A report has been published by the United States Army Special Operations Command (USASOC) about female soldiers in Army Special Operations Forces (ARSOF). USASOC commissioned this study in January 2021 to identify barriers female Solders encounter in ARSOF units and establish lessons learned and best practices in order to recruit, maximize comprehensive integration, and retain extraordinary Soldiers.

The report is entitled BREAKING BARRIERS: Women in Army Special Operations. The report is based on a comprehensive study of women in ARSOF conducted by USASOC that was completed in December 2021. The USASOC staff conducted a critical analysis of the findings and have decided to address 42 of the recommendations outlined in the study.

The USASOC research team was led by an Organizational Psychologist. The team applied a three-pronged approach to the study consisting of a survey, moderated focus group discussions, and command team interviews. There are about 2,300 female Soldiers and 470 female civilian employees assigned to USASOC – about 8% of USASOC.

Table of Contents:

• Chapter 1: Introduction
• Chapter 2: Methodology
• Chapter 3: Demographics
• Chapter 4: Gender Bias
• Chapter 5: Equipment Fitting
• Chapter 6: Childcare
• Chapter 7: Social Support
• Chapter 8: Sexual Harrasment
• Chapter 9: Soldier Morale, Well-being, and Quality of Life
• Chapter 10: Pregnancy and Postpartum
• Chapter 11: Access to Women’s Health Care
• Appendix A – Roll up of Recommendations for Action
• Appendix B – Women in ARSOF Survey Data

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BREAKING BARRIERS: Women in Army Special Operations, United States Army Special Operations Command, originally published December 2021, updated August 18, 2023, PDF, 106 pages.
https://www.soc.mil/wia/women-in-arsof-report-2023.pdf

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Videos

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

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

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

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The Editor of SOF News is spending this week covering the SOF Week event in Tampa, Florida. Hosted by the United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM). This event is packed with everything one would want to see at a SOF conference and exhibition. There are hundreds of defense vendors showing their products and services. The speakers line up for the week is a ‘who’s who’ of the SOF community. The programs and activities for the next three days, the event ends on Thursday afternoon, touch on all aspects of the special operations world.

The venue is the Tampa Convention Center in downtown Tampa. A few of the adjacent hotels are being used for some selected events. The defense vendors are utilizing two exhibition floors at the convention center. The first day’s impression is that this will be an extremely well-run event, with lots of helpful support staff, and excellent physical security measures.

Many of the attendees are from SOF military community – some from USSOCOM located at MacDill Air Force Base here in Tampa as well as from the other military bases in the United States and around the world. In addition, there are attendees from allies and partners, interagency, academia, and the defense industry.

A key feature of SOF Week is the opportunity that USSOCOM has to highlight to defense industry representatives on USSOCOM’s acquisition requirements and priorities to support the National Defense Strategy. This aspect of the event is highlighted in the organization of the exhibits – grouped on the exhibit hall floor(s) by based on the major USSOCOM AT&L Program Executive Officers (PEOs).

The first day (Monday) was setup day for the exhibits. However, SOF Week officially started on Monday with a variety of programs taking place. These included several seminars and presentations geared toward the defense industry representatives. The day concluded with a Partner Nation Meet and Greet and the Global SOF Foundation Reception.

Tuesday the program goes into full swing with a variety of offerings to choose from – as well as the exhibition hall being open for viewing. The day started with welcome remarks from the City of Tampa. Stu Bradin, CEO of the Global SOF Foundation, will follow with his welcome remarks. Then USSOCOM Commander Gen. Bryan Fenton will share his vision for SOF Week and the USSOCOM enterprise. The day will continue with a variety of events and offerings into the evening hours.

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For more information visit the SOF Week site at https://www.sofweek.org.

Story by C. Todd Lopez, DoD News.

The Defense Department announced in January that 31 M1A2 Abrams tanks would be delivered to Ukraine, but officials had speculated it would take about a year to make that happen. Now, they say, the U.S. will instead send M1A1 Abrams tanks from refurbished hulls already in U.S. inventory, and the delivery will be in the fall — faster than what was initially expected.

“Since we’ve made this announcement, we’ve been committed to exploring options to deliver the armored capability as quickly as possible. After further study and analysis on how best to do this, DOD, in close coordination with Ukraine, has made the decision to provide the M1A1 variant of the Abrams tank, which will enable us to significantly expedite delivery timelines, and deliver this important capability to Ukraine by the fall of this year.”

Pentagon Press Secretary Air Force Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder, March 21, 2023

The M1A1 Abrams will have “a very similar capability” to the M1A2, Ryder said, including advanced armor and weapons systems, such as a 120 mm cannon and 50-caliber heavy machine gun. 

“This is about getting this important combat capability into the hands of the Ukrainians sooner rather than later,” the general said.

In January, the initial plan was that the United States would use funds from the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative to procure new tanks from the manufacturer. Now, Ryder said, excess hulls already in U.S. inventory will instead be refurbished and refitted to create M1A1 Abrams main battle tanks that can be sent to Ukraine more quickly in order to meet their needs.

“You’ve heard us talk in the past about trying to work with Ukraine to meet not only their near-term needs, but their medium-term needs. Taking territory, retaking territory, you know, as part of any offensive will be important … as will sustaining those gains at some point in the future, as well as being able to deter future Russian aggression. This is all part of … our broader near-term and longer-term support to Ukraine and their defense requirements.”

Pentagon Press Secretary Air Force Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder, March 21, 2023

Ryder also told reporters that training Ukrainians on the tanks is also in the works.

“We will ensure that the Ukrainians receive the necessary training on these tanks in time for them to be delivered,” he said. “We’ll have more details to provide on that training in the future. But, again, that would be our intent — and I’m confident that we will accomplish that.”

Yesterday, the Pentagon also announced the most recent round of security assistance to Ukraine. The latest round of security assistance, worth about $350 million, includes, among other things, ammunition for the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System; high-speed, anti-radiation missiles; AT4 anti-armor weapon systems; grenade launchers, small arms and associated ammunition; and Riverine patrol boats. 

Since the beginning of Russia’s invasion on Feb. 24. 2022, the U.S. has committed more than $32.5 billion in security assistance to Ukraine. The United States also continues to work with allies and partners to provide Ukraine with additional capabilities to defend itself.

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This story by C. Todd Lopez was first published on March 21, 2023 by DoD News. Department of Defense content is in the public domain.

Photo: An armored tank from 1st Battalion, 18th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, heads into a simulated combat zone with concealment smoke billowing behind it during a combined arms breach exercise conducted at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo., Jan. 29. The tanks are from the Fort Riley, Kansas-based 1st Inf. Div., and provided ground support for the 4th MEB’s 5th Eng. Bn.-led training. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Mark Patton)

A panel discussion looks into the use of special operations forces to conduct partner operations in the Middle East. This panel examines the use of SOF in the Middle East – past and future. It reveals how SOF operated alongside local forces in Iraq, Syria, and elsewhere. Some of the topics addressed in this one-hour presentation include building CT and COIN capabilities of indigenous special forces, challenges of this approach to the U.S., and what lessons can be learned from the anti-ISIS fight.

The panelists are:

• General (Ret.) Joseph Votel, former commander of JSOC, USSOCOM, and CENTCOM
• Lt. Gen. (Ret) Michael Nagata, former commander of SOCCENT
• LTC Katie Crombe, Director of Strategy and Plans, USSOCOM

Some, but not all of the topics discussed by the panelists include:

Is SOF the Easy Button? Policy makers turn to SOF to advance U.S. interests. SOF operators look forward to solving ‘wicked problems’ associated with partner operations; and they want to continue to engage in these efforts. However, the strain on the force has become evident over the years. There are a lot of negative problems associated with continuous deployments. Policy makers must examine the other non-military ways to build partner relationships – without always turning to SOF.

Values vs. Interests. There is classic tension of protecting U.S. values and protecting U.S. interests; sometimes you can’t have both. It is a balancing act when interacting with our partners and partnership building. We can’t only work with ‘nice people’. A current case of this balancing problem is our relationship with Saudi Arabia.

127e Programs. This somewhat ‘obscure’ program is extremely important in advancing U.S. interests across the region and in fighting terrorism. The 127e programs can sometimes be, unwisely, a fast and easy solution for policy and decision makers. Where these programs are long-term, very significant gains and goals are achieved – as in the relationship and support of Iraqi SOF in the fight against ISIS after 2014.

Long-term Engagement. The use of SOF in the Middle East pays great dividends if used continuously over time. This is born out in the relationships built and nurtured over the past decades. Examples are the employment of the 10th Special Forces Group assisting the Kurds during Operation Provide Comfort in 1991 and the establishment of the Iraqi Counter Terrorism Task Force (ICTF) in late 2003. The ability to impart SOF culture (processes, networking, leadership, and use of technology) to partner forces is enhanced when the relationships last years. Developing long-term relationships with partners improves the ability to have candid discussions with them and advance U.S. interests.

Terrorist Threat in ME Remains. There still is a terrorist threat in the Middle East. Fighting terrorists requires highly trained counter-terrorist units. U.S. SOF remains the best ‘solution’ for assisting partner and allied nations in the development of these indigenous SOF units.

SOF Use in Times of Peace. Partner relationship building is important during conflicts as well as during times of peace. Trust is built over time with continuous engagement. The U.S. will need partner forces far into the future; especially given the competition for influence by near peer adversaries. The days of partner SOF relying exclusively on U.S. technology, firepower, ISR, and other capabilities have gone by. Partner SOF units are much more capable, have access to technology, ISR (especially drones), and other potential benefactors (Russia, China, etc.). There is the possibility that U.S. SOF can be ‘displaced’ in the Middle East, as well as in other regions of the world, by SOF of near-peer adversaries.

The topics above, and more, are discussed by the panelists in this informative and interesting event. Watching and listening to this panel is one hour well worth spent.

By, With and Through Partner Special Forces in the Middle East, Middle East Institute, November 8, 2022, YouTube, one hour.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5V_QtvLjvRU

The Army is thinking of bringing back the 11th Airborne Division. Two brigades and other units currently based in Alaska could be renamed as part of a historical paratroop unit with an extensive history during World War II and extending into the Vietnam era. The reactivation of the 11th Airborne Division would bring back a unit that was deactivated almost 60 years ago.

Soldiers may be wearing their new patch as early as this summer. US Army Alaska (USARAK) headquarters would form up the divisional staff and provide support units. Much of the future unit is based in Alaska and is part of the 25th Infantry Division base in Hawaii. Currently the members of these units are wearing the “Tropic Lightning” patch.

The news of the reactivation came during a hearing with the Senate Armed Services Committee on Thursday (May 5). Army Secretary Christine Wormuth and Army Chief of Staff General James McConville delivered the news.

The missions and training for the division in Hawaii and the brigade elements based in Alaska are very different. This will forge a ‘new identity’ for those Alaska-based 25th ID members. The two brigades currently in Alaska would be designated as the 1st and 2nd Brigade Combat Teams of the 11th Airborne Division. One of the brigades, 4-25th ID, is already airborne. The division would be the twelfth operational division headquarters in the Army.

The division was first activated in 1943 at Camp Mackall, North Carolina. It took part in battles against the Japanese in New Guinea and the Philippines. It then was part of the occupation of Japan. Later, elements of the division fought in Korea in the early 1950s. The division later became a training and test unit in the United States for air assault and airmobile operations before being disbanded in 1965 at Fort Benning, Georgia.

Currently the 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg and the 173rd Airborne Brigade based in Italy are the Army’s only airborne units – along with the 75th Ranger Regiment and the many airborne units of the United States Army Special Operations Command (USASOC). The 101st Airborne Division is actually airmobile, focusing on air assault and air mobility, but keeps its historical name.

The Department of Defense, including the U.S. Army is looking at increasing its presence and capability in the Arctic region. Climate change is having an effect on the north region – the opening up of sea lanes, new mineral resources being discovered, and recent access to oil fields among other factors. This makes the region an area of competition among nations in the region – including Russia.

The Army, looking forward at the Arctic region as an area of competition, announced a new Army Arctic strategy in March 2021 with the publication of a document entitled Regaining Arctic Dominance. The special operations community is also paying increased attention to the Arctic region and conducts periodic training exercises like Arctic Edge to refine and develop their Arctic capabilities.

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References:

11th Airborne Division – Wikipedia
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/11th_Airborne_Division_%28United_States%29

The Russian invasion of Ukraine, which began on Thursday, February 24, 2022, is continuing. For the most part, the Russians appear to have met their initial objectives for the first day of the invasion. Day two will likely see more progress on the ground and in the air on the part of the Russian military. However, the Ukrainians are putting up a stiff resistance.

Russian Air Campaign. Russian aircraft and ballistic missiles appear to have significantly damaged much of the Ukraine air force and neutralized some of its air defense network. It is estimated that the attack began with a Russian missile barrage of around 100 intermediate-range, short-range, and cruise missiles from land, sea, and air platforms. Some 75 fixed-wing, heavy, and medium bombers took part in the assault striking military bases and air defense nodes. Critics say that the United States should have done more since the 2014 Russian invasion of Ukraine to shore up the country’s air defenses.

Russian Ground Force. The air campaign was shortly followed with simultaneous ground strikes across the Ukrainian border from the east (Russia), north (Belarus), and from Russian-occupied Crimea. Some Russian ground units have made it to the Dnieper River which runs north-south through Ukraine. In the weeks previous to the invasion it was reported widely that the Russians had staged up to 150,000 troops on Ukraine’s border. It now appears that close to 200,000 troops are taking part in the invasion. While the Russians can count on some quick victories in the days ahead, it will soon see that it will be bogged down in fighting a guerrilla or insurgent war should it ‘stay too long’. However, the equipment of the Russian forces – especially its artillery and armor gives it a distinct advantage over the short-term. In addition, the Russians have a long history of using special operations troops and ‘mercenaries‘ to conduct behind the lines operations.

Ukrainian Army. The country’s ground units are putting up a fierce fight – but they are outnumbered with troops and have a qualitative disadvantage in equipment. Their reserves in weapons and ammunition will slowly be depleted. Some of the ground units fighting in east Ukraine are likely to be cut off by a Russian ground pincer unit. Without lines of communication to the rear areas – the central and western part of Ukraine – these units will quickly run out of fuel for vehicles, ammunition, spare parts, and other vital supplies. A favorable attribute of the Ukrainian forces is how much better their training is than the Russians. While morale may suffer due to the steady advance of the Russians – the Ukrainians are fighting for their homeland; the Russians are conducting a war of aggression.

Ukraine Forces. The size of the Ukrainian military is small compared to that of the Russian military. Unclassified estimates readily available in the public domain indicate that Ukraine has about 255,000 soldiers, 2,400 tanks, 280 aircraft, and 25 ships. It has no nuclear weapons; transferring those to Russia after the United States made pledges for Ukraine’s security. The Ukrainian government is now calling for people of any age to come forward to fight the Russians – with Molotov cocktails and weapons supplied by the government. Although symbolic, there are reports that a Ukrainian airstrike hit a Russian airbase inside Russia early on Friday. There were some inspiring stories of heroic resistance by Ukrainian forces; to include the resistance of 13 Ukrainian border guards alone on a remote island in the Black Sea.

The President’s Words. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky issued a video message on Friday urging resistance to the Russian invasion. He also called on other nations to assist.

“This morning, we are defending our country alone. Just like yesterday, the most powerful country in the world looked on from a distance. Russia was hit with sanctions yesterday, but these are not enough to get these foreign troops off our soil. Only through solidarity and determination can this be achieved.”

Battle for Antonov / Hostomel Airport. A Russian VDV unit tried to seize the airport on Thursday but was met with defeat. A helicopter lift of specialized troops landed in the airport area but many of the infiltration helicopters were shot down by Ukrainian air defense and MiG-29s. Ukrainian troops defended the airport and were reinforced by additional Ukrainian units, to include the 4th Rapid Response Brigade and Ukrainian special operations unit. Approximately 20 large Il-76 transport planes carrying Russian paratroops were in the air to air drop or air land at the airfield but turned back with the failure to seize the airport by the VDV unit.

Battle for Kiev. The capital city of Ukraine appears to be an important objective for the Russians. The ability to occupy Kiev will allow the Russians to establish a ‘new government‘. No doubt it has its ‘Ukrainian patriots’ ready to assume power and extend thanks to the Russian ‘peacekeeping forces’. But first the Russians will need to capture the capital. As of Friday mid-day there are social media reports of fighting around and near the city and possibly within the city. Some social media reports indicate that Russian special operations forces are in Kiev operating in civilian vehicles and wearing civilian clothes. It is quite possible they are targeting the civilian leadership of the Ukraine government.

Civilian Exodus. Thousands of Ukrainians are fleeing towards western Ukraine to avoid the fighting between Russian and Ukrainian forces. Some are trying to cross the border into the neighboring countries – usually Poland. Countries of eastern Europe and the Baltic States seem receptive to providing assistance to refugees crossing the border. As of Thursday, February 24th, over 100,000 Ukrainians had left their homes.

Cyber and Info Wars. Russian cyber attacks against Ukraine continue. Russia is not immune to cyber attacks. Russia Today (rt.com) has seen an interruption of service over the past few days due to hackers. As of mid-day Friday the Russian Military of Defence website was down. There is potential for similar attacks by Russia against the United States – affecting infrastructure, cell phones, and more. Russia has steadily worked social media and news outlets spewing out its disinformation in an attempt to legitimize its aggression against Ukraine. Putin says he is ready to negotiate with Ukraine – probably on terms that would require ceding much of eastern and southern Ukraine, a change of government, and demilitarization of the country.

Threatening the West. President Putin has had some harsh words for the United States and nations of Europe. Has openly implied that nuclear weapons would be used if Russia experiences any military interference with its offensive in Ukraine.

NATO’s Response. Various countries of the NATO alliance are sending troops and aircraft into eastern Europe. Naval vessels are moving closer to the conflict region in the Mediterranean Sea. There are indications that elements of the NATO Response Force may deploy east as well. NATO leaders are meeting once again today (Friday) to discuss the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Finland and Sweden will participate in the secure VTC as well. Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg will hold a press conference following the meeting. Some NATO member states, like the United Kingdom, are fiercely supportive of Ukraine, while others, like Germany, seem to be dithering and shocked that the invasion took place. There is the possibility that U.S. and European officials will implement one key financial sanction against Russia – the booting of the country off SWIFT – a global system for financial transactions.

U.S. Response. President Biden and members of his administration have issued ‘stern’ warnings to Russia. There are no indications that these messages are having an effect. The United States Air Force has moved some of its aircraft closer to the conflict area. This includes the movement of some F-35 Lighting II aircraft from Germany to the Baltic Sea regions. The 173rd Airborne Brigade has sent one of its battalions to Latvia as a signal of ‘resolve’. The brigade is the conventional airborne strategic response force for Europe. Over 30 AH-64 attack helicopters are moving eastwards into the Polish and Baltic states region as well. An armored brigade of the 3rd Infantry Division based at Fort Stewart, Georgia has been ordered to deploy to Europe. President Biden has said that U.S. troops would not fight in Ukraine.

“Our forces are not and will not be engaged in a conflict with Russia in Ukraine. Our forces are not going to Europe to fight in Ukraine, but to defend our NATO allies and reassure those allies in East. As I made crystal clear, the United States will defend every inch of NATO territory with a full force of American power.”

President Biden, February 24, 2022.

Outlook in the Near Term? If is quite possible that by the end of Day Two of the Russian invasion of Ukraine that the Russians could hold most of the coastline on the Sea of Azov, a good part of the coastline along the Black Sea, and make inroads into the suburbs of Kiev. The Ukrainians will likely continue fighting rather than begin truce talks or engaging in negotiations for the next several days. The Russians will likely be faced with continued resistance in occupied areas of Ukraine. If Putin decides to hold on to the majority of the Ukraine territory his army captures, then he could be setting the stage for another Russian geopolitical catastrophe (think Afghanistan); especially if the west decides to assist an emerging Ukrainian resistance. There is the possibility, that over the long term, Ukraine will be divided into two parts. Is it time for another Charlie Wilson to step forward in the halls of Congress?

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Topics: Special Operations Forces, SOF, Ukraine, MARSOC, Special Forces, AFSOC, strategic competition, Russia, Afghanistan, AC-130J, AH-6, and more. Read curated news, analysis, and commentary about special operations, national security, and conflicts around the world.

SOF News has come back from its long absence. The editor got distracted with the Afghan Evac effort and the publication of the Afghan Report. The return of SOF News will be measured at first but will gather steam in the coming weeks.

SOF News

AF Commando Course and Females. The Air Force commando course has attracted some attention over the past few weeks. There has been some controversy over whether Air Force Special Operations Command gave preferential treatment to a female special warfare candidate in the training pipeline. The command has been experiencing some criticism coming from special warfare airmen, past and present. This includes criticism from the female candidate over who the controversy involves. Read more in “Air Force commando course to be overseen by someone who hasn’t gone through it”, Task & Purpose, February 10, 2022.

SOF Officer Assignments. Captain Brian Bennett has been nominated to be appointed to the rank of rear admiral (lower half). He is currently serving as executive officer to commander, U.S. Special Operations Command, Tampa, Florida.

AC-130J – A Great Aircraft. The 17th Special Operations Squadron took delivery of a new AC-130J Ghostrider gunship last summer and the airmen that fly in it are a bit excited about the new plane. “The AC-130J Ghostrider: Cannon Air Force Base’s newest gunship”, My High Plains, February 13, 2022.

Tough Foreign SOF Courses. La Escuela Militar de Lanceros and the Royal Thai Army Ranger School are considered two of the toughest special operations force courses that a U.S. SOF member can attend. Each course is similar in nature – lasting just over 70 days. (Business Insider, Feb 8, 2022).

Marine Raider Awarded Medal. A member of MARSOC has been recognized for rescuing two people from drowning while he was on vacation. He ran into a rip current to save a man and his son from drowning. He was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Medal during a ceremony at Camp Lejeune in January 2022. (Task & Purpose, Feb 10, 2022).

AH-6 of the Night Stalkers. The venerable AH-6 helicopter may soon be replaced with a more modern platform but the pilots who fly the small helicopter are adamant that the ‘killer egg’ can still contribute to the fight. There are two versions of the Little Bird in service with the Army’s special operations aviation unit. The AH-6 is the attack iteration and the MH-6 is the assault/transport version. The helicopter, flown by the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment, has been supporting U.S. commandos around the world for 40 years. Read more in “The Killer Egg: What Is So Great About the AH-6?”, National Interest, January 19, 2022.

SOF History

John Singlaub Dies at 100. Retired Army Maj. Gen. John Singlaub was a decorated veteran of World War II, Korea, and Vietnam. He died on January 29, 2022 at the age of 100. He was a member of the Office of Strategic Services in WWII when he parachuted behind enemy lines into France. During the Korean war he served in a CIA clandestine services field mission. He would later command MACV-SOG in Vietnam. “Special operations legend John Singlaub has died at the age of 100“, Marine Corps Times, January 31, 2022.

Navy SEALs and Secret Missions. Brandon Webb some of the missions that Naval special warfare personnel have conducted over the past several decades. This includes Operation Desert Shield and Storm, Gothic Serpent, Operation Mongoose, Phoenix Program, Urgent Fury, Just Cause, and others. “Navy SEALs: Secret Missions 1960-1990s”, SOFREP, February 13, 2022.

Green Berets and the Training They Provide. U.S. special operations units have been working in scores of countries for decades teaching local units how to become better fighters and win conflicts. Foreign Internal Defense (FID) is a primary mission set of the U.S. Army Special Forces. Some of the training in the Special Forces Qualification Course is on how to conduct FID missions. “Inside the Secretive Training US Green Berets Give Troops Who May Face Russia or China”, Military.com, January 19, 2022.

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Commentary

Enduring SOTFs vs. Rotational SOTFs. Juan Quiroz puts forth the argument that a doctrinal change should take place that will bring about a reevaluation of command and control practices and the establishment of enduring Special Operations Task Forces that will foster long-term operational continuity. “Re-examining SOTF Command Protocols in the era of Strategic Competition”, The Civil Affairs Association, January 23, 2022.

SOF and ‘Radical Planning Theory’. A Civil Affairs officer argues that SOF and other irregular warfare experts must continue to look for new and innovative ways to strengthen their abilities to analyze conflict. “Lessons can be learned from social movements that offer insights into the motivation, organization, and mobilization of vulnerable populations across a variety of urban settings.” Read more in “Irregular Learning for Irregular Warfare: Radical Urban Planning and Its Applications”, The Civil Affairs Association, February 13, 2022.

Hybrid Warfare – U.S. Playing Catchup. Some national security observers wonder if the U.S. is playing checkers while its adversaries are playing chess. Both Russia and China have been embracing the use of hybrid warfare as a means to achieve its strategic objectives. This ‘war’ is fought in the shadows sometimes referred to as ‘the gray zone’. The U.S. has some capability in this arena but seems to always be one or two steps behind. “US adversaries have been mastering hybrid warfare. It’s time to catch up”, Atlantic Council, February 8, 2022.

Strategic Competition

SOF, GPC, and Maritime Sabotage. Alexander Powell provides a detailed history of the use of sabotage during conflict. Sabotage is defined as state and nonstate actors using operations with the aim of secretly disarming, obstructing, or destroying enemy war material or infrastructure. Many times the forces conducting sabotage have been either intelligence organizations or special operations forces (SOF). Maritime sabotage operations will see renewed attention as the nation’s SOF forces focus on the Indo-Pacific and other maritime regions around the world. “A Blast From the Past? The Role of Maritime Sabotage in Strategic Competition”, Modern War Institute, February 3, 2022.

Marine Raiders and GPC. The special operators of the Marine Corps are going to be playing a bigger role in the military’s competition with a resurgent Russia and rising China. MARSOC will see a lessened role in CT and COIN and return to its naval roots. It will adapt to be more supportive of naval expeditionary forces. Read more in “Commandant Sees Bigger Role for Marine Raiders in Great Power Competition”, Seapower Magazine, February 9, 2022.

Deterrence Across the Gray Zone. Three members of the United Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) discuss ‘integrated deterrence’ – how to shape adversary decision making in the contemporary international environment. Read the thoughts of Katie Crombe, Steve Ferenzi, and Robert Jones in their article entitled “Integrating deterrence across the gray – making it more than words”, Military Times, December 8, 2021. Watch a YouTube video on the same topic.

GPC – Implications for Defense. The emergence of great power competition with China and Russia has changed the conversation about U.S. defense issues from what it was during the post-Cold War era. CT and COIN are now a less dominant element in this conversation. Read more in Renewed Great Power Competition: Implications for Defense – Issues for Congress, Congressional Research Service (CRS), February 10, 2022, PDF, 67 pages.
https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/R/R43838

Scandinavia and Russia. Both Finland and Sweden are keeping a wary eye on its large neighbor to the east. Russia’s aggressive posture in eastern Europe has both nations concerned and they are beefing up their defensive capabilities. “Russia Driving Sweden and Finland into the Arms of NATO”, Gatestone Institute, February 14, 2022.

More Icebreakers Needed. The Coast Guard currently has only two operational icebreakers in its fleet. The ice cap is melting in the Arctic and routes of passage are opening up. This is providing new routes for commercial transit, fishing grounds, mining of minerals, and oil deposits. Read more in “U.S. Needs More Icebreakers for Arctic”, DoD News, February 8, 2022.

Ukraine

Ukraine. The news media has been focused on Russia’s next move along the border of Ukraine. There are continuing reports of a Russian military buildup. Will they invade or not? Personnel of the Florida National Guard have been pulled out of Ukraine to a location in Eastern Europe. Various international organizations with a presence in Ukraine are pulling out their staff. The European community has had almost daily meetings and conferences over the crisis. Dire warnings have been issued to the Russians by the international community.

DoS and Ukraine. The U.S. embassy has been evacuated except for some key core personnel. The Department of State has issued several travel advisories on Ukraine, the latest one coming out on February 12, 2022 advising on the increased threats of Russian military action. The Department of State has warned Americans that they will not be evacuated by the U.S. and that they should make their way out of Ukraine immediately.

Ukraine and Other Nations. The United Kingdom has pulled out its troops that were in Ukraine on a training mission – although a small SOF element may remain. Canada has sent a small special forces detachment to Ukraine to identify ways to assist the nation in resisting a potential Russian invasion. The Canadian SOF unit is also tasked with helping to develop evacuation plans for Canadian diplomatic personnel in the event of a full-scale invasion by the Russians.

A Russian Occupation? If the Russians do invade they may possibly be faced with a movement that utilizes the threat of citizen resistance. Ukraine is a major food supplier for the continent – some call it the ‘breadbasket of the world’ because of the large amount of grain exports. A conflict in Ukraine would have significant agricultural and food security implications.

Books, Pubs, and Reports

Sentinel. The “newsletter of the quiet professionals” is published monthly by Chapter 78 of the Special Forces Association. It is a classy monthly journal and contains some very interesting articles about U.S. special operations forces. The February edition has stories on the Son Tay Raid, a combat interpreter who has a new leg, and more.

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Photo: A soldier with the Moldovan Special Forces watches for enemy forces in a wooden area during Exercise Allied Spirit 22 at the Joint Multinational Readiness Center (JMRC) in Hohenfels, Germany, Jan. 25, 2022. The Allied Spirit exercise develops and enhances NATO and key partner readiness. Following training from Saber Junction in 2021, exercise Allied Spirit provided a unique opportunity for Moldovan Special Forces to take the lead and instruct the Lithuanian KASP (National Volunteer Defence Forces) on honing unconventional warfare skills. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Alisha Grezlik)

The rapid defeat of the Afghan National Defense and Security Forces (ANDSF) and subsequent fall of the Afghan government caught most people by surprise. This included the Biden administration, Department of Defense, and Department of State. In addition, thousands of American citizens and Lawful Permanent Residents (LPRs with a green card) were stranded in Afghanistan. The United States and other nations responded with a noncombatant evacuation operation (NEO) that took many thousands of AMCITs, LPRs, other foreign nationals, and at-risk Afghans to safety.

However, the ordeal is not over for some U.S. citizens. There are likely a few hundred still left in Afghanistan. In addition, many green card holders are stranded as well. Of great concern for military veterans of the 20 year involvement of U.S. military in Afghanistan are the Afghans who worked for the U.S. military or government organizations. Many of these have approved or pending Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs) and are trying to leave Afghanistan. Some have gotten out prior to or during the NEO; but most remain behind.

For the past month, the editor of SOF News has been posting daily updates on the Kabul NEO operation and subsequent events at Afghan War News. You can follow the news of the effort to rescue AMCITs, LPRs, SIV applicants, and others at the link below.

Kabul NEO

On February 28, 1991, the Gulf War came to an end. A coalition of international military forces, led by the United States, conducted an offensive that removed Iraqi forces from Kuwait. In August 1990, Iraq had invaded Kuwait claiming that the country on its southern border was historically a part of Iraq.

President George Bush assembled a coalition of nations to defend Saudi Arabia and other Gulf States from further aggressive Iraqi action and to eventually oust Iraq from Kuwait. The defense of the Arabian peninsular was called Desert Shield. The offensive military action to relieve Kuwait from Iraqi occupation was called Desert Storm. The air campaign began in mid-January 1991 – lasting over a month. The ground offensive lasted just 100 hours ending on February 28, 1991.

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Photo: M-3 Bradley cavalry fighting vehicle. Desert Storm. Photograph from XVIII Airborne Corps History Office by SGT Randall M. Yackiel.