Story by LTJG Martin Carey, NSWG Two.

East-Coast based Naval Special Warfare Operators (SEALs) and the 164th Romanian Naval Special Operations Forces (ROUSOF) conducted training on maritime interdiction operations, special reconnaissance, and special operations tactics to enhance allied defense throughout the European region. The joint effort was conducted November 4-17, and enhanced maritime expertise and strengthened the capacity to respond to maritime crises in the Black Sea region.

“Our partnership with the Romanian Naval Special Operations Forces is in direct alignment with the U.S. National Defense Strategy’s emphasis on strengthening alliances and partnerships. Together, we prepare for the challenges posed by the unique operational environment here as we work in tandem to preserve security during this critical time,” said Maj. Gen. Steven G. Edwards, Commander of Special Operations Command Europe.

During the evolution, SEALs and ROUSOF conducted a multitude of interoperability and training iterations including close quarters combat techniques, urban patrol movements, breacher training and integrated visit, board, search and seizure tactics. The ability for U.S. and NATO special operations forces to integrate seamlessly across multiple operating areas further refines their capabilities to deploy in support of real-world operations in the area.

“Working alongside our allied Romanian special operators provides us the ability to further enhance our capabilities in order to meet operational demands,” said the senior Naval Special Warfare Operator on site. “These opportunities are not only invaluable for the SEALs, but also the numerous support personnel who enable us to complete our mission in a joint environment.”

In the spirit of solidarity and shared commitment to regional security, the collaboration between SEALs and ROUSOF serves as a testament to the vital importance of international partnerships within the European Command Area of Responsibility. Strengthening alliances through joint training initiatives bolsters the capabilities of both nations’ special operations forces and underscores the collective dedication to preserve peace and security in the Black Sea region.

The 164th Romanian Naval Special Operations Forces are a highly specialized unit of the Romanian Navy who conduct direct action missions, special reconnaissance, and maritime operations to safeguard the interests of Romania and promote regional security.

Naval Special Warfare Group TWO produces, supports, and deploys the world’s premier maritime special operations forces to conduct full-spectrum operations and integrated deterrence in support of U.S. national objectives. For more information, visit https://www.nsw.navy.mil/.

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This story by LTJG Martin Carey of Naval Special Warfare Group Two was published on December 13, 2023, by the Defense Visual Information Distribution Service. DVIDS content is in the public domain.

Photo: East-Coast based U.S. Naval Special Warfare Operators (SEALs) conduct visit, board, search, and seizure training with the 164th Romanian Naval Special Operations Forces near Constanta, Romania, Nov. 16, 2023. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Bill Carlisle)

Special Operations Command Europe (SOCEUR) has demonstrated its use of the palletized Joint Air to Surface Standoff Missile (JASSM) from one of its MC-130J Commando IIs. The Rapid Dragon missile system was showcased on November 9, 2022 in the sea area off the coast of Northern Norway. The long-range, precision-guided cruise missiles were dropped on a pallet by a parachute from a MC-130J Commando II. The intent of the demonstration which showcases some enhanced capabilities is to deter Russian aggression and expansionist behavior.

The event was part of the Atreus exercise held near the Arctic region. The Atreus exercise involves several participating nations – among them Poland, Romania, Norway, Germany, and the United Kingdom. The Atreus series began in April 2021 to identify and conduct training opportunities for U.S., NATO allies and partners.

The launching aircraft was from the 352nd Special Operations Wing. The site of the launch was at Norway’s Andoya Space Defense Range. A parachute attached to the deployment box is tossed out of the back of the MC-130. The parachute deploys and pulls the pallet out of the aircraft. The initial deployment parachute is cut away and four more parachutes then deploy. Once the load is stabilized by the four parachutes, the missile is released in a downward direction. In a matter of seconds, the missile’s wings and tail deploy and engine turns on. The cruise missile is then on its way to the target area.

#BREAKING video from 352nd Special Operations Wing successful test fire of a palletized Joint Air to Surface Standoff Missile (JASSM). Successful extraction of deployment box, release of JASSM with wing extension, and motor engagement during exercise #ATREUS22 #SOFinEurope pic.twitter.com/3hLcXDJ3bl

— US Spec Ops Europe (@US_SOCEUR) November 9, 2022

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References:

Photo: A palletized effects system falls from the cargo hold of a 352d Special Operations Wing MC-130J Commando II during a live-fire demonstration for ATREUS 22-4 at Andøya Space Defense Range, Norway, Nov. 9, 2022. This is the first time Rapid Dragon, a precision effects capability for medium-sized or larger cargo aircraft that allows U.S. and NATO forces a flexible rapid response option, has been employed in the U.S. European Command theater. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Brigette Waltermire)

Video: Watch a 30-second long video about the JASSM. This is a computer animation to help showcase how the palletized JASSM is loaded and employed. (SOCEUR Facebook, Nov 10, 2022)

Article: “U.S. Special Operations Command Conducts First-Ever Demonstration of the Joint-Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile”, DVIDS, November 9, 2022.

Article: “Special Ops C-130 Tests Pallet-Dropped Cruise Missiles in the Arctic”, by Joseph Trevithick, The Warzone, November 9, 2022.

The commander of NATO Special Operations Forces Headquarters (NSHQ), LTG Antonio Fletcher, is the guest of a USSOCOM SOFCAST episode. He discusses his career in U.S. Army Special Forces, the role of NATO Special Operations Forces, leadership development, diversity of SOF, the evolution of missions for SOF over time, and the current state of the world.

Fletcher, one of the most respected leaders in U.S. Army Special Forces, talks about his journey to West Point, deciding to go the Special Forces route, and his early days on an ‘A-team’ with 7th Special Forces Group. He gives credit to his early success in the Army to mentors, fellow soldiers, officers, and senior NCOs he was associated with. Fletcher shares his insight on how to develop ‘teams’ and interacting with other colleagues.

He compares Special Forces ODA’s from the pre-GWOT era, during GWOT, to the Special Forces ODA’s post-GWOT. This includes the differences in soldier development, training, planning, preparation, missions, and deployments during these eras. He provides excellent insight into 7th Special Forces Group’s missions in South American and the employment of the group in Afghanistan for almost two decades.

Fletcher notes that the impact of SOF in the contemporary operational environment has shifted – to one of achieving short-term objectives to setting goals that provide a long-term effect. During the discussion the conversation shifts from U.S. Army Special Forces to the role of North Atlantic Treaty Organization Special Operations Forces Headquarters (NSHQ).

He explains the role of NSHQ and how it engages with European SOF. The Ukraine conflict has NATO special operations forces engaged in various activities. However, NSHQ is also engaged in many activities not related to the Ukraine conflict – as there are numerous other requirements as well. NSHQ has a critical role in building ‘partnerships’ and ‘relationships’ among SOF of Europe in a very complex security environment.

His views on how to interact with colleagues and approach to working with other nations is valuable insight. The host of SOFCAST, Sergeant Major Matt Parrish, and ‘Tony Fletcher’ have a discussion that is wide-ranging, informative, and interesting . . . and worth the time to watch.

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LTG Antonio Fletcher – Commander of NATO Special Operations Forces Headquarters (NSHQ), SOFCAST, USSOCOM, November 2, 2022, YouTube, one hour.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s3y-LlxQ1Xk

The Joint Special Operations University (JSOU), a part of United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) hosted a discussion panel that highlighted the Russia – Ukraine conflict. The event took place on October 3rd and was published online on October 14, 2022. Each member of the panel provided an initial presentation and then a question and answer period took place.

The panel featured:

• Mr. Brian Petit served as panel moderator. He is a JSOU faculty member and retired Special Forces officer. He is a book author and has been published in a number of military and academic journals.
• Dr. Kevin Stringer is a retired U.S. Army officer with a deep history in special operations. As a member of SOCEUR he participated in the development of the Resistance Operating Concept. He has experience in Ukraine as well.
• Dr. Chris March is a member of the JSOU staff and serves as editor of the Special Operations Journal. He is the author of several books and more than 70 journal articles; many of these on European and Russian topics.
• Col Jerry Jablonski has been a member of Polish Special Forces since 2002. At present, he serves as POLSOF Exchange Officer in USSOCOM.

Various topics were presented and discussed. These include annexation of Ukrainian territory by Russia, mobilization of Russian population for the war, refugees from Ukraine, Russian regime change, energy crisis in Europe, Putin’s popular support, importance of external support for Ukraine, resistance activities in occupied Ukraine and Russia, Russian activities in Africa, Russia’s relationship with China, will NATO hang continue to support Ukraine over the long haul, will NATO (and U.S.) SOF get on the ground in Ukraine, Russia’s narrative of the conflict, and much more.

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ThinkJSOU Panel: Update on the Ukraine / Russia Conflict, JSOU, October 14, 2022, 1 hr 15 mins.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sz3lC1vHNEI

Story by Staff Sgt. Travis Fontane, 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne).

Green Beret divers from the 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne) and Latvian Special Operation Forces (SOF) divers conducted a maritime beach landing and exercise in Latvia on May 27-28, 2021. The event was the culmination of ten weeks of training as the teams shared tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) to enhance military readiness, teamwork and joint confidence while promoting peace and stability in Europe.

“It was definitely a positive experience,” said the 10th Group dive team commander. “We built off each other, they used some of our techniques and we use some of theirs helping us all come together.”

The teams focused on a range of unconventional warfare maritime tasks such as: beach landings, maritime medivac techniques and vessel boarding search and seizure (VBSS). The bilateral SOF training included practicing weapon skills at different ranges, close-quarters battle (CQB) during day and night conditions and also conducting open and closed circuit dive training.

Photo: 10th SFG and Latvian dive teams conduct a casualty evacuation drill during maritime operations training in Latvia. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Travis Fontane, 10th SFG, May 27, 2021)

“Each country has its own standard operating procedures (SOP),” said the 10th Group dive team member. “The Latvian tier one asset is able to do CQB their way, our way, or integrate into a team and do it together.”

The training went beyond just tactical skills. On May 25, the two teams worked out together in a physical training (PT) session dedicated to fallen 10th Group Soldiers as part of wider Memorial Day commemorations.

“Both sides have sustained casualties, so we respect and honor each other’s fallen,” said the dive team commander. “Both units have comradery and enjoy friendly competition – the memorial PT was a rewarding and competitive event.”

The day before the mission both the U.S. and Latvian dive teams ran rehearsals and the 10th Group dive team member explained his opinion about the importance of rehearsing before a mission.

“It was beaten into my head a long time ago by my old team sergeants that rehearsals are where you make your money,” he said. “You can have the best plan in the world but if you don’t rehearse it, something is always going to go wrong. Rehearsals help soldiers be more prepared and leaders to control the chaos.”

The teams combined this training into a final exercise that would push the team’s planning, thinking and resilience to their limits. The 20-man element carried out their mission for more than 24 hours while wet, hungry and tired. The scenario included a beach landing and a 4km movement through a dense swampy wooded area.

Photo: A U.S. Army Green Beret dive team assigned to 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne) along with a Latvian Special Operation Forces (SOF) dive team move 4 km through dense swampy woodland areas to an objective rally point (ORP) in Latvia on May 27-28, 2021. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Travis Fontane)

The teams then formed an objective rally point while waiting for nightfall. Under the cover of darkness, team Alpha went to their designated position providing overwatch and placing simulation explosives on a mock SA21, which is a Russian made surface-to-air missile system. At the same time, team Bravo consisting of both Green Berets and Latvian SOF, raided a simulated urban building. After exploding the door they engaged the opposition forces with simulation rounds, and captured a high-value individual.

After regrouping, the teams patrolled back through the woods to a vehicle linkup point where they were ambushed and took a mock casualty. The teams loaded the casualty and themselves into the vehicle and drove 70km back towards the beach.

After the teams were dropped off, they continued through the woods towards the beach with their casualty on litter. While waiting to be picked-up by the boats, the teams took turns pulling security and changing into dry-suits. They then loaded onto the boats where the dive team medics stabilized the casualty as they returned to base.

The simulated mission achieved the key tasks of NATO interoperability and developing skills at the tactical level. The executed mission’s strategic effect would allow follow-on NATO forces to more safely carry out their operations.

The 10th Group dive team commander explained why Latvia was a good place to train. “Any time we get a chance to train with our Latvian partners it’s a great opportunity,” said the 10th Group dive team commander. “This is a great place for a 10th Special Forces Group dive team to come and train.”

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Photo: A U.S. Army Green Beret dive team assigned to 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne) along with a Latvian Special Operation Forces (SOF) team conduct a maritime beach landing and raid scenario over a 24-hour period in Latvia on May 27-28, 2021. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Travis Fontane)

Story: Story by Staff Sgt. Travis Fontane, 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne). This article was originally published on June 10, 2021 by the Defense Visual Information Distribution Service. DVIDS media content is within the public domain.

The new National Defense Strategy has special operations forces spending less time on GWOT and more time on great power competition (GPC). SOF has to be prepared to meet the GPC challenge in many parts of the world. With climate change, the Arctic region is presenting opportunities for new sea lanes for shipping, access to gas and oil reserves, and mineral resources. It also offers a platform for power projection. Russia and China are moving aggressively to gain greater access and influence in the Arctic – often counter to the interests of the United States.

The 10th Special Forces Group is focused on Europe to include the high north of the Arctic region. This requires special equipment, training, and new ways of operating in a cold weather environment. Capt. Barrett Martin, of 10th SFG, recently deployed his Special Forces detachment to the high north. He shares what his team learned during that experience while training with Norwegian and Swedish forces. The commander of the 10th SFG, Col. Brian Rauen, provides the big picture about operations in the high north.

The discussion is led by Dr. Ryan Burke – co-director of Project 6633, which is an effort to explore the topic of polar security. In addition, the panel discusses an essay contest that is inviting submissions that address the question of how American special operations forces can operate in the Arctic north.

Special Operations Forces in the High North
Modern War Institute at West Point
April 2, 2021, 36 minutes
https://mwi.usma.edu/mwi-podcast-special-operations-forces-in-the-high-north/

Photo: 10th Special Forces member on a snow machine during a four week long winter warfare training exercise in Sweden. (photo by SSG Matthew Britton, SOCEUR, February 28, 2018.

Story by Sgt. Monique ONeill, SOCEUR.

CRETE, Greece – Naval special operations forces from the Greek Underwater Demolition Team (DYK), Cypriot Underwater Demolition Team (UDT), and U.S. Navy Special Warfare Combatant-Craft Crewmen (SWCC) joined forces to conduct a maritime exercise in Souda Bay, Greece, January 11-29.

The tri-lateral Special Operations Forces (SOF) exercise, which was designed to better enable global operations, included Over the Beach (OTB), Visit Board Search and Seizure (VBSS), and Small Boat Interdiction (SBI).

“These exercises help keep us sharp, prepared, and consistent. We are able to communicate and integrate fluidly when we train together on a regular basis,” said the U.S. Naval SWCC team leader.

The United States, Greece, NATO allies and partners, continuously train together in the European theater operations to build trust, improve levels of cooperation and combined capabilities. The integration of the Republic of Cyprus is a demonstration of NATO’s commitment to increasing interoperability with regional partners in an effort to promote collective defense and stability.

“The inclusion of Cypriot forces created an opportunity to expand capabilities and relationships with partner nations in the neighboring area. We are all strong nations individually, but we can grow stronger by working collectively, in the context of joint military training activities,” said Nikolaos Panagiotopoulos, Greek Minister of National Defense. “It’s imperative to understand that we can always learn and grow stronger by cross-training together with our partners and allies.”

Although Cyprus has been divided since 1974, the country has a unified military and training objectives.

“We know the importance of joint exercises like this and hope to work closely with partners in the future in order to promote peace and stability in our region,” said Charalambos Petrides, Minister of Defense of Cyprus.

To enhance the VBSS training experience for the SOF participants, the Hellenic Navy added a frigate, HS Kanaris, from their fleet to the exercise.

“This training was very useful for our ship and our crew. We are very proud to have the Special Forces from all three countries on board,” said Lieutenant Commander George Lykousas, member of the Hellenic Navy.

Throughout the entirety of the exercise, the SOF components used Combatant craft-assaults (CCAs) assigned to Special Operations Command Africa.

“The collective efforts enabling global operations increase interoperability in a maritime environment, alongside our NATO allies and partners, helping increase security and stability in the region,” said U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. David Tabor. “We appreciate having this opportunity to build upon already strong relationships while also improving cooperation between Special Operations Command Africa and Special Operations Command Europe.”

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Photo By Sgt. Monique ONeill , SOCEUR, January 2021.

This article is a repost of “Greece, Cyprus and the U.S. join forces for naval SOF exercise in the Mediterranean Sea”, by Sgt. Monique ONeill, U.S. Special Operations Command Europe, January 29, 2021. View original article here. Articles posted by the Defense Visual Information Distribution Service (DVIDS) are in the public domain. View additional photos of the training by Sgt. ONeill posted on DVIDS.

An additional story on the same exercise was posted by The National Herald (Greece), Feb 2, 2021. Has some good photos.

By Staff Sgt. Thomas Mort.

The name of the game for SOCEURs Preservation of Force and Family (POTFF) program is accessibility and continuity of care. The program aims to build and implement a holistic approach to address the strain of the high pace environment and mission on the special operations force.

The availability and capability to take care of our forces are critical and a top priority. For the SOCEUR POTFF team, this is seen in the timeliness, quality, and specialty of care. One of the advantages of having an internal team so close to help service members is the immediacy to meet with patients.

POTFF programs and initiatives are based on four key domains; Psychological Performance, Human Performance, Social Performance, and Spiritual Performance. Providing behavioral, human performance, social and spiritual services, allows for SOF service members to be best supported so they can focus on their mission as well as extend the length of their careers.

“Being embedded in SOCEUR allows me to be uniquely positioned when and where I’m needed most,” explains Dr. Roger Schmidt, the POTFF psychologist assigned to SOCEUR. “When the stress becomes a strain, when people feel overwhelmed but aren’t willing to talk to their chain of command about it, and when functioning is starting to deteriorate personally and professionally.”

Due to the internal connection of the POTFF team, service members have the ability to be seen at an expedited pace as compared to traditional sites.

“If it weren’t for the POTFF program I wouldn’t be having the conversations I am right now”, said a recent patient and member of SOCEUR. “I’ve needed to have these conversations for years but resisted. If it wasn’t for POTTF, I’d probably continue holding on to it until after retirement.”

MIND

The Psychological Performance Program (PPP) is a POTFF program designed to improve the cognitive and behavioral performance of the force. Important aspects of this include helping service members cope with stress and improving the resiliency of SOF and their families.

Despite being elite, high yield performers, most operators are exposed to exceptional pressure every day, which brings a lot of emotional and psychological strain. Schmidt says it’s his job to mitigate the impact of these stressors so mental performance and health are firing on all cylinders.

“There are unique demand characteristics in special operations,” says Schmidt. “While as a group these folks seem to have another gear to be able to manage the stress, the reality is that everyone has vulnerabilities and a threshold to which performance declines.”

The PPP is the area among all POTFF services that is most affected by a sense of stigma. One of the primary objectives of PPP is to decrease this stigma as no operator wants to stand out negatively or give anyone reason to doubt their ability, adds Dr. Schmidt.

“For this reason, I am embedded in SOCEUR and not connected to the behavioral health clinic,” Schmidt concluded.

BODY

The Human Performance Program (HPP) is designed to meet the unique physical needs of the SOF operator. This conditioning is accomplished through a holistic pre-habilitative physical training program that involves focused strength and conditioning, performance nutrition, and physical therapy.

Having a psychologist, nurse case manager and physical therapist has allowed for much more immediate access, explains Joseph Adamchak, POTFF physical therapist.

Adamchaks role is to provide the most appropriate and up to date interventions and strategies to treat a service member’s current limitations. He would like to provide patients the tools to maintain healthy movement long term.

“This program has been invaluable,” says one SOCEUR service member, when asked about his experience with the HPP. “My last unit, if I would’ve had this injury, I probably would’ve been ostracized as the black duckling [due to injury].”

Taking advantage of the benefits of the POTFF program, he was told to get in and get it fixed.

“I injured myself in October, I didn’t think it was that serious at the time and I went away to school and I was able to kinda maintain the pain,” he explains further. “I came back and the cold weather was kinda buggin’ it so I thought, well it’s time to get checked out.”

The service member said he went in and saw the SOCEUR doctor, had an MRI the same day and surgery three weeks later. The quality and fast implementation of care enable the elite ability of SOF to be ready and postured at all times.

FAMILY

The Social Performance Program (SoPP) incorporates family resilience programs designed to enhance the standard service provided programs. These programs are adapted for the uniqueness of the SOF family. POTFF is providing dedicated staff and programs for SOF families that will enhance communication and improve relationships.​

Typically, in a healthy environment, the SoPP would hold events and unit functions to help boost morale and family ties.

“Since we cannot hold events [due to COVID-19 restrictions at the time], my interactions are limited to digital and telephonic versus conversations and in-person training”, said Jess Donnelly, the family readiness coordinator assigned to SOCEUR. “I am hopeful as soon as gathering restrictions are lifted, we will be able to host social programs such as a family resilience camp, spouse’s conference, marriage retreats, and newcomers orientations.”

According to various surveys and forums, the SOCEUR community definitely misses the social events provided by SoPP.

“Venture walks, marriage retreats, and other fun and informative events help maintain a family environment in the unit,” explains Donnelly. “COVID-19 has limited that family feel and I believe people are missing the connection. I hope that we can be back together as a SOCEUR family soon.”

SPIRIT

The Spiritual Performance Program (SPP) is designed to enhance core spiritual beliefs, values, awareness, relationships and experiences. These elements form the basis to promote healthy living, sound decision-making, meaningful relational interaction, sense of transcendent life purpose, and meaning. This is accomplished through chaplain led or chaplain supported programs for service members and their families.

“For me the POTFF program means teamwork”, said Dan Rice, the chaplain assigned to SOCEUR. “I see it as a great unifier for resources. We can do a lot in the spiritual domain, but I think POTFF does a good job bringing in the mind, body, family and spirit together so we all work together to help our service members.”

Humans are more important than hardware. People make the difference, not equipment.

“We focus on people,” Rice adds. “POTFF, especially during COVID-19, we still have resources here in the building that we can refer other people too.”

The right people, highly trained and working as a team, will accomplish the mission with the equipment available. On the other hand, the best equipment in the world cannot compensate for a lack of the right people.

“I might be talking to a couple about their spiritual life and I realize, hey they could use the help of a psychologist,” Rice adds. “Well next door to me is our POTFF psychologist, I can actually walk them over there and say, ‘hey Roger, here’s someone who could use help from you.’ With the continuity of care, we’re one team taking care of our team.”

POTFF before, during and after COVID-19

The level of service from the POTFF team here at SOCEUR has not wavered, even during COVID-19.

Before COVID-19, Alicia Murphy, the nurse case manager assigned to SOCEUR, says the ability to see patients was understandably much easier. Patients could come in during sick-call every morning, make an appointment, or just walk into the office.

Once COVID-19 was in full swing, patients were attended to by phone or email. The focus turned to track patients and family members in isolation/quarantine and screening for COVID-19 symptoms by phone.

With the gym closed, Adamchak transitioned to managing current patients with emails, phone calls, and some video chats.

“I was able to create and progress home exercises for them as well as give recommendations on activity modifications, Adamchak said.”

POTFF services will adjust and continue after COVID-19. During the height of the pandemic, most interactions with patients were strictly about COVID.

“Now people are getting back to their normal health questions and concerns,” explains Murphy.

The POTFF program brings essential continuity of care. Patients are able to move from one provider to another in a more unified manner. Working as a team cooperatively for the ongoing care of each service member enables the POTFF team to provide a more expedient and higher quality of care over time.

“The POTFF program is great,” concludes Murphy. “I am so thankful and honored for the opportunity to be a part of such an amazing program that helps service members and family members in the SOF community.”

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Story: Article by Staff Sergeant Thomas Mort, U.S. Special Operations Command Europe, August 4, 2020. Published by the Defense Visual Information Distribution Service (DVIDS) and part of the public domain.

Photo: Joseph Adamchak, POTFF physical therapist assigned to SOCEUR, works on a patient during a physical therapy appointment at the Patch Fitness Center on Patch Barracks, Germany, June 4, 2020. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Thomas Mort).

By Otto Fiala and Ulrica Pettersson, PRISM, Vol. 8, No. 4, June 2020.
The complete article can be accessed here – PRISM or view the PDF.

During the Cold War, NATO, led by the United States, and the Warsaw Pact, led by the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR), maintained vast numbers of military forces in Central Europe, facing each other along what Winston Churchill labeled as an Iron Curtain. On the western side, in addition to these conventional forces, several NATO allies also maintained what were called “stay-behind networks,” intended to remain within territory potentially over-run by Soviet forces in a war.

These networks were established to remain within Soviet occupied territories, to conduct sabotage and other guerrilla type activities against Soviet forces, and to send intelligence to NATO allies. The networks were intended to engage in resistance against a Soviet occupation. Upon the dissolution of the USSR, these stay-behind networks were completely dismantled, due to the perception that the threat had disappeared with the end of the Cold War.

In the 21st century, Russia, which had been the core of the former USSR, became resurgent and began to re-assert its power and influence in and over several former Soviet Republics. In 2008, Russia seized the Georgian provinces of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. In 2014, Russia seized the Crimea from Ukraine and continues to support separatist activities in Eastern Ukraine. These aggressive acts, coupled with additional aggressive Russian behavior toward the Baltic nations, prompted the 2014 U.S. European Reassurance Initiative, renamed the European Deterrence Initiative (EDI) in 2017. This was an initiative of the Obama administration in 2014, which was included in the Department of Defense’s FY 2015 Overseas Contingency Operations (OCO) budget request to Congress.

Since FY 2015, the initiative has provided funding in support of five lines of effort: (1) Increased Presence, (2) Exercises (e.g., Exercise BALTOPS is an annual, multinational maritime exercise focused on interoperability, maritime security, and cooperation among Baltic Sea and regional partners) and Training, (3) Enhanced Prepositioning, (4) Improved Infrastructure, and (5) Building Partnership Capacity. Additionally, at NATO’s 2016 summit in Warsaw, the United States sponsored and NATO adopted the enhanced forward presence (EFP) program to expand the number of NATO participants forward deploying troops into the Baltic NATO allies on a rotational basis. This resulted in a continuing NATO program whereby the United States rotates a forward deployed battalion size Army presence in northeastern Poland, near the Suwalki Corridor, while the United Kingdom, Canada, and Germany rotate similar-sized elements in Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, respectively. These sponsoring nations rotate their troops on a heel-to-toe basis approximately every six months, resulting in a seamless continuous presence.

Concurrently, United States Special Operations Command Europe (SOCEUR) began its concept exploration of resistance, as it recognized that the forward deployed NATO conventional forces were not adequate to defeat a major incursion. SOCEUR then collaborated with the Baltic NATO allies Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, as well as with other allies and partners in seminars and workshops, to relearn what had been forgotten from the previous stay-behind organizations of Western Europe, to add new knowledge, and to develop a practical and effective Resistance Concept.

Read the remainder of the article here.

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“ROC(K) Solid Preparedness: Resistance Operations Concept in the Shadow of Russia”, by Otto Fiala and Ulrica Pettersson, PRISM, Vol. 8, No. 4, National Defense University Press, June 2020.

COL (R) O. Fiala, PhD, JD is the author of the Resistance Operating Concept at SOCEUR. Ulrica Pettersson PhD, is an Associate Professor at Swedish Defence University.

This article was first published in PRISM on June 11, 2020. Re-posted by SOF News with the permission of the PRISM editorial staff.

Download PDF, 12 pages.

Image: From the article.

by Angela Walter.

A Special Forces mountain team assigned to 2nd Battalion, 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne) conducted their annual mountain requalification training in the wilderness of Colorado and Montana from October to December.

U.S. Army Special Forces train extensively year-round in a wide variety of unconventional warfare abilities. Each Special Forces Operational Detachment – Alpha (SFOD-A) specializes in a specific area of expertise, requiring every member of the team to become well-versed in their respective specialty by completing annual requalification training. For the mountain teams of 2nd Battalion, that means a few long months shaking the dust off their climbing ropes and sharpening their ice axes.

“We start the training by establishing baseline skills in basic mountaineering tasks,” said the detachment’s operations sergeant. “It expands from multi-pitch rock climbing to high-angle rescue operations in summer conditions to ice climbing and alpine skiing in winter.”

The teams also train extensively in moving over snow-covered terrain using snowmobiles and back country skiing techniques. Due to a high risk of avalanches, avalanche training is also an integral part of this skill set.

“This training is what gives us the ability to conduct year-round operations in mountainous terrain,” said the detachment’s commander. “The training is intense and demanding, but is necessary for successful mountain operations.”

The company sergeant major for the detachment briefly joined the team for training in Montana, returning to his own background of mountain expertise while getting an up close look at the team’s training.

“This is what makes a mountain team. Annually, this is what they have to do to demonstrate to the command team and to themselves that they have the skills and understanding to accomplish the mission in a mountainous terrain,” said the sergeant major.

Mountaineering differs from other specialties in that it often involves longer, slower, and more deliberate movements that encompass a wide range of necessary skills. Moving through mountainous terrain can span multiple days and multiple different environments with varying weather conditions.

Mastering the skills it takes to move quickly and efficiently over this unforgiving landscape is not only important to the SFOD-A’s mission success, but to their ability to pass on their knowledge and skills to our indigenous partners around the world.

“It’s amazing to see how it has evolved,” the sergeant major continued. “The equipment’s gotten better, the training for the guys has gotten better, and so, too, has their knowledge and skill; as it should. We should always be getting better at what we do.”

While training in Montana, the team took the chance to see where their roots first sprouted. In 1942, the First Special Service Force was formed at Fort Harrison, MT, where they were trained in unconventional mountain warfare and cold weather survival in support of important, high-threat missions during World War II. The First Special Service Force became the foundation on which our modern special forces were built.

“The training in Montana gave us the chance to see exactly where and how our lineage started,” said the operations sergeant. “It shows the significance of mountain warfare from then to now, and how it’s still important for us to train in these environments today.”

The mountains of Colorado and Montana are not the only challenges the team has faced. In the last two years, the team has spent a total of twelve months on deployments to Afghanistan. In real world operations, everything the team does in the training environment at home is the difference between mission success and mission failure downrange.

“Although our operations in a training environment are different than in a combat zone, our operational requirements remain the same,” said the operations sergeant. “Our ability to successfully shoot, move, communicate, and medicate downrange serves as the foundation on which we can expand and refine our skills as a mountain team at home.”

The 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne) is regionally aligned to Europe with operational missions ranging from the beaches of the Black Sea to the mountains and snow of the high north regions of Norway. While focused on Europe, the group continues to support enduring rotations to Afghanistan.

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This story is a reprint of “Green Berets Return to the Heart of the Mountains for Annual Training”, by Sgt. Angela Walter, 10th Special Forces Group, 13 Dec 2019. Posted on DVIDS on 13 April, 2020.

Photo: Green Berets from the 10th Special Forces Group conduct their annual mountain requalification training in the wilderness of Colorado and Montana in October to December 2019.
(Photo by Sgt. Angela Walter, 10th SFGA, December 13, 2019.)