By Jon Soucy.

The wind danced through the trees as pewter-colored clouds hinted at heavy rain. Soldiers went about their duties at a rocket launcher site on a hillside clearing in an otherwise thickly forested area. Aside from the trees, all was quiet. But as the wind gusted again, Soldiers with the 19th Special Forces Group suddenly appeared from the woods in a coordinated assault to seize control of the site.

Located deep in the West Virginia hills, the launcher site and the attack were part of the culminating exercise for one training lane in exercise Ridge Runner, a two-week special operations training exercise hosted by the West Virginia National Guard and the Irregular Warfare Center.

The exercise included more than 420 troops, primarily with the 19th Special Forces Group headquartered in the Utah Army National Guard, and allies and partners from 16 nations. Training scenarios focused on core Special Forces mission sets, including working with foreign forces, counterinsurgency operations and irregular warfare.

“Irregular warfare is actually a difficult term to describe because there’s no doctrinal [definition] for irregular warfare,” said an operations sergeant major with the 19th SFG who oversaw one of the exercise’s training lanes. “It’s designed to be very broad because it includes hybrid threats, it includes security force assistance and doing not only counterinsurgency and unconventional warfare, but also doing foreign internal defense.”

Many of those mission sets were tied together throughout the training scenario. Exercise participants — mostly made up of Special Forces ODAs, or operational detachment alpha teams, the basic SF tactical element — assimilated into West Virginia communities in two simulated nations and met with actual local government officials, law enforcement and emergency services personnel.

They monitored simulated economic and political situations in each “nation” through simulated newscasts and media engagements, and mirrored responses to them with procedures and operations that would be used during actual deployments.

Information from those engagements drove the training and resulting missions, eventually countering a simulated invasion by hostile forces from neighboring nations.

“The change in the scenario replicates what our forces would experience if they were in a friendly country about to be invaded by a hostile force,” said the sergeant major. Teams acting as the opposing forces, or OPFOR, also had to shift in line with those scenario changes — and their actions often caused other shifts by the ODAs.

“What the OPFOR brings to the exercise is kind of a realistic aspect to it,” said a staff sergeant with the 19th SFG on an OPFOR team. “We’re able to do our own planning against what we know or think that the partner force of the ODA is doing. And so, it’s more realistic of how an enemy would react to those situations.”

The exercise also tied into larger service-wide shifts as the Army and Army National Guard move from counterinsurgency operations to preparing for near-peer threats and potential large-scale operations.

“You’re getting away from what for the last 20 years has been the main effort [counterinsurgency operations] and you’re now supporting the warfighter in different capacities,” said the sergeant major. “During the Global War on Terror, special operations, we were doing direct action. We were doing FID [foreign internal defense], we were doing counterinsurgency and going after specific terrorist cells.”

Some tasks and mission sets may be similar in future operations, but their large-scale application has changed.

“This is different,” said the sergeant major. “This is full-spectrum warfare. It’s preparing for invasion or preparing the territories that we would operate in, in order to facilitate conventional battle lines.” Training and ensuring high readiness for that shift is key, he said. “Irregular warfare is our way to do that through more low visibility operations and our ability to work around the civilian populace and provide that support to the conventional military.”

Ridge Runner, and similar exercises, help teams refine those skills.

“It allows you to be very creative,” said the sergeant major. “You have to get very resourceful and kind of adapt to the changing environment and realize that you don’t have the freedom of movement that we did in other places. It’s no longer about having air supremacy. It’s no longer about having open comms with higher [headquarters].”

And the exercise also helped teams focus on basic tactical elements.

“We’re able to work on some of our small unit tactics that we’re doing together as this six-man contingent as well,” said the staff sergeant. “We’ve been able to have those discussions, work on basic patrolling as well and all those things that are in the Ranger handbook and are the fundamentals of success for an ODA.”

That’s critical, as the 19th and 20th SFGs — the two Army Guard Special Forces groups — are integrated into special operations missions worldwide.

“The 19th and 20th Group guys get to do that just as much as their active-duty counterparts,” said the sergeant major. “They deploy to the same areas, they go to the same schools, they work with the same partners.”

And for the sergeant major, that capability is part of the uniqueness of Army Guard Special Forces units. “[It’s] an opportunity to serve in a special operations capacity, wearing a Green Beret and operating in some of the highest missions,” he said.

*********

This story by Sgt. 1st Class Jon Soucy was first published by the National Guard Bureau on July 7, 2023. DoD content is in the public domain.

Photo: A Soldier with the 19th Special Forces Group, headquartered in the Utah Army National Guard, leads his team, which includes Latvian special operations elements, in an assault on a simulated emplaced missile launcher site while taking part in exercise Ridge Runner near Jolo, West Virginia, June 15, 2023. The two-week exercise brought together Soldiers with the 19th SFG and special operations troops from Latvia, Poland, and other allied and partner nations and focused on interoperability in unconventional warfare tasks. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Jon Soucy)

By Anthony Bryant.

SARAJEVO, Bosnia-Herzegovina – Forty miles southwest of Sarajevo, enemies are holed up in an underground government facility built inside a mountain during the Cold War to protect a former Yugoslav president against nuclear attack.

From a Sarajevo compound, U.S. Army Green Berets assigned to the Critical Threats Advisory Company (CTAC) take off to raid the 70,000-square-foot protective bunker alongside Bosnia-Herzegovina State Investigation and Protection Agency (SIPA) officials May 8, 2023.

Three nondescript houses disguise each entrance to the facility. Through the houses and inside the labyrinthine structure, intermittent volleys of gunfire with the enemy reverberate through tunnel corridors. Room by room, the combined force of assaulters systematically clear the protective bunker.

This raid was the culmination exercise of a six-week-long Joint Combined Exchange Training (JCET) focused on close-quarters battle (CQB) and small unit tactics.

“It was a time-sensitive target so the planning cycle was condensed,” said the troop leader assigned to CTAC, 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne) – a highly lethal force capable of collaborating with elite Special Operations Forces (SOF) elements worldwide. “The bunker has small hallways and small rooms…I wanted to raid the bunker to see how the team would react; to see how I would command and control.”

The 100-room structure was selected as a target to test the force’s methods due to its complexity and extensive size.

Providing solutions for the most sensitive problems and succeeding is paramount, said the Special Support Unit (SSU) Executive Officer, a SIPA official with over thirty years of police experience. The mission’s challenging location, time constraints and finite resources presented a nightmare scenario that compelled partners to combine efforts, overcome adversity and get results.

The mission succeeded, shortfalls and gaps were identified, and both sides provided recommendations for future reference, said the SSU executive officer. Experience and lessons learned from the CTAC are valuable resources that will align the SSU in solving complex problems.

“I do truly believe that the systems were tested that day,” said the CTAC troop leader. “We definitely learned lessons working with a new partner force which is key in refining troop standards. It’s the Green Beret way.”

**********

This story by Staff Sgt. Anthony Bryant of U.S. Special Operations Command Europe (SOCEUR) was first published on June 28, 2023 by the Defense Visual Information Distribution Service. DVIDS content is in the public domain.

Photo: Green Berets with Critical Threats Advisory Company (CTAC), 2nd Battalion, 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne), access a tunnel inside a protective bunker near Konjic, Bosnia-Herzegovina, May 8, 2023. U.S. Special Forces teamed up with the Bosnia-Herzegovina State Investigation and Protection Agency (SIPA) to strengthen close-quarters battle alongside the country’s premier counterterrorism force in the event of real-world crisis response. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Anthony Bryant) (This photo has been altered for security purposes.)

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

Photo / Image: Marines in a Combat Rubber Raid Craft during a boat raid exercise. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Joshua Brittenham, September 14, 2020)

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SOF News

Saying Goodbye to Billy Waugh. A legendary Green Beret was honored in a ceremony recently held at MacDill AFB, Tampa, Florida. The retired CSM had a distinguished career – his early days serving in Korea, then Vietnam, and finally serving for many years in the Central Intelligence Agency’s paramilitary program. While in his early 70s he infiltrated into Afghanistan in the fall of 2001 with a CIA team that linked up with members of the Afghan Northern Alliance. Billy Waugh passed away at the age of 93 and was known by some as “the Yoda of Special Forces”. “A Warrior’s Goodbye”, People Magazine, Jun 29, 2023. See also “The legend of Billy Waugh: Special Forces soldier, CIA contractor”, Army Times, June 30, 2023.

SEALs Seeking New Techologies. The acquisitions people at USSOCOM are always looking for new types of equipment that helps their special operators infiltrate, exfiltrate, and conduct their missions. The command’s Science and Technology Office continually evaluate new products for the SOF units. “Navy SEALs Seek New Tech for Covert Missions”, National Defense Magazine, June 30, 2023.

MARSOC 3 Update. Although manslaughter charges were dropped, two Marine Raiders may find that their special operations career could be coming to an end. The Marines have been fighting allegations stemming from an incident that took place in Erbil, Kurdistan in 2018 where they got into an altercation with an American civilian contractor – a retired Green Beret. The former Special Forces soldier was killed as a result of the incident. “Marines look to boot 2 of MARSOC 3 and take their Raider badge”, Task and Purpose, June 30, 2023.

NSW Center Has New Command Master Chief. CMDCM (SWCC) Joaquin Martinez is the newest command master chief for the Naval Special Warfare Center. He is the first Special Warfare Combatant Crewman (SWCC) operator to take the postion; previous CMDCM’s were members of the SEAL community. (DVIDS, Jun 29, 2023).

New Commander for 24th SOW. Col. Daniel Magruder assumed command of the 24th Special Operations Wing during a ceremony at the Special Tactics Training Squadron on Hurlburt Field on June 29, 2023. The outgoing commander, Col. Jason Daniels, is moving on to serve as the Deputy Director of Operations at headquarters AFSOC. “Magruder takes command of Special Tactics”, AFSOC, July 3, 2023.

AF PJs Need a New Boat. An elite unit of the Air Force is looking for a rigid-hull craft that can drop by parachute in the middle of the ocean from a C-130 or C-17, that can carry a 6-person team up to 300 nautical miles at 35 knots, and that has room for at least 2 ‘soaking wet’ astronauts. “Air Force Pararescue teams are looking for a new boat to rescue astronauts”, Task and Purpose, July 3, 2023.

SEALs in Congress. The number of U.S. Navy SEALs who are in or seeking office in Congress is growing. (The Washington Times, July 3, 2023).

Marine Raiders and the Tech They Need. MARSOC has a lot of unique hardware and software applications with which to perform their various missions. However, one distinct limitation is that these various systems and platforms don’t always ‘mesh’ with each other. “Enough ‘one trick ponies’: Marine special ops specialists want industry to help to fuse tech”, Breaking Defense, June 28, 2023.

GBs Provide Assistance to a Worthy Cause. Former Green Berets provided assistance to a benefit named “Green Beret with a Mission Challenge” recently held in New Hampshire. An endurance, skill, and obstacle course that simulated combat training for participants helped to raise money to support Camp Resilence. The funds raised will be used to provide therapeutic outdoor experiences to military veterans, first responders, and their families. “Green Beret with a Mission builds bridges and raises spirits”, Stars and Stripes, June 28, 2023.

Naval Commando Honored. Boatswain’s Mate 1st Class Art Nicholas was one of the first naval commandos and a celebrated World War II veteran. He was recently recognized with a Trident presentation. “Naval Legend and Original Naval Commando Honored at SEAL Graduation”, DVIDS, June 30, 2023.

Rubber Ducks – a Little History. There are various types of ‘duck insertions’ and they have probably been around since the early 1950s when first practiced by U.S. Army Special Forces. These insertion techniques can be used SOF elements infiltrating by fixed- or rotary-wing aircraft. There are soft ducks, k-ducks, hard ducks, and rolled ducks. Read more in “What Are Navy SEAL ‘Duck’ Insertions and Which One Would You Prefer?”, SANDBOXX, June 27, 2023.

SOF Cuts Ahead? The Army’s special operations community could see some cuts in the years ahead. As the military services shift from CT/COIN missions (and IW?) to a strategic competition focus it has to re-evaluate its force structure and budget. Secretary of the Army Christine Wormuth has been setting the stage for a reduction in ARSOF with recent statements. This certainly is concerning and it seems like we are repeating the mistakes of the early 70s. “Army secretary talks force structure cuts, SOF ‘reform'”, Army Times, June 28, 2023.

SEALs: Most Dangerous Weapon? This article describes the physical and mental toughness necessary to become a U.S. Navy SEAL. “The U.S. Navy SEALs: America’s Most Dangerous ‘Weapon’?”, by Kris Osborn, 1945, July 2, 2023.

New SOCKOR Commander Brings Change. Special Operations Command Korea recently had a change of command ceremony which witnessed the departure of Maj. Gen. Michael Martin and the arrival of Brig. Gen. Derek Lipson. Read more in “Brig. General Derek N. Lipson: Pioneering Change in US Special Operations Command – Korea”, SOFREP, July 1, 2023.

International SOF

GBs and Finland’s Utti Jaeger Regiment. The 10th Special Forces Group has been busy training up on its winter warfare skills over the past few months with Finland’s Utti Jaeger Regiment. Now that Finland is part of NATO, Russia has to contend with NATO troops positioned along its very long border in the north. Read more in “US Green Berets are looking to troops from NATO’s newest member as ‘mentors’ for harsh winter combat”, Business Insider, June 28, 2023.

South Korea SOF Visits U.S. SOF-Capable Sub. The commander of SOCKOR and ROK Navy Special Warfare Flotilla paid a visit to the Ohio-class guided-missile submarine USS Michigan during June 2023. The sub is one of four Ohio-class guided-missile submarines. “Michigan Leaves Busan After ROK Special Operations Forces Visit”, DIVDS, June 22, 2023.

Polish CT Police Moves to Border. The relocation of Wagner Group forces from Russia to Belarus following a failed Wagner Group revolt has stoked fears of greater instability in the region. Police from Polish riot patrol and counterterrorism units will deploy along the border, joining 5,000 Polish security guards and 2,000 soldiers already stationed at the border. It is believed that up to 8,000 Wagner Group fighters are now in Belarus. “Poland to send counterterrorism police to Belarus border”, Politico, July 2, 2023.

Greek Amphib Raiders to Get New Speedboats. The Hellenic Amry Amphibious Raider Squadrons of the Joint Special Operations Command is receiving 41 new S1200 Armored speedboats. “Hellenic Army receives S1200 Armored speedboats”, Janes.com, July 4, 2023.

China’s SF. The growth and modernization of Chinese Special Forces represent an ever-growing challenge to U.S. military hegemony. Chinese SOF units have significantly transformed over the past several years. “The Modernization of Chinese Special Forces”, SOFREP, July 3, 2023.

U.S. and Philippine SOF Exercise. The United States Special Operations Command Pacific (SOFPAC) and members of the Philippine Army’s 18th Special Forces Company (18SFC) are in the middle of at five-week long exercise aimed at enhancing the capabilities and readiness of Filipino special forces. The bilateral exercise began on June 12 in the joint operational area of the Western Command. “US-Philippines joint exercise strengthens special forces for enhanced security”, Palawan News, July 2, 2023.

UK SF and War Crimes. Special forces commanders in the United Kingdom allegely destroyed computer data to hid potential evidence of the killing of unarmed Afghan civilians. It is alleged that the SF officers deleted the files prior to a visit by the Royal Military Police as a part of a war crimes investigation. “UK special forces chiefs allegedly deleted war crimes data ahead of probe”, Arab News, July 2, 2023.

SOF History

On June 29, 1990, the 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne) was reactivated to cover Special Forces operations in EUCOM’s African region.

On June 30, 1972, the 8th Special Forces Group (Airborne) was redesignated as the 3rd Bn 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne) in Panama.

On July 2, 1959, detachments of the 77th Special Forces Group began Project HOTFOOT in Laos. Special Forces personnel, wearing civilian clothes and assuming the role of contracted civilian technicians, trained Laotian Armed forces units on U.S. weapons and individual soldier skills. At the time, Laos was a Cold War ‘hot spot’ facing threats from the Communist Pathet Lao and North Vietnamese Army troops operating inside Laos. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Project_Hotfoot_(Laos)

On this day, July 4, 1968, The Green Berets, a film loosely based on a book by Robin Moore, was released starring John Wayne as a colonel in Vietnam and David Janssen as a newspaper correspondent who questioned the war’s wisdom. Much of the film was shot in the summer of 1967 (before the Tet Offensive).

On July 8, 1961, the 20th Special Forces Group (Airborne) was activated in Birmingham, Alabama.

On July 9, 1941, the First Special Service Force was officially activated.
https://armyhistory.org/first-special-service-force/

On July 9, 1961, teams of Green Berets began organizing and training tribesmen in the Central Highlands of Vietnam, forming up the Civilian Irregular Defense Group (CIDG).

Ukraine Conflict

Ukraine – Offensive Underway. The slow, steady, and incremental advance of Ukrainian forces along the front lines is continuing – especially in southern Ukraine. There are indications that the Ukrainians are concentrating their long-range fires on strikes deep behind enemy lines – hitting Russian supply depots in the occupied territories. The intent is to set the conditions for a larger scale attack into Russian-held areas of eastern Ukraine.

Russian Attacks. Over the past week Russian forces in eastern Ukraine have attempted some small-scale attacks yielding modest gains amid heavy fighting.

ATACMS for Ukraine? The Ukrainians may soon have an impressive weapon to use in their fight against the Russian invaders. The Biden administration is considering sending advanced long-range missiles to bolster Ukraine’s offensive capability. The ATACMS have a range of 190 miles (or more) and provide a very highly precision strike capability. Another capability needed by Ukraine are dual-purpose improved convention munitions or DPICM. It is an artillery shell that contains submunitions that are highly effective on the battlefield. For the moment, the U.S. has not decided whether to provide the DPICMs.

GIS Arta System. One of the reasons that Ukrainian offensive fires against Russian targets have been so successful is the use of a geographic information system for artillery app. “Uber for Artillery – What is Ukraine’s GIS Arta System?”, The Moloch, 2023.

SF Officer On Training Needed by Ukraine. Rudy Weisz, a U.S. Army Special Forces officer, provides his perspective on the type of training the Ukrainian military needs to be successful. He believes that the U.S. needs to avoid falling into the trap of pushing the Ukraine military to align its doctrine, force structure, and TTPs in lock-step with U.S. doctrine, force structure, and TTPs. And, he offers his opinion on the use of U.S. contractors to provide training as well. “Ukraine Doesn’t Need U.S. Contractors”, War on the Rocks, July 3, 2023.

Americans Fighting in Ukraine. Two former U.S. service members, one a Green Beret and the other a Marine, are profiled in this article by Shannon Vavra entitled “Americans Who Fought Putin Share ‘Horrifying’ War Surprises”, The Daily Beast, July 1, 2023.

Sudan Conflict and Evac of Foreign Nationals

Sudan Conflict Update. The fighting between the Sudanese Army and its rival paramilitary group is now about three months long – with no end in sight. The people of Sudan are in the midst of a humanitarian crisis. Negotiations have not been fruitful and are now dormant. Most civil aviation is cancelled except for humanitarian flights bringing aid into the country.

Royal Marines and the Sudan Evacuation. Military personnel from the UK Commando Force and other British units responded within hours to evacuate British nationals from Sudan as violence and threats rose in that country. They immediately set up operations at the Wadi Seidna Airport just north of Khartoum – flying out hundreds of British nationals as well as citizens of other countries. “Royal Marines mobilised within hours to fly into the ‘extraordinary uncertainty’ of Sudan”, Forces.net, June 30, 2023.

Update on the conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and Rapid Support Forces (RSF), ceasefire, humanitarian crisis, and evacuation of foreign nationals.
https://www.national-security.info/country/sudan/sudan-neo.html

National Security

More Drama Over Army PT Test. The U.S. Senate may attempt to roll back the U.S. Army’s efforts to update its method of evaluting the physical fitness of its soldiers. The Senate Armed Services Committee advanced legislation that includes restoring the Army’s Physical Fitness Test (APFT) as the test of record. Lawmakers are frustrated with the current Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) that became the official test on October 1, 2022. “Senate committee advances bill that may kill Army Combat Fitness Test”, Army Times, June 26, 2023.

Triple Canopy – Details of a U.S. PMC. The onset of the Global War on Terror (GWOT) witnessed numerous security contracting firms – large and small- that formed up to service the many DoD, DoS, and other U.S. government contracts that required security services in Iraq, Afghanistan, and in other parts of the world. One of the larger PMCs was Triple Canopy founded by former members of the special operations community. This firm has a solid presence around the world even today – despite the withdrawal from Iraq and Afghanistan by U.S. troops. “Triple Canopy: A Deep Dive”, Grey Dynamics, June 30, 2023.

Border Crisis. Since early 2021, annual encounters involving unaccompanied alien children (UC) at the U.S.-Mexico border by the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) have remained at record-high levels. Encounters include both apprehensions and expulsions. Since February 2021, UC encounters have consistently exceed 8,500 per month. Increasing Numbers of Unaccompanied Children at the Southwest Border, Congressional Research Service (CRS), CRS IN11638, updated June 28, 2023, PDF, 4 pages. https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/IN/IN11638

Mongolia – Assisting in Peace and Security in Northeast Asia. Mongolia is taking a leading role among nations to promote human rights, denuclearization, and the peace process for the Korean penisular. A retired Special Forces officer, Dave Maxwell, recently returned from that country and provides details of this effort in a recently published article. “Mongolia Forum: Peace and security in Northeast Asia through Korean reunification”, The Korea Times, July 4, 2023.

UN Mission in Mali Ends. The United Nations Security Council has opted to end its years-long peacekeeping mission in Mali after the country’s military junta asked for its departure. MINUSMA’s 13,000 strong force will leave a security vacumn that will be filled by 1,000 personnel from the Wagner Group. Mali’s security forces will likely have increased difficulty in handling the Islamist insurgency that has killed thousands of people. The insurgents are linked to al-Qaeda and the Islamic State. For many years the U.S. had Special Forces military training missions in Mali but scaled down their presence due to other worldwide committments. European nations, under French leadership, established Task Force Takuba – a European SOF element – to fill that gap. However, TF Takuba has also departed Mali. “UN ends peacekeeping mission in Mali, US blames Russia’s Wagner”, Reuters, June 30, 2023.

Blacksmith Publishing is a media partner of SOF News. They are a book publishing firm, sell ‘Pinelander Swag’, have a weekly podcast called The Pinelander.

Upcoming Events

July 9, 2023. Sagamore Beach, Massachusetts
13th Annual Blackbeard’s Motorcycle Ride
SSG Matthew Pucino Memorial Foundation

August 5, 2023. Perdido Key, Florida
Deep Dive 2023 Combat Diver Reunion
CDF

August 12, 2023
11th Special Forces Group Reunion
Fort Meade, MD

October 16-20, 2023
SOAR XLVII
Special Operations Association

December 8, 2023
Winter Cruise
Combat Diver Association

October 2024
SFA Caribbean Cruise and Annual Convention
Special Forces Association

SOF News welcomes the submission of articles for publication. If it is related to special operations, current conflicts, national security, or defense then we are interested.

Books, Pubs, and Reports

Sentinel. Published by Chapter 78 of the Special Forces Association, this monthly publication provides interesting reading for the Special Forces community. The July 2023 issue has several articles of interest to include a book review about the Jedburghs, Paris Davis (MoH recipient), El Salvador, a MAC-V Recondo Advisor, and more. https://www.specialforces78.com/chapter-78-newsletter-for-july-2023/

Book Review – Ballad of the Green Beret. A new book is out about the life and death of SSG Barry Sadler, the Special Forces NCO who’s song of the same name hit number one on the charts in the 1960s. The book covers his time in Vietnam, his stardom, and to his death. The book, 296 pages long, was published in 2023 and is reviewed in Military Review, July-August 2023.

CRS Report – Army’s XM-30 Mechanized Infantry Combat Vehicle. The Congressional Research Service has published a short brief (3 pages, PDF) about the U.S. Army’s Optionally Manned Fighting Vehicle (OMFV) which will likely be designated the XM-30. The OMFV will have the capability to conduct remotely controlled operations while the crew is not in the vehicle. It is being designed to replace the M-2 Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV). The M-2 Bradley has been in service since 1981 and is used to transprot infantry on the battlefield, provide fire support to dismounted troops, and destroy enemy fighting vehicles. CRS, updated June 27, 2023. https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/IF/IF12094

Podcasts, Videos, and Movies

Video – SWCC: Making an Operator. A short video about Special Warfare Combat Crewman (SWCC) training. DVIDS, June 30, 2023, one minute.
https://www.dvidshub.net/video/889036/swcc-making-operator-official-trailer

Podcasts

SOFCAST. United States Special Operations Command
https://linktr.ee/sofcast

The Pinelander. Blacksmith Publishing
https://www.thepinelander.com/

The Indigenous Approach. 1st Special Forces Command
https://open.spotify.com/show/3n3I7g9LSmd143GYCy7pPA

Irregular Warfare Initiative
https://irregularwarfare.org/category/podcasts/

Irregular Warfare Podcast. Modern War Institute at West Point
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/irregular-warfare-podcast/id1514636385

SOF News is not a ‘money making’ enterprise; but we do have administrative, operating, and publishing expenses. Individuals and businesses provide the funds to defray these expenses. Their contributions are deeply appreciated. Learn how you can support SOF News.

By Anthony Bryant.

KALIX, Sweden – A U.S. Army Special Forces team assigned to 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne) acted as both Observer Coach Trainers and opposition forces for the Swedish Armed Forces Home Guard in Swedish Lapland from May 28 – June 2, 2023, to strengthen Special Operations Forces (SOF) capabilities and enhance partner force readiness.

“My role at the beginning of the exercise was to work with, observe and offer any help I could with company-level training,” said a Special Forces medical sergeant with 1st Battalion, 10th SFG (A). “First, we established a baseline of the capabilities of our partner force …And then we’d offer ways we’d tweak things or ways to make their (tactics, techniques and procedures) a bit more compatible with ours so that we could work together.”

Midway through the exercise, U.S. and Swedish Forces shifted from shooting ranges and combat drills to the scenario where Green Berets trained a simulated guerilla force composed of soldiers from a sister battalion to take on the Home Guard.

“The aircraft we were flying in went down and we landed somewhere we didn’t plan to and made a link-up with our partner force,” said the medical sergeant. “We eventually met up with the rest of our team, minus one [teammate]. We then conducted a hasty personnel recovery mission based on some limited intelligence we got in the scenario.”

Over the next few days, the Special Forces team conducted mission planning alongside their partner force to perform actions that would degrade, disrupt or destroy Home Guard capabilities.

“The scenario gave us time to almost completely rehearse what we’d be doing in irregular warfare – conducting a link-up with a force we didn’t know too much about; working through assessments, hitting a few targets to see what their capabilities are, what we have to work with and what direction we need to go,” said the Special Forces team sergeant. “What it really did was give us the time over five days to work through a very surface-level unconventional warfare campaign.”

The Department of Defense defines unconventional warfare as activities conducted to enable a resistance movement or insurgency to coerce, disrupt, or overthrow a government or occupying power by operating through or with an underground, auxiliary, and guerrilla force in a denied area.

“There was one mission where we conducted a recon on one of the Home Guard positions,” said the medical sergeant. “We took the opportunity to discuss procedures for conducting that recon, and we walked through how we’d do it…to adapt to what the threat was.”

Unconventional warfare is a thinking man’s game, and you will be thrown into scenarios where you have to make quick decisions that have strategic outcomes, the team sergeant said. The team took full advantage of the opportunity to train.

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This story by Staff Sgt. Anthony Bryant was first published by the U.S. Army on June 22, 2023. DoD content is in the public domain.

Top photo: A U.S. Army Special Forces medical sergeant assigned to 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne) instructs Soldiers with the Swedish Armed Forces Home Guard on combat tourniquet application in Kalix, Sweden, May 28, 2023. Photo by Staff Sgt. Anthony Bryant.

By Charles Davis.

Much has been mentioned in the past few months, regarding Chechnya’s part in military operations in Ukraine. Most recently, the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) asserted Chechen Akhmat (Spetsnaz) along with a Special Purpose Force Regiment were sent into the Donetsk region. [1] ISW suggests several possible reasons for Putin’s directing Ramzan Kadyrov to send forces to support this offensive and why Kadyrov may or may not be supportive. To understand where Kadyrov’s loyalties lie and ascertain his relationship with President Putin, we must review some significant events in Kadyrov’s rise to prominence.

On July 24, 2020 Sobesdnik, a popular Russian magazine, reported President Putin had awarded the rank of Major General in the National Guard Force to Ramzan Kadyrov. [2] Kadyrov was not an officer of any rank in the Russian military; he was and remains the current President of Chechnya, which is a federal subject of the Russian Federation. Kadyrov also maintains a highly negative profile within the US State Department. Just days before the announcement of his newest accolade, the United States placed him on restricted travel list, along with his wife and daughters. Kadyrov responded by posting a photo of himself with two AK-47s and a caption stating “[Mike] Pompeo, we accept the fight. Things are about to get more interesting.” [3]

Map: Location of Chechnya with the Russian Federation. Danloud, CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Estimating Putin’s motivations for this decision requires greater understanding of his relationship with Kadyrov and his desires for Chechnya.  Ramzan Akhmadovich Kadyrov is the son of former Chechen President Akhmad Kadyrov. The senior formed a militia (much like the mujahedeen of Afghanistan) during the First Chechen War, calling for Jihad against Russia. Akmad Kadyrov later supported Russia during the Second Chechen War and upon Russia’s victory was installed as the temporary leader by Vladimir Putin in 2000. [4] Akmad remained loyal to Russia and was officially elected to the position of President in 2003. In May 2004, when Akmad was assassinated in a bombing, Ramzan was twenty-seven years old and serving as the commander of the Kadyrovtsy (his father’s former militia group).

On the day of Akhmad’s death, Ramzan was flown to Moscow and received personal condolences from Putin, along with an appointment as the first Deputy Prime Minister. [5] In November 2005 he assumed the role of Acting Prime Minister and in March 2006 was officially installed as Prime Minister.  Throughout this period Ramzan retained the allegiance of and authority over an ever-growing Kadyrovtsy militia group.

One might liken Putin’s behavior to the Taliban’s acknowledgement of Jalaluddin Haqqani’s influence among the eastern provinces and the ultimate placement of his son Sirajuddin Haqqani as the Military Commander for Taliban. This comparison is strengthened by the fact that Putin is dealing with a Sunni Islamic state, heavily influenced by Sufism. Tribalism and patriarchal approaches are ingrained in the culture. Similar to the Afghan regional loyalties to their Mujahedeen heroes, Chechen loyalties are strong and lasting, developing through family and communal ties [6], especially in the mountainous northern regions of Chechnya.  

Photo: Image Credit Reliable henchman: Vladimir Putin with Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov in 2018. Image: kremlin.ru / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 4.0.

Putin understands these similarities; leading him to invest in Kadyrov as a family dynasty best equipped to continue to provide Moscow with stability in Chechnya.   To this end, Putin removed Alu Alkhanov as President in February 2007 and promoted Ramzan from Prime Minister to acting President; ultimately securing parliamentary support and instatement as the President in March 2007. [7] This timing is not happenstance. Chechen law requires the President to be at least thirty years old. Ramzan turned thirty in October of 2006.

Hanna Zimnitskaya sheds some light on Putin’s personal thoughts/fears regarding the ongoing threat of insurgency from the region and what it would mean to the country. In his work “A State within a State: The Case of Chechnya” Zimnitskaya quotes Putin:

“If we don’t stop the extremists now, then some time later we’ll be faced with another Yugoslavia in the entire territory of Russia, the Yugoslavization of Russia…First Dagestan will be overrun. Then the entire Caucasus would separate; that’s clear.  Dagestan, Ingushetia, and then up the Volga River to Bashkorstan and Tatarstan. This means advancing right into the middle of the country.” [8]

Putin’s concerns are justified, especially when considering attacks like the October 23, 2002 seizing of a Moscow theater, taking up to 700 people hostage and resulting in the death of many of the 50 hostage takers along with 120 hostages. [9] The Beslan School siege serves as another example; with Chechen separatists taking ~1,000 hostages and resulting in the deaths of 340, many of them children. [10]

Putin has given almost unconditional personal support and tremendous financial resources to Ramzan, in an effort to rebuild and stabilize Chechnya. Ramzan has led massive infrastructure developments in the country, which now boasts the largest mosque in the Russian Federation. When asked about his relationship with Ramzan, Putin stated: “I look upon him as a son, we have in recent years developed friendly, really friendly, personal relations and I am convinced, this has played a tremendously positive role in the life of the Chechen nation and for Russia.” [11]

Ramzan’s influence in the Caucasus is derived from his political ties and his hardline Islamic Law approach to issues he finds distasteful.  He is a demigod for many, including his Kadyrovtsy militia group, which is ~30,000 strong and accountable directly to him. [12] However, he is not without criticism at home and abroad. He is accused of human rights abuses, most recently directed against Chechnya’s homosexual population. Additionally, critics assert he directed numerous assassinations of those who challenge his methods. [13]

While accusations of human rights violations continue and are echoed by the United States, Ramzan endures and is effectively consolidating both military and religious power in the Northern Caucus Region. Ramzan has co-opted the Qadiriya (Sufi Muslim brotherhood), shifting their message to ant-extremism. [14] In his work “Ramzan Kadyrov: Insecure Strongman?” Martin Breitmaier alludes to Ramzan’s effectiveness as Russia’s ambassador to the Muslim nations. 

“Ramzan contributes to diplomacy between Russia and Muslim countries in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). In what is rather unusual for Russian regional politicians, the Chechen president has received or visited many senior political leaders of the MENA on behalf of Moscow (the Saudi king or Afghan vice president last year, for example). His role as one of Russia’s ‘Muslim ambassadors’ is especially important since several countries in the region view Russia in a negative light and the fate of Moscow’s key regional ally Bashar al-Assad remains uncertain.” [15]

Ramzan’s Chechen militia has garnered a reputation of effectiveness and brutality. As such, during the color-revolutions and anti-regime demonstrations in Moscow throughout 2011, elements of the Chechen Presidents personal bodyguard regiment were reportedly stationed in Moscow. Reports indicated the force would be used to dispel protestors near the Interior Ministry building. [16] Other reporting indicates elements of Ramzan’s militia are able to travel armed throughout Russia, with little to no restriction. [17]

In response to Ramzan’s consolidation of power throughout the Northern Caucuses, the Russian Federation attempted to purge his military power through a consolidation of his forces under the Russian National Guard (NG) or Rosgvardiya. This element of Russia’s military arm has only been fully operational since 2018 and is identified as a security agency structure. A recent product from the Foreign Military Studies Office at Ft. Leavenworth describes the structure and responsibilities:

“The main tasks include joint protection of law and order together with the police; the fight against terrorism and extremism; the protection of state establishments and special freight; the protection of the territorial defense of the country; and the assistance to border guards to protect the state border. Powers included the ability to arrest lawbreakers, enter residential premises to conduct searches or arrests, cordon off terrain or residential areas, and use physical force, along with special weapons and equipment.” [18]

The NG which reports directly to the Russian President includes, Special Purpose Mobility Unit, Special Rapid Response Unit, Extra-departmental Protection Service of the Chechen Ministry of the Interior and totals ~250,000. [19] The perceived attempt to purge or reduce Ramzan’s influence over military elements of his country may be inaccurate as his cousin Sharip Delimkhanov was selected as Chief of the Russian Guard Directorate for Chechnya. [20] The Jamestown foundation argues that Kadyrovsty militia ties to the NG are not likely to reduce Ramzan’s control or influence even as his forces change appearance and formal affiliation. [21]

Establishment of the NG and its heavy reliance on Kadyrovsty militia brings us to the most recent announcement and some insight as to why Ramzan Kadyrov is now not only the President of Chechnya but also one of the most senior officers within the Russian National Guard. It is possible Putin experienced some resistance to leaving Kadyrovsty under Kadyrov’s direct control. This would explain Delimkhanov’s selection as Chief of the Russian Guard Directorate for Chechnya.

It is also worth noting, Putin appointed Viktor Zolotov as Director of the NG. The National Defense Academy of Latvia’s Strategic Research Department suggests: 

“The nomination of Viktor Zolotov as NG commander and the replacement of important persons could be a part of “another trend in recent appointments, with Mr. Putin naming former bodyguards and intelligence agents to important political posts, such as regional governors” as it ensures their “unquestioning loyalty.” [22]

Zolotov has served Putin since the 1990s, first as a personal bodyguard then as commander of the Presidential Security services. [23] Zolotov has a notable relationship with Ramzan. Both attended as part of Putin’s official party during a state dinner of the Syrian Arab Republic in May 2010. Additionally, the Nemtsov foundation and the Atlantic Council suggest both Zolotov and Ramzan Kadyrov were complicit in coordinating for the assassination of prominent political activist Boris Nemtsov in 2015. [24] This implication may reinforce Latvia’s assessment that Putin is ensuring his NG serves with unquestioning loyalty.

Ramzan’s reach into emigrated populations of Chechens in Poland, France, and Austria is of significant importance as is the security of the Northern Caucuses and oil pipelines running from the south. Additionally, the soft power influence Ramzan wields within the Islamic countries opens doors for Putin in a difficult region. Lastly, Putin has been a constant supporter of Ramzan and has strong personal ties to the leader, which is openly apparent to Putin’s cabinet and staff. Who else would he want under direct control of his 250 thousand strong security force in the event critics or the Russian people gain tractions in attempts to push him out of office?

From a strategic perspective, it will be important to monitor how Putin deploys the Russian National Guard and the level of involvement Ramzan Kadyrov maintains in operations and decision-making. As we have seen throughout Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Putin has relied heavily on the protections of his inner circle. The relationship he has cultivated with Kadyrov has paid dividends and his decision to assign Kadyrov military rank and a place within the National Guard has also provided Putin with options as his both his traditional military leadership and Wagner remain at odds with one another.

[1] https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-may-31-2023

[2] https://sobesednik.ru/politika/20200724-gudkov-putin-dal-indulgenciyu

[3] https://meduza.io/en/feature/2020/07/24/the-u-s-sanctioned-ramzan-kadyrov-s-family-members-and-he-isn-t-taking-it-well

[4] http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/787811.stm

[5] https://frontline.thehindu.com/world-affairs/article30222673.ece

[6] https://moderndiplomacy.eu/2020/05/17/chechnya-the-ethno-political-flashpoint-plaguing-a-former-super-power/

[7] https://web.archive.org/web/20080308153448/http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,252203,00.html

[8] https://digitalcommons.macalester.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1014&context=intlstudies_honors

[9] https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/hostage-crisis-in-moscow-theater

[10] https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/chechen-separatists-storm-russian-school

[11] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HEl4Mt1CtkQ

[12] https://www.ifri.org/sites/default/files/atoms/files/rnv99_m._laruelle_kadyrovism_en_2017.pdf

[13] https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-31794742

[14] https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-31794742

[15] https://www.iss.europa.eu/sites/default/files/EUISSFiles/Alert%2010%20Kadyrov.pdf

[16] https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/slavic-review/article/inside-russias-imperial-relations-the-social-constitution-of-putinkadyrov-patronage/FA38D6E2093711CD76250D5152FF7CED/core-reader

[17] https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2013/03/24/fsb-officers-go-on-strike-after-release-of-chechen-cops-report-says-a22672

[18] https://community.apan.org/wg/tradoc-g2/fmso/m/fmso-books/197266

[19] https://www.ifri.org/sites/default/files/atoms/files/rnv99_m._laruelle_kadyrovism_en_2017.pdf

[20] https://community.apan.org/wg/tradoc-g2/fmso/m/fmso-books/197266

[21] https://jamestown.org/program/creation-of-russian-national-guard-could-affect-kremlin-policies-in-the-north-caucasus-2/

[22] https://www.baltdefcol.org/files/files/publications/RussianNationalGuard.pdf

[23] http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-35975840

[24] https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/blogs/ukrainealert/who-wanted-boris-nemtsov-dead-new-book-offers-new-look-at-evidence/  https://nemtsovfund.org/en/our-projects/investigation-into-boris-nemtsov-s-murder/

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Top photo: Kremlin.ru, CC BY 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons.

By Pat Carty.

Since 2006 I have attended a particular exercise in the UK, which has been very special for me. The reason being it has involved only helicopters from a foreign Air Force.

Exercise TAC Blaze, run by the Dutch Defence Helicopter Command (DHC), is based at Carlisle Airport. However, as TAC Blaze aims to train and qualify aircrew in low-level flying techniques, it utilises the vast areas of Cumbria and Northumberland. In addition, as its other aim is to train crews in Electronic Warfare, it centres itself on the Electronic Counter Measures Range at the nearby Royal Air Force Spadeadam.

The latest TAC Blaze, which incidentally has not been run in the UK since 2019, due to a reorganisation within the Dutch military, and then the outbreak of Covid, flew missions’ day and night and over the hilly terrain, and at very low altitudes. It also involved a variety of scenarios which simulated missions against potential adversary threats, whilst performing evasive manoeuvres and other tactics to defeat the enemy.

The first indication that TAC Blaze 23 was going ahead, was reports that 2 AS532U2 Cougar helicopters, call sign Wildcat (300 Squadron), 5 AH-64D Apache helicopters, call sign Knife (301 Squadron) and 4 CH-47F Chinook helicopters, call sign Sabre (298 Squadron) had departed from their Gilze-Rijen Air Base in Holland. After quick refuels at Northolt and Mildenhall, the formations arrived at Carlisle, delighting the locals and aviation enthusiasts who had gathered to welcome their arrival.

Photo: “Sabre” and “Wildcat” enroute to the IP during Exercise TAC Blaze 23. (photo by Duane Hewitt)

Ground support for the exercise had arrived previously by road, having crossed the North Sea. It consisted of up to 250 troops and 80 vehicles. Air support also arrived at Newcastle International Airport, using T-057, a Dutch Air Force A-330 (MMF39). 

Once established at Carlisle, the Dutch aircrews flew a complex variety of day and night missions, co-ordinated with RAF Spadeadam. Incidentally, Spade covers some 9,600 acres (38.8km2) and was available from 14.00 to 23.00 hours. 

Once the “Familiarisation Brief” had been completed each Monday, morning and afternoon missions were flown. Mondays were also used as “range familiarisation” by the weapons instructors, who then trained any new crews.

Between Tuesday and Thursday, afternoon and evening sorties were flown. However, Fridays were scheduled for daytime flying only. 

The second week tended to be a copy of the first, with the addition of new crews joining the exercise. These also needed to get familiar with the terrain, the systems, the hazards and the numerous antennas at Spadeadam.

Whilst at Spadeadam, crews flew evasive manoeuvres against the range radar systems. This consisted of the helicopter flying at higher altitudes, thus giving radar systems a chance to lock-on to the helicopters. Once the radar had locked- on, crews would fly much lower to attempt to lose the radar lock. Crews also practised how and when to deploy “chaff”. These aluminium-coated glass fibres stripes can either swamp a radar screen with multiple returns, or confuse guidance systems.

The Wednesday and Thursday sorties saw all three aircraft types flying together, starting with relatively small formations. For example, a single Apache would initially enter the landing zone, whilst attempting to evade radar detection. During these sorties, the Spade jamming facilities could also be used to disrupt the aircraft’s FM, VHF or UHF radios (and GPS if required). With the landing zone secure, Cougars or Chinooks could then touch down, simulating the insertion of Special Forces troops.

Photo: Lt Col Bob Oostrom, Exercise TAC Blaze 23. (photo by Duane Hewitt)

During TAC Blaze, I had what I thought would be the pleasure of interviewing Lieutenant Colonel Bob “Sleeer” Oostrom; Head of the Helicopter Warfare Centre at Gilze-Rijen Airbase and the TAC Blaze Exercise Commander. However, when I asked him what types of aircraft he had flown during his military career, the RAF Spadeadam Media Communications Officer raised her eyebrows and said: “You don’t want to go into personal things like that”! Due to her interruption, no way did I wish to continue the interview, especially discuss his units SF future. So, I thanked Lt Col Oostrom for the interview, and for providing one of each aircraft type for myself, a TV News cameraman and a local BBC radio reporter, to photograph. Then, after thanking Wing Commander Andrew Tidmarsh, the Station Commander, RAF Spadeadam, also Officer Commanding the Spadeadam Aggressor Squadron for attending, I left!

Incidentally, Lt Col Bob Oostrom’s flight name – Sleeer, is Dutch for a sleigh. Hence Bobsleigh.

All was not lost, the reason being that after talking unofficially to several crews, I now know TAC Blaze taught them a lot. That they enjoyed the exercise, and also enjoyed both meeting both the local people and seeing the local area.    

Were SF troops involved in this Tac Blaze? The previous exercise saw SF troops embedded within the exercise and based at Spade. However, as I did not venture into Spade this year, I cannot comment. I will also not mention those troops inserted by helicopter into Spade during this TAC Blaze, whilst gunfire could be heard. Then extracted! 

As for the 300 Squadron. They were scheduled to disband in 2011. However, that decision was gradually rolled-back due to the delayed entry of the NH Industries NH90 helicopter, and the planned mid-life update of the Dutch Boeing CH-47 Chinook. Both of which created a shortage in the Dutch transport helicopter capacity. In 2017, it was decided the squadron would remain operational until at least 2030 and, depending on future decision-making, receive a new dedicated mission; Special Operations Forces Air (SOF-Air). Since then, they have worked very closely with Dutch SOF.

On the 6 June 2023, the Dutch State Secretary Christophe Van Der Maat announced that 14 new H225M Caracal helicopters have been ordered, replacing the Cougars from the beginning of 2028.  So, there are now a lot of happy faces within SOF.

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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.

Top photo: “Wildcat 1” and “3” into Spadeadam during TAC Blaze 23. Photo by Duane Hewitt.

Curated news, analysis, and commentary about the Russian invasion of Ukraine, tactical situation on the ground, in the air, and on the seas. Additional topics include NATO, aid to Ukraine, refugees, internally displaced personnel, humanitarian efforts, cyber, and information operations.

Image / Photo: Staff Sgt. Dave Servida, 436th Aerial Port Squadron ramp supervisor, directs weapons cargo bound for Ukraine onto a C-17 Globemaster III during a security assistance mission at Dover Air Force Base, Delaware, Aug. 19, 2022. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Cydney Lee)

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Big Picture of the Conflict

Failed Winter Offensive (Russia) and Future Counteroffensive (Ukraine). The results of fighting over the winter was costly for both sides of the conflict. Now all eyes are watching the Ukrainian military for its expected spring offensive. Some analysts believe it will be a major attack at one focal point with the intent to thrust deep into the Russian rear area reaching the Sea of Azov. But others think it will be a series of shorter offensives spread across the front line. Currently, Ukraine is attacking Russian logistical depots and command and control centers behind enemy lines with artillery and missiles. Ukrainian officials are being quiet on when the counteroffensive will take place and have mounted a campaign against public disclosure of details – “Words are very unnecessary. They can only do harm”. (Twitter, June 4, 2023)

Has It Begun? There is speculation that the Ukrainian counteroffensive has already begun. U.S. officials say there are signs that a counteroffensive is now underway. Fighting is raging at several points on the front line. Most military analysts believe the attack will be concentrated on southern Ukraine in an attempt to sever the land bridge between western Russia and occupied Crimea.

News Reports on Counteroffensive:

• “This is Ukraine’s D-Day”, by Jamie Dettmer, Politico Europe, June 6, 2023.
• “Ukraine Intensifies Attacks on Russian Frontline Positions”, The New York Times, June 5, 2023. (subscription)
• “Is Ukraine’s Counteroffensive Here?”, The New York Times, June 5, 2023. (subscription)
• “Ukraine war: Kyiv says troops advance on eastern front”, BBC News, June 6, 2023.

NATO-Trained Units and the Coming Offensive. Ukrainian units have had personnel trained by European nations for months. Some of these units have been made from scratch – like the brand-new 47th Separate Mechanized Brigade that received its training at a NATO base in Germany. The 47th brigade and other assault units have been armed with Western weapons, including Bradley infantry fighting vehicles and Leopard tanks, that will allow it to cross minefields and trenches into the deep Russian rear area of operations. “NATO-trained units will serve as tip of spear in Ukraine’s counteroffensive”, The Washington Post, June 4, 2023. (subscription)

Battle for Bakhmut. The fight for the small industrial city on the frontlines in eastern Ukraine is in a temporary operational lull. The Russians appear to have reached their culminating point (no more capacity to conduct offensive operations) and are relying on the use of artillery and mortars to continue the fight around the city. The Russians announced that they achieved their objective of capturing the city. The Russian paramilitary organization, the Wagner Group, is pulling its forces to the rear for rest and refit; while the ground held is being turned over to regular and airborne Russian military troops. A Ukrainian defense spokesman said that at the end of May Ukrainian forces maintained control over the southwestern outskirts and entrance to Bakhmut City.

Increased Global Support for Ukraine. The Biden administration has given the green light for other nations to provide F-16s to Ukraine. This is one of many ‘signals’ that global support for Ukraine has increased and that nations are more willing to provide more lethal offensive weapons to that nation; weapons that can strike deep behind enemy lines and threaten Russian positions in Crimea. Ukraine is enjoying strong support throughout most of the world – even as the conflict rages on. Some think the conflict is at a turning point. “Did Ukraine just win the war?”, The Strategist, Australian Strategic Policy Institute, May 30, 2023.

Microsoft Report – Russian Cyber Operations. A Microsoft Threat Intelligence report has been published that analyzed Russian tactics over the twelve-month period since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022. The 18-page PDF examines what the investigative team has learned about Russian state tactics so far and what may be on the horizon. “A year of Russian hybrid warfare in Ukraine”, Microsoft, March 15, 2023. The United States is reported to have provided $37 million in cybersecurity assistance to Ukraine. (The Kyiv Independent, June 5, 2023).

Ground Situation

Tank Numbers. When the Russians invaded Ukraine in February 2022 they had a significant advantage in tanks and armored vehicles. However, the tank numbers are now about equal due to Russian losses and tanks provided to Ukraine by European nations. “Ukraine now probably has as many tanks as Russia”, Euromaiden Press, June 1, 2023.

Minefields and Fortifications. The Russians have been digging in for months in anticipation of an expected Ukrianian offensive to recapture territory taken by the Russians since February 2022. One expected axis of approach for the Ukrainian offensive is Zaporizhzhia region and the city of Melitopol. However, it is unknown if Ukraine has the necessary quantity of mine clearing and fortification breaching equipment to rapidly push through the Russian lines. “To liberate territory, Ukraine must smash fortified Russian defenses”, The Washington Post, June 2, 2023. (subscription)

SOF – Preparing the Battlefield. Expectations are high for a widely anticipated Ukrainian counteroffensive; perhaps too high. However, Kyiv is already making the first moves of the campaign with its special operations forces. “Ukrainian Special Forces – Preparing the Battlefield”, Center for European Policy Analysis (CEPA), May 22, 2023.

Chechen Leader Criticizes Wagner Group. Ramzan Kadyrov has come out vocally against the leader of the Wagner Group – Yevgeny Prigozhin. He says that the leader of the Russian paramilitary group should not criticize the Russian military and should provide more vocal support for Putin. Chechen “Akhmat” forces have been active on the frontlines supporting the Russian occupation of Ukraine. Prigozhin has accused the Kremlin of fabricating a rift between him and Kadyrov.

The Other Russian Mercenaries. While the Wagner Group gets most of the headlines there are numerous private military groups in Russia . . . some fighting in Ukraine. “Everyone is talking about Wagner. But who are Russia’s other mercenairies?”, Euronews, May 16, 2023.

Sabotage Cells in Russia. Ukraine has cultivated sabotage agents inside Russia and is giving them drones to stage attacks. The drones have been launched from inside Russia; some targeting the Kremlin. (CNN Politics, June 5, 2023).

Situation Maps.  War in Ukraine by Scribble Maps. The Institute for the Study of War presents a map that depicts the assessed control of terrain in Ukraine as of March 6, 2023, 3:00 PM ET. View more Ukraine SITMAPs that provide updates on the disposition of Russian forces.

News Updates. A detailed daily update of the war – a daily review – is provided by Euromaidan Press. And, of course, there is the always comprehensive daily report by the Institute for the Study of War.

Fight for the Skies

Air Attacks Continue. Despite reports over the past several months that Russia has been expending its supply of missiles the pace of the air attacks is continuing. A combination of drone and cruise missiles have targeted command and control nodes and logisitical facilities over the past four weeks – many times in the nations capital of Kyiv. In the past month over 400 Iranian Shahed drones and 114 cruise missiles (Politico) have struck Ukraine.

F-16s for Ukraine. There is a lot of support for NATO nations to provide F-16s to Ukraine. After months of public lobbying by Ukraine there appears that some may be going to Ukraine. In May, President Joe Biden said that the U.S. will support training Ukrainian pilots to fly the aircraft and has said he supports the providing of F-16s to Ukraine by Poland and other European nations. While the public may have high expectations for the F-16 there are many factors that will need to be taken into account. “What F-16s Will (and Won’t) Do For Ukraine”, The RAND Blog, May 31, 2023. See also “Ukraine’s Quest for Air Superiority: The Implications of F-16 Fighter Jets in the Conflict”, SOFREP, May 20, 2023.

Drones – Cost Effective. One defense expert has conducted research on the cheapest and most effective means of destroying infantry or armored units. He has found that, in many instances, the use of small drones comes out on top. “Study shows drones the cheapest, most effective in battle against Russian invasion”, Euromaiden Press, May 28, 2023.

Maritime Activities

Ukrainian Naval SOF Unit. A quiet but intense battle is raging near Kherson, which Ukraine recaptured from Russia last year. The fight is happening along the Dnipro River, which divides Ukrainian and Russian-held territory. The 73rd Naval Center of Special Operations appears to be leading the effort for Ukraine. “A secretive SEAL-like unit is leading Ukraine’s shadowy battle against Russia in a vital corner of the country”, Business Insider, May 28, 2023.

Importance of the Black Sea. Mara Karlin, assistant secretary of defense for strategy, plans, and capabilities spoke at the Black Sea and Balkans Security Forum in Bucharest, Romania in mid-May 2023. In her comments she stated that the Black Sea is a crucial crossroads for the world and is an area of critical geostrategic importance. “U.S. Official Looks to Deter Russia in Black Sea Region”, DoD News, May 19, 2023.

General Information

Report – Middle East and North Africa: Implications of the Russia-Ukraine War. Congressional Research Service (CRS), updated June 2, 2023, PDF, 30 pages.
https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/R/R47160

Documentary on Mariupol. A film named “20 Days in Mariupol” made its premiere in Ukraine on June 3, 2023, when it was seen by the first time by some of the Ukrainian medics and first responders who were chronicled in the documentary. The film is a joint project between The Associated Press and PBS Frontline and footage was taken from three Ukrainian journalists who were in Mariupol during the seige and capture by the Russians. “Award-winning Mariupol documentary screened for 1st time in Ukraine”, AP News, June 4, 2023.

Ukraine and Military Observers. History shows us that sending military officers to observe foreign wars yields benefits. We should send some to Ukraine to prepare our forces for the future. “U.S. Military Observers and Why They Are Needed in Ukraine”, War on the Rocks, May 12, 2023.

Additional U.S. Assistance. On May 31, 2023, the U.S. Department of Defense announced that President Biden has authorized the 39th drawdown of U.S. arms and equipment for Ukraine. This will provide an additional $300 million worth of equipment. The security package includes significant air defense capabilities, ammunition for HIMARS and artillery, and other field equipment. Some of the air defense equipment includes additional munitions for Patriot air defense systems, Avenger air defense systems, Stinger antiaircraft systems, and AIM-7 missiles for air defense. A Fact Sheet on U.S. Security Assistance to Ukraine (dated May 31, 2023) details the security assistance provided to Ukraine since February 2022.

Body of U.S. Green Beret Recovered. Nick Maimer, a former U.S. Special Forces soldier, was killed in the embattled city of Bakhmut in mid-May 2023. He was performing humanitarian work and training defense forces when he was killed. The Russian paramilitary organization, Wagner Group, turned the body after efforts by Perry Blackburn, another former Green Beret associated with the non-profit organization AFGfree, interceded into the affair. “Body of US Special Forces Veteran Turned Over by Russian Mercenary Group”, Military.com, May 26, 2023. Watch a video about the death of Maimer in “CNN pieces together clues about American killed in Bakhmut”, CNN World, May 26, 2023.

Commentary

What Ukraine Must Do to Win. Two retired U.S. Special Forces officers, Erik Kramer and Paul Schneider, provide their perspective on what the Ukrainian military needs to do to be victorious in the conflict with Russia. They are co-founders of the Ukraine Defense Support Group headquartered in Kyiv, Ukraine. They observed a series of common trends: lack of mission command, effective training, and combined arms operations. The logistic and maintenance systems are ad hoc. The use of special operations forces needs to be fine-tuned. One specific aspect of training that is needed is the implementation of a 30-day train-the-trainer program that focuses on mission command of combined arms from the brigade level down. “What the Ukrainian Armed Forces need to Do to Win”, War on the Rocks, June 2, 2023.

What is Russia’s Strategy? Putin may have already attained his goals in Ukraine. He has occupied the entire western coastline of the Sea of Azov, captured vital Ukrainian ports on the Sea of Azov, established a land corridor between Russia and Crimea, and occupied swaths of agricultural and industrial regions of eastern Ukraine. His military will outlast Ukraine’s in a war of attrition, the vital support of western nations may ebb over time, and Ukraine’s economic future is in peril. Read more in “What Is Russia’s Strategy in Ukraine?”, Modern War Institute at West Point, June 5, 2023.

Resources about the Ukraine Conflict

Maps of Ukraine
https://www.national-security.info/ukraine/maps.html

Weapons of the Ukraine War.
https://www.national-security.info/ukraine/weapons.html

Ukraine Conflict Info. The Ukrainians have launched a new website that will provide information about the war. It is entitled Russia Invaded Ukraine and can be found at https://war.ukraine.ua/.

Ukrainian Think Tanks – Brussels. Consolidated information on how to help Ukraine from abroad and stay up to date on events.

UNCN. The Ukraine NGO Coordination Network is an organization that ties together U.S.-based 501c3 organizations and non-profit humanitarian organizations that are working to evacuate and support those in need affected by the Ukraine crisis. https://uncn.one

Photo: A U.S. special operations forces soldier practices sniper rifle marksmanship aboard an airborne Hellenic UH-H1 Iroquois “Huey” helicopter during Hellenic SOFEX ORION 23, April 28, 2023, near Megara, Greece. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Jacob Dunlap)

Special operations forces from Greece, Bulgaria, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and the United States took part in a multinational SOF exercise known as Hellenic SOFEX Orion 23 during April 2023. The exercise increased interoperability and strengthened international stability in an ever-evolving security environment.

Some of the training events included a mock raid under the cover of night near Ippokratios Politia, Greece and SOF snipers conducted practice sniper rifle marksmanship aboard an airborne Hellenic UH-H1 Iroquois “Huey” helicopter.

Curated news, analysis, and commentary about the Russian invasion of Ukraine, tactical situation on the ground, in the air, and on the seas. Additional topics include NATO, aid to Ukraine, refugees, internally displaced personnel, humanitarian efforts, cyber, and information operations.

Image / Photo: Destroyed Russian tanks in the Sumy region, Ukraine. Photo by Irina Rybakova, press service of the Ukrainian Ground Forces, March 7, 2022.

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Big Picture of the Conflict

Leaked Documents. The top secret documents leaked by an Air National Guardsman have revealed a lot of the behind the scenes happenings with the Ukraine conflict. One aspect of the conflict is the likelihood of a prolonged conflict that appears to be a stalemate; but one that favors Russia over the long-term. Since Russia is a larger country with more resources, industrial capacity, and a large population base, it can afford a long war of attrition. “Leaked documents could both help and hurt Ukraine”, The Hill Defense, April 16, 2023. The U.S. Department of Defense says that the leaked documents will not hinder cooperation with NATO partners in the support for Ukraine. “Partnered Commitment to Ukraine Unlikely to be Deterred by Recent Intel Leaks”, DoD News, April 17, 2023.

Russian Recruitment. Enlistment offices across Russia are attempting to bring recruits into the military. A new campaign is underway canvassing high schools and colleges. A mobilization in September 2022 of 300,000 reservists was the spark to led to tens of thousands of military age men to flee Russia for other countries. Russia is avoiding another large-scale call up as it resulted in wide spread opposition. “New Russian campaign tries to entice men to fight Ukraine”, AP News, March 26, 2023.

Ground Situation

News Updates. A detailed daily update of the war – a daily review – is provided by Euromaidan Press. And, of course, there is the always comprehensive daily report by the Institute for the Study of War.

Situation Maps.  War in Ukraine by Scribble Maps. The Institute for the Study of War presents a map that depicts the assessed control of terrain in Ukraine as of March 6, 2023, 3:00 PM ET. View more Ukraine SITMAPs that provide updates on the disposition of Russian forces.

Fight for Bakhmut and Stalingrad. Gaelan Hanlon provides an analysis of the Battle of Bakhmut. He used the historical example of the Battle for Stalingrad during World War II as a comparison model. His analysis concludes that the time has come for the Ukrainians to cede control of this small industrial city in eastern Ukraine to the Russians. The defenders should withdraw and live to fight another day. “How Long Should Ukrainian Forces Defend Bakhmut? Lessons from Stalingrad”, Modern War Institute, April 18, 2023.

“A Wall of Armor”. The Russian invasion and occupation of Ukraine has galvanized NATO countries into action. Eastern European countries are learning from the conflict in Ukraine that main battle tanks still have a role in a ground war. Part of the response to Russian aggression is sending tanks to Ukraine. This then requires the acquisition of new tanks. Many nations are looking to acquire the M1 Abrams, a U.S. made main battle tank. “The M1 Abrams is becoming the Benchmark Main Battle Tank for Eastern Europe”, Real Clear Defense, April 18, 2023.

‘Gun Trucks’ for Ukraine. In an effort to counter the wide-spread use of drones by the Russians the U.S. will soon be providing an inexpensive counter-air solution to Ukraine. 30mm guns that can be mounted on the back of trucks will be sent to the country in the coming months. Kind of like the technicals found in smaller countries – big guns on pickup trucks; but better. “US providing Ukraine with 30mm gun trucks to blast Iranian drones out of the sky”, Task & Purpose, April 5, 2023.

Fight for the Skies

More Airpower Needed. Douglas Birkey of the Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies argues that Kyiv needs more jets – and points to the recently leaked U.S. intelligence documents to buttress his argument. Ukraine’s stockpile of surface-to-air missiles are running low and Russia could be on the verge of gaining air superiority later this spring. This would be a disaster for Ukraine’s planned counteroffensive that may kick off in a matter of weeks. “Don’t want to lose Ukraine? Empower Kyiv with airpower”, Breaking Defense, April 17, 2023.

Finland’s Airspace. The skies of Finland are now open for NATO surveillance and intelligence missions. This will allow NATO to monitor Russian activities more closely in the region. The first surveillance flight was conducted on March 23, 2023. Both manned and unmanned aircraft will be performing these future intelligence gathering missions. Both Sweden and Finland joined NATO’s Alliance Persistent Surveillance from Space (APSS) program in February 2023. Finland, currently a ‘NATO partner’, has applied to join NATO in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and other aggressive activities in the region. “Finland opens airspace for NATO surveillance and intelligence flights”, Defence Today, March 23, 2023.

Maritime Activities

Blockade of Crimea? Ukraine seems determined, if you listen to the rhetoric, to recapture Crimea from Russia. The peninsula was annexed in 2014 at the beginning of the Russian Ukraine War. Most military analysts believe that Ukraine does not have the military capability to retake Crimea. However, some suggest a Ukrainian blockade is feasible. The peninsular is susceptible to a blockade. It’s two main supply routes are over the Crimea Bridge that spans the Kerch Strait or on the land route from the Russian border, along the west coast of the Sea of Azov (close to the front lines), and across the narrow band of land that connects Crimea to Ukraine. Read more in “Why Blockading Rather Than Retaking Crimea Might Be Kyiv’s Best Option”, The Rand Blog, April 10, 2023.

General Information

Changes in NATO Military Strategy. The North Atlantic Treaty Organization is becoming the fighting alliance it once was during the Cold War. NATO is moving from a strategy of deterrence by retaliation to deterrence by denial. For the Baltic States, this new strategy is one they can embrace. “Russian Invasion of Ukraine Revolutionizes NATO Military Strategy”, by Steven Erlanger, The New York Times, April 17, 2023.

Guardsmen to Train with Ukrainian Troops. Members of the Arkansas National Guard are heading to Germany for a year-long mission. They will assume command of the Joint Multinational Training Group – Ukraine (JMTG-U) at Grafenwoehr where they will mentor and advise Ukrainians. “39th Infantry Brigade Combat Team to Work With Ukrainian Forces”, National Guard, April 6, 2023.

TS Docs on Social Media. It appears that Top Secret Pentagon documents with details about the war in Ukraine have been published on some social media sites (Telegram and Twitter). The Pentagon is reviewing the matter but has not provided many details. The Department of Justice has opened an investigation into the leaks. The documents include maps of Ukraine, where troops are concentrated, and the kinds of weapons available to the Ukrainian forces. Defense analysts are picking apart the posted documents determining what is real and what is fiction. “Top-secret Pentagon documents on Ukraine war appear on social media”, NPR, April 7, 2023. See also “Pentagon probing leaked docs purporting to preview Ukraine offensive”, New York Post, April 7, 2023. And this article as well . . . “Russians Accused of Doctoring Leaked Western Documents on Ukraine War”, Voice of America, April 7, 2023.

UK SOF in Ukraine? According to some leaked U.S. intelligence documents the United Kingdom has UK special forces operating in Ukraine. One document indicates that as many as 50 UK SOF personnel had been deployed to Ukraine alongside SOF from other nations. The UK Ministry of Defence is pushing back on the claims saying:

“The widely reported leak of alleged classified US information has demonstrated a serious level of accuracy. Readers should be cautious about taking a face value allegations that have the potential to spread disinformation.”Spokesman for UK MoD, April 11, 2023, MOD @DefenceHQ Twitter

U.S. SOF In Ukraine. The CIA and U.S. Army Special Forces have some personnel based in Ukraine serving in an advisory capacity. Read more in “The Unknown Mission of American Special Ops Troops Fighting in Ukraine”, SOFREP, April 16, 2023. (subscription) See also “Ukraine Situation Report: US Troops for Embassy Support Only Pentagon Says”, The Drive, April 17, 2023.

New Ukrainian Head of SOF. Yevhenii Khmara has been appointed by President Zelenskyy as the head of the Alpha Group of the Security Service of Ukraine and head of the Special Operations Centre. Yahoo! News, April 14, 2023.

Egypt’s About Face. Apparently, according to leaked intelligence reports, Egypt was prepared to provide rockets to Russia for its use in the Ukraine conflict. But it seems that U.S. intervention has swayed the country to instead provide 152mm and 155mm artillery ammunition to Ukraine instead. Initial plans had Egypt providing up to 40,000 122mm Sakr-45 rockets to Russia. “Egypt nearly supplied rockets to Russia, agreed to arm Ukraine instead, leak shows”, The Washington Post, April 17, 2023. (subscription)

Commentary and Papers

Russia’s Frozen Billions. The economic cost of the war has been catastrophic for Ukraine. One-third of its population has been displaced and one-third of its GDP has been lost. Cities, towns, and villages have been destroyed. The civilian infrastructure will take years to rebuild. However, there is a source of funding that could assist Ukraine with the economic pain it is experiencing. Approximately $300 billion in Russian central bank assets that were frozen by Western governments could be used to counter the costs of Moscow’s destruction of Ukraine. “The moral and legal case for sending Russia’s frozen $300 billion to Ukraine”, The Washington Post, March 20, 2023. (subscription)

Moldova – In the Crosshairs? Russian aggression in Ukraine has captured the attention of this east European country. Sharing a border with Ukraine (Google Maps) and having its own bit of troubles with Russian agitators, Moldova is weathering a storm of uncertainty and unrest. Russia’s attempts to destabilize the country through disinformation, propaganda, and agitation are a very real threat. “War as a Neighbor”, Foreign Policy Research Institute, April 14, 2023.

Paper – The Russian General Staff. A host of authors provide an understanding of the Russian military’s decision making role in a ‘besieged fortress’. This document details the formal authorities and responsibilities of the Russian General Staff and the General Staff’s capacity to influence Russia’s national security decision making process. RAND Corporation, March 2023, PDF, 132 pages. https://www.rand.org/pubs/research_reports/RRA1233-7.html

Resources about the Ukraine Conflict

Maps of Ukraine
https://www.national-security.info/ukraine/maps.html

Weapons of the Ukraine War.
https://www.national-security.info/ukraine/weapons.html

Ukraine Conflict Info. The Ukrainians have launched a new website that will provide information about the war. It is entitled Russia Invaded Ukraine and can be found at https://war.ukraine.ua/.

Ukrainian Think Tanks – Brussels. Consolidated information on how to help Ukraine from abroad and stay up to date on events.

UNCN. The Ukraine NGO Coordination Network is an organization that ties together U.S.-based 501c3 organizations and non-profit humanitarian organizations that are working to evacuate and support those in need affected by the Ukraine crisis. https://uncn.one

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

Photo / Image: A diver inserts an ice screw during an emergency procedures drill as part of an ice diving exercise in Sheridan Lake, British Columbia, March 14, 2023. The exercise is designed to enhance interoperability between U.S. and Canadian diving units. (Courtesy Photo, DoD, March 14, 2023)

Do you receive our daily newsletter? If not, you can sign up here and enjoy it five (almost) days a week with your morning coffee (or afternoon tea depending on where in the world you are).

SOF News

Best Ranger Competition. A team from the 75th Ranger Regiment won the Best Ranger Competition. This was the third year in the row that a team from the 75th took first place. This year’s competition saw 56 teams taking part. The teams went through 32 different events over the course of three days that tested their physical, technical, and cognitive skills.

Pararescue Jumpers. The Air Force’s PJs perform very challenging rescue missions under extreme and hazardous conditions in remote environments. The PJs undergo rigorous physical and mental training to include parachuting, scuba diving, and intensive medical training. Learn more about the history, organization, and training of the PJs. “Air Force pararescue teams: Unsung heroes of special operations”, We Are the Mighty, April 17, 2023.

ARSOF and Post 9/11. During the 21 years since the terrorist attacks of September 2001 the Army Special Operations Forces have been in the forefront of the Global War on Terror (GWOT). Read about the men and women of ARSOF who lost their lives in the GWOT. “7,290 Days: A Salute to the ARSOF Fallen of the Post 9/11 Era”, ARSOF History, April 14, 2023.

MH-53 Pave Low. Read about the helicopter that has transported PJs and other Spec Ops types to and from the battlefield. The Pave Low helicopter program provided an airframe that could operate at night and/or during inclement weather. it has some advanced features that make the MH-53 able to fly clandestine, low-level missions 24/7 no matter the weather or light conditions. “MH-53 Pave Low: A U.S. Military Helicopter Designed to Save Lives”, 1945, April 2023.

“Dirty Boat Guys”. The legacy of the Navy’s Special Warfare Combatant-Craft Crewmen (SWCC) dates back to the Beach Jumpers and PT Boats of World War II. The history of SWCC can be traced as well through the 1950s and into the 1960s where boat crews support Navy SEALs and Green Berets during the Vietnam conflict. In 1987, when the Naval Special Warfare units became part of the United States Special Operations Command (USASOC), the boat crews continued their work overseas in conflict areas leading into the Global War on Terror (GWOT) era. Read more in “Dirty Boat Guys: An Expansive History of Navy SWCC”, by Matt Fratus, Coffee or Die Magazine, April 16, 2023.

Cuts to TACPs? The elite corps of tactical air control party airmen may very well be cut in half over the next three years. The Air Force is downsizing certain units in its transition to being prepared to fight in the Indo-Pacific region. The TACPs deploy with Army and special operations forces on the ground and a critical to calling in close air support. “Air Force looks to cut nearly 50% of tactical air control party jobs”, Air Force Times, April 14, 2023.

Adm Howard on BoD for Somewear Labs. A technology company enabling critical communications for defense has announced that Rear Admiral Hugh Wyman Howard III (ret.) has been appointed to its Board of Directors. (PR Newswire, Apr 17, 2023). Admiral Howard previously served as the Commanding Officer of the Naval Special Warfare Command.

Ex-SF Officer and Free Burma Rangers. For over 25 years a former Green Beret has been dodging bullets to bring humanitarian aid to rebels in Burma’s ongoing civil conflict. A reporter from the Rolling Stone spent three weeks in the jungle with Dave Eubank. Read about it in “Zealot or Savior? This U.S. minister is training rebels in a Civil War”, The Rolling Stone, April 16, 2023.

International SOF

Women in IDF. From 2020-2021, the Israeli Defense Force conducted an analysis of combat positions for women. Previous studies had found that there was a low probability for women being able to fulfill the physical requirements of certain units, such as armored and heavy infantry. Some elite units are open to women while others are not. “IDF: Women can’t serve in combat units due to physiological differences”, The Jerusalem Post, April 17, 2023.

India’s Special Forces. Read about the history, training, and missions of India’s Special Forces. “Enabling India’s Finest Soldiers”, Frontier India, April 17, 2023.

Australian SASR. The demands placed on the Special Air Service Regiment and Commando Regiment have stretched Australia’s elite troopers to the point where they may be a systemic culture problem that needs fixing. MENAFN, April14, 2023.

Portuguese SOF. The Army Special Operations Forces of Portugal are part of the Army Rapid Reaction Brigade. Portuguese Army SOF has participated in missions and operations by the United Nations, European Union, and NATO. Read about the organization, tasks, mission, operations, training, weapons, and equipment of the SOF unit based in Lamego, Portugal. “Portuguese Army Special Operations Forces”, Spec Ops Magazine, April 12, 2023.

Russian Spetsnaz in Ukraine. Hundreds of Russian commandos are being used as frontline soldiers, with poor results. According to leaked documents tracking the war in Ukraine, losses have been so high among the elite units that it could take up to a decade to replace the losses of the last 14 months. “Russia’s Spetsnaz forces are being annihilated in Ukraine, leaks claim”, Task & Purpose, April 16, 2023.

SOF History

“Nick Rowe”. On April 21, 1989, Col James N. “Nick” Rowe was assassinated in the Manila, Philippines. He was an American prisoner of war that escaped captivity during the Vietnam War after being held for five years. He helped establish the US Army Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape (SERE) training program at Fort Bragg. He was killed by a unit of the New People’s Army in the Philippines.

Failed Hostage Rescue Attempt. Operation Eagle Claw was a failed attempt to rescue American hostages held in the U.S. Embassy in Tehran, Iran on April 24, 1979.

Ukraine Conflict

UK SOF in Ukraine? According to some leaked U.S. intelligence documents the United Kingdom has UK special forces operating in Ukraine. One document indicates that as many as 50 UK SOF personnel had been deployed to Ukraine alongside SOF from other nations. The UK Ministry of Defence is pushing back on the claims saying:

“The widely reported leak of alleged classified US information has demonstrated a serious level of accuracy. Readers should be cautious about taking a face value allegations that have the potential to spread disinformation.”

Spokesman for UK MoD, April 11, 2023, MOD @DefenceHQ Twitter

U.S. SOF In Ukraine. The CIA and U.S. Army Special Forces have some personnel based in Ukraine serving in an advisory capacity. Read more in “The Unknown Mission of American Special Ops Troops Fighting in Ukraine”, SOFREP, April 16, 2023. (subscription) See also “Ukraine Situation Report: US Troops for Embassy Support Only Pentagon Says”, The Drive, April 17, 2023.

New Ukrainian Head of SOF. Yevhenii Khmara has been appointed by President Zelenskyy as the head of the Alpha Group of the Security Service of Ukraine and head of the Special Operations Centre. Yahoo! News, April 14, 2023.

National Security

Capture of ISIS Operative. On April 12, CENTCOM announced that U.S. forces conducted a helicopter raid on April 8, 2023, in eastern Syria capturing an attack facilitator and two of his associates. Read more in “U.S. Special Forces Silently Hunting ISIS in Syria”, Newsweek, April 17, 2023.

Female Afghan Interpreters Who Worked for U.S. SOF Now in U.S. Members of the Afghan Female Tactical Platoon served as interpreters for U.S. special operations forces hunting the Taliban. After the takeover of the Afghan government by the Taliban in August 2021 more than forty members of the FTP were able to make their way to the United States. The legal future of these veterans of the Afghan war is now in question. They wait for their asylum packets to clear the bureaucracy hurdles but at the same time are hoping that the Afghan Adjustment Act passes Congress this year.

Conflict in Sudan. Fighting has erupted Saturday between the Sudanese Army and a paramilitary group. The capital city, Khartoum, is suffering from water and electricity shortages. Sudan has been ruled by two generals who took power in a coup two years ago and was supposed to transition to civilian rule in one month. The rival forces are fighting for control of the country. Read more in “Sudan’s Violent Power Struggle: A Situational Assessment”, Grey Dynamics, April 16, 2023. “US Top Diplomat Calls for Ceasefire in Sudan as Death Toll Nears 200”, Voice of America, April 18, 2023.

CIA’s ‘Zero Units’ – Now in Limbo. Afghan members of a clandestine U.S.-trained counterterrorism force were flown to the U.S. on military transports during the Kabul NEO of August 2021. Many of them have now been admitted to the United States where they are now in a ‘legal limbo’. Some members of the U.S. intelligence community worry that the U.S. is neglecting men who were a key asset during the long war. “They helped the CIA in Afghanistan. Now They’re Suffering in America”, The Washington Post, April 16, 2023. (subscription)

Biden’s Botched Afghan Policy. The recent release of a the Afghan withdrawal report by the Biden administration laid blame for the chaos in August 2021 on the Trump administration. The Biden administration took no blame for the catastrophic withdrawal. This lack of accountability is cited by many as a sign of failed leadership. “Accountability for Biden’s Botched Afghan Withdrawal?”, Real Clear Defense, April 15, 2023.

Upcoming Events

May 8-11, 2023. Tampa, Florida
SOF Week
USSOCOM

May 16-18, 2023. Fort Bragg, NC and via Zoom
Geostrategic Symposium 2023
USASOC

May 22-26, 2023. Indianapolis, Indiana
Special Forces Association Convention

May 31, 2023. Ijamsville, MD
6th Annual Golf Tournament
Three Rangers Foundation

June 21-22, 2023
Warrior East
ADS

August 5, 2023. Perdido Key, Florida
Deep Dive 2023 Combat Diver Reunion
CDF

SOF News welcomes the submission of articles for publication. If it is related to special operations, current conflicts, national security, or defense then we are interested.

Pubs and Movies

Military Review. The March-April 2023 issue of Military Review is now online. This online magazine by the Army University Press has several interesting articles on doctrine, operational art, mission modeling for commanders, irregular approach to integrated deterrence (financial access denial), air defense artillery, suicide prevention, and more.

CRS Report on DNI. The Congressional Research Service has published a short brief about the Director of National Intelligence. The DNI oversees the integration of the intelligence functions of the 18 statutory elements of the Intelligence Community (IC) and serves as the principal intelligence advisor to the President. Learn more about the creation of the DNI position, authorities, and responsibilities. PDF, April 7, 2023, 3 pages. https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/IF/IF10470

Movie Review – Tears of the Sun. This movie came out in 2003 and features Bruce Willis as a U.S. Navy SEAL. His team is given the task of rescuing a missionary and her staff in an African country in the midst of conflict. “Bruce Willis’ Film ‘Tears of the Sun’ Gave Post-9/11 America An Important Moral Message”, War History Online, April 14, 2023.

Podcasts

The Pinelander. Blacksmith Publishing
https://www.thepinelander.com/

SOFCAST. United States Special Operations Command
https://linktr.ee/sofcast

The Indigenous Approach. 1st Special Forces Command
https://open.spotify.com/show/3n3I7g9LSmd143GYCy7pPA

Irregular Warfare Podcast. Modern War Institute at West Point
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/irregular-warfare-podcast/id1514636385