program, and Green Berets. Jeff Stein, the founding editor of SpyTalk.co, writes how the release of the Pentagon Papers by Daniel Ellsberg (who just passed away) prompted him to write a book about Green Berets accused of the homicide of a suspected Vietnamese double agent in 1969. “Flipped: How Dan Ellsberg changed my life”, SpyTalk, June 17, 2023.

National Ranger Memorial Monument Defaced. The names of four Confederate soldiers are no longer visible on a monument to U.S. Army Rangers at Fort Moore (formerly known as old Fort Benning). Historic figures who are a part of the U.S. special operations history had their names erased on the memorial – John Mosby, William Quantrill, George Bowman, and Jackson Bowman. A letter was sent to Kevin McCarthy, Speaker of the House, expressing concern of the move by the U.S. Army to remove the names by the National Ranger Memorial Foundation in May 2023. “Confederate names no longer visible on Ranger monument”, GPB News, June 16, 2023.

IW Education and SOF. As the contours of global power dynamics evolve, U.S. SOF find themselves increasing deployed in contexts characterized by irregular warfare. The era of strategic competition has presented new challenges. A key component of SOF being able to contribute in this environment is a sound education in irregular warfare. “The Imperiative for Irregular Warfare Education in Special Operations Forces”, by Sal Artiaga, LinkedIn Pulse, June 17, 2023.

JSOU, Wargaming, and Social Science Experiments. The Joint Special Operations University recently embedded aspects of the DoD’s ‘Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) Strategic Plan and Implementation framework into the JSOU’s Special Operations Planning Course (SOPC). “Wargaming as a Social Science Experiment”, by Andrew Crabb, Small Wars Journal, June 16, 2023.

Fixing the Sahel Region. Jihadist terrorist groups continue to expand their influence and this region of Africa remains a terrorist hot zone, spilling into other regions like Coastal West Africa. This past year has been one of the most active yet for some of the jihadist organizations. Compounding the situation is the meddling of China and Russia. Tammy Palacios provides her perspective on the security situation and shares some recommendations on the way forward for the United States. “Integrating U.S. Military Assistance With Conflict Prevention and Stabilization in the Sahel”, Newlines Institute, June 15, 2023.

National Security

USMC Force Design 2030. The annual update to the Marine Corps Force Design document has been released. Force Design 2030 Annual Update, USMC, June 2023, PDF, 30 pages. Watch a video that explains the update. DVIDS, June 3, 2023, 2 mins. The vision of the Marines is to become lighter, faster, and more tech savy. Incorporating robotics and artificial intelligence is a big focus.

CRS Report – Securing the Border. The Congressional Research Office has updated a ‘Legal Sidebar’ entitled The President’s Authority to Use the National Guard or the Armed Forces to Secure the Border. PDF, June 15, 2023, 4 pages. https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/LSB/LSB10121

2024 Defense Budget in House. The House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense has passed an $826 billion Pentagon budget for fiscal 2024. There are a lot of good things in the budget – raising the pay of junior enlisted troops, more funds for combating the flow of fentanyl into the U.S., and other measures. There are some items that set up the Congress for a fight over the next several months – Democrats are likely to oppose the ban on things like drag queen story hours for children or a ban on the use of drag queens as military recruiters. So there will be negotiations and compromise over the next several months on a bill that both the Republican controlled House and Democratic controlled Senate can agree on.

New Fast Attack Sub. The Navy christianed its newest Virginia-class fast-attack submarine on June 17, 2023 in Groton, CT. The Virginia-class subs are built to conduct a a variety of missions. Among these tasks are special operations support, ISR, and irregular warfare. “Navy to Christian Submarine Iowa”, U.S. Department of Defense, June 16, 2023.

SOCCENT, Central Asia, and Influence Campaigns. The National Security Fellowship (NSF) at Seton Hall University partnered with a deep technology firm that specializes in advanced network analytics and simulations to work on a project fro Special Operations Command Central. The team focused on how SOCCENT could counter Russia and China’s influence with the Central Asian states. They studied on how to quantify the strategic messaging and determine the positive or negative sentiment of Russian and Chinese influence in each of the Central Asian states. “NSF Project Enhanced with Data Analytics”, Diplomacy News, June 14, 2023.

Pentagon’s ‘Perception Management Office’. Kit Klippenstein, an investigative journalist at The Intercept, provides an interesting (and alternative) perspective on the Influence and Perception Management Office (IPMO) launched in March 2023. The office is described as providing advice on strategic and operational influence and perception management matters to the Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence & Security. “Exposed: Disturbing details of the Pentagon Perception Management Office”, Monthly Review, June 14, 2023.

Conflict in Burma. Since the army’s 2021 takeover of government rule almost 4,000 civilians have been killed in the unrest in Myanmar. A lot of the fighting takes place in the ethnic regions along the countries borders. Newly formed militia groups have been attacking government troop outposts and convoys. In the past week almost 30 civlians have been killed in the violence.

U.S. Service Members Injured in Syria. Twenty-two members of the military were injured on Sunday, June 11th. The injuries happened during a helicopter mishap in northeastern Syria. Ten of the injured were evacuated to higher care facilities outside of the CENTCOM AOR. (@CENTCOM Twitter, June 12, 2023).

Old Salt Coffee is a corporate sponsor of SOF News. The company offers a wide range of coffee flavors to include Green Eyes Coffee, a tribute to those Navy special operations personnel who operate in the night.

Upcoming Events

June 21-22, 2023
Warrior East
ADS

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

August 12, 2023
11th Special Forces Group Reunion
Fort Meade, MD

October 16-20, 2023
SOAR XLVII
Special Operations Association

December 8, 2023
Winter Cruise
Combat Diver Association

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.

Books, Pubs, and Reports

CRS Report – Instances of Use of United States Armed Forces Abroad, 1798-2023. The Congressional Research Service has updated a report on the hundreds of instances in which the U.S. has used military force abroad in situations of military conflict or potential conflict. The report provides a general survey of past U.S. military ventures abroad. CRS R42738, June 7, 2023, PDF, 58 pages. https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/R/R42738

CRS Report – U.S. Army’s Indirect Fire Protection Capability (IFPC) System. The Congressional Research Service has published a report on the IFPC system. This system protects high-value military sites against enemy cruise missile (CM), unmanned aerial system (UAS), and rocket, artillery, and mortar (RAM) attacks. It is a mobile, ground-based weapon system and bridges the gap between short-range air defense (SHORAD) systems and the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system. PDF, 3 pages. https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/IF/IF12421

Book Review – By All Means Available. Veteran strategist, CIA operative, and Green Beret Michael G. Vickers tallies achievements and missteps across the Cold War and the war on terror. “Where Did We Go Wrong in Afghanistan?”, New York Times, June 18, 2023. (subscription)

Videos, Podcasts, and Movies

Video – Lessons in U.S. Intelligence and Special Operations. Center for Strategic & International Studies (CSIS), YouTube, June 16, 2023, one hour. “In 1984, Michael Vickers took charge of the CIA’s secret war against the Soviets in Afghanistan. After inheriting a strategy aimed at imposing costs on the Soviets for their invasion and occupation of Afghanistan, Vickers transformed the covert campaign into an all-out effort to help the Afghan resistance win their war. In By All Means Available, Vickers recounts his remarkable career, from his days as a Green Beret to his vision for victory in Afghanistan to his role in waging America’s war with al-Qa’ida at the highest levels of government.”
https://www.youtube.com/live/atxKIvSQJ-0?feature=share&t=205

Video – Facing the Khmer Rouge. Major General (Ret) Kenneth Bowra shares his experience in opposing the Khmer Rouge with the Cambodian Army (FANK). Savage Game Design, YouTube, June 10, 2023, one hour. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wdRFKNXctDA

Podcast – Communications Networking. Advances in technology have almost entirely eliminated the fundamental Right of Privacy. A communications expert weighs in on how to reduce or eliminate evesdropping by setting up a secure network so you can communicate with family and friends. The Pinelander, June 15, 2023, one hour.
https://pinelander.podbean.com/e/episode-075-communications-networking/

Podcasts

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

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

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

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.

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.

By Jim Garamone, DoD News.

The Special Operations community is making progress in its transformation to focus more on the challenges of China and Russia while maintaining the expertise to mount counterterrorism operations worldwide, Chris Maier, the assistant secretary of defense for special operations and low-intensity conflict told the Senate Armed Services Committee today. 

Maier testified alongside Army Gen. Bryan Fenton, the commander of U.S. Special Operations Command, and both men were upbeat in their appraisal of where the community is and how it will get to the next level. 

While Maier is an assistant secretary, Congress gave his position many of the authorities wielded by service secretaries regarding special operations forces — or SOF, as it is often called. 

DOD officials are all in on this aspect, and Maier noted that when the Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III calls a meeting of the service secretaries, he sits at the table, too. 

“Sitting before this committee last year, I testified we were at an inflection point in SOF’s transformation to focus more on the pacing challenge of China and the acute threat posed by Russia, while maintaining enduring capabilities to counter violent extremist organizations, address Iran’s destabilizing behavior and conduct no-fail crisis response around the globe,” Maier said.  

The assistant secretary stressed that special operations forces are not separate from the rest of the military, and they are pulling their weight in support of the National Defense Strategy. 

“We are transforming the SOF enterprise to achieve the goals of the NDS,” he said. “While SOF’s role in counterterrorism is widely understood and appreciated, my team and I work daily to ensure the value proposition of SOF in integrated deterrence and campaigning against strategic competitors is accounted for and incorporated into the department’s processes.” 

One way is to exploit the deep relationships special operators have forged with allies and partners over the last two decades of conflict in Afghanistan, Iraq, Africa and Asia. This “has produced an international SOF enterprise that provides us unique, firsthand understanding of the global operating environment,” he told the senators. “It also has enhanced the resilience of our allies and partners to resist aggression.” 

These relationships and the U.S. military’s unique ability to deploy and sustain forces to some of the most difficult locations in the world mean special operations forces formations “provide unique access and placement that create options for our nation’s leaders, and SOF is adept at creating dilemmas for our adversaries,” he said.  

He noted the years of training special operations forces provided the Ukrainian forces, which transformed that nation’s military into a highly capable force “that is consistently outperforming Russia on the battlefield today,” Maier said.  

Maier has also worked to guide special operations forces, writ large. “We have established over the last year in the department a series of recurring processes and delivered key outcomes for the SOF enterprise,” he said. “For example, the Special Operations Policy Oversight Council, which I chair, provides a senior-level forum to address SOF-unique challenges across the department. We also have made progress on important initiatives to deter our adversaries and fill warfighting gaps, especially on irregular warfare and information operations.”

He noted his office played a central role in DOD’s landmark civilian harm and mitigation response action plan.  

But everything in special operations goes back to the first “truth” of the community: Humans are more important than hardware. “None of our efforts [is] possible without our most important resource, our people,” he said. “We continue to evolve the force and address SOF-unique challenges to optimize physical, psychological, social, spiritual, and now cognitive performance.” 

Maier said a diverse force is a necessity. Removing barriers to participation and advancement in the community is “an operational imperative if we are to succeed in an ever more complex geopolitical environment,” he said. 

Fenton said special operations forces remain a national advantage in this decisive era defined by the strategic competition with China and Russia. Those two nations seek to reshape the rules-based international order, he said. “In response, your special operations forces strengthen and sustain deterrence globally as part of the Department of Defense’s approach to integrated deterrence,” the general said.  

Special operations forces really grew out of the cauldron of combat in World War II and they matured through the Cold War and proved their worth in the conflicts since the attacks of September 11, 2001. “Now drawing upon our 20-plus years of hard-won combat credibility and coalition experience, your SOF provides creative tailorable and asymmetric options for our nation, while creating dilemmas for our competitors,” Fenton said to the senators. “And as part of the broader joint force, we campaign every day, to deter and prevent aggression, counter coercion, close warfighting gaps and tackle shared challenges alongside allies and partners.” 

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References: You can watch the video (2 1/2 hrs) and read the witness statements of ASD SO/LIC Christopher Maier, General Bryan Fenton (Cdr USSOCOM), and General Paul Nakasone (Cdr Cyber Command). Click here.

Photo: A Green Beret diver prepares to dive into a frozen reservoir during ice driving training on Fort Carson, Colorado, February 18, 2021. The training is part of a wide range of training conducted by the Green Berets on Fort Carson to help maintain their proficiency in Arctic warfare. (U.S. Army photo by SSG Eliverto V Larios)

This article by Jim Garamone was originally published by DoD News, on March 7, 2023. Content by the U.S. Department of Defense is in the public domain.

The USSOCOM 2023 Fact Book is published annually by the United States Special Operations Command. It has a wealth of information about the elite units of the four services, JSOC, theater special operations commands around the world, and the various types of equipment used by US special operations forces.

Contents of the USSOCOM 2023 Fact Book:

• Medal of Honor Recipients
• Headquarters
• Leadership
• Mission
• USSOCOM and Component Map
• U.S. Army Special Operations Command
• Naval Special Warfare Command
• Air Force Special Operations Command
• Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command
• Joint Special Operations Command
• SOCAFRICA
• SOCCENT
• SOCEUR
• SOCKOR
• SOCNORTH
• SOCPAC
• SOCSOUTH
• Theater Special Operations Command Map
• Aircraft
• Maritime
• Ground
• SOF Truths
• Glossary

USSOCOM 2023 Fact Book, United States Special Operations Command, 2023, PDF, 40 pages.
https://www.socom.mil/latest-factbook

The October 2022 issue of Tip of the Spear has been posted online by the United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM). This edition has several very interesting articles about SOF commands and units from MARSOC, AFSOC, NSW, and USASOC.

Article topics include:

• SOCAFRICA’s Silent Warrior Symposium
• Green Berets train with Royal Marines
• SOCNORTH Takes part in Noble Defender
• Arctic Symposium and SOCNORTH
• CV-22 Operations in Indo-Pacific
• Project Origin Experiment and ARSOF
• 10th SFG(A), UW, and the Gray Zone
• NSW Establishes Assessment Command
• NSW Divers train at altitude
• AFSOC – Changing up its organizational structure
• AFSOC Water Survival Training
• MARSOC Exercise in Indonesia

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Tip of the Spear, United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM), October 2022, PDF, 40 pages.
https://www.dvidshub.net/publication/issues/65620

Photo: Sailors assigned to various Naval Special Warfare commands operate a Diver Propulsion Device during high-altitude dive training. Photo by U.S. Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Alex Perlman.

A report by the Congressional Research Service (CRS) on U.S. Special Operations Forces (SOF) has been updated and provided to Congress.

Contents:

• Command Structures and Components
  • Additional USSOCOM Responsibilities
  • Theater Special Operations Commands (TSOCs)
• Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC)
• Army Special Operations Command
• Air Force Special Operations Command
• U.S. Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command (MARSOC)
• FY2022 USSOCOM Budget Request
• Potential Issues for Congress
• Implications of the Ukraine Conflict for U.S. SOF

U.S. Special Operations Forces (SOF): Background and Issues for Congress, Congressional Research Service, CRS RS21048, May 11, 2022, PDF, 11 pages.
https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/RS/RS21048

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Photo: A Green Beret from 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne) perform initial training prior to conducting an ice dive on Fort Carson, Colorado, 18th February, 2021. The training is part of a wide range of training conducted by the Green Berets on Fort Carson to help maintain their proficiency in Arctic warfare. (U.S. Army photo by SSG Eliverto V Larios)

The April 2022 issue of Tip of the Spear published by the United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) is now available online. Featured articles include:

• Tanzania Joint Combine Exchange Training
• Purple Heart for Green Beret (Northwest Africa)
• Exercise Cold Response 22
• SOCNORTH and Arctic Edge 2022
• 70 Year Anniversary of USAJFKSWCS
• Hook and Climb Training
• NAVSCIATTS and Partner Nation Graduates
• 20th SOS and CV-22 Jump Training
• 919th SOW Celebrates 50th Anniversary

Tip of the Spear, USSOCOM, April 2022, PDF, 40 pages
https://www.dvidshub.net/publication/issues/63507

The U.S. Senate Committee on Armed Services heard testimony on Wednesday, April 27, 2022, from special operations commanders on efforts to sustain special operations force readiness and transform the force for future security challenges. Witnesses included:

• Army Lt. Gen. Jonathan P. Braga, commander of Army Special Operations Command;
• Air Force Lt. Gen. James C. Slife, commander of Air Force Special Operations Command;
• Navy Rear Adm. Hugh W. Howard III, commander of Naval Special Warfare Command;
• Marine Maj. Gen. James F. Glynn, commander of Marine Forces Special Operations Command.

Watch the video here:
Special Operations Commanders Testify on Force Readiness, DVIDS, April 27, 2022, 1 1/2 hours.
https://www.dvidshub.net/video/841040/special-operations-commanders-testify-force-readiness

This video was published by the Defense Visual Information Distribution Service. DVIDS content is in the public domain.

Photo: LTG Jonathan Braga, commander of United States Army Special Operations Command (USASOC). Image is a still from DVIDS video cited above on April 27, 2022.