Story by Sgt. Keaton Habeck, SOCPAC.

Royal Thai 1st Special Forces Division and U.S. Special Operations Detachment – Pacific (SOD-P) attended a Joint Special Operations University (JSOU) Joint Planning Process (JPP) course before exercise Cobra Gold 24 in Lop Buri, Kingdom of Thailand, Feb. 19 through Feb. 22, 2024.

The JSOU JPP course focused on aspects of special operations forces’ (SOF) integration for Cobra Gold 24. The JPP determines how to use military capabilities in time and space to achieve objectives within an acceptable level of risk.

“JPP allows a commander and the staff to analyze a situation, assess what the mission is and then put on paper what each of the subordinate units have to do in order to accomplish the mission,” said U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Kyle Brown, source intelligence analyst assigned to SOD-P. “We’ve really been able to come together and focus on the mission.”

Kingdom of Thailand soldiers saw JPP from an operational level for the first time.

“Normally we use JPP at the tactical level,” said Lt. Khunanon Kumchan, assigned to Royal Thai 1st Special Forces Division. “It’s good to focus on the operational level because it’s a much bigger picture and more complicated, but it’s good that we trained with the U.S. because they have a lot of experience to share.”

The JSOU JPP course was important to Thai and U.S. SOF participants, helping to understand each other’s missions and goals.

“We can’t separate into Thai only and U.S. only,” said Kumchan. “When we come together we can have a shared understanding of what we’re doing here, and it’s that shared understanding that helps us work towards our goals.”

There were some challenges while operating in a classroom environment but both the Thai and U.S. forces were able to synergize and work together.

“The communication barrier can be difficult to overcome,” said U.S. Army Col. Dave Coughran, commander of SOD-P. “However, time and proximity ultimately leads to synergies. We’re excited to apply those during the exercise itself.”

The U.S. remains committed to the Kingdom of Thailand, promoting military-to-military relations, as well as advancing interoperability and coordination with the Royal Thai Armed Forces, to promote
regional security and stability.

“Working together is very good because we can strengthen ourselves and our allies for bigger, more complex objectives,” said Kumchan. “We can continue to build our friendship and partnership that way.”

Joint Exercise Cobra Gold, now in its 43rd year, is a Thai-U.S. co-sponsored training event that builds on the longstanding friendship between the two allied nations and brings together a robust multinational force to promote regional peace and security in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific.

*****

This story by Sgt. Keaton Habeck of U.S. Special Operations Command Pacific (SOCPAC) was originally posted by the Defense Visual Information Distribution Service (DVIDS) on March 1, 2024.

Over the past few years, the U.S. has moved its focus from the Global War on Terrorism (GWOT) and long running counterinsurgency efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan to strategic competition. The emphasis of the national security establishment and the Department of Defense has been on our chief competitors in the global arena. Of primary importance is the threat posed by China in the Indo-Pacific region and by Russia in Eastern Europe. This redirection toward great power competition with Russia and China has us moving away from our involvement in the Middle East.

A recent article published by the Middle East Institute points out that the Middle East region is still a volatile place that deserves our attention. Authored by Gen. (ret.) Joseph Votel and Col. (ret.) Christopher Costa, the article argues for continued support of Iraq’s premier counter terrorism unit by U.S. Special Operations Forces.

Iran is still supporting its proxy forces in Iraq, Syria, and elsewhere in the region. The Houthis of Yemen are wreaking havoc on the shipping lanes in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. The conflict in Gaza could very likely spill over into neighboring countries. The incidents of attacks against U.S. personnel and facilities in the Middle East has grown significantly since the Hamas terrorist attacks against Israel in October 2023 and subsequent invasion of Gaza by Israel.

Currently, the U.S. is involved in negotiations with Iraq about future U.S. force presence in Iraq. The Higher Military Commission (HMC) is one of the mechanisms for discussions on the continued fight against the Islamic State. To many outside observers – this seems like negotiations for a withdrawal or reduction of western forces.

During the August 2023 U.S.-Iraq Joint Security Cooperation Dialogue (JSCD) the United States and Iraq committed to launch the Higher Military Commission (HMC) on a mutually determined date (DOD Release, 8 Aug 2023). On January 25, 2024, the beginning of the HMC officially took place (DOD Transcript, 25 Jan 2024). The HMC process will discuss the evolution of the Coalition mission while taking into consideration that one result will be that the Islamic State can never resurge.

Currently there are 24 nations that are contributing to the Coalition Joint Task Force and the mission of Operation Inherent Resolve. There are about 2,500 American troops in the Iraq region as well has hundreds from other European countries. The main focus of the Coalition is the enduring defeat of ISIS and the advise-assist-enable missions with partner forces – Iraqi Security Forces (ISF), Kurdish Security Forces, and Iraqi SOF units.

It is quite possible that the Coalitions personnel strength and combat enabling capabilities (ISR, strike, etc.) will be reduced as a result of the HMC process. One important consideration in the talks should be the continued relationship between U.S. Special Operations Forces (USSOF) and the Iraqi Counterterrorism Force (CTS).

This relationship has spanned twenty years – beginning in 2004 with the establishment of the Iraqi Counter Terrorist Force (ICTF) and the 36th Commando Battalion. Over those past twenty years these two units have evolved into one of the premier counterterrorism units in the Middle East. The CTS has performed admirably over the past two decades and remains one of the few professional non-sectarian units in the Iraqi security establishment.

As the talks between U.S. and Iraqi negotiators proceed it is important that one of the provisions of any resulting agreement be the continued relationship between USSOF and the CTS. This should include the presence of USSOF in Iraq and the authorities to continue the advisory and support mission.

Gen. (ret.) Joseph Votel and Col. (ret.) Christopher Costa argue that “the CTS is a strategic hedge against violent extremist organizations in the Middle East”, USSOF has had an enduring relationship with the CTS, and a “strong CTS strengthens a sovereign Iraq”. They provide three recommendations on how the U.S. can continue to support the Iraqi Counterterrorism Service.

Gen. Votel is the former commander of USSOCOM and CENTCOM. Col. Costa is a former career intelligence officer who served with Special Operations Forces. Their article is an excellent read about the Iraqi Counterterrorism Service and why the U.S. should continue supporting it in the future.

“Maintaining the best thing the US built in Iraq: Continued support to the Iraqi Counterterrorism Service”, Middle East Institute, February 26, 2024. https://www.mei.edu/publications/maintaining-best-thing-us-built-iraq-continued-support-iraqi-counterterrorism-service

**********

Photo: Iraqi Counterterrorism Service (CTS), photo by PFC Anthony Zendejas, CJTF-OIR, Apri 4, 2018.

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

Photo / Image: U.S. Army Soldier Pfc. David Hanson, from 3rd Battalion, 509th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 11th Airborne Division, recovers his parachute after jumping onto Donnelly Drop Zone as part of Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center 24-02 at Donnelly Training Area, Alaska, Feb 8, 2024. (U.S. Army Photo by Spc. Wyatt Moore / 28th Public Affairs Detachment)

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SOF News

‘Angel of Death’ Retiring from AFSOC. Colonel Allison Black is retiring from the Air Force. In the initial stages of OEF she was referred to by Afghan fighters as “the Angel of Death” for her radio calls from AC-130 gunships. “Afghanistan’s ‘Angel of Death’ is retiring from Air Force special ops”, Task & Purpose, February 23, 2024.

New Cdr for 1st SOW. With the retirement of Col Black (see para above) the 1st Special Operations Wing at Hurlburt Field, Florida has a new commander. “Welcome Col. Patrick Dierig; 1st SOW change of command ceremony”, 1st SOW Public Affairs, February 23, 2024.

Former 10th SFG(A) Doc Awarded Army Astronaut Device. Army Col. (Dr.) Frank Rubio has earned many awards and decorations throughout his long career. He has deployed to Bosnia, Iraq, and Afghanistan . . . and spent a year in space. He set the U.S. record for the most days in space on a single spaceflight on the International Space Station. In addition to being a doctor (served with 10th Special Forces Group) and an astronaut, he also has been a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter pilot (600 combat flight hours). “Army Secretary Says Astronaut’s Army Values Inspire Others”, DOD, February 22, 2024.

Another List of Elite Units. At least once a month some journal or online blog publishes an article about the “Ten Most Elite Units in the World”. Typically, no list is the same as the other. Sometimes, the best units are sometimes left out while obscure units are included. Here is the latest ‘list’: “These Are 16 Most Dangerous Special Forces in the World 2024: Deathly Elite”, by Srdjan Ilic, Southwest Journal, February 20, 2024.

CV-22 Mishap Update. Air Force Special Operations Command has issued a press release providing an update on the November 29, 2023, aircraft ‘mishap’ in the waters off Yakushima, Japan that claimed the lives of eight servicemembers. Ongoing investigations found that a material failure that occurred is known but the cause of the failure has not been determined. “CV-22 Mishap Investigation Update”, AFSOC, February 20, 2024. Read an article on the same topic in Air & Space Forces Magazine, February 20, 2024.

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

26th MEU(SOC). The Marines of the 16th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) have been quite busy during their deployment the past several months. One of the units training events has been working with the Italian San Marco Brigade Marines. (DVIDS, 21 Feb 2024)

SOF and Cancer Screening. The President of the Globa SOF Foundation, Stu Bradin, notes that special operations veterans have a higher rate of cancer than the general population and that we should take some steps to detect it early rather than in its later stages. “Options for Screening for Cancer in SOF”, Global SOF Foundation, February 20, 2024.

SOCAFRICA Trains SNA Danab Forces. Somali National Army units received training in media, medical, and tactics during a recent event held in January 2024. “U.S. Special Operations Command hosts Knowledge Exchange with Somali and Kenyan Partners”, DVIDS, February 22, 2024. There have been recent news reports that the U.S. will begin construction of five bases in Somalia (map, NSI) for the Danab unit.

SOCNORTH and Arctic Edge. The Special Operations Command North, along with NORTHCOM and Marine Forces North, will be participating in an annual defense exercise that is designed to demonstrate that U.S. forces are engaged, postured and ready to defend U.S. interests in the Arctic security environment (map, NSI). The 3-week long multi-domain exercise is taking place in late February and early March. It will focus on operations in extreme cold and high-altitude environments.

SOF History

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

Operation Bunghole – OSS in WWII. On February 27, 1944, a five-man team from the OSS parachuted into Malo Ticevo, Yugoslavia to establish a weather station. Operation Bunghole consisted of members of the OSS and USAAF specialists. Yugoslavia was occupied by the Germans at the time.
https://codenames.info/operation/bunghole-ii/

Corregidor Secured. On February 26, 1945, the 503rd Parachute Regimental Combat Team (PRCT) secured the island fortress of Corregidor after two weeks of fighting. The 503rd had parachuted onto the island on February 16th. It was assisted by the 34th Infantry Regiment, a unit of the 24th Infantry Division that made a seaborne assault, as well as other smaller units.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Corregidor_(1945)

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

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

Conflict in Israel and Gaza

Israel’s Future Plans. On Friday, February 23, 2024, Israel released its proposed plan for the future of Gaza. The IDF will retain indefinite military control over the Gaza Strip (map, NSI) while allowing Gazans to govern aspects of civilian life. Israel will control buffer zones along Gaza’s borders with Israel and Egypt. The offensive against remaining Hamas elements in Rafa (map, NSI) is still yet to be conducted.

Humanitarian Crisis. An in-depth look at the situation for the Gazan civilians is presented by Tania Hary and Kevin Huggard, Center for Middle East Policy, Brookings Institute, February 22, 2024, in “The Gaza Strip’s deepening humanitarian crisis”.

U.S. Involvement. The United States is working with Israel and other regional powers to get an agreement that results in the release of the remaining hostages and that produces an extended humanitarian ceasefire. Involved in the negotiations is CIA director Bill Burns, White House Middle East Coordinator Brett McGurk, and Ambassador David Satterfield.

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

Ukraine Conflict

Two Years Ago – Invasion. On February 24, 2022, Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The objective of the Russians was to occupy the capital city of Kyiv and topple the Ukrainian government in three days. The conflict had been ongoing since 2014 when the Russians seized Crimea and created the regimes in the Luhansk and Donetsk regions in eastern Ukraine. Although the Russians captured a considerably amount of territory in the first several months of the conflict, Ukraine has retaken more than half of that land back. The fight continues, two years later. However, Ukraine suffers from manpower shortages, lack of air defense systems, and a severe shortage of artillery ammunition. Until Western aid picks up, Ukraine will remain on the defensive and Russia will retain the momentum. Ukraine has been successful in the Black Sea (GIS Reports, 14 Feb 2024). Read an account of the first day of the invasion of Ukraine, SOF News, February 24, 2022.

Commentary on Ukraine. There is a lot of coverage about the Russian invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022. Some of the articles and reports are listed below:

• Ukraine and IW Lessons. Doug Livermore, a Special Forces officer, highlights “several critical lessons regarding irregular warfare and its broader implications for global security and stability.” He used the conflict in Ukraine to underscore the importance of hybrid warfare strategies. He applies these lessons to China, Africa, and the Middle East. “Two Years On: Russia’s Full-Scale Invasion of Ukraine and the Continuing Lessons for the Future of Irregular Warfare”, Irregular Warfare Initiative, February 20, 2024.
• The Russo-Ukrainian War: A Strategic Assessment Two Years into the Conflict, by Amos Fox, Land Warfare Paper 158, Association of the United States Army, February 2024, PDF, 23 pages. Abstract or PDF.
• Ukraine Two Years Later: Memories and Observations from My time on the Ground, Spirit of America, February 2024. The Regional Director – Europe of Spirit of America writes of her experiences in the effort to assist the fighting forces of Ukraine and being an enabler for U.S. SOF efforts in Ukraine. Read more in “Spirit of America – Helping Ukraine Win“, SOF News, May 3, 2022.

Resistance Behind the Lines. While the world is fixated on the grinding war of attrition on the front lines, Ukrainian intelligence operatives of the SBU and GUR have been busy conducting operations deep behind Russian lines and in Russia. “Tip of the Spear: Analyzing Ukrainian Intelligence Operations Behind Russian Lines”, Georgetown Security Studies Review, January 10, 2024.

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

National Security

IW Global Network. In February 2024 the Irregular Warfare Center introduced a new initiative entitled “IW Global Network”. This project has been established to address specific areas of interest, focusing primarily on confronting irregular challenges. The IW Global Network consists of several Functional Area Networks (FANs). These cover the topics of contested logistics, mission assurance, medical resilience, intelligence, information operations, and emerging technologies. Read more about it here at IW Global Network.

NDAA. The Congressional Research Service has updated a publication that provides an overview of the structure and organization of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). It also provides a description of the legislative process within the Senate and House of Representatives. Defense Primer: Navigating the NDAA, CRS IF10516, updated February 22, 2024, PDF, 3 pages. https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/IF/IF10516

Emerging Military Technology. The Congressional Research Service has updated a publication that provides an overview of new technologies that are being incorporated into the U.S. defense forces. These include artificial intelligence, lethal autonomous weapons, hypersonic weapons, directed energy weapons, biotechnology, and quantum technology. Emerging Military Technologies: Background and Issues for Congress, CRS R46458, updated February 22, 2024, PDF, 43 pages. https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/R/R46458

Border Security:

• Report – Illicit Fentanyl and China’s Role. The Congressional Research Service has published a document that provides the background, trafficking pathways, role of China, and Congressional legislation of the opioid crisis in the United States. Beginning in the mid-2010s, U.S. authorities identified the People’s Republic of China as a primary source of U.S.-bound illicit fentanyl and fentanyl analogues. CRS IF10890, updated February 20, 2024, PDF, 3 pages. https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/IF/IF10890
• Restricting Asylum. President Biden’s campaign for reelection is struggling with one of the foremost election issues – border security and the surge in border crossings. The White House is considering action that would prevent people from making asylum claims during border crossing surges. “Biden Mulling Plan That Could Restrict Asylum Claims at the Border”, The New York Times, February 31, 2024. (subscription) See also an article on this topic by Associated Press, February 21, 2024.
• Suspending Entry of Aliens. A recent Congressional Research Service report gets into legal aspects of border security and limiting the entry of aliens across U.S. borders. The report finds that the President has the authority “to suspend the entry of all aliens or any class of aliens” whenever he finds that entry of aliens would be detrimental to the interests of the United States. Presidential Authority to Suspend Entry of Aliens Under 8 U.S. C 1182(f), CRS LSB10450, updated February 21, 2024, PDF, 23 pages. https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/LSB/LSB10458

Strategic Competition

Russia and Unconventional Activities. A recent report details “Russia’s unconventional military activities outside Ukraine, including efforts to prepare for destabilization in European countries, expeditionary operations in Africa to seize control of critical resources, and outreach to target audiences in the Middle East.” This special report is entitled The Threat from Russia’s Unconventional Warfare Beyond Ukraine, 2022-2024, Royal United Services Institute (RUSI), February 2024, PDF, 38 pages. See Unconventional Warfare (NSI) for more references on UW.

Russia and ‘Offensive’ Resistance Operations. Russia, as well as the Soviet Union, has a long history of utilizing local collaborators to pursue political objectives in foreign nations. Dr. Jonathan White, a career Special Forces officer, writes on this topic in “Russian Offensive Resistance Operations”, Irregular Warfare Center, February 21, 2024.

Report – Taiwan: Background and U.S. Relations, The Congressional Research Service has updated its publication about the country that lies across the Taiwan Strait from mainland China. A recent U.S. Department of State Fact Sheet refers to Taiwan as “a key U.S. partner in the Indo-Pacific.” This CRS report has info on the modern history of Taiwan, the recent elections, U.S. policy toward Taiwan, the country’s security, and more. CRS IF10275, updated February 23, 2024, PDF, 3 pages. https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/IF/IF10275

Battle for Taiwan and U.S. Big Tech. Leading technology companies of the United States have provided significant assistance to Ukraine over the past two years. This includes services like mapping, ISR, targeting, cyber security, and more. However, these same firms may not come to the aid of Taiwan (map NSI) in the same manner due to their business ties with mainland China. Which Ties Will Bind? Big Tech, Lessons from Ukraine, and Implications for Taiwan, Issue Brief, Center for Security and Emerging Technology, Georgetown, February 2024, PDF, 76 pages. Read the report here.

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/

Middle East

Video – Inside Look at U.S. Navy Response to Houthi Red Sea Attacks, 60 Minutes, YouTube, February 18, 2024, 13 minutes. A good video describing how the U.S. Navy keeps the waterways open in the Red Sea and other surrounding waters. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dRRJmOTCqqQ&t=1s

Houthi Threat. Dr. Can Kasapoglu provides his perspective on the Houthi threat. He states that Iran has successfully targeted global supply chains through its Yemeni proxy (Houthis). Up to this point, Operation Prosperity Guardian has not established a credible deterrence in the (NSI map) Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. “Assessing and Addressing the Houthi Threat”, Hudson Institute, January 2024.

Legal Status of U.S. in Syria. The United States has had a military presence and conducted operations in Syria (SOF News, 2022) since 2014. The primary reason for being there is so it can target Al Qaeda and the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) within Syrian territory (map) – as part of a broader counterterrorism campaign. It conducts this campaign unilaterally and in concert with the Syrian Democratic Front (SDF) (SOF News, 2018) and other proxies. Many observers of the conflict question the legal status of the U.S. conducting operations in a country where it is not invited. However, there is a legal justification. See “Enduringly Unwilling and Unable: The Syrian Chapter of the Forever Wars Saga”, by Thea Charlotte Andersen, Articles of War, Lieber Institute West Point, February 23, 2024.

Tower 22, al Tanf, and SF. A small U.S. base in Jordan burst into the news in January 2024 when a terrorist drone exploded within its perimeter killing three and injuring over 40 U.S. servicemembers. “What is the U.S. Doing in a Disputed Triangle on the Jordan / Syria / Iraq Border?”, Stimon.org, February 20, 2024.

SOF News Book Shop

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Journals, Podcasts, Videos, and Movies

InterPopulum: Journal of Irregular Warfare and Special Operations. The Spring 2024 issue has been posted online. There are a number of interesting articles for the IW practitioner. PDF, 117 pages.

• Jedburgh Teams – Lessons for Unconventional Warfare
• Secret War in Cuba: The Bay of Pigs Invasion, 1960-1961
• Limited Conflicts and Use of SOF in Global Competition
• 5307th Composite Unit (Provisional) “Merrill’s Marauders”
• The Liberator’s Dilemma: The Paradox of American Leadership
• and . . . six reviews of books relating to SOF, intelligence, insurgency, and AI

CTC Sentinel. The Combating Terrorism Center at West Point has published its February 2024 issue containing articles about “Long-Range Stand-Off Terrorism”, an interview of Christopher Maier (ASD SO/LIC), and Somalia’s stalled offensive against al-Shabaab. PDF, 28 pages.

Upcoming Events

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

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

April 12-14, 2024
Best Ranger Competition

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

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

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

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

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SOF News

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

International SOF

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

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

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

SOF History

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

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

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

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

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

Conflict in Israel and Gaza

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

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

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

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

References:

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

Ukraine Conflict

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Commentary and Reports

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

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

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

National Security

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

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

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

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

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

Strategic Competition

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

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

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

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

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

Afghanistan

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

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

SOF News Book Shop

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

Middle East

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

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

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

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

Podcasts and Videos

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

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

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

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

Upcoming Events

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

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

April 12-14, 2024
Best Ranger Competition

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

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

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

This article by Jim Garamone was originally published by DOD News on February 13, 2024.

U.S. Special Operations Command leaders see the current move to integrate the command into great power competition as a return to its roots.

Army Gen. Bryan Fenton and Army Command Sgt. Maj. Shane Shorter, the commander and senior enlisted leader of Socom, spoke with the Defense Writers Group recently and discussed the changes happening in the world and Special Operations Command’s place in it. 

The command has come off more than 20 years as America’s preeminent counterterrorism organization. Even before the attacks on the United States in September 2001, the command was tracking and pursuing violent extremist organizations around the world. The command operated against narco-trafficking gangs in Central and South America, as well as transnational criminal organizations in the Balkans. Socom came into its own in counterterrorism in operations against the Taliban and al-Qaida in Afghanistan, fundamentalist groups in Iraq and against the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria. 

Special operators also worked with and formed relationships with national and indigenous forces from the Indo-Pacific to Europe to Africa and South America. 

But before that, the special operations community was an integral part of great power competition working to “fill in the gaps” of conventional power structures when the Soviet Union controlled Eastern Europe, Fenton said. “We still have to maintain and stay on the [violent extremist organization] threat because it has not gone away. What I will tell you is … the special operations command team frankly is born for the integrated deterrence, great power competition era.”  

But while the mission set might be changing, the values behind the force are not. “The most important line of effort that we have in our headquarters is still our people,” said Shorter. “We’re not a platform-centric organization, we’re a people-centric organization.”

The first rule of the command is “Humans are more important than equipment,” and Fenton and Shorter are sticking with that.  

Change is tough. Many in the command grew up in the organization when it was sometimes jokingly called “Counter Terrorism Command” and that is what they know. But Shorter said in travels around the command, service members are making the switch to great power competition and integrated deterrence. “We focused hard on the global war on terror, and I’m very proud of what we did, but we’ve never had [to] … pull ‘Socomians’ towards the nation’s main effort.” 

So the bulk of the forces is absolutely laser focused on great power competition and integrated deterrence, Shorter said. Special operators are studying China and Russia. They are taking lessons learned from Russia’s war on Ukraine. They are studying the nature of all-domain combat and applying new tactics, techniques and procedures to it. They are also looking at better ways to integrate new technologies and equipment into the fight, the command sergeant major said.  

“We always will be focused on the nation’s priorities and the department’s priorities,” Shorter said.  

Still, the experience of counterinsurgency combat is valuable, and special operators can take that experience and apply it to new situations and new missions, he said. 

Fenton said that people lead in the strategic priorities of the command. “If we have one more dollar to spend, we’re spending it on our people, and then we’ll wrap the technology around them,” he said.  

That idea is born in the people attracted to special operations. Service members “go through a rigorous assessment selection process, and more arduous training because they really want to be at the leading edge,” Fenton said.  

Transformation of the command also is all about people, the general said. Special operators must “think how we’re going to be prepared, not only in equipment or some level of technology to meet the world, but how are we thinking about the world differently,” he said. “We have to hold these different ideas in our head and actually still complete the mission, even though it doesn’t look the same as it did 20 years ago. But the outcome has still got to be the same. We’ve got to succeed for the nation.” 

Typically, when a counterterrorism mission ends, organizations put the capability on the back burner. In the United States, this happened at the end of the Vietnam War and there are moves to cut the number of special operations personnel. This hits at another Special Operations truth: Special operations cannot be mass produced in times of a crisis. 

The services, from whom Socom gets their recruits, are having trouble attracting new service members. Fenton said Socom has not felt that problem yet, but says it could happen further down the road. Fenton did say there is no retention problem in special operations, and that the command is already working with the services to improve the recruiting climate.  

He has asked members of the command to reach out to recruiters when they travel in the United States to inform the American people about the military in general and Special Operations Command in particular. 

******

This article by Jim Garamone was originally published by the Department of Defense on February 13, 2024. Content by DOD is in the public domain.

Photo: Special forces students participate in an iWaterman Maritime Reconnaissance Vehicle course at Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Jan. 31, 2024. iWaterman is a program that teaches students how to utilize the MRV for tactical insertions, extractions and rescues in high surf and over-the-beach operations. (Photo by Marine Corps Sgt. Julian Elliott-Drouin)

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

Photo / Image: A 31st Rescue Squadron pararescueman jumps out of an MC-130J Commando II assigned to the 353rd Special Operations Wing over Okinawa, Japan, Jan. 19, 2024. Pararescuemen are trained, equipped and postured to conduct full spectrum personnel recovery operations in both peacetime and combat environments. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Tylir Meyer)

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SOF News

Report – U.S. Special Operations Forces (SOF): Background and Considerations for Congress, Congressional Research Service, CRS RS21048, updated February 9, 2024, PDF, 13 pages. Considerations for Congress include Army Special Forces recruiting and possible force structure reductions and Air Force Special Operations Power Projection Wings and future unit relocations. https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/RS/RS21048

New Ruck for Airborne Commo Soldiers. The U.S. Army Airborne Test Force (ATF) located at Yuma Test Center, Yuma Proving Ground, recently tested the Army’s newest Radio Carrier Rucksack (RCR) solution. The RCR was developed and produced by the Natick Soldier Systems Center in Massachusetts. It was tested in combat-realistic scenarios to see if the RCRs could be used in parachute operations without damage to radios or the ruck. “Airborne Test Force tests field radio ruck to survive airborne combat missions”, by Ana Henderson, U.S. Army Yuma Proving Ground, DVIDS, February 8, 2024.

SOCOM Seeking Kamikaze Drones. The United States Special Operations Command is on the lookout for a loitering munitions capability that can be launched from AC-130J Ghostrider gunships, MQ-9 Reader drones, MH-60 helicopter and other platforms. “SOCOM gearing up to assess air-launched kamikaze drones”, Defensescoop, February 8, 2024.

SOF and Lessons Learned. The commander of USSOCOM, General Bryan Fenton, recently spoke with reporters during a Defense Writers Group event on February 9th. He provided some insight on how USSOCOM is learning from current conflicts. “U.S. Special Operators ‘Gobbling Up’ Lessons Learned in Ukraine, Gaza”, National Defense Magazine, February 9, 2024.

Floating Navy SEAL Base. The USS Lewis B. Puller is an expeditionary sea base (Business Insider, 5 Feb 2024) stationed in the Arabian Sea. it is used as a launching pad for Naval Special Warfare units and missions as well as a wide variety of military operations. The two SEALs lost in the VBSS mission on a dhow off the coast of Somalia were launched in a small boat from the Puller.

Army SOF to Transfer to Baumholder. U.S. special operations troops based in Stuttgart are expected to take up residence at a rural base in southwestern Germany in 2026, adding 1,000 people to a garrison once on the Pentagon’s chopping block. Special Operations Command Europe (SOCEUR) is expected to remain in Stuttgart. “Transfer of Army special operators to Baumholder on track for 2026”, Stars and Stripes, February 6, 2024.

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.

Cuts to PSYOP Units. Key psychological operations capabilities may soon be cut from the U.S. Army in an effort to trim USASOC force structure. “US may cut info-warfare assets as China, Russia expand influence ops”, Defense One, February 8, 2024.

U.S. Psychological Warfare Capability in Decline. Cole Livieratos and Ken Gleiman, two former Army officers, outline the long history of PYSOP and the proposed cut to United States Army Special Operations Command (USASOC) force structure that will gut the U.S. military’s ability to understand and influence the modern battlefield. “Special Operations Force Structure: Strategic Calculus or Organizational Power?”, War on the Rocks, February 6, 2024.

10th SFG(A) and VirTra Training. The VirTra simulator is a program featuring technology that can present different scenarios to its users which helps sharpen shooting skills. The different scenario options that VirTra features include active threat, hostage situation, threat recognition and high-risk entry. Through these scenarios, the VirTra simulator is actively analyzing the decisions that its users make and then adjusting what happens in the program based on those decisions. “VirTra Reality Simulator Training”, DVIDS, February 2, 2024.

10th SFG(A) Soldiers and Mountain Climbing. The NCOIC of the Special Operations Mountain Training Warfare Training Center is no stranger to high mountains and cold weather. “Summit or Survival: A Green Beret’s Odyssey From Everest to Denali”, Global Rescue, February 7, 2024.

Jacobs Loses Big SOCOM Contract. Jacobs lost out on a contract worth $2.8 billion for the Special Operations Forces IT Enterprise Contract (SITEC). (Washington Technology, 7 Feb 2024)

C-27 Spartan. One of the Army’s biggest aircraft is flown by the USASOC Flight Company located at Fort Liberty, North Carolina (FBNC). (The Aviationist, 7 Feb 2024)

SEALs in Exercise Dragon Trident. East Coast-based Naval Special Warfare Operators recently took part in an exercise that saw them infiltrating a fixed defensive position located in Nevada. (DVIDS, 9 Feb 2024)

International SOF

Ukrainian SOF. Ukraine says its special forces blew up a Black Sea mining platform in the night to throw off Russian drone operations. The SOF unit approached the platform in small boats, searched the facility, and then blew it up. (Business Insider, 6 Feb 2024)

Training UKRSOF. United States Special Operations Forces began training the Ukrainian Special Operations Forces in 2015. Much of that initial training instruction emphasized a comprehensive irregular warfare skillset over the formerly adopted Spetsnaz approach. Currently Task Group – Ukraine (TG-U), part of the much larger Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force 10 (CJSOTF-1), is responsible for training, equipping, and advising UKRSOF. The CJSOTF collaborates with the Security Assistance Group – Ukraine (SAG-U). “The Key to Ukrainian Victory is Partnering (not Ukrainifying)”, Irregular Warfare Initiative, February 6, 2024.

NATO SOF. On February 8, 2024, the NATO Military Committee visited Allied Special Operations Forces Command in Belgium. The committee members received briefings on SOFCOM and the role of Allied and Partner SOF contributions to collective defense. (NATO, 9 Feb 2024)

Conflict in Israel and Gaza

Situation Update. The conflict in Gaza Strip continues. Israeli actions are now focused on southern Gaza with operations underway in Khan Younis and future operations to be conducted in Rafa (The Hill, 9 Feb 2024) close to the Egyptian border. Most of the population of Gaza has been displaced with as many as 1.4 million in Rafa city. Rafa remains one of the last holdout areas of Hamas – an estimate of four battalions, intermixed with the refugees and city population. Attempts of a negotiated settlement have been unsuccessful. “Palestinians brace for Rafah assault as Israel promises evacuation plan”, Reuters, February 10, 2024.

Hostages. Hama still has over 130 hostages seized during the October 7th terrorist attacks in Israel. It is estimated that about 1/5 of hostages taken by Hamas are now dead. Two hostages, ages 60 and 70, were rescued by Israeli commandos on Sunday, February 11, 2024. They were held in Rafah; the IDF conducted air strikes in Rafah as a diversion.

King of Jordan in Airdrop Over Gaza. A video showed King Abdullah in military gear on board a plane in the latest mission by the Jordanian Air Force to drop urgent medical supplies to field hospitals it runs in Gaza. Thus far, Jordan has conducted 11 air drops. “Jordan’s King Abdullah participates in Gaza aid drop”, The Jerusalem Post, February 11, 2024.

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

Ukraine Conflict

Ten Year Anniversary of Ukraine War. In February 2014, Russia seized Crimea. Some nations conflate conventional warfare with war. However, irregular warfare – such as the taking of Crimea from Ukraine with “little green men” – is not recognized as warfare. Andrew Maher outlines four important lessons that can be drawn from the Ukraine conflict. “The anniversary of war in Ukraine – 10 years, not two years”, The Strategist, Australian Strategic Policy Institute, February 7, 2024.

New Ukraine Military Leader. The popular general leading the armed forces of Ukraine has been relieved by President Zelensky. The president says he is looking for a different approach to mobilization, recruitment, and frontline management. The new Commander-in-Chief is General Oleksandr Syrskyi – the commander of Ukraine’s Ground Forces since 2019. “Ukraine’s new military chief focused on high-tech, command and control”, C4ISRNET, February 9, 2024.

Unmanned Systems Force. Drones have proven very effective for the Ukrainian military both on land and at sea. The security situation on the Black Sea has been improved for the Ukrainians because of airborne and seaborne drones equipped with explosives. As a result of the effectiveness of drones Ukraine has established a separate command for the use of UAVs.

Report – Russia’s Black Sea Fleet. Igor Delanoe has provided a report on the performance and current status of the Black Sea Fleet. He describes how it has moved from the offense to an active defense. The Russian vessels have begun operating at a greater distance from the Ukrainian coasts. The Russians have learned some lessons from the current conflict and will likely be incorporating them into future naval operations – both in the Black Sea and around the globe. Foreign Policy Research Institute, February 2024, PDF, 22 pages.

Report – The Kremlin’s Occupation Playbook. This publication describes the coerced Russification and ethnic cleansing taking place in occupied Ukraine. Institute for the Study of War, February 2024, PDF, 29 pages.

Report – Evolution Not Revolution: Drone Warfare in Russia’s 2022 Invasion of Ukraine. Stacie Pettyjohn has published a detailed report on how drones have transformed the battlefield in the war in Ukraine. Center of a New American Security (CNAS), February 8, 2024, PDF, 67 pages.

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

National Security

Yemen Strikes. The United States has continued its campaign against Houthi missile sites and naval attack drones in recent days. In the past week U.S. forces have destroyed 29 missiles in Yemen and 10 drone ships.

SECDEF Back in Hospital. On Sunday, February 11, 2024, the Pentagon Press Secretary announced that Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin was transported to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center to be seen for a developing health issue. Austin has transferred the functions and duties of the SECDEF office to Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks. The CJCS, White House, and Congress has been notified. The press release didn’t specify if it was a day visit or overnight stay. (DOD, 11 Feb 2024)

Border Security Bill, Dead on Arrival. The Senate worked for four months to come up with a compromise bill that would provide aid to Ukraine, Israel, humanitarian assistance to Gaza, and also improve border security and improve the immigration process. However, it died a quick death. Now Congress is looking to put together an aid bill for Ukraine and Israel that both political parties and both chambers of Congress can agree on. At the same time, there is a bipartisan push to include an amendment (formerly called the Afghan Adjustment Act) that would assist the many Afghans who arrived in the U.S. after Afghanistan fell to the Taliban in August 2021 as well as certain categories of Afghan military personnel. If included, the language would provide the possibility to apply for Special Immigrant Visa status for former members of the Afghan National Army Special Operations Command (ANASOC), the Afghan Air Force (AAF), and the Special Mission Wing (SMW).

Growing Importance of PMCs. The influence of private military organizations like Blackwater and Wagner Grup is set to increase in the coming decades. Read about the long history and coming future of mercenary groups. “The Future of Private Military Companies”, by Federica Saini Fasanotti, GIS Reports, February 6, 2024.

Report – U.S.-China Strategic Competition in South and East China Seas, Congressional Research Service, CRS R42784, updated February 5, 2024, PDF, 142 pages. https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/R/R42784

Report – Hypersonic Weapons: Background and Issues for Congress, Congressional Research Service, CRS R45811, updated February 9, 2024, PDF, 36 pages. https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/R/R45811

Report – Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO), Congressional Research Service, CRS IF10613, updated February 8, 2024, PDF, 3 pages. The CRS has published a paper that describes what the FTO list is, the designation criteria, and who is on the list. https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/IF/IF10613

Podcasts and Videos

Podcast – Stay Behind Operations. Brian Petit (retired SF officer) and Marta Kepe (RAND Corporation) are the guests for this podcast episode that contrasts conventional conflict with resistance warfare. They discuss how small states can impose outsized costs on occupying powers by operating behind enemy lines. Irregular Warfare Podcast, February 9, 2024, 46 minutes. https://irregularwarfare.org/podcasts/stay-behind-operations/

Video – What is Irregular Warfare? The Joint Special Operations University describes the nature of IW. February 8, 2024, YouTube, February 8, 2024, 4 minutes. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zt7LtwQ-WRg

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Upcoming Events

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Special Air Warfare Symposium – Global SOF
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Defense Strategies

The United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) has posted online its December 2023 issue of Tip of the Spear. This is a news rollup of the major SOF component commands and the Theater Special Operations Commands (TSOCs). Some interesting reading in the articles listed below.

• SOCAFRICA’s Silent Warrior 23
• Exercise Flintlock 2024
• NSW Trains with Romanian SOF
• SOCNORTH’s SOF Symposium
• Navy SEALs train with Indian MARCOS
• From “Silent Ones” of Vietnam to Today’s SWCC
• U-28A Crews Awarded DFC
• MARSOC Small Unit Tactics Training
• Foreign Air Attaches Visit AFSOC
• SOCAFRICA Units train in Tanzania
• 10th SFG(A) Combat Dive Training
• 20th SFG(A) Conducts SF Readiness Evaluation
• USSOCOM Visits House SOF Caucus

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Tip of the Spear, United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM), December 2023, PDF, 40 pages. https://www.dvidshub.net/publication/issues/69480

Photo: Combat Divers assigned to 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne) prepare to dive into the Columbia River in Astoria, Oregon, Nov 6, 2023. Photo by U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Michael Wood.

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

Photo / Image: 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)

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SOF News

Missing Navy Sailors. Central Command reported (12 Jan 2024) that two Navy Sailors are missing off the coast of Somalia (map NSI). Some news reports state that they are Navy SEALs who were conducting nighttime vessel boarding search and seizure operations (VBSS) on the evening of January 11th. Search and rescue missions are ongoing. According to the WP the Navy SEALs were boarding a vessel transiting the Gulf of Aden that was suspected of transporting Iranian arms. “Navy SEALs lost at sea were searching for Yemen-bound weapons shipment”, The Washington Post, January 14, 2024. (subscription) See “Two Navy SEALs missing after Thursday night mission off Somalian coast”, Military Times, January 13, 2024.

Trump on Miller. Here is an interesting article about former acting SECDEF Chris Miller (and former Green Beret) and being a pick for SECDEF if Trump wins again. “Trump hints at possible picks for Pentagon chief in second term”, by Lara Seligman, Politico, December 22, 2023.

GUNDAM 22 Final Report. The Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) released a statement on Friday, January 12, 2024, indicating that recovery and salvage operations have ended for the CV-22 that crashed off the shore of Yakushima Island, Japan on November 29, 2023. The major parts of the aircraft have been recovered and the remains of seven of the eight crew have been recovered. An investigation into the mishap is ongoing. (Air Force Times, Jan 11, 2024)

SOF by the Numbers. How big is a SEAL team? How many Green Berets are there? “MARSOC, Navy SEALs, and Army Rangers: SOF by the numbers”, Task & Purpose, December 20, 2023. The author manages to get it mostly right.

Airmen and Ranger School. The U.S. Army’s Ranger School is filled with difficult physical training and exercises designed to educate participants on elite infantry squad and platoon tactics. The Air Force thinks its Airmen are a good fit for the two-month long course. “Wanted: Airmen and Guardians Urged to Apply to Grueling Army Ranger School”, Military.com, January 8, 2024.

Ghostriders’ Big Gun – Going Away? The U.S. Air Force may be taking its big 105mm gun off their gunships, possibly as soon as 2026. The change is part of its rethinking of what the aircraft is and how they are to be designed. (Business Insider, Dec 27, 2023) See also “Special Operations Command’s Commando Aircraft Are in Jeopardy”, SANDBOXX, January 3, 2024.

Swimming – Fins or Not? Stew Smith writes up on how to prepare for a future in military diving, special ops, and rescue swimming. “The Differences Between Swimming With and Without Fins”, Military.com, December 27, 2023.

Sgt. Maj. Thetford (Ret.). A former Senior Enlisted Leader at the U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) is profiled in this media release by CACI International, Inc. William Thetford served over 35 years in special operations. “Spotlighting Command Sgt. Maj. William F. Thetford, U.S. Army (Ret.)”, 3blmedia.com, December 21, 2023.

International SOF

Army Ranger Wing (Ireland). The ARW, the most elite and secretive unit of the Irish Defence Forces, is going through its largest expansion and restructuring in its 43-year history. There are going to be some dramatic changes to its command-and-control structure and refinement of the organization into distinct specialized units – air, sea, and ground. “Army’s elite special forces unit to be overhauled in major revamp”, Irish Times, December 30, 2023.

Finland’s SOF. Javier Sutil Toledano provides a detailed description of the SOF units of Finland. Origins, purpose, organization, training, selection, and more are described in this article. “FINSOF: Finland’s Special Operations Forces”, Grey Dynamics, December 25, 2023.

Canada’s Elite. The Canadian Special Operations Regiment is part of the Canadian Special Operations Forces Command (CANSOFCOM). It conducts complex missions and is able to operate in harsh environments. “CSOR: The Canadian Special Operations Regiment”, Grey Dynamics, December 30, 2023. The 427 SOAS is an air force unit that supports CANSOFCOM. “Canada’s 427 Special Operations Aviation Squadron”, Grey Dynamics, December 30, 2023.

SOF History

CIG Established. On January 22, 1946, President Truman directed the establishment of Central Intelligence Group, forerunner of CIA. (CIA)

OCPW Established. On January 5, 1951, the Army established the Office of the Chief of Psychological Warfare (OCPW) as a special staff division under the Deputy Chief of Staff and supervisory control of the Assistant Chief of Staff, G-3, headed by Brigadier General Robert A. McClure.

SEALs Established. On January 1, 1962, the first Navy SEAL teams were established by President Kennedy. The OSS Maritime Unit was the precursor to the SEALs. Learn more in the book First SEALs.
https://bookshop.org/a/753/9780306824142

MACV-SOG Established. On January 24, 1964, the Military Assistance Command, Vietnam – Studies and Observations Group (MACV-SOG) was established. It was a highly classified, multi-service U.S. special operations unit that conducted operations during the Vietnam War in Indochina. It conducted reconnaissance missions, capture of enemy soldiers, rescued downed pilots, and rescued POWs throughout Southeast Asia. Individuals assigned to MACV-SOF came primarily from U.S. Army Special Forces. However, members of the U.S. Navy SEALs, Air Force, Marine Corps, and CIA were present in the organization as well.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Military_Assistance_Command,_Vietnam_%E2%80%93_Studies_and_Observations_Group

1/75th Activation. 25 January 1974. On this date General Creighton Abrams directed the activation of the first battalion-sized Ranger unit since World War II. HQ U.S. Army Forces Command issued General Orders 127 directing the activation of the 1st Ranger Battalion 75th Infantry with the effective date of January 31, 1974. The battalion was to be an elite, light, and very proficient infantry unit. (USASOC) https://www.soc.mil/rangers/1stbn.html

CASI and the CIA. The history books make many mentions of Air America in Southeast Asia during the Vietnam War; but very little of Continental Air Services, Inc. Both flew for the Central Intelligence Agency. “Air America Was Not Alone: There Was CASI”, by Marc Yablonka, Hmong Daily News, December 21, 2023.

Conflict in Israel and Gaza

Phase Three. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) is transitioning from phase 2 (operations throughout Gaza) to conducting more targeted operations – with a focus on the south of Gaza Strip. Hamas has been partially dismantled in the north – falling back on independent guerrilla warfare tactics. The fighting is expected to continue into 2024. IDF reservists are now being withdrawn from Gaza and are being discharged – returning to civilian life. The 98th Division (Wikipedia) is expected to take the lead in the conflict in Gaza. The 98th consists of two paratrooper brigades and one commando brigade. “IDF quietly transitions to phase 3 in the war against Hamas”, Jewish News Syndicate, January 13, 2024.

Hostages. January 14th (Sunday) marked 100 days of captivity for more than 130 people, including six Americans, who were taken hostage by Hamas during its brutal attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. “100 Days of Captivity in Gaza”, U.S. Department of State, January 14, 2024.

Theories of Victory. David Ucko provides his perspective on who is winning and who is losing in the Gaza conflict. “Israel, Hamas, and the Meaning of Victory in Irregular Warfare”, Irregular Warfare Initiative, December 30, 2023.

Lessons by RAND. This report tells the story of Israel’s military operations in Gaza from 2009 to 2014 – operations that show how Israel was forced to adapt to hybrid adversaries in complex urban terrain. Lessons from Israel’s Wars in Gaza, RAND, 2017, PDF, 12 pages. https://www.rand.org/pubs/research_briefs/RB9975.html

Testimony Aftermath. Three elite university Presidents testified before Congress several weeks ago. Each was asked about university policy on hate speech towards Jews; and each ‘failed’ in their responses. Two university presidents have since resigned. The president of Harvard University, Claudine Gay, held out for a while on demands for resignation; however, what might have contributed to her resigning is her practice of ‘duplicative narrative’ in her academic writings; something others called plagiarism. “Harvard’s Claudine Gay should resign”, The Washington Post, December 23, 2023. (subscription) Some from the ‘left’ say it was a concerted effort by those on the ‘right’ to erode the advances made by Harvard in their DEI program. Gay, who is black, said in a parting statement that she was a victim of racism.

References:

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

Ukraine Conflict

The eastern front lines in Ukraine are somewhat stable. There are incremental gains made by both sides of the conflict. Casualties remain high. The U.S. Congress still has not settled whether it will allocate new funds for Ukraine’s defense. With its large population and industrial base Russia is favored in a conflict that is prolonged.

Paper – Russian Propaganda Tactics in Wartime Ukraine, The Russia Program, George Washington University, November 2023, PDF, 41 pages. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1xdmk4Mn2G-jNSWhljjuv7sCqMbE-LT3Y/view

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

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

Sudan Conflict and Evac of Foreign Nationals

Conflict Grinds On. International attention on the civil war in Sudan (maps, NSI) has waned . . . more eyes are on Ukraine and Gaza at the moment. But the fighting continues between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), and the humanitarian situation worsens as time goes on.

Egypt Involvement. The ongoing civil war in Sudan between the SAF and the RSF created a humanitarian disaster. Refugees from Sudan flooded into every neighboring state; many of them to Egypt (map NSI). With a downgraded credit rating, severe inflation and unsustainable debt, the Egyptian economy is on the rocks. Refugees only add to those pressures. It is little wonder then, that Egypt has a vested interest in the security architecture of Sudan and in particular the SAF. “Egypt’s Role in the Sudanese Civil War: a 6-month outlook”, by Alec Smith, Grey Dynamics, December 23, 2023.

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

Commentary

SOF and the Arctic. Joshua C. Huminski and Ethan Brown have collaborated on an article entitled “Into the Cold: Special Operations in the Arctic”, Wavell Room, December 20, 2023. Excerpt: “Russia and China are placing increased emphasis on the polar regions in their strategic calculus and future planning. Russia, prior to its expanded invasion of Ukraine, undertook demonstrative military exercises in the Arctic, and was building up its forces in the High North. In its 2018 arctic policy, China declared itself a ‘near-arctic state’, seeking to assert its regional interests. While much of this activity from Moscow and Russia is predicated on securing economic and commercial interests, military interests and strategic competition-related power projection are clearly not far behind.” Read more articles about special operations forces in the Arctic.

Cutting SOF Force Structure. The Department of Defense has mandated that USASOC cut its force levels by 3,000 personnel. The command plans to cut special operations support, civil affairs, and psychological operations units. “Cutting Army Special Operations Will Erode the Military’s Ability to Influence the Modern Battlefield”, by Cole Livieratos, War on the Rocks, January 9, 2024.

National Security

Report – Defense Primer: Special Operations Forces. The Congressional Research Service has updated its brief on U.S. SOF. CRS IF10545, updated January 8, 2024, PDF, 2 pages. https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/IF/IF10545

Report – Defense Primer: Organization of U.S. Ground Forces. The Congressional Research Service has updated its brief on the U.S. Army and Marine Corps. CRS IF10571, updated December 29, 2023, PDF, 3 pages. https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/IF/IF10571

SECDEF Austin, ICU, and Not Informing the White House. The Pentagon did not tell President Joe Biden and other top officials about Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin’s presence in a hospital ICU (Politico, 6 Jan 2024) until he was there for three days. He first underwent surgery at Walter Reed Hospital for surgery for prostate cancer in mid-December. Although discharged in December, he returned to the hospital’s ICU unit for more hospitalization on January 1st.

• Joint Chiefs Chair Gen. C.Q. Brown was not informed of Austin’s presence in a hospital until Tuesday, Jan 2nd.
• Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen Hicks did not know his whereabouts until Thursday, Jan 4th and was on vacation in Puerto Rico. See “Pentagon No. 2 didn’t know why she was in charge for days as Austin furor mounts”, Washington Times, January 8, 2024.
• DoD didn’t notify the White House until Thursday, Jan 4th.
• DoD notified Congress 15 minutes before releasing a public statement at 5:00 pm on Friday, Jan 5th – a typical method of burying bad news over the weekend. As of Saturday, Jan 13, 2024, the SECDEF is still reported to be at Walter Reed.
• Fire the SECDEF? There are many national security commentators (not just Republicans) calling for the firing or resignation of Austin for his failure to inform his senior military leaders, the NSC, and the White House about his surgery in December, time in ICU in January, and his medical situation. See “Fire Lloyd Austin”, Lawfare, January 12, 2024. (Editorial note: his departure will probably take place in 3-4 months – a ‘graceful exit’ rather than fired or resigned).
• Still Hospitalized. As of January 14th, the Pentagon is reporting that SECDEF is still hospitalized.

Border Security.

• Migrant encounters at southern border hit record 302K in December 2023. This number includes only ‘documented encounters’, not the illegals that evade authorities crossing the border. (Fox News, Jan 1, 2024)
• Negotiations are underway between Republicans and Democrats on the border issue. It appears that some compromise is under way for both political parties to get at least ‘something’ that they want. Topics on the table include asylum, border security, increased deportation, Afghan evacuees from post-August 2021, and more. The Senate seems to have come up with a plan, but it is unlikely to be accepted by the House.
• Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Ms. Melissa Dalton recently led a delegation to the Southwest border on January 11-12 to see firsthand how the DoD is supporting U.S. government efforts to secure the border. (DOD, Jan 12, 2024)

Finland Border Closure. Just after Finland joined the NATO alliance Russia shipped migrants without documentation to the border points advising them to cross into Finland and seek asylum. Finland has viewed this as a form of economic warfare – flooding the country with undocumented migrants who will need to be supported financially by the country’s 5.6 million people. Late last year Finland closed the border crossings with Russia. The country is extending this closure for another month -suspecting continued manipulation of undocumented migrants from Somalia, Syria, and Yemen. “Finland extends closure of Russian border for another month, fearing a migrant influx”, The Washington Post, January 11, 2024. (subscription)

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.

Asia

Taiwan Elections. The ruling party has held onto the country’s presidency; many observers citing this as a blow to the People’s Republic of China (PRC). The winner is seen as independence-leaning. China has increased its rhetoric about Taiwan and increased its military and ‘gray operations’ in the region around Taiwan (map, NSI) in recent years. Taiwan is taking measures to that will enable it to resist an invasion and occupation by China (NSI).

IO and China. The People’s Republic of China has long used the information operations arena to influence the thoughts of people around the globe. This practice continues into the present day. Read more by Mark Scott in “China’s Kremlin-style disinformation playbook”, Politico.eu, January 11, 2024.

Western Hemisphere

Haiti. Gang violence continues to be the cause of a dire security crisis in Haiti (Google Maps). Transnational crime, economic slowdown, and other problems have plagued this nation for decades. It appears that Kenya will soon lead a Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission to Haiti under the auspices of the United Nations.

Troubles in Ecuador. On January 7, 2024, a notorious gang leader escaped from custody as he was about to be transferred to a maximum security facility. Gang members went on the offensive across Ecuador (map, NSI) – taking over prisons, attacking law enforcement, and seizing a television station. There are worries that the country may turn into a narco-state. Read more in “Explaining and Predicting Ecuador’s Security Crisis”, Global Americans, January 12, 2024.

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.

Afghanistan

Media Freedom in Afghanistan. The Afghanistan Journalists Center (AFJC) has published its report on the state of journalists and media in Afghanistan in 2023. According to the report, journalists and media in Afghanistan faced severe restrictions and violations of their fundamental and legal rights throughout 2023, impeding their freedom and ability to work. (AFJC, Dec 29, 2023)

Learning from Afghanistan. The U.S. military must understand its failures in Afghanistan to succeed in strategic competition. Failure to learn and adapt could end in similar disaster with greater strategic consequences. “Learning from Failure: Afghanistan as a Microcosm for Strategic Competition”, by Paul Bailey, Irregular Warfare Initiative, January 4, 2024.

Office of the Special Coordinator for Afghanistan. The Department of Defense recently published a website with resources about Afghanistan. Afghan Report, January 8, 2024.

Middle East

Wider Conflict? The Houthis of Yemen (SOF News) have significantly stepped up their operations against commercial vessels in Middle Eastern waterways since November 19, 2023, shortly after the start of the Hamas-Israel conflict (SOF News). This includes seizing or attempting to seize vessels or launching missiles or drones against them. Most shipping is now traveling around the southern tip of Africa to avoid possible damage or seizure. The U.S. and other nations have been issuing warnings to the Houthis over the past month. The U.S. and United Kingdom struck hit more multiple targets in 16 locations in Yemen on Thursday, January 12, 2024. CENTCOM released a statement on Saturday that a follow-on strike took place against a Houthi radar site in Yemen – conducted by the USS Carney (DDG 64) using Tomahawk Land Attack Missiles. The Pentagon released a statement (DoD, Jan 12, 2024) saying that the strikes against Houthis are aimed at degrading the rebel group’s capabilities to carry out more attacks in the Red Sea (Google Maps).

SOF News Book Shop

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

Books, Journals, Reports, Podcasts, Videos, and Movies

Book Review – Dead Hand. James Stejskal’s latest book, Dead Hand, involves Cold War intrigue in current times. The book envisions an aggressive Russia that has won the war in Ukraine and now sets its sights on other countries in Eastern Europe. Cold War warriors are brought out of retirement to assist in a covert operation. Stejskal is a former Green Beret (some time with ‘Det A‘) and CIA operative – and uses his experience in crafting this espionage thriller. One of his earlier books is Special Forces Berlin: Clandestine Cold War Operations of the US Army’s Elite, 1956-1990. Read a review of Dead Hand in “Spies in Winter: A Tale of Russian Victory in Ukraine”, The Cipher Brief, December 28, 2023.

Special Warfare. The January 2024 issue of Special Warfare is now available. Articles on irregular warfare, U.S. Army’s Special Warfare Center and School, and SOF unmanned systems. PDF, 23 pages. https://www.swcs.mil/Special-Warfare/Special-Warfare-Archive/

Military Review. The January – February 2024 issue is now online, posted by Army University Press. This issue spotlights China and operations in mountainous areas and the Arctic. https://www.armyupress.army.mil/Journals/Military-Review/English-Edition-Archives/January-February-2024/

CTC Sentinel. The December 2023 issue of the “CTC Sentinel” is now posted online. Articles on Iranian-backed militia and terrorist groups and terrorist use of IEDs. https://ctc.westpoint.edu/december-2023/

IWC Spotlight. The December 2023 issue has been posted by the Irregular Warfare Center. https://irregularwarfarecenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2023-12-IWC-Spotlight.pdf

Report – Defense Primer: What is Irregular Warfare, Congressional Research Service, CRS IF12565, January 5, 2024, PDF, 3 pages. https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/IF/IF12565

Report – Assessing Resistance for the Purpose of Informing International Policy. By Dr. Robert S. Burrell and John Collison, Marine Corps University, January 9, 2024, PDF, 46 pages. https://www.usmcu.edu/Outreach/Marine-Corps-University-Press/Expeditions-with-MCUP-digital-journal/Assessing-Resistance-for-the-Purpose-of-Informing-International-Policy/

Video – USSOCOM in Strategic Competition. A former CSEL for USSOCOM shares his unique perspectives on strategic competition and the United States Special Operations Command’s role in that environment. Joint Special Operations University, Think JSOU, January 9, 2024, YouTube, 36 minutes. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z9CuZVHUi4k

Upcoming Events

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Special Air Warfare Symposium – Global SOF
Fort Walton Beach, FL

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Tampa, FL

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

Photo / Image: U.S. Army paratroopers assigned to 2nd Battalion, 503rd Parachute Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade conduct an airborne operation in commemoration of the 20th anniversary of Operation Northern Delay at Aviano Air Base, Italy on March 22, 2023. Photo by Spc. Alisha Grezlik

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SOF News

More SOF Helicopters. The U.S. Army Special Operations Aviation Command (USASOAC) has awarded Boeing a substantial contract to manufacture six remanufactured MH-47G Block II aircraft. “US Special Forces to receive additional MH-47G helicopters”, Defense Blog, December 12, 2023.

RIP. Retired USAF Chief Master Sgt Alan T. Yoshida, a combat controller who was awarded the Silver Star as one of the original “Horse Soldiers” that routed the Taliban in 2001, died on Dec. 9 at the age of 51. “Legendary Combat Controller and Afghanistan ‘Horse Soldier’ dies at 51”, Task and Purpose, December 13, 2023.

Nepal DREE. A U.S. Navy SEAL Team conducted a joint training exchange alongside the Nepali Army and members of the Nepali Army Special Operations Force (SOF) Brigade near Kathmandu, Nepal from October 30 to November 6, 2023. The two-week training exchange consisted of a week-long subject matter expert exchange (SMEE) and a week-long multilateral disaster response training.
The first week of the joint training included classroom instruction from Nepali Special Operators and instructors from the Nepali Army’s High Altitude Mountain Warfare School. “Nepali Army, U.S. navy SEALs strengthen Joint Partnership”, DVIDS, December 18, 2023.

UAV Contract. General Atomics secured a $200 million contract for special operations UAV modifications integration. GA-ASI will install Special Operations Forces peculiar modifications into the MQ-9 and MQ-1C UAVs, produce aircraft modification kits and conduct analysis and studies to inform future SOF-p improvements. (GOVCONWIRE, Dec 18, 2023)

Best Ruck? Packs are as essential for the military as bullets and chow. But for decades, two rucks have weighed down more military backs than any others. That’s the O.G. All-Purpose Lightweight Individual Carrying Equipment (ALICE) pack and the Modular Lightweight Load Carrying Equipment (MOLLE) pack. (editor note: no mention of the Lowe in this article) “MOLLE vs. ALICE: Which pack reigns supreme?”, Task and Purpose, December 15, 2023.

USAF Pararescue. Read a basic explainer into the U.S. Air Force’s elite pararescuers or PJs. “Air Force Pararescue: What Do They Do?”, Simple Flying, December 16, 2023.

S-MET. The Airborne and Special Operations Test Directorate conducted various testing on the Small Multipurpose Equipment Transport, to include a Simulated Airdrop Impact Test to ensure the system could withstand impact forces of hitting the ground after the low-velocity airdrops. “Airborne Soldiers Drop Test New Small Multipurpose Equipment Transport”, Army.mil, December 13, 2023.

Social Hierarchy of SOF. This article is a humorous look at the special operations world. The writer uses the university campus as a method of describing the various U.S. SOF units. From the ‘new guys on the block’ (freshmen) to the ‘handpick individuals’ who get to join an exclusive college club (grad students). “The Social Hierarchy of US Special Operations Units”, SANDBOXX, December 13, 2023.

International SOF

General Sir Roly Walker. The next head of the British Army has a special forces background. As well as serving as a commander at company, squadron, battlegroup, brigade and Special Forces group levels, Walker has also served in Northern Ireland, Afghanistan and Iraq. “Who is the new Army chief who led Special Forces?”, Forces.net, December 12, 2023.

Italian SOF Validated by NATO. Allied Special Operations Forces Command and an Italian Special Operations evaluation team recently validated an Italian Special Operations Land Task Group (SOLTG) and a Special Operations Air Task Unit (SOATU) in central Italy to ensure high level readiness for NATO special forces. “Allied Special Operations Forces Command Validates Italian Special Operations”, NATO, December 13, 2023.

French Commandos Marine. The Commandos Marine are a French special operations force (SOF). They operate under La Force Maritime des Fusiliers Marins et Commandos (FORFUSCO) interjoined with the French Navy (Marine Nationale) and are under the command of the French Special Operations Command (SOC). Read more about them in “Commandos Marine: The French SBS”, by Joseph Balodis, Grey Dynamics, December 14, 2023.

Korean SOF Train with US. South Korea and the United States have recently staged a combined special operations exercise amid joint efforts to reinforce deterrence against North Korean military threats. “S. Korea, US stage joint special operations forces drills”, The Korea Times, December 18, 2023.

Colombian SOF and SOCSOUTH. On December 7, 2023, the United States and Colombia signed the Capability Development Action Plan for Colombian Special Operations Forces 2025-2029. The signing of the document between Colombia and the United States, will enhance synchronization of security cooperation as well as efforts to obtain mutual goals of regional stability and the professional exchange of ideas, experiences, and practices between the two partner nations over the next five years. “Colombia’s Special Operations Forces and SOCSOUTH Sign Historic Agreement”, Dialogo-Americas, December 7, 2023.

Protecting Afghan Commandos. Former operatives from Afghan Territorial Force 444 and Commando Force 333 – known as The Triples – should be allowed to relocate to Britain. The units were set up, trained and funded by British forces, but fell under the control of the Afghan security forces, meaning they did not immediately qualify for the UK’s ARAP (Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy) scheme. However, many UK veterans believe former members of The Triples should meet the ARAP criteria. “UK has duty to protect ex-Afghan Special Forces operators from Taliban”, Forces.net, December 13, 2023.

SOF History

Capture of Saddam Hussein. On December 13, 2003, Iraq President Saddam Hussein was captured hiding in a hole at a farmhouse in Adwar, Iraq, near his hometown of Tikrit. Task Force 121, a joint special operations team, conducted the operation. The TF was assisted by elements of the 4th Infantry Division. (Wikipedia) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capture_of_Saddam_Hussein

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. USASOC History Office, https://arsof-history.org/arsof_in_panama/index.html

Churchill’s Secret Army. During World War II the Allied forces developed a clandestine organization that could operate in occupied countries. The Special Operations Executive or SOE was, informally, known by a few different names – ‘The Baker Street Irregulars’, ‘Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare‘, and ‘Churchill’s Secret Army’. Read the history of the SOE in “Special Operations Executive” Churchill’s Secret Army”, by Javier Sutil Toledano, Grey Dynamics, December 13, 2023.

Vietnam-Era SDV. The Mark VII Swimmer Delivery Vehicle (SDV) was used in the late 1960s and 1970s. “This Underwater Vehicle Was Used by Navy SEALs in Vietnam”, by Carl O. Schuster, History.net, December 14, 2023.

History of the KA-BAR. On December 9, 1942, after the start of World War II, KA-BAR submitted a knife to the United States Marine Corps in hopes that it would become a general issue to that branch of the military. The USMC KA-BAR was adopted by the Marines as well as the Army, Navy, Coast Guard and Underwater Demolition Teams. Years after World War II, many KA-BAR knives were unofficially reactivated in the Korean, Vietnam, Desert Storm, and Iraqi Freedom conflicts. Learn more about the KA-BAR in these three one-minute videos. “KA-BAR and the Marine Corps”, DVIDS, December 12, 2023. Part one, part two, and part three.

Conflict in Israel and Gaza

Conflict Update. Three Israelis who escaped captivity from Hamas hostage takers were killed by Israeli troops in Gaza. The Pentagon has ordered a US aircraft carrier to remain in the Mediterranean Sea near Israel. (AP News, Dec 15, 2023). Israel is coming under increasing international pressure to ease up its offensive in Gaza. U.S. warships in the Red Sea continue to intercept incoming missiles fired toward Israel and drones targeting commercial shipping from areas of Yemen controlled by Iranian-backed Houthi rebels. (Navy Times, Dec 16, 2023)

Testimony Blowback. The ramifications of the testimony before Congress by three Presidents of leading educational institutions continues. The president of the University of Pennsylvania has resigned. The presidents of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Harvard University have had to issue statements explaining (and apologizing) for their testimony. In addition, the president of Harvard University had to issue an explanation for past academic work after weathering accusations of plagiarism – and she has had several ‘mistakes’ in past writings ‘corrected’ in the past week. The three university presidents declined to say that calls for the genocide of Jewish people would violate university policies.

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

Ukraine Conflict

Conflict Update. Morale within the Ukrainian military may be slipping due to the long two years of fighting and stalemate on the battlefield. This, coupled with Republican threats to curtail aid to the beleaguered country is putting in doubt the ability of Ukraine to continue its counteroffensive. The Ukrainian troops are facing artillery munition shortages – which is forcing them to scale back some operations. (Reuters, Dec 18, 2023)

Aid For Ukraine. Ukrainian President Zelensky arrived in Washington, D.C. on Tuesday, December 12, 2023, to address Congress and meet with President Biden about continuing aid to Ukraine. Meanwhile, Congress is adjourning for the holiday season and will not be back until early January. The White House is warning that it will run out of money to help Ukraine’s military combat Russia’s invasion by the end of the year. Some Republicans are tying the Ukraine aid request to increased security along the southern U.S. border. Instances of sabotage of critical targets in Russia have been taking place – compliments of Ukrainian special operations commandos. (Business Insider, Dec 17, 2023)

Study – Losing Ukraine. The Institute for the Study of War has released a report that details the military, strategic, and financial implications of a Russian victory in Ukraine. The study states that the United States has a much higher stake in Russia’s war on Ukraine than most people think. “The High Price of Losing Ukraine”, ISW, December 14, 2023.

The Ground Robots of Ukraine. Unmanned ground vehicles are bringing much-needed supplies to Ukrainian and Russian soldiers on the battlefield. Some of them appear to be made with commercial off the shelf components. “Crude ground robots emerge on the battlefields of Ukraine, experts say”, C4ISRNET, December 15, 2023.

Resiliency and Urban Reconstruction. Recent history has shown that leaving a city’s defense to its nation’s borders is a dangerous proposition. It is time that Kyiv, and other cities in nations that border expansionist neighbors, once again make the defense part of city planning. “Rebuilding Resiliency: Kyiv’s Opportunity to Bolster Its Defense”, War on the Rocks, December 12, 2023.

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

Commentary

About Those Cuts to SOF. Lt. Col. Doug Livermore, a Special Forces officer, shares his perspective on proposed cuts to the special operations force structure. “Counterpoint to U.S. Special Operations Forces Cuts”, Military Review, Army University Press, December 2023.

IW Funding. Irregular Warfare proponents are wrestling with how to bring their domain into a new era – and to convince others that it is still needed. This new NDAA provides about $20 million for SOF to be able to conduct IW. “As irregular warfare comes to a crossroads, Congress chips in”, Defense One, December 17, 2023.

DoS and Fighting Disinformation. The Department of State is coming under criticism for not taking the offensive in the information domain. (New York Times, Dec 14, 2023). (subscription)

Assistance to Taiwan. China is accelerating its military modernization and some national security experts are predicting that it could have the ability to seize Taiwan as soon as 2027. There are military commentators that believe the U.S. should proactively position itself ‘left of the boom’. “Five Recommendations for Left of Boom Security Assistance to Taiwan”, War on the Rocks, December 18, 2023.

National Security

NDAA. The National Defense Authorization Act may soon be passed by Congress. The 3,000-page document would then be signed by President Biden before the end of the year. Some of the provisions include a 5.2% pay increase, increased maternity leave, and raising fitness standards for infantry, cavalry scouts, and Special Forces. There are several changes that affect the National Guard. “Guard Gets Some Wins in Compromise Defense Bill”, NGAUS, December 13, 2023.

Deterring China. Stepped up Chinese aggression in the South China Sea is becoming a growing flashpoint. The Navy’s 7th Fleet, headquartered in Japan, is increasing its exercises in the region and including more foreign nations in the training. “Increased military exercises with Pacific allies seek to deter China, top U.S. admiral says”, Washington Times, December 15, 2023.

Border Security. Thousands of illegal immigrants cross the southern border of the United States each day. Many of the ‘sanctuary cities’ of the U.S. have maxed out in their ability to house, feed, and support the many people who arrive on buses each day at their shelters. The journey for these people seeking a better economic life begins in a perilous stretch in Central America. “The jungle between Columbia and Panama becomes a highway for migrants from around the world”, AP News, December 17, 2023. Things at the U.S. southern border are not getting any better. Monday, December 18, 2023, saw the highest number of illegal immigrants encountered by the CBP in a single day ever. “Biden border crisis shatters record with 14,509 illegal immigrants encountered in one day”, Washington Examiner, December 19, 2023.

International Migrants Day – December 18th. The United States has led the largest expansion in decades of lawful migration pathways to help vulnerable migrants, refugees, and other displaced persons. Tens of thousands of individuals have benefited from rapid processing and support through the Safe Mobility initiative since its launch in June 2023.  We have resettled more refugees than any other country in the world, welcoming more than 3.5 million refugees into communities across the country since 1975. This count, of course, is just those who are legally in the country. U.S. Department of State, December 18, 2023.

Great Power Competition

New Russian Diaspora. Since Russia began its full-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, hundreds of thousands of Russians — if not more than a million — have fled the country. Activists, journalists, intellectuals, businesspersons, and software engineers have sought a combination of freedom, safety, and prosperity outside their country’s borders, often at significant material risk to themselves and their families. Read of detailed analysis of this topic by Andrei Soldatov and Irina Borogan: “In From the Cold: The Struggle for Russia’s Exiles”, Center of European Policy Analysis, December 12, 2023.

Russia in Africa. Paramilitary organizations have stepped into a vacuum left by military forces of the west. “Russia Deepens Counter-Terrorism Ties to Sahelian Post-Coup Regimes”, The Jamestown Foundation, December 15, 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.

Afghanistan

Iranian and Pakistan Deportations of Afghans. In the last three months, Iran and Pakistan have forced around 850,000 undocumented Afghan nationals to return to Taliban-ruled Afghanistan, officials reported Sunday. The crackdown on Afghans illegally residing in the neighboring countries is ongoing, despite warnings by the United Nations that a harsh winter and an uncertain future await returnees in their crisis-ridden, impoverished nation. “Taliban: Iran Deports Almost 350,000 Afghans Within 3 Months”, Voice of America, December 11, 2023.

Resettlement via Germany. For the past two years (off and on) the U.S. Department of State has been relocating Afghans with pending Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs) applications to the United States; but not before they are ‘processed’ at an intermediate location – usually Doha, Qatar. Now this relocation effort is also taking place at an intermediate location in Germany as well. It’s part of a ramped-up worldwide effort by the State Department to resettle thousands of Afghans who worked for the U.S. government, along with their families, but who haven’t yet received special immigrant visas. “Afghans again being flown to US base in Germany before resettlement”, Stars and Stripes, December 11, 2023.

Middle East

ISIS in Syria. The Islamic State is continuing its campaign of violence in Syria. Much of its attacks is against Syrian regime forces. It mounted a successful offensive in October and maintain some of its gained territory during November. Read more in “ISIS Redux: The Central Syria Insurgency in November 2023”, Counter Extremism Project, November 2023. Over 4,400 Da’esh fighters and their relatives have been repatriated to their countries of origin from camps in northern eastern Syria in 2023. Over 47,000 individuals from more than 60 countries remain in camps administered by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).

Iraq. Iranian-backed militias have resumed attacks on U.S. facilities across Iraq in the past several weeks. Munitions have been targeted against U.S. facilities at Erbil International Airport, the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad, and Al Asad Air Base in Anbar Province.

Political Signaling. Iran and its proxies are using attacks (rockets and drones) for political signaling. They may be creating escalation challenges that bring them closer to war with the United States. U.S. interests in the Iraq and Syria have attacked over 100 times since mid-October 2023. “How Iranian-Backed Militias Do Political Signaling”, Lawfare, December 18, 2023.

Operation Prosperity Guardian. A new task force has been formed to protect merchant ships and commercial boats from the aerial attacks by Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen. Canada, United Kingdom, France, Bahrain, Italy, Norway, Seychelles, Spain, and the United States are participants in Operation Prosperity Guardian. Large maritime companies have been redirecting transit routes to avoid the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. (DoD, Dec 18, 2023) See also “Why Are the Houthis Attacking Now?”, by Nicholas Brumfield, Foreign Policy Research Institute, December 15, 2023.

Africa

Report – Coups and U.S. Aid to African Nations. Events in Africa and Burma have brought attention to a provision in annual State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs (SFOPS) appropriations legislation that restricts U.S. foreign assistance following a coup d’état. One particular case is the recent coup in Niger. As Congress considers SFOPS appropriations for FY2024 and beyond, it may revisit the law restricting aid (Section 7008), examine its impact, and weigh whether its application supports congressional intent. Coup-Related Restrictions in U.S. Foreign Aid Appropriations, Congressional Research Service, CRS IF11267, updated December 12, 2023. https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/IF/IF11267

AU Mission in Somalia Drawing Down. The African Union Transition Mission in Somalia on Sunday resumed handing over security responsibilities to Somali government forces after a three-month pause. (Voice of America, Dec 17, 2023)

End of MINUSMA in Mali. The United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA, UN Fact Sheet) was established on April 25, 2013, to stabilize the country after the Tuareg rebellion of 2012. In June 2023, a new government came to power in a coup. It quickly withdrew the mandate for MINUSMA (UN Fact Sheet), forcing the mission and all of its staff to depart the country by the end of the year. A European SOF element – Task Force Takuba (SOF News) – has already departed Mali. Listen to a podcast on how the UN mission in Mali was conducted. “Searching for Peace in Timbuktu: The UN Mission in Mali”, War Room, Army War College, December 12, 2023, 25 mins.

SOF News Book Shop

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Reports, Podcasts, Videos, and Movies

Movie Trailer – Civil War. A Civil War in the United States. Could be interesting. In theaters April 2024. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aDyQxtg0V2w

Civil Affairs Briefings. A number of briefings are now being displayed on the website of the Civil Affairs Association that are the result of a recent conference held December 8-10, 2023.

9/11 – VCF. The September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (VCF), Congressional Research Service, CRS R45969, updated December 18, 2023, PDF, 12 pages.
https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/R/R45969

Upcoming Events

September 17-22, 2024
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October 16-19, 2024
Special Operations Association Reunion
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October 22-25, 2024
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Special Forces Association – Tampa, Florida

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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)