Curated information, evaluation, and commentary about particular operations, nationwide safety, and conflicts world wide.
Picture: U.S. Air Drive Particular Warfare Airmen assigned to the 82nd Expeditionary Rescue Squadron carry out static line and army free fall jumps from a KC-130J, flown by Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron-234, (VMGR-234) over Djibouti, June 21, 2021. Particular Warfare Airmen preserve soar proficiency to allow fast personnel restoration, fight search and rescue capabilities, and to quickly deploy to austere areas to assist U.S. and companion forces throughout the space of accountability. (U.S. Air Drive photograph by Tech. Sgt. Daniel Asselta).
Do you obtain our every day e-newsletter? If not, you possibly can enroll right here and revel in it 5 (virtually) days per week together with your morning espresso (or afternoon tea relying on the place on the planet you’re).
SOF News
Memorial for MG (Ret) Eldon Bargewell. A memorial is deliberate to honor MG Bargewell in his dwelling city of Hoquiam, Washington. Bargewell earned many honors throughout his service to the nation – together with the Distinguished Service Cross, 6 Bronze Stars (3 with V), and 4 Purple Hearts. He was a recipient of the 2010 Bull Simons Award given by the usSpecial Operations Command. The date for the ceremony and dedication of the memorial park is Could 20, 2023 – on Armed Forces Day. Common (Ret) Peter Schoomaker and Lt Gen (Ret) Lawson Magruder would be the audio system. SGM (Ret) Mike Vining will internet hosting a donors solely reception. Members of the two/ seventy fifth will kind the distinction guard. Learn to donate to the memorial on the Eldon Bargewell Memorial Group.
AFSOC: From JSOAC to SOTG. Air Drive Particular Operations Command has, for a very long time, had a concentrate on offering disaster response capabilities and countering violent extremist organizations (C-VEO) using the Joint Particular Operations Air Part (JSOAC) deployment mannequin. It’s now shifting gears to develop the attributes and functionality to reach the brand new operational setting – together with campaigning within the grey zone, using SOF-peculiar capabilities, and growing and advancing relations with worldwide companions and allies. This transition is bringing concerning the Particular Operations Process Group (SOTG). “From the ‘AFSOC We Have’ to the ‘AFSOC We Want’”, Air Drive Particular Operations Command, October 6, 2022.
SF, SFABs, and SPP – SFA Triad. A current paper revealed by the Affiliation of the U.S. Army entitled “The Army’s Safety Drive Help Triad: Safety Drive Help Brigades, Special Forces and the State Partnership Program” promotes the idea of the Army’s SFA effort is in leveraging relationships with allies and companions – using an ‘SFA triad’. The 16-page PDF describes the distinctive contributions of the three elements of the Army’s SFA group. “Safety Drive Triad is Highly effective Army Instrument”, AUSA, October 16, 2022.
New Dep Cdr for NSWC. Captain Andrew J. Schreiner, chosen for promotion to rear admiral (decrease half), will probably be assigned as deputy commander, Naval Particular Warfare Command, San Diego, California. Schreiner is at the moment serving as commanding officer, Navy Reserve, United States Northern Command Headquarters, Fort Carson, Colorado.
AFSOC’s Plane. The Air Drive Particular Operations Command makes use of quite a lot of plane to perform its mission. A current information article offers an outline of three of those plane: the AC-130 Gunship, the MH-53 Pave Low, and the CV-22 Osprey. “The Plane of AFSOC”, by Christian Orr, 1945, October 3, 2022.
SEALs and Tear Fuel Coaching. A video exhibiting Navy SEAL candidates subjected to tear gasoline discovered its solution to the media. And now there may be an investigation into the tear gasoline coaching. Appears that the tear gasoline was ‘administered’ too near the trainees and for too lengthy of an ‘utility’. Learn extra in “Tear gasoline video triggers investigation into Navy SEAL choice course”, CBS News, October 4, 2022.
AFSOC’s Mission Sustainment Groups. The Air Drive Particular Operations Command is attempting out some new ideas for assist operations abroad. They’re forming up cross-functional assist groups that may be deployed ahead to assist deployed AFSOC squadrons and items. “New Air Drive particular ops groups mannequin way forward for ‘agile’ air wars”, Air Drive Instances, October 4, 2022.
Parachuting Into the Arctic. An airborne operation underneath very chilly situations requires additional preparation and lots of coaching. Learn extra in “Frozen compass, frigid wind – How Inexperienced Berets would airdrop into the Arctic in a future struggle”, Process & Goal, October 5, 2022.
Bolduc for Senator. Brigadier Common (Ret) Don Bolduc, a retired Special Forces officer, is working for Senate in New Hampshire. Kevin Maurer, a journalist for Rolling Stone, has penned an article about Bolduc’s time in Afghanistan and on the marketing campaign path as he tries to unseat a Democrat Senator. Not fairly a good piece; though he does write some good issues about Bolduc’s time in Afghanistan. “The Retreat of the MAGA Common”, Rolling Stone, October 9, 2022.
SF and New Rifle Scopes. USSOCOM has positioned an order with Lightforce USA for brand spanking new scopes. “New rifle scopes come nearer for US particular forces”, Shepard Media News, October 6, 2022.
Former 2/seventy fifth Ranger Now Hollywood Star. A former member of the Rangers has leveraged his army time to land roles in TV and the flicks. “Tim Abell Brings His Expertise as an Army Ranger to His Appearing Profession”, Conflict Historical past On-line, October 6, 2022.
Constructing Named for SFC Jeremiah Johnson. A member of the third Special Forces Group who was killed throughout an October 2017 enemy assault in Niger has been honored at Fort Bragg with a constructing dedication. (Fayetteville Observer, Oct 6, 2022).
SOWF and Serving to SOF Households. Alex McClintock is the surviving partner and Declan is the son of U.S. Army Workers Sergeant Matthew McClintock, who misplaced his life in 2016 serving with the nineteenth Special Forces Group whereas deployed to Helmand province, Afghanistan. Alex and Declan have acquired helpful help from the Particular Operations Warrior Basis. Learn “In opposition to All Odds”, SOWF, October 6, 2022.
Osprey Recovered. Whereas collaborating in a coaching train in Norway, a CV-22B Osprey from the 352nd Particular Operations Wing skilled an inflight emergency and landed on the island of Senja. It sat there for six weeks till a restoration staff was in a position to transfer it off the island. It’s now at a Norwegian army base the place maintainers from the 752nd Particular Operations Plane Upkeep Squadron will carry out repairs to get the plane flying once more. As soon as repaired, it can fly dwelling to its base in the UK. “Osprey Recovered in Norway”, DVIDS, October 5, 2022.
Worldwide SOF
AUKUS SOF and GPC. In September 2021 the trilateral AUKUS pact was introduced – a collaboration of Australia, United Kingdom, and america. Dr. David Kilcullen has written an essay that explores the evolution of Australian, British, and American particular operations from the Conflict on Terror towards Nice Energy Competitors . . . and examines how AUKUS might help reorient SOF to the brand new setting. “AUKUS and the Evolution of Particular Operations for Nice-Energy Competitors”, Safety & Protection Plus, September 2022.
SFA in Niger. This paper offers an in depth evaluation on the creation and employment of Niger’s Special Forces Command and safety drive help offered by different nations. “The Impression of Safety Drive Help in Niger: Meddling With Borders”, Worldwide Affairs, July, 2022.
Iran’s SF. The Islamic Republic of Iran has a number of particular operations forces. Certainly one of these is the elite Quds Drive – a unit that’s chargeable for exporting the regimes agenda into different international locations. Study extra in “Quds: How Harmful Are Iran’s Special Forces?”, by Maya Carlin, 1945, September 21, 2022.
NATO SOF and Airframes. European particular operations forces are taking a look at learn how to finest use their aviation capabilities as they shift focus from CT and COIN to operations towards doubtless opponents in future conflicts. “NATO seeks to optimize SOF airframes to match peer adversaries”, Janes.com, October 7, 2022.
Canadian Army’s New Pistol. After a JTF-2 soldier was shot within the leg whereas utilizing a Sig Sauer P320 on a coaching vary. The Canadian Special Forces and Division of Nationwide Protection carried out an investigation. Nonetheless, Canadian federal procurement officers have now chosen the Sig Sauer P320 because the pistol to switch their present handguns. “Canadian army’s new handgun was at centre of misfire probe final yr”, CBC.CA, October 7, 2022.
SOF Historical past
sixth SOS Inactivated. The sixth Particular Operations Squadron at Duke Subject, Florida is being phased out. The squadron was the house of the Fight Aviation Advisors tasked with conducting Aviation International Inner Protection (AvFID) and Safety Drive Help actions in the course of the previous few a long time. “Inactivation of sixth Particular Operations Squadron transitions a storied legacy”, 492nd Particular Operations Wing, October 6, 2022.
Battle of Mogadishu. On the afternoon of three October 1993 Process Drive Ranger despatched 19 plane, 12 autos, and 160 males to kill or seize two leaders of a renegade Somali warlord’s clan. Learn extra in “Operation Gothic Serpent”, SOF News, July 18, 2020.
Podcast – Chaplain (MAJ) Jeff Struecker – Rangers, Somalia, and Religion. A retired chaplain and former member of Process Drive Ranger recounts his experiences throughout Gothic Serpent. USSOCOM, YouTube, Oct 5, 2022, one hour.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UL4uCn5F6T8
DoE Commando Drive. The Division of Vitality had a nuclear commando activity drive within the Eighties that seemed straight out of ‘Counter Strike’. Process & Goal, September 27, 2022.
EC-130J – Remaining Broadcast. The airmen from the 193rd Particular Operations Wing transmitted their final broadcast on September 17, 2022 at a group air present in Pennsylvania. The EC-130J Commando Solo carried out its mission for a lot of a long time. “EC-130J Commando Solo performs closing broadcast”, Pennsylvania Nationwide Guard, September 19, 2022.
fiftieth Reunion of Arctic Rangers. Greater than 30 veterans from Firm O (Arctic Ranger), seventy fifth Infantry Regiment gathered for a reunion at Fort Bragg, N.C. in late September 2022. (DVIDS, Oct 6, 2022).
Nationwide Safety, Protection, and Commentary
Aviation Advising – Making it Higher. Jonathan Magill and Tobias Bernard Switzer collaborated in an article that factors out the previous successes and failures of the air advising effort in Iraq, Afghanistan, and elsewhere. The Iraqis and Afghans had been supplied with plane that had been too advanced to fly and preserve. The U.S. air advisor effort utilized an ineffective advert hoc strategy, and strategic coverage makers had extreme ambitions that they couldn’t implement. The authors present 4 suggestions to extend the potential and effectiveness of air advisors. “Tips on how to Enhance Your Pickup Aviation Advising Sport”, Fashionable Conflict Institute at West Level, October 4, 2022.
Haiti, Chaos, and International Troops. Gangs and protesters have brought about unrest in Haiti. That is compounded by a extreme scarcity of water, gasoline, and fundamental items. The U.S. Embassy has warned U.S. residents to go away because of the present well being and safety state of affairs. The nation’s leaders are contemplating asking for worldwide intervention with international troops. “Haiti’s Chief Requests International Armed Forces to Quell Chaos”, Voice of America, October 7, 2022. See additionally “US Reviewing Haiti’s Request for Worldwide Safety Help”, Voice of America, October 8, 2022.
Votel Subsequent CTC Distinguished Chair. Common (Ret) Joseph Votel would be the subsequent Combating Terrorism Middle (CTC) at West Level Distinguished Chair. He’s the previous commander of JSOC, CENTCOM, and USSOCOM. “Combating Terrorism Middle Broadcasts New Distinguished Chair”, HSToday, October 4, 2022.
Ladies and Special Forces. David Walton offers his perspective on the choice and coaching of girls within the SF coaching pipeline. He evaluations the requirements of coaching utilized to these attending the Special Forces Evaluation and Choice (SFAS) course and the way they could or might not differ from males. “Are Inexperienced Berets Turning Pink? Integrating Ladies Into Special Forces”, Conflict on the Rocks, September 20, 2022.
China and Affect Operations. The Folks’s Republic of China and the Chinese language Communist Social gathering proceed to make use of organizations that function in america to unfold their narrative and affect U.S. policymakers. The U.S. Nationwide Counterintelligence and Safety Middle (NCSC) has issued a warning about these Chinese language efforts. Learn extra in “US Intelligence Warning: China Escalating Affect Operations”, by Judith Bergman, Gatestone Institute, October 7, 2022.
Afghanistan Replace. Learn curated information and evaluation about Afghanistan, the Afghan Evac group, efforts within the Senate and Home to move the Afghanistan Adjustment Act, and extra. (Afghan Report, 30 Sep 2022).
ISIS Leaders Killed in Syria. American army forces killed senior leaders (The New York Instances, Oct 6, 2022) of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria over the previous a number of days in northern Syria. The primary was throughout a nighttime helicopter raid (The Drive, Oct 6, 2022) carried out by SOF and the second motion was a drone strike.
Ukraine
Ukraine Replace. The Russians are withdrawing (retreating) within the northeast and within the south within the face of steady Ukrainian offensive actions. Putin has referred to as up a further 300,000 Russians to offer extra troops to the battle. Hundreds of Russian males have flown out or traveled by way of land routes to neighboring international locations to flee the mobilization. Two arrived by boat in Alaska and have claimed asylum within the U.S. Putin has additionally as soon as once more threatened the usage of nuclear weapons. Eight senior Russian generals have been fired for the reason that February 2022 invasion of Ukraine – partially for the failure to take Kyiv, topple the Ukrainian authorities, and the lack of territory on the japanese and southern fronts. The assault on the Kerch Strait Bridge (SOF News, Oct 8, 2022) has embarrassed Russia and the nation has accused Ukraine of terrorism (Reuters, Oct 9, 2022). Russia has named a new commander for the struggle in Ukraine. (NYT, Oct 8, 2022). The newest shakeup has taken place prior to now a number of days. (The Washington Publish, Oct 8, 2022).
Report on Ukraine. Russia’s Conflict in Ukraine: Army and Intelligence Facets, Congressional Analysis Service (CRS), September 14, 2022, PDF, 30 pages.
https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/R/R47068
Reality Sheet – Help to Ukraine. In complete, america, has dedicated roughly $17 billion in safety help to Ukraine since January 2021. This consists of greater than $16 billion for the reason that starting of Russia’s invasion on February 24. A two-page PDF doc lists the kinds and portions of kit and materials offered to Ukraine as of the tip of September 2022. “Reality Sheet on U.S. Safety Help to Ukraine”, DoD, 28 September 2022.
SOF and Resistance in Ukraine. Within the new up to date operational setting, Russia and China are flexing their muscular tissues. U.S. particular operations forces has embraced “resistance” as a core methodology to counter these strikes. US SOF are employed world wide – in delicate methods – to domesticate and weaponize resistance actions worldwide. US SOF has promoted this resistance working idea (ROC) since 2014 in Ukraine. Nicholas Krohley shares a singular perspective on ROC in “Guerrillas on the Bench: Operationalizing Resistance in Ukraine and Past”, Small Wars Journal, October 5, 2022.
Upcoming Occasions
November 8-9, 2022. Fort Bragg, NC
Fashionable Warfare Week
International SOF Basis
Books, Pubs, and Experiences
Pub – IW Technique. David H. Ucko and Thomas A. Marks have written a pub entitled Crafting Technique for Irregular Warfare: A Framework for Evaluation and Motion, second version, Nationwide Protection College Press, September 2022, PDF, 107 pages.
https://ndupress.ndu.edu/Portals/68/Paperwork/strat-monograph/Crafting-Technique-for-Irregular-Warfare_2ndEd.pdf
Sentinel. The October 2022 subject is now posted on-line. It features a evaluate of the books Tip of the Spear and Operation Pineapple Categorical. Different articles are on matters such because the tenth SFGA, Sandinistas, and extra. This high quality journal is revealed by Chapter 78 of the Special Forces Affiliation.
https://www.specialforces78.com/chapter-78-newsletter-for-october-2022/
Infantry. The Fall 2022 subject is now on-line. Articles about sniper programs, reconnaissance, the Russian BTGs, mortars, Army combatives, and extra.
https://www.benning.military.mil/Infantry/Journal/points/2022/Fall/
DoS IG Report – Afghan Particular Immigration Visa Program Metrices, Workplace of Inspector Common, U.S. Division of State, September 2022.
https://afghan-report.com/stories/dosig-afghan-siv-metrics-sep-2022/
Podcasts and Movies
Video – Contained in the Special Forces Fight Diver Qualification Course, Espresso or Die Journal, September 18, 2022, YouTube, 18 minutes.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AaNuUU10kTc
Video – Army Goal Drive – Particular Operations Modernisation, Australian Army, October 3, 2022, 3 minutes, YouTube. An initiative of the Army Goal Drive is guaranteeing Particular Operations stay up to date, on the innovative, prepared, and ready to answer the threats of the longer term.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dGy_sFvYfnw&t=1s
Video – Challenges and Assist for Ladies in SOF, Particular Operations Affiliation of America (SOAA), October 7, 2022, 5 minutes. SOAA Board Member Jax Scott speaks concerning the hardships that girls in particular operations face. Informative concerning the Cultural Assist Groups deployed to Afghanistan.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e44Pe158zhc
Podcast – After Mali: Studying From the French Expertise of Irregular Warfare within the Sahel, Irregular Warfare Podcast, Fashionable Conflict Institute at West Level, October 7, 2022. A panel dialogue that explains why the French had been concerned in fight operations within the Sahel area of Africa and the way their forces had been organized towards a number of armed insurgencies. The panelists discover the light-footprint strategy and constructing partner-force capability by the French.
https://mwi.usma.edu/after-mali-learning-from-the-french-experience-of-irregular-warfare-in-the-sahel/
