By Jim Garamone, DoD News.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By Riccardo Catalano.

Special operations in the Italian military is a tradition that goes back to World War 1, with the first group of “Arditi” (those who dare) born in 1917. This unit was an attempt to give an impulse that could change the stalling situation of the trench warfare. Following World War 2, where both the Army and the Navy employed special forces teams with good results (particularly the Navy with its successful raids against the British fleet), the Italian military slowly but steadily improved its SOF capabilities.

During the cold war, Italian special forces acquired more and more skills, benefitting from the integration with their NATO counterparts and also growing in size. At the time of the USSR dissolution, the Army had a SF battalion (9 Battaglione d’assalto “Col Moschin”) as a part of the Airborne “Folgore” Brigade, while the Navy had a group of frogmen (Gruppo Operativo Incursori).

It was not until 2003 that the Italian Air Force created their Special Operation Wing called “Reparto Incursori Aeronautica Militare”. The tradition of special warfare in the Italian Air Force wasn’t entirely new. In fact, during World War 2, the Royal (at the time) Italian Air Force (Regia Aeronautica) trained a battalion of commandos/saboteurs called “Arditi Distruttori Regia Aeronautica” (ADRA). The unit was initially established to participate in the assault on the British fortress of Malta in the Mediterranean, a real thorn in the side for German and Italian armies in North Africa. The assault on the isle of Malta, as we know, never took place. The ADRA battalion was instead sent on an ambitious sabotage mission in Libya, where two airmen (later decorated with silver medals) managed to infiltrate an allied airfield near Bengazi and destroy 25 B-24 Liberators on the ground.

Today’s Air Force’s “incursori” (raiders) take on the legacy of these brave men. When the unit was established in 2003, the first operators came from the Combat Search and Rescue squadrons and from the SERE Training Center in Furbara, near Rome. The AF special warfare candidates, in the units first years of existence, were sent to the Army’s 9th Regiment “Col Moschin” to attend the 80/B special forces training course. Later on, the unit, which meanwhile changed its name in 17th Raiders Wing (17 Stormo Incursori), achieved its own training “self-sufficiency”.

The 17th has the size of a regiment and is organized with three groups, each the size of a battalion. It consists of a SF group (Gruppo Operativo), a training group (Gruppo Addestramento) and a support group (Gruppo Servizi di Supporto). All the candidates who qualify and obtain the sand colored beret and the ADRA dagger, continue their training and qualification courses while part of the Gruppo Operativo, the operational “arm” of the wing. The operators attend courses for military free fall operations, sniper, breacher, combat medic, JTAC, portable UAS pilot, Combat Controller, Combat Weather Observer, and many others.

Like all the Italian special forces, the 17th Wing is under the functional command of the COFS – Comando interforze per le Operazioni delle Forze Speciali (Joint Special Operations Forces Command). JSOFC has the responsibility to organize and conduct all the special operations for the Italian military as well as to define SOF doctrine and training. While all the units in the Italian special warfare community can execute the broad spectrum of missions typical of the special operations, each one has a unique area of expertise. For the 17th, this is defined by the Special Operations Air to Land Integration doctrine.

T-AF SOF operators have the primary mission of acting as a force multiplier for the air power, conducting missions like the assault of an enemy airfield and target acquisition for Air Force assets. The most unique capability of the 17th Wing is, without a doubt, deployed by the Combat Controller Teams who provide air to ground communications, close air support, and air traffic control in non permissive areas. In a community where the Army and the Navy have always had an advantage, given their long standing tradition in special warfare, the Italian Air Force has the difficult job to differentiate its special operation forces and convince, the always reluctant generals, that there is a place for special warfare in the Air Force.

Looking at the experiences from the global war on terror, is undeniable that for a country like Italy, special warfare has become a fundamental asset, more important than ever. This can only be achieved by specializing and focusing on air power related missions, where the traditional affinity towards technology of the Air Force can definitely be an asset.

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Author: Riccardo Catalano is a former SGT in the Italian Air Force. He is now a copywriter and editor.

Photo: Wikipedia. Photo of Army parade in Rome, June 2, 2006. Festa della Repubblica Italiana. Mixed company of incursors and air riflemen 17 Stormo “Incursori”. Photo by Utente:Jollyroger – Own work, CC BY-SA 2.5, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=833474

by ​​Maurice D. Valentine, The War Horse, April 20, 2022.

I came to Antigua, West Indies, on a lark.

Whispers went around Camp Smith, New York, that something was amiss. Herbie, the cantankerous senior jumpmaster of our unit, walked up to me as I cleaned my weapon after training. The “old geezer” (nobody was older than 45) had all the connections to the fun jumps, always tapping a few LRRPs to come. That’s what we called the guys on the long-range reconnaissance patrols. 

He glided over to me. 

“Wanna go to the Caribbean?” he said. “I can get you some water jumps in Antigua.”

My eyes bulged. “What? Hell yeah, Herbie!”

He gave me a sly look. “Have you [had your first jump], Valentine?” He used a euphemism, of course.

I smiled sheepishly. “No.”

Herbie laughed out loud, “Well, gooooolllllleeeee! Gimme 20 pushups for just being a [newbie].”

Here we go. “Yes, Sergeant.” I knocked out 20 while he cracked up. 

I had already earned my blood wings out of Airborne School. I bled profusely and was sure I was going to get tetanus.

But I hadn’t had my first jump out of school.

I knew that if I let it be known I was A) going to Antigua and B) going to have my first jump, I’d be in big trouble. I didn’t care to sweat in the parking lot doing jumping jacks and burpees until I dropped.

So, I kept my mouth shut.

One week later I was on an empty C-130 flying out of Dover Air Force Base with two other long-range reconnaissance patrol soldiers, making a quick stop on the military side of Dulles International Airport.

More guys boarded. They wore different fatigues from us—unlike anything issued in America.

Then I noticed a black, yellow, and red tricolor on the right shoulder of their blouses. I knew exactly what that meant: Germany.

And I knew exactly who they were: The German paratroopers, and they brought loads of beer, food, and parachutes as they boarded.

Sgt. Richter, one of the old warriors of my unit, was as shocked as I was. “I thought this was going to be a normal Airborne operation.” He gave me a toothy grin. “Feel like getting some German wings with your [first] jump, Valentine?”

There was a lump in my throat. “Do you really think I can?”

“As long as you jump with them. Not bad for a [first-timer]. Just don’t let everyone else know that!”

We took off again in the lumbering Hercules. The platoon of Germans were quite talkative and friendly. One of them told us they had been training in Virginia, got word of the jump, and their commander got them slots.

A sore ass and hours later, we hit the ground again with a thunk, vibrating like crazy. We were in Antigua. I craned my head to look out the small port window: rolling tarmac, palm trees, and lots of military planes mixed with civilian ones. Then I saw a sign not too far off in the distance. Welcome to Bermuda.

I leaned over to Sgt. Richter. “We’re in Bermuda. What for?”

“Beats me. Maybe we need gas.”

The cargo door opened again and in came a bunch of guys wearing blue T-shirts and tan shorts. They carried small backpacks and quickly found empty seats.

An athletically built blond guy with a chiseled face sat not too far from me. His T-shirt had a small gold decal of an eagle holding a trident and a revolutionary pistol. Beneath it were the words “SEAL Team Two.”

I jabbed Cpl. Miles sitting across from me like I had just seen a superstar. “Yo, Miles,” I whispered. “We got SEALs on board!”

“Looks like this is going to be some helluva training mission.”

Herbie, hanging in the cockpit with the crew chief, came over. “Hey, Herbie, Germans, SEALS, who’s next?”

He gave me a wink. “JSOC. This jump is with them.” 

“That’s why I had to be sneaky,” Herbie added. “If everyone knew that JSOC was going, everyone would’ve wanted to go.

Photo: Spc. Maurice Valentine, right, poses with a teammate. Photo courtesy of the author.

“You should feel lucky, Valentine,” he said. “And this is your [first jump]? Gimme 20.” I laughed, and jumped up on some seats to knock out the pushups.

I just hoped nobody else saw. 

The flight to Antigua was long. I wondered who else would be at this jump fest. The PJs? Combat Control? Rangers? This was going to be very elite, indeed.

My answers came when the doors opened up once again. A warm breeze blew into the aircraft as the engines shut down. We disembarked with the stars out brightly that night. The place looked heavenly. Several birds from Fort Bragg, North Carolina, and other parts of America surrounded us. A few soldiers gravitated to us, greeting Herbie as if he were an old friend. 

I looked at the patches on the uniforms surrounding me, and most were members of JSOC, with a couple of 82nd Airborne thrown into the mix. It was awe-inspiring to be among them.

After an hour, we sat in a Navy office for our in-country briefing. The officer there briefed us about what to see during our off hours. I was excited, this trip being my first outside of the United States.

The young officer quieted us all down as he began. 

“Welcome to Antigua,” he said, bored. “For those of you who don’t know, Antigua is the largest island of the Leeward Chain, with Barbuda, not too far from here, being the smaller. …”

He warned us about the local transportation of Antigua, which was notoriously slow. It ran on that “Caribbean Time,” and you couldn’t count on it if you had to get anywhere in a hurry. Renting a car from the airport was the only way to go.

And of Barbuda, he said, “It’s very expensive. If you watch Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous, you’d know the people living there don’t want to see you. Don’t go.”

But the beaches? They were everywhere. Our barracks had one of the best beaches on the island, too. All we had to do was walk out the door, grab a towel, and stretch out to watch all the jumping.

“So who’s the [new guy]?” a Green Beret named Stan said as the plane we were going to jump out of banked hard. He was a big African American soldier, at least six-foot-four. He sat on one knee maintaining his balance in all the turbulence from the open cargo door. He had a large tattoo that said “De Oppresso Liber” on a muscular arm. He wore a gray free-fall parachute on his back as he hung on the edge of the ramp, looking down into the ocean. I was amazed he didn’t get sucked out.

I raised my hand. “Me, Sergeant.”

He smirked. “You know how lucky you are, right? It’s Valentine’s Day, your last name is Valentine, this is your [first] jump, and you’re getting German jump wings?” He shook his head.

I grinned, happy to have been lucky enough to escape being dogged by everyone.

Miles stood in front of me. I looked over his shoulder out the gaping cargo door. Nothing but a huge beautiful blue expanse.

The German gave Miles the signals. The jump light inside the aircraft went from red to green, and within moments he had a “Go!” and was gone.

Seconds later I saw him. His chute opened with no problems and he gently turned out of the slipstream to enjoy the ride down.

Then it was my turn. I walked quickly toward the Jumpmaster, he immediately said, “Go!” and I stepped off the ramp.

My first thought? Damn, I’m a bit high up in the air. …  With my eyes open, the world whirled around me as my body position kept me straight in the air, like a bomb falling vertically from the sky. I felt the tug of the static line attached to my parachute as my canopy deployed, the risers slapping me hard in the face.

I made a 180-degree turn into the wind to slow my descent. But I wasn’t slowing down. I was speeding up. The winds pulled me backward as I descended, and I immediately worried that I would drown.

There was nothing I could do but ride it out. Down below, I saw the Navy SEALs’ rigid boat make a beeline for me, popping up and down on the choppy surf.

As I got closer to the water, I pulled my floatation vest and began to estimate my distance. I loosened my harness, unclipping the chest strap.

I tightened my body as I looked down. I could see my shadow grow in the water.

PLOOSH!

My canopy fell behind me and I surfaced. I put my hands behind my head and lay on the surface waiting for the boat to come get me. I saw the C-130 fly over once again to let out some more jumpers. 

I did it.  

The SEALs’ boat drove up. Miles and a few of the German paratroopers were inside, dripping wet.

“Yo, Valentine, whatta [first jump]! You now have some German wings!”

One of the SEALs laughed. “Hey, how does it feel? Better than sex?”

I smirked. 

“No.”

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Editors Note: This article first appeared on The War Horse, an award-winning nonprofit news organization educating the public on military service. Subscribe to their newsletter.

About the author: ​​Maurice D. Valentine is a born-and-bred New Yorker and was a member of the 142nd Long Range Surveillance Detachment (ABN) of the 42nd Infantry Division of the New York Army National Guard in the early 1990s. After his honorable discharge from the Army, Valentine backpacked around the world for several years before eventually finding his career in the advertising industry in New York City. He now lives and works in Sydney, Australia, where he owns his own production company, Moman Productions.

Top image: Map and photo of Antigua courtesy of CIA, photo of German wings courtesy of author.

U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) and the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special Operations / Low Intensity Conflict (ASD SO/LIC) have released its Special Operations Forces Vision & Strategy document (April 11, 2022).

Vision Statement. The document leads off with the USSOCOM and ASD SO/LIC vision statement: “Create strategic, asymmetric advantages for the Nation in integrated deterrence, crisis and conflict”. It goes on to list ‘core values’, ‘who we are’, ‘what we do’, and ‘where are we going’.

Strategy. Since 9/11, SOF has been primarily focused on countering terrorists. Now, the United States faces adversaries “increasingly capable of counteracting our gains, threatening our Homeland, reducing our influence, and eroding our advantages globally.” The document states that the new SOF strategy will provide a framework to move from a Counter Terrorism (CT) force into one suited to be a part of the nation’s integrated deterrence. SOF will continue to conduct priority CT operations, support integrated deterrence, and prepare for potential high-end conflict.

Strategic Environment. China is the biggest concern as it is “capable of combining its economic, diplomatic, military, and technological power to rival the U.S. and destabilize the international system that has advanced our interests for 75 years.” Russia continues to demonstrate its “determination to use its considerable resources and capabilities to enhance its global influence, challenge our interests, and disrupt globally.” Other nations, like Iran and North Korea, are also threats that challenge regional stability. The Violent Extremist Organizations (VEOs) remain an active and persistent threat to our homeland and vital national interests worldwide.

Strategic Approach. The SOF Strategy establishes a 10-year framework of strategic aims, strategic efforts, and resources to create strategic and asymmetric advantages for the United States. The ‘aims’ include conducting operations to support priority missions, modernize SOF concepts, capabilities, and doctrine, broaden readiness for critical missions, enhance relationships with allies, partners, and other U.S. government organizations, and strengthen the SOF community. The SOF Strategy adopts a comprehensive approach by taking action in five strategic efforts: compete and win for the nation, innovate for future threats, preserve and grow readiness, advance partnerships, and strengthen the force and family. Each of these ‘strategic efforts’ have several sub-categories.

SOF Resources. The SOF enterprise will leverage several resources and organizations to achieve the strategic aims of the SOF Strategy. Key organizations include ASD SO/LIC, Secretariat for Special Operations (SSO), Irregular Warfare Technical Support Directorate (IWTSD), USSOCOM, SOF Service Components, JSOC, TSOCs, and other resources.

The document concludes with:

“Just as our adversaries adapt to and shape the strategic environment, SOF will continue to evolve in order to fulfill the vision of creating strategic, asymmetric advantages for the nation in integrated deterrence, crisis, and conflict. Guided by SOF core values – honor, courage, excellence, creativity, and respect – this strategy establishes the path to achieve that vision”.

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Special Operations Forces Vision & Strategy, ASD SO/LIC and USSOCOM, April 2022, PDF, 16 pages.
https://www.socom.mil/sof-vision-and-strategy

In a press release published on Friday, April 23, 2021 the White House announced that it was nominating Christopher Maier, the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special Operations and Low Intensity Conflict, for the position of ASD SO/LIC.

Among his responsibilities as ASD SO/LIC will be special operations, irregular warfare, counterterrorism, and information operations policies. The ASD SO/LIC has administrative oversight for much of the activities of the United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM). In November 2020, the Acting Secretary of Defense Chris Miller (a former Special Forces officer) signed a memorandum that designating the ASD SO/LIC as a principal staff assistant reporting directly to the SECDEF and Deputy SECDEF. The memo also removed ASD SO/LIC from the Officer of the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy.

Maier brings a wealth of experience to the office. He has previously served as the head of the DoD’s Defeat-ISIS Task Force, as Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special Operations and Combating Terrorism, held positions at the National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC), and served on the National Security Council (NSC) staff as director for counterterrorism. He began his career as an analyst on Africa and the Middle East. He currently is an officer in the Air National Guard.

Read the White House Announcement on the Maier nomination:

“Christopher P. Maier has served in national security roles across five Presidential Administrations and is currently the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special Operations and Low-Intensity Conflict. In this role, he advises the Secretary of Defense on all special operations, irregular warfare, counterterrorism, and information operations policy issues, and oversees all special operations administrative matters. Maier previously led the Defeat-ISIS Task Force charged with integrating Department of Defense efforts in the campaign to achieve the enduring defeat of ISIS. Maier was appointed as the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special Operations and Combating Terrorism in the Obama-Biden Administration.

Before moving to the Department of Defense, he held a variety of leadership and staff positions at the National Counterterrorism Center, focused on planning and analysis. Maier was detailed from 2009 to 2013 to the National Security Council staff, where he authored the 2011 National Strategy for Counterterrorism. He began his government career as an intelligence analyst on Middle East and Africa issues. He continues to serve as an officer in the Air National Guard. Originally from California, Maier earned degrees from the University of California, Berkeley and the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University.”

References:

“President Biden Announces Key Administration Nominations in National Security”, The White House, April 23, 2021.

Special Operations Command Europe (SOCEUR) recently conducted a series of exercises that involved the deployment of High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) forward into the battle area. These exercises are known as HIMARS Rapid Aerial Insertion or HIRAIN. The exercises are a demonstration of U.S. European Command’s ability to quickly employ long-range precision fires across Europe. The intent is to show that the U.S. can quickly move the HIMARS to support NATO allies and partners almost anywhere in the theater.

In April 2021 a 352nd Special Operations Wing aircraft and crew left RAF Mildenhall, UK to begin a HIRAIN mission. The aircraft flew to Ramstein, Germany where they on-loaded HIMARS from the 41st Field Artillery Brigade (FAB). The HIMARS vehicles and crew flew on a MC-130J Commando II on a cross-theater Rapid Aerial Insertion operation to Romania. This was the second time in six months that SOCEUR and the 41st FAB has conducted this mission along the Black Sea. Once on the ground in Romania the aircrews and HIMARS crews conducted a rapid off-load and then executed simulated fires within minutes of landing. Upon completion of the fires mission the HIMARS and soldiers were reloaded onto the MC-130J – all in less than an hour. The aircraft returned to Germany, off-loaded the HIMARS, and then returned to home station at RAF Mildenhall.

Photo: HIMARS being loaded onto a MC-130J Commando II at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, April 9, 2021. (Image from video by Master Sgt. Roidan Carlson, 352nd SOW).

The M142 HIMARS system provides a long-range strategic precision fire capability for the U.S. Army and U.S. Marine Corps. HIMARS is a wheeled, all-terrain weather system that can be used in early-entry expeditionary situations. The wheeled artillery system is rapidly deployable via C-130 aircraft. It is mounted on a five-ton vehicle chassis. It is considered a replacement for the M270 Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS). The surface-to-surface rocket and missile firing system can range from 15 to 300 kilometers. It can fire the Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) missiles and the Guided MLRS rockets. A three-man crew operates the system. Over ground it can travel almost 100 kilometers an hour with a cruising range of about 480 kilometers.

The HIMARS originated as a concept in 1980s – fulfilling a need by the Army for a lightweight Multiple Launch Rocket System. By 1998, prototypes were being tested. The HIMARS capability has been used in both Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syria. The HIMARS is produced by Lockheed Martin.

Photo: A U.S. KC-135 Stratotanker and aircrew from the 100th Air Refueling Wing refueling a MC-130J during the HIMARS Rapid Aerial Insertion mission to Romania. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jennifer Zima, 10 Apr 2021)

Currently there are 17 HIMARS battalions in the U.S. Army. Five in the active component and 12 in the Army National Guard. By 2020 over 500 HIMARS had been produced for use by the U.S. Army. Over 100 HIMARS launchers have been sold to international partner military forces to include Singapore, United Arab Emirates, Jordan, and Romania.

The United States Marine Corps also have the HIMARS (approximately 47). The USMC practices the deployment of HIMARS overland (ground movement), on ships, or by aircraft. During Exercise Noble Fury in October 2020 a HIMARS launcher of the 3rd Battalion, 12th Marine Regiment flew into a recently secured airfield in the Pacific region on an Air Force MC-130J at night. Upon landing, the Marines conducted a simulated long-range, precision firing mission with targeting information received and coordinated while aboard the aircraft in flight. Minutes later, the HIMARs was back on the aircraft and moving to another location for a fire mission.

There are a variety of ways to deliver long-range fires – such as organic attack helicopters and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) as well as air support from the Navy and Air Force. However, many times these assets are constrained by weather conditions and terrain. The HIMARS provides the Army (and SOF) the ability to insert long-range, precision artillery fires in a multi-domain operations (MDO) environment. The US Army is sending two new units to Europe in the fall of 2021 – a Mutlidomain Task Force and a Theater Fires Command. The Pacific region will also have a Multidomain Task Force – the core unit being the 17th Field Artillery Brigade, a unit with two HIMARS battalions.

Photo: HIMARS firing on range in the United States. ASC Army photo, Feb 9, 2021.

The recent HIMARS mission to Romania demonstrated the ability of special operations forces to contribute to the missions of conventional forces in all-domain operations. The joint exercise combined the long-range precision fires of a field artillery brigade with the ability to quickly deploy anywhere in Europe using SOF aircraft.

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Photo: Special operations forces from the 352d Special Operations Wing and 41st Field Artillery Brigade executed a High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS), Rapid Aerial Insertion (HIRAIN), near Constanta, Romania 10 Apr, 2021. (Courtesy photo by Cristian Dobre).

References:

“NATO ally, Romania, hosts U.S. Joint Forces for Dynamic Force Employment training near the Black Sea”, by Capt. Kevyn Kaler, 352nd SOW, April 10, 2021.

Video, 352nd SOW, April 10, 2021. This 3 mins long ‘B-roll’ depicts the off-load, simulated firing, an on-load of the HIMARS at an airfield in Romania.

U.S. Army Long-Range Precision Fires: Background and Issues for Congress, Congressional Research Service, CRS R46721, March 16, 2021.
https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/R/R46721

A hearing held by the House Subcommittee on Intelligence and Special Operations about SOF culture and climate was held on March 26, 2021. The subcommittee heard testimony from four outside experts. The intent was to explore means to shape the force for future demands of great power competition.

The hearing lasted a little over 2 hours and consisted of prepared statements by the ‘experts’ followed by a question and answer session. The topics centered on the impacts of the historic operational tempo and the diversity challenges of US special operations forces. The hearing was held to explore three critical themes: the current state of the force following two decades of countering terrorism and conducting counterinsurgency operations, the comprehensive health of the force, and the future opportunities for the force in support of U.S. national security objectives.

A more honest title for the hearing might have been how to make US special operations forces more diverse and inclusive. That is basically what the subcommittee chairman – Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) – led off with in his opening statement. It also seemed to be what the majority of the subcommittee members appeared to be interested in and asked questions about. Naturally, the ‘experts’ responded to those questions.

Panel Participants. The four outside ‘experts’ certainly were stellar witnesses and well-suited for the discussion:

Ms. Linda Robinson is a long-time observer of US SOF. She is the author of Masters of Chaos: The Secret History of the Special Forces and of numerous papers and articles about SOF. Currently she is the Director of the Center for Middle East Public Policy at the RAND Corporation.

Lt. Gen. Mike Nagata, US Army (Ret.) had a long career in SOF spanning over 3 decades with US Army Special Forces and other special mission units (SMUs). He is a former commander of Special Operations Command Central (SOCCENT).

Ms. Kate Germano retired from the United States Marine Corps with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. She is the author of Fight Like a Girl: The Truth Behind How Female Marines Are Trained. The book details her professional battle against systemic gender bias in the Marines.

Mr. Mark Mitchell is a retired 0-6 that served many years in U.S. Army Special Forces. He is also a former (acting) Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special Operations and Low Intensity Conflict (SO/LIC). He is a frequent commentator and writer about SOF and the need for ASD SO/LIC to have a closer relationship with the Secretary of Defense and more oversight on United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM).

Hearing Comments. Each of the panel witnesses provided a short opening statement and then responded to questions from the subcommittee members. Below are remarks from each of the witnesses – either from the opening statements or in response to questions. Unless in “quotes” the paragraphs below provide a ‘sense’ of the statements and responses made.

MG Nagata, (Ret.) The retired SF general stressed the need to conduct SOF specific research on the effects of recurring deployments, combat action, blast effects, and other events experienced by SOF operators. He feels that 20 years of counterterrorism operations have focused SOF on direct actions missions to the neglect of other missions that are important in todays ‘great power competition’ environment. He sees US SOF “reawakening” to the current “war of influence” we are currently engaged in with our adversaries. SOF needs to be able to solve very complex problems that don’t always require physical force or a weapons system. A recurring theme in his testimony was the need to win the “war of influence”.

On the topic of deployment to dwell ratios – Nagata had two views. One is that the OPTEMPO has a significant effect on SOF operators. However, he believes that people who join SOF wouldn’t have it any other way. They want to deploy frequently. He also said that these deployments are necessary as they expose the force to complex foreign environments, develop skills within the force, and are key to winning the fight for influence. The more SOF lives and operates in a foreign environment the better they can compete with our adversaries. One interesting concept he offered was the stationing of SOF on long-term deployments or assignments where their families could live as well. The SOF operator picks up the cultural and language expertise and the family life doesn’t suffer.

Nagata believes that a disproportionate allocation of defense resources is spent on weapons systems and not enough on non-kinetic methods. The mantra of a ‘more lethal force’ is counterproductive and takes the focus away from the type of competition (hybrid, gray zone, etc.) we are faced with in today’s security environment. He also stated that terrorism is not going away and that SOF needs to remain capable in CT skills and operations. In addition, he believes that CT and COIN missions overseas provides us access and placement for developing influence in countries where we are competing with adversaries – places like Kenya, Philippines, and Mozambique.

ASD SO/LIC was also a topic for Nagata. He noted that while the nation relied on SOF over the past two decades and that the SOF community (USSOCOM) had significant growth – ASD SO/LIC hasn’t.

On the topic of diversity in SOF, Nagata believes that more research needs to be conducted on what would motivate members of minority or ethnic groups to join SOF. He believes that the SOF selection and training institutions are doing their job but that recruitment of diverse members of society needs to improve. His experience was that in the past there was a lack of diverse candidates. More emphasis must be placed on the recruiting process to fix the diversity issue. Nagata believes that one way to attain more diverse force is to reach out to the men and women attending the academies, ROTC, and officer candidate schools.

Mr. Mitchell. The former (acting) ASD SO/LIC stressed the importance of civilian oversight of USSOCOM throughout his testimony. He believes the relationship with SECDEF needs to be stronger, that the organization needs more resources (40 personnel is not enough), and that some functions need to be transferred from Tampa to D.C. Mitchell stressed that building relationships with the militaries of other nations is important in great power competition. He sees us competing with Russia and China across the globe – in a war of influence.

Mitchell also spoke about the need create new military occupational specialties within SOF – citing electronic warfare and cyber operations as an example. Machine learning and artificial intelligence are areas where SOF should improve its expertise. He mentioned a program that USSOCOM had started under then General Tony Thomas that was experimental in nature – incorporating 21st century skills into the force. (Unfortunately, it appears USSOCOM has discontinued this effort.)

He stated the need for diversity in SOF – including more minorities and women in the ranks. He also stressed how recruiting members of the immigrant community could add more cultural and language capability to SOF.

Ms. Robinson. In her opening statement, Linda Robinson spoke of the need to have a strategic rebalance in the SOF community. She noted that there are some systemic issues that need to be addressed: oversight, diversity, deployment to dwell ratio, and ethics. While she strongly advocates for a more diverse force – inclusive of women and minorities – she cites the need for gender neutral standards as well as maintaining high standards for SOF. She believes there are some ‘subtle’ barriers to diversity that need to be removed.

She emphasized the importance of working with partner nations around the world in today’s competitive security environment. She also pointed out how cyber, electronic warfare, and information operations are more important today than in the past. She believes that great power competition is more than a high-intensity conflict – that it also encompasses the irregular warfare spectrum. Robinson worries about the current focus on kinetic instead of non-kinetic operations.

Ms. Germano. The former Marine officer believes that attaining a diverse force is essential to improving our military. She believes that there is an institutional resistance to change. She explained that there is an emotional response by members to the military’s attempts to attain a more diverse force. A recurring theme heard by members of the military (and SOF) is that diversity increases the effectiveness of the military force. However, there is not a lot of ‘facts’ that back that claim up. She believes that more research has to be done that proves a diverse force is more capable – which in turn will offer the ‘proof’ needed to sway those who currently see diversity as just another progressive block to be checked.

According to Germano some potential recruits to SOF and the military in general are put off by the public media’s depiction of the military – with its problems of ethics, racism, sexual assault, and other issues. Leaders can help by reaching out to the minority communities within and outside of the military. In addition, she believes a strategic plan should be set in place to increase diversity in the military. Germano looks at the recruiters as one of the primary ways to achieve diversity in the force. She notes that recruiters tend to have stereotypes and bias when it comes to who is a potential recruit for combat arms and SOF.

Subcommittee Member Questions. Many of the questions were about ASD SO/LIC, how to get to a more diverse force, operational tempo, great power competition, and gender issues. There were some specific questions on other topics as well – for instance, drone strike approval. One Congressman, Representative Mike Waltz (a former Green Beret), asked why society and Congress pushed for gender integration in the military and SOF (he isn’t opposed to it) but then pushed for different standards when it comes to physical fitness (referencing the newest Army Combat Fitness Test).

Conclusion. It was an interesting hearing, one conducted in today’s COVID environment. Most of the witnesses and subcommittee members appeared to be ‘attending’ from the comfort of their homes. Not one suit and tie was in attendance. One subcommittee member was sitting in his car with his seatbelt securely fastened while another was receiving lot of attention from his dog. There was the occasional crying baby in the background! The chairman appears to need some help in running a meeting from home. The topics were interesting. The questions and statements from the subcommittee members seemed generic in nature and ‘politically correct’. The testimony of the witnesses was the best part of course – especially from Nagata and Mitchell. The first 20 minutes are worth a listen (opening statements). The entire 2 hours? Maybe not.

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The hearing was aired live. It was also recorded and posted on YouTube.
“SOF Culture and Climate: The Future of the Force”
House Subcommittee on Intelligence and Special Operations
March 26, 2021, 2 hours 9 minutes, starts just after 7 min mark.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OMB2hN49v3U&t

The British military is conducting an overall restructuring of its defense forces – the British Army, Royal Air Force, and Royal Navy. There will be cuts in personnel and retirement of expensive equipment in the reorganization. Along with cutting the size of the military there will be a change in capability and relevance for many units. There are some major changes for the UK’s special operations forces – to include a redefining of missions and the creation of the Army Special Operations Brigade (ASOB) and the Security Force Assistance Brigade (SFAB).

Integrated Review. The changes are prompted by a recent UK government publication entitled the Integrated Review. The document calls for a military force that is lighter, more agile, more lethal, and expeditionary in nature. The publication also provides evidence of a shift in focus to the Indo-Pacific region. Some observers say that despite the cuts the UK military will have a more robust presence abroad. [1]

Defence in a Competitive Age. In concert with the Integrated Review cited above the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has published its paper that outlines the future threats and the capabilities and resources needed to defeat them. The document, Defence in a Competitive Age, consists of nine sections relating to strategic context, the future battlefield, strategic approach, workforce, modernization, transformation, and more. The paper calls out Russia as the greatest threat to European security; but it also recognizes China as the most significant geopolitical factor in the world today. In addition, there are a number of disruptive states, non-state actors, and terrorist groups that continue to pose problems. UK’s military forces will need to be more specialized and professional in nature with the ability to compete with the UK’s adversaries below the threshold of war as well as in high-intensity conflict. [2]

Equipment. Some expensive equipment – tanks, ships, and aircraft – will be taken out of service and retired. New more modern equipment suitable for future conflicts will be purchased for the respective military forces. The review reflects the belief that China and Russia are the primary global threats – similar to the shift by the U.S. to ‘great power competition’. More attention and money will be spent on new technologies such as cyber and electronic warfare and offensive drones. This does reduce the amount of heavy mechanized formations required in a large high-intensity conflict.

Royal Air Force. There are a number of major changes for the Air Force – most of the pertaining to the retirement of some aircraft and purchase of newer airframes. However, some of these relate to UK special operations forces. There are concerns about the plan to retire UK’s C-130 Hercules aircraft fleet – which the UK Special Forces use for parachute drops. The C-17 and Atlas A400M is the designated replacement aircraft but it can’t perform as well as the C-130 in a special operations capacity. Reports indicate that the Atlas cannot fly as low or slow as the C-130 and parachutists can’t exit through both doors at the same time. The C-17 was recently used for UK special operations parachute drops during Exercise Chameleon 1-21.

Army. The Army will see a cut in personnel – losing about 10,000 positions, bringing it down to a force level of around 72,000. The fighting formations will be reorganized and modernized. A lot of tanks and infantry fighting vehicles will be retired as well as some of the older helicopters. The reduction in ‘heavy’ formations frees up money and personnel to invest in the ‘specialization’ of existing units, formation of new units, and adaptation to new technologies. A new Security Force Assistance Brigade will be established within the UK Army. This unit will have specialized infantry units but will also draw on personnel and expertise from across the Army. These SFA units will deploy around the world to assist in building the capacity of allied and partner nations. This SFAB will likely have a similar mission as the six SFABs of the United States Army. Another new unit will be the Army Special Operations Brigade – described below. In addition, the 6th (UK) Division will continue to deliver cyber, electronic warfare, information operations, and unconventional capabilities.

Royal Navy. New model ships and submarines of various configurations are planned for a future navy. Of note is the evolving of the Royal Marines into a Future Commando Force (FCF) and taking on some special operations missions. The Navy will adjust to the maritime requirements of the FCF.

SOF Restructuring. The mission set for the Special Air Service (SAS) and Special Boat Service (SBS) is being refocused. The Royal Marines, has been undergoing a transformation into the new Future Commando Force (FCF), will continue to see some big changes. The two new ‘specialized units’ (ASOB and SFOB) will fall under the British Army; not the under the Director Special Forces (DSF). The DSF are where the Special Air Service, Special Boat Service, Special Forces Support Group, Special Reconnaissance Regiment, 18th Signal Regiment, and Joint Special Forces Aviation Wing are found. These changes in the UK SOF community are part of an overall attempt to reduce the size of the armed forces, increase their capabilities with additional training and modern equipment, and make them more responsive to events around the world.

SAS and SBS

The Special Air Service (SAS) and Special Boat Service (SBS) will be focusing more on the persistent and lethal threats posed by Russia, China, and other rogue nations. These Tier 1 units will experience a major overhaul of their training, equipment, and operations procedures in their refined role. Some of the traditional missions of the SAS and SBS will be assumed by the newly-established Ranger Regiment and the Royal Marines. The new direction for the SAS and SBS will see them lined up against high-end targets – perhaps working with the UK’s intelligence agencies to react to the activities of Russian intelligence, specialized military units, and paramilitary contract organizations (such as the Wagner Group). They will continue to provide a high-end counterterrorist force to support the Police in the UK as well as CT operations abroad. There are likely some changes in the works for the Special Reconnaissance Regiment (SRR) as well as the Special Forces Support Group (SFSG).

Army Special Operations Brigade

This new brigade is responsible for preparing and generating special operations-capable forces for deployment. The ASOB will be involved in collective deterrence such as training, advising, enabling, and accompanying partner forces. The core of this brigade will be four battalions of the Ranger Regiment – which will form the vanguard of this expeditionary force.

Ranger Regiment.

Hundreds of highly trained soldiers will be transferred into the new Ranger Regiment from other units. The unit will have four battalions of about 250 personnel. The Regiment’s units will be aligned with the new Divisions of Infantry. They will carry out a range of missions to include partner nation training and advising, cyberattacks, electronic warfare, surveillance, gathering intelligence, and information operations. Some of the missions for the Ranger Regiment were traditionally conducted by the Special Air Service and Special Boat Service.

The first of the four battalions will be stood up in early 2021 and are described as ‘Tier 2’ units. It is expected that the unit will deploy elements into high-threat conflict areas – likely in the Middle East, Africa, and the Pacific. The Ranger Regiment’s mission will include a focus on counterinsurgency (COIN) operations in regions of strife. Some of the activities of the Ranger Regiment will include training, advising, enabling, and accompanying partner forces conducting counterinsurgency operations.

The Ranger Battalions are to be initially seeded from the current specialized infantry battalions: 1 SCOTS, 2 PWRR, 2 LANCS, and 4 RIFLEs. These four battalions are currently part of the Specialised Infantry Group of the 6th (UK) Division. Over time the Army Special Operations Brigade and Ranger Regiment will select personnel from across the Army.

Future Commando Force (FCF)

The Future Commando Force (FCF), comprised of the Royal Marines, will be deployed around the world on an enduring basis. It will provide the UK with a littoral strike fighting capability. The FCF, like the Ranger Regiment, will also take on many of the traditional missions of the SAS and SBS. The Royal Marines will evolve from an amphibious infantry held in reserve in the UK to a force that is designed to be forward deployed – with some special operations capability. It will be a versatile special operations capable force used to pre-empt and deter ‘grey zone’ activities, deliver specialist capacity building, and counter state threats. The Royal Navy’s conversion of a Bay class support ship will provide the FCF with a lethal littoral strike capability. Supporting units for the FCF will be reconfigured as well. For instance, the Commando Forward Surgical Group (CFSG) “. . . is adopting new technologies and practices to be lighter and more agile on operations around the world.” The move to the FCF began a few years back. In late 2019 the Royal Marines were going through some significant changes as part of their move to being the FCF.

Looking Forward

The Integrated Review of foreign and defense policy is necessary to transform the UK military into a more agile organization that can respond to today’s contemporary operational environment. Special Forces units will spend more time overseas for longer durations. The SAS and SBS will work with intelligence agencies like MI6 and concentrate on Russia and China. The Ranger Regiment will broaden its reach and work more closely with partner nations. The Royal Marines will spend more time abroad as well. While the Integrated Review cuts personnel and equipment – saving money; it also refocuses the military, especially the special operations units, to the ever increasing threats posed by Russia and China – whether in high-intensity conflict or ‘gray zone’ operations.

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References:

[1] Global Britain in a Competitive Age. The UK government released this report that provides an integrated review of security, defense, development, and foreign policy. March 2021, PDF, 114 pages.

[2] Defence in a competitive age, Ministry of Defence, March 26, 2021, PDF, 76 pages. Report released by the MoD.

Photo: Royal Marine. Credit Royal Navy.

A new subcommittee under the U.S. House Armed Services Committee has been formed. The Subcommittee on Intelligence and Special Operations will focus on specific activity areas of the Department of Defense. The new subcommittee will be chaired by Representative Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.) He is a Marine Corps combat veteran who deployed to Iraq in 2005 for an eight month long deployment. One Republican member of this new subcommittee is Representative Mike Waltz. He served two tours as a Special Forces officer in Afghanistan.

The Subcommittee on Intelligence and Special Operations (ISO) will have the following jurisdiction:

• military intelligence
• national intelligence
• countering CBR weapons of mass destruction, counterterrorism
• special operations forces
• counter-proliferation
• counterterrorism
• sensitive military operations

There are currently seven permanent subcommittees of the U.S. House Armed Services:

• Tactical Air and Land Forces
• Military Personnel
• Readiness Committee
• Seapower and Projection Forces
• Strategic Forces
• Cyber, Innovative Technologies, and Information Systems
• Intelligence and Special Operations

It appears that the Intelligence and Emerging Threats and Capabilities Subcommittee has been replaced by two new subcommittees: Cyber, Innovative Technologies, and Information Systems and the Intelligence and Special Operations Subcommittees.

By Pat Carty.

Following an official “Freedom of Information” request made to the British Government in December 2020, the Ministry of Defence has released the total number of British Armed Forces personnel, who have lost their lives in the Brecon Beacons in Wales. This is an area used for generations by Special Forces and in particular for selection, including the notorious “Fan Dance” tests.

For those unaware, the “Fan Dance” is a 15-mile (24 km) load-bearing March, which takes place at the end of the first week of SF selection. The candidates climb “Pen y Fan” – the highest mountain in the Brecon Beacons. Then descend the far side; known as “Jacob’s Ladder”. The rest of the route follows the old Roman road before going back on itself for the return leg. Candidates are given 4 hours 10 minutes to complete the route, regardless of the weather. The Fan Dance is the world’s oldest SF test and used as the first major indicator to show if a candidate has the physical and mental aptitude to complete the legendary SF Selection course.

The Freedom of Information request came from a member of the public. It followed discussions with local councilors and politicians about erecting a memorial, remembering service personnel who had lost their lives whilst training in the Beacons. One of the causalities, having been a close friend, was killed during Special Force selection.

Following the information request, the Ministry of Defence confirmed that in the period they hold records for; 1 January 1984 to 31 December 2019 (the last full year available), twenty UK armed forces personnel have died in the Brecon Beacons. I should add that those figures include all tri-Service regular personnel killed, both on, and off duty, whilst the data for reserve troops only shows those killed whilst on duty.

The Defence Ministry also confirmed that the numbers were for all causes of death: accidents, natural causes, or coroner confirmed suicide. Plus open verdicts where the cause was not known.

Photo: “Fan Dance” by Avalanche Endurance Events.

Civilians can experience a civilian version of the Fan Dance test, especially those whose intention is to apply for future SF selection, which is run on similar lines to SF selection tests, but by former SF personnel.

Photo: “Fan Dance” by Avalanche Endurance Events

Held in both summer and winter, again similar to SF selection, these civilian versions of the “The Fan Dance” include both “load-bearing” and “clean fatigue” categories and are also held during both day and night. The “Fan Dance Woodhouse Edition” even copies the original post-WWII Fan Dance and includes three ascents of Pen y Fan. If you are ultra keen, there is even the 50km “Blade Runner Ultra Series”, again staged in the area used for SF selection, and utilising many iconic and legendary landmarks and features, used in the world-famous SAS Aptitude phase.

More information on the various “Fan Dance” events is available from the organisers; Avalanche Endurance Events at: https://www.avalancheenduranceevents.com/home.html

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Top Photo: The Pen-y-Fan viewed from Cribyn. Photo by Dave Dunford.

Author: Pat Carty is a NATO accredited journalist who covers military news, events, operations, and exercises; including special operations forces. He is a contributor to SOF News as well as several other military defense publications.