The DOL Foundation is a national non-profit dedicated to professionally developing military service members, veterans, first responders, and spouses, no matter if they are currently serving or prior service. The Foundation is wholly donor-driven, with as close to 100% of donations received going directly to those we serve.

The DOL Foundation was founded in September 2023 by a cross-functional Board of military servicemembers. Each Board Member has served our country and shown dedication through their continued service.  

Scott Kinder (former Army Special Forces), Otis McGregor (LTC Ret. Army Special Forces), Junior Ortiz (LtCol Ret. USMC), and Ramiro Villalobos (E7 Ret. US Air Force) are each established professionals intent on building a strong Foundation honoring the service and commitment of those who’ve served. No board member receives a salary, we have no corporate offices, we hire no consultants, and we don’t discriminate as to who we serve.

The DOL Foundation is focused solely on the professional development of those we serve. We provide donor-funded coaching, funding pathways for industry-accredited certifications, and educational scholarships.

We believe our coaching services to be a key differentiator in our approach. The overarching goal of our 5 hours of coaching is to help focus on life post-service. We want to give them tools to live life with intention while pursuing their purpose to desired success.

Some of the topics we cover over the five hours of our three-phased coaching are:

Phase 1:

1. Self-awareness and Mindfulness
2. Creating the Vision and Developing a Plan: Ideal Day
3. Owning and Controlling Your Calendar
4. Defining your Post-Service Values

Phase 2: 

1. Targeting What You Want
2. Build your Network
3. Translating Professional Value

Phase 3: 

1. Establishing Milestones and Execution
2. Opportunity Analysis
3. Personal Gap Analysis

All coaching and approved certification costs are covered 100% by the DOL Foundation, and each coaching session is tailored to the service member’s or spouse’s unique needs by matching them to one of our three coaching levels.

The DOL Foundation believes at its core that little is currently being done through existing transition offerings to provide individually tailored professional development services. This failure adds undue stress and anxiety to a complicated post-service career.  

De Oppresso Liber, “DOL,” is Latin for “to free the oppressed” and is the motto of the US Army Special Forces. Our coaches and the Foundation take this calling to heart: we will help those we serve to identify and eliminate what is “oppressing” them and barring them from a happy and successful post-military career.

You can find out more about the DOL Foundation at https://dolfoundation.com, and you can support our mission by donating at https://dolfoundation.com/donate. You can also email any questions you have to Scott Kinder, our Chairman of the Board, scott@dolcoach.com

Watch these three very excellent videos about the training one has to go through to become a Special Warfare Combatant-craft Crewman (SWCC) in the Naval Special Warfare (NSW) community.

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SWCC: Making an Operator, All Hands Magazine, July 4, 2023, YouTube

Episode 1, 16 minutes
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LvVyDhGuSTw

Episode 2, 24 minutes
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d399gVkbU5c

Episode 3, 16 minutes
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q470w6HMoGQ

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Image by Austin Rooney, Defense Media Activity, July 5, 2023.

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.”

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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.)

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

While at SOF Week 2023 in Tampa, Florida from May 8-11, 2023, I visited a number of very interesting and informative displays in the exhibition hall. One of the more compelling booths featured TACMED Solutions K9 Diesel. This highly realistic training manikin is provided for Military Working Dog (MWD) handlers, veterinarians, first responders, and others to help them to render aid to a MWD at the Point of Injury . . . and later in the emergency veterinary clinic.

Diesel was named in memory of a heroic canine who died in the line of duty following the 2015 Paris terror attacks. The training manikin was developed jointly with the U.S. Special Operations Command. Diesel weighs approximately 55 pounds and is based on a Belgian Malinois.

Training Scenarios. K9 Diesel offers 28 different medical training interventions and features. These include active bleeding, active breathing, sounds, pulses, and a realistic mouth and airway for intubation. Each of the training features replicate the look, feel, and function of actual medical procedures. The manikin can breath, has interchangable limbs, and has a pulse. It provides opportunities to treat for intestinal evisceration, airway management, intubation, CPR, and more.

Photos: Left – a dog handler treating his MWD (K9 Diesel) during a mission (training). Right – K9 Diesel receiving treatment in a medical clinic setting (training).

Manikin Features. It has unique details such as barking, whimpering, growling, a moveable jaw, and breathing response. The airway is adjustable – from slow (10 bpm) to panting (120 bpm). A wireless remote control provides real-time sensor data and provides for programming and customizing different medical scenarios.

Accessories. There are quite a few accessories that are available for K9 Diesl. One is the TAcMed K9 Tourniquet; another is the TacMed K9 Handler Trauma Kit. There is also a K9 TCCC – Rental Bundle; available as part of the TACMED Solutions Trauma Simulator Rental Program.

Photos: Left – K9 Diesel undergoing fixed wing medevac (training). Right – K9 Diesel being treated by dog handler for amputated leg (training).

K9 Diesel is used by the DoD Military Working Dog program as well as civilian law enforcement to train MWD handlers in life-saving first aid procedures for their MWD partners. Countries from all over the world have purchased Diesel, including the U.S. UK, Canada, Australia, Norway, and more.

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TACMED Solutions K9 Diesel
https://tacmedsolutions.com/products/k9-diesel

Photos: All images courtesy of and with permission of TACMED Solutions.

References:

Video – K9 Tactical Combat Casualty Care Training, DVIDS, May 11, 2021, 3 mins. Members of the 1st Special Operations Secuirty Forces Squadron receive K9 medical training.
https://www.dvidshub.net/video/795806/public-health-command-atlantic-k9-tactical-combat-casualty-care-point-entry-training

Video – K-9 Diesel Advanced Medical Trainer. Video from ShotShow 2020, YouTube, February 6, 2020.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VJJxFKdAi38

K9 Diesel: Advanced Canine Medical Trainer User Guide, 2021, PDF, 91 pages. Link

K9 Diesel Canine Medical Trainer Quick Start Guide, PDF, 2 pages. Link

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

Photo / Image: 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne) Green Berets conduct RAPIDS operations from a CH-47 Chinook Helicopter during Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center rotation 23-2 in Alaska, Mar. 29, 2023. RAPIDS is a tactic utilized for quickly inserting and removing personnel in and out of an area. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Steven E. Lopez)

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

‘The Bolduc Brief’. Retired Brigadier General Don Bolduc has provided his perspective on toxic leadership in the U.S. military. “A Special Forces General Discusses Today’s Toxic Leadership Crisis”, SOFREP, Apr 18, 2023.

Rep. Gaetz Visits AFSOC Unit. Congressman Matt Gaetz, from Florida’s First District, visited the 919th Special Operations Wing to see firsthand the wide range of mission sets and capabilities Airmen provide to the nation. “Congressman Gaetz visits Duke Field”, 919th SOW, April 18, 2023.

Polymer Ammo – Not Just for SOF Anymore. The Special Operations Command uses a variety of ammunition that comes in with a polymer design – reducing the weight of the ammo and increases accuracy. Now that ‘special’ ammo will be making its way to the other military services. “Special Ops Ammo Spreads to Other Services”, National Defense Magazine, April 18, 2023.

Refueling the 352nd SOW. There is a close working relationship between the 352nd Special Operations Wing and the 100th Air Refueling Wing that are based at Royal Air Force Mildenhall, UK. One area of coordination is the setting up of FARPs. “Refueling the flight in the air, on land, on demand”, DVIDS, April 19, 2023.

SEAL Training and Change. How does completing arduous NSW training change a person? A study published in Physiology and Behavior explores the psychological and physiological changes associated with training to become a Navy SEAL. (PsyPost, Apr 21, 2023).

‘MARSOC 3’ Trials. The legal situation of one of the defendants in the case of the retired Green Beret and defense contractor who was killed in Iraq in 2019 is still unresolved. The saga of three current members of the Marine Corps’ elite special operations community has been in the limelight and has attracted the attention of some members of Congress. “3rd ‘MARSOC 3’ defendant’s case goes before top military appeals court”, Marine Corps Times, April 19, 2023.

SOF History

Colonel 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.

Operation Eagle Claw. On the night of April 24-25, 1980 a Navy carrier was at sea carrying eight Navy helicopters that had Marine crews. Something was going on but the vast majority of the ship’s crew were unaware that history was in the making. “Night of Nights”, by Colonel Keith Nightingale, U.S. Army (Retired), Small Wars Journal, April 23, 2023.

SF UW Tactics in Vietnam. An article delves into the history of Special Forces in Vietnam and how they utilized their unique skills to fight a guerrilla war. “Unconventional Green Beret tactics in Vietnam”, by Jessica Evans, We Are the Mighty, April 20, 2023.

ANZAC Day is observed on April 25, 2023. This day recognizes the Australians and New Zealanders who have served and died in wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations around the world. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anzac_Day

Sudan Conflict and Evacuation

Sudan in Chaos. The current Sudan conflict began on more than a week ago on Saturday, April 15th when two opposing factions began fighting. The country is in chaos with hundreds dead, thousands wounded, shortages of food, water, electricity, and medical services. Read more in “Crisis in Sudan”, SOF News, April 21, 2023.

U.S. Embassy Evacuation. On early Sunday morning (Sudan time) U.S. special operations forces conducted a non-combatant evacuation operation (NEO) for U.S. personnel who worked in the U.S. Embassy. Read about the evac opn in “U.S. Embassy Staff Evacuated from Khartoum”, SOF News, April 22, 2023.

War Powers Act. On Sunday President Biden sent a letter to Congress in accordance declaring his intention to use U.S. military forces to protect U.S. personnel and interests in Sudan. (White House, Apr 23, 2023).

Sudan Conflict Update. For news about the Sudan conflict and evacuation efforts of foreigners check out the Sudan Daily Updates – a running log of events that is provided each day and updated as major events or news occurs throughout the day. Not sure where Sudan is? Check out Maps of Sudan.

Sudan Task Force. The U.S. Department of State has established a Sudan Military Conflict Task Force to oversee the Department’s planning, management, and logistics related to events in Sudan. “US State Department Sets Up Special Task Force for Crisis in Sudan”, Voice of America, April 19, 2023.

Wagner Group – Picking Sides. The Russian paramilitary organization has offered weapons to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) – including surface-to-air missiles. “United States Says Wagner Has Quietly Picked Sides in Sudan”, The New York Times, April 23, 2023. (subscription)

Commentary

Finland’s Military Service. According to the Finnish Constitution every Finnish citizen is obligated to participate or assist in national defense. The Conscription Act states that every male Finnish citizen is liable for military service beginning at the age of 18. Finland’s long border with Russia and its small population (5.5 million) forces it to require widespread military training. The military training and experience provides the Finnish population with a mindset that enables the country to feel confident of its ability to defend itself against aggressor nations. Antti Ruokonen describes his training and experience in the Finnish Army and the effect it has had on his life – and on the people of his nation. “The Mentality That Finland’s Mandatory Military Service Brings to NATO”, Lawfare Blog, April 19, 2023.

Security Assistance – Not Always a Win. Rachel Tecott Metz, an assistant professor at the U.S. Naval War College, examines the track record of U.S. security assistance to allies. She finds that when actual war breaks out, many long-time recipients of SA fight poorly or otherwise have not heeded the lessons that U.S. trainers try to impart. She argues that the U.S. relies too much on teaching and persuasion and should instead emphasize conditionality more. “Why Security Assistance Often Fails”, Lawfare, April 23, 2023.

Security Cooperation in Lower Priority Theaters. The current U.S. National Defense Strategy (NDS) identifies China and Russia as the primary threats and North Korea and Iran as persistent threats. Other areas of the world have a lower priority for U.S. military resources. However, building partner capacity in these less resourced areas is still possible and necessary. “Campaigning Through (Security) Cooperation: A Roadmap for Implementing the National Defense Strategy in Lower Priority Theaters”, Irregular Warfare Initiative, April 18, 2023.

National Security

Sweden and NATO. Now that Finland has become a part of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization the eyes of Europe are on Sweden. The admission of Sweden to NATO, possibly as soon as mid-summer, will greatly enhance the NATO alliance. It has a highly professional military and has invested a lot in modernization over the past several years. It has also been participating in numerous NATO exercises as well; to include Exercise Defender 23, which takes place across much of Europe.

Russia Expands in Arctic. The Rogachevo Air Base will become the latest military installation in the Russian high north to receive an extended runway and new facilities for personnel and equipment. The site is around 800 km from Kirkenes in North Norway. “Russia to Expand Rogachevo Air Base to Accomodate Long-range Aircraft”, High North News, April 2023.

Another Helicopter Raid in Syria. U.S. Central Command announced on April 17, 2023, that another raid took place that targeted a senior ISIS Syria leader. He was responsible for planning terror attacks in the Middle East and Europe. The target was killed during the attack along with two other ISIS operatives. It seems the raids are taking place about once a week, if not more.

RAF Drones Busy in Middle East. The Royal Air Force currently has about 10 Reaper drones flying missions over Iraq and Syria. The crew controlling the UAVs are thousands of miles away at the RAF Waddington Ground Control Station. “The Reaper drone and the analyst behind the RAF’s lethal unmanned aerial weapon”, Forces.net, April 21, 2023.

Wagner Group. A ‘confederation’ of anti-Western states in Africa is being established by a Russian paramilitary organization. This is expanding the influence of Russia in Africa while it diminishes American influence. Over a six-year stretch the mercenary outfit has gained strategic footholds in at least eight African countries. After the Cold War the U.S. seemed to have disengaged from Africa – other than to promote democracy and provide humanitarian assistance. This vacuum was filled by Russia – through its paramilitary organization. “Wagner Group surges in Africa as U.S. influence fades, leak reveals”, The Washington Post, April 23, 2023. (subscription)

Afghanistan – A Terrorist Haven. Less than two years after President Biden withdrew U.S. personnel the country has become a significant coordination site for the Islamic State. ISIS is planning attacks across Europe and Asia, and conducts “aspirational plotting” against the United States, according to a classified Pentagon assessment that portrays the threat as a growing security concern. “Afghanistan has become a terrorism staging ground again, leak reveals”, The Washington Post, April 22, 2023. (subscription)

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.

Books, Videos, and Podcasts

Book Review – At Sea. A new novel set on Martha’s Vineyard, an island off Cape Cod, is about a woman who falls in love with a Special Forces soldier. She is a newly graduate of college (art degree) and he is charismatic, handsome, funny, mercurial, and he has a special skill. He can breathe underwater . . . for a long time. And he disappears for extended periods of time on ‘deployments’. However, everything is not quite as it seems and the romance turns sour and dark. “First Love, then Loss”, Martha’s Vineyard Times, April 19, 2023.

Video – Interview with SOF Leaders at Balikatan 23. Sam Colon with the Indo-Pacific Defense Forum Magazine interviews Philippine Army Col. Rannie Sevilla PA (MNSA), the deputy commander of the Special Operations Command, Armed Forces of the Philippines, and U.S. Army Lt. Col. Vince Enriquez, battalion commander of 3rd Battalion, 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne), about their experiences with Balikatan throughout the years and how it strengthens their partnership going forward. DVIDS, April 11, 2023, 19 minutes. https://www.dvidshub.net/video/879432/interview-with-sof-leaders-balikatan-23

Video – The Homeland Security Cost of the Biden Administration’s Catastrophic Withdrawal from Afghanistan. Homeland Security Committee, House of Representatives, YouTube, April 18, 2023. link

Video – What’s in the Kit of a Nigerien Special Forces Soldier? Video by SHAPE Public Affairs Office, April 18, 2023, one minute. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8SFKW_3zHOQ

Podcast – Warrior Health. Kevin Mains, a clinical psychotherapist, enters the G Base to discuss the challenges facing the military today. The mission of the warrior has not changed, but the leadership challenges have never been greater. If America’s warriors are going to be successful meeting our enemies, foreign and domestic, we’re going to have to be able to bring our A Game, physically, mentally, and socially. The Pinelander, April 21, 2023, one hour.

Podcast – A Conversation With Lieutenant General Sami Sadat. H. R. McMaster chats with a former high-ranking Afghan general about the events that contributed to the fall of Afghanistan, the flawed assumptions that led to US withdrawal, and how the US government and Afghan resistance can jointly support both the Afghan state and, in turn, global security. Battlegrounds, Hoover Institution, April 19, 2023, one hour.

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

Story by Spc. Kimberly Gonzalez, 10th SFG(A).

10th Special Forces Group (Airborne) Green Berets and enablers conducted cold weather training (CWT) from Feb. 5th to the 10th, in Montana.

“This training exercise is split up into two phases, the first three weeks is us getting comfortable in a cold weather environment,” said a team sergeant with 10th SFG (A). “The phase we are in right now is the winter warfare course (WWC) which focuses on tactical movement using snowmobile and skis.”

Montana has over 147,000 square miles that provides an extreme cold weather environment and land to conduct training. Some of the training exercises conducted during this time were avalanche rescue exercises, snowmobile maneuvers and ambush drills. Inclement weather was also a natural obstacle, which Soldiers needed to be prepared for while operating in austere conditions.

During the training, the Green Berets worked with other allied countries’ special forces and shared different ideas and tactics to become a more efficient and lethal force. Being in the mountains during the winter can cause different types of challenges a Soldier may not usually face.

Without warning, an avalanche can happen; knowing how to avoid or rescue someone safely is essential. Our Green Berets learned how to use a beacon to find someone under the snow. They practiced different techniques to shovel snow that requires the least amount of energy and time.

“This gives us an opportunity to shake up our techniques, figure out what’s good, what’s bad and then make corrections in a safe environment to make ourselves better prepared for the future,” said the team sergeant.

While conducting operations in a cold weather environment, moving through deep snow can be difficult. To maneuver through this obstacle the Soldiers needed to be able to operate a snowmobile. They learned how to get a snowmobile out of the snow if it were to get stuck in soft areas. Soldiers also were able to get hands on experience with all the functions and maintenance required for them. Getting acquainted with new equipment helps Soldiers be more confident in performing their tasks.

“We spent the last 20 years focusing on Iraq and Afghanistan which is the exact opposite of wintry snow conditions,” said the team sergeant. “Getting our Soldiers out here and used to living and working in the cold is probably the biggest challenge for everyone.”

After getting comfortable with maneuver and rescue techniques, the Green Berets conducted range operations, which are slightly different from controlled ranges due to equipment they usually do not wear. They practiced adjusting themselves on skis and using ski poles to stabilize their weapons as they performed various combat drills such as react to contact and react to ambush.

“These training exercises enable our teams to rehearse extended long-range patrols in the Arctic and spend weeks in extreme cold weather climates,” said a Detachment Commander with 10th SFG (A). “Focusing on maintaining Arctic dominance in, not only in the U.S., but with our partners in the North shows that we have a strong multinational presence.”

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Photo: A 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne) Green Beret practices snowmobile maneuvers during cold weather training at Montana on Feb. 6, 2023. These exercises are designed to properly and safely maneuver snowmobiles in dangerous areas. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Kimberly Gonzalez)

This story by Spc. Kimberly Gonzalez was first published on February 27, 2023 by the Defense Visual Information Distribution Service. DVIDS content is in the public domain.

The Sentinel – a newsletter of the Quiet Professionals is published every month by Chapter 78 of the Special Forces Association serving the SF community in Southern California. Their monthly newsletter is available online and by subscription.

The March 2023 issue has a number of interesting articles and stories:

• SFACON 2023: High Speed – Low Drag. The Special Forces Association National Convention for 2023 will be held in Indianapolis. Read more about this upcoming event.
• Book Review: Budapest to Vietnam. A book by Nick Hun and Michael Jewell is reviewed. It is the story of Nick Hun – who served as an MP, a Green Beret, and in many other roles.
• A Journalist’s First Trip to a Communist Country. Marc Yablonka relates his trip to Laos in 1990.
• Saigon Memories – 1990. The experiences of traveling to Vietnam in 1990 is related in this article by Marc Yablonka.
• Value Added: A/1/19th SFG in Iraq. In September 2002, A/1/19th SFG arrived in Kuwait and immediately set to work. Its primary mission was training and conducting liaison duties with elements of the Kuwaiti Armed Forces.
• Alpha Company, 1/19th SFG(A) At War. A National Guard company went to war shortly supporting the invasion of Iraq.
• The Bolivian Rangers and the Capture of Che Guevara. The final episode of Che’s Bolivian adventure in October 1967 is detailed.
• MACV Recondo School. The history of the recondo school that ran in South Vietnam for a number of years.

Sentinel, March 2023, PDF, 20 pages. You can read online or download the PDF.

Story by Petty Officer 1st Class Alex Smedegard.

Naval Special Warfare forces deployed in support of U.S. Special Operations Command Pacific concluded a joint combined training exercise with Royal Thai Navy Special Warfare Command on Feb. 22.

The three-week exchange built upon the two forces’ long-standing relationships and cooperation within the Indo-Pacific region.

“We value our relationship with the Royal Thai Navy Special Warfare Command, and it is continued trainings like this that sharpen our tactics,” said the senior team leader of the U.S. Naval Special Warfare unit.

The exercise began with tactical training with weapons, close-quarter combat drills, tactical combat casualty care, explosive breaching, and maritime boat operations.

“Once we were able to share, establish and execute standard procedures, our two forces developed real-world special operations scenarios,” added the senior U.S. team lead. “This training enhanced our forces’ readiness and interoperability to successfully plan and execute modern-day missions.”

The realistic scenarios served as a capstone to the forces’ engagement and included maritime interdiction operations and visit, board, search and seizure rehearsals.

Personnel from U.S. Naval Special Warfare and Royal Thai Navy Special Warfare Command also exchanged culture history, traditions and customs.

“The bonds we formed while learning and understanding one another’s culture cemented the friendships during the training,” said the senior U.S. team lead. “Whether it was a traditional Thai BBQ one week or a traditional American dish the next, or Muay Thai training sessions together, and even the exchanging of patches, memorabilia and sharing the history of each other’s units and cultures – those deep personal connections are strengthened and forge a stronger shared interest of community.”

U.S. Naval Special Warfare is the nation’s elite maritime special operations force, uniquely positioned to extend the Fleet’s reach.

U.S. Special Operations Forces provide flexible response to contingencies in the Indo-Pacific. Integral to this capability is a forward-deployed posture and continuous engagement with partner and ally forces, heightening mutual interoperability and regional expertise.

“We have a strong, forward-looking U.S.-Thai defense alliance, rooted in history, which helps foster a region where all countries enjoy prosperity and peace,” said the senior U.S. team lead. “Our command remains committed to maintaining our enduring friendship with Thailand and the Thai people.”

The United States and Thailand have nearly two centuries of diplomatic relations and have been security treaty allies for over 65 years.

On Feb. 27, the two nations will participate in Cobra Gold 2023, a two-week-long multinational military exercise with thousands of service members and partners from across the Indo-Pacific.

This annual event increases the capability, capacity, and interoperability of partnered nations while simultaneously reinforcing their commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific.

The upcoming Cobra Gold 2023 exercise is the 42nd iteration and is set for a full-scale revival since the pandemic. The Thailand and U.S. co-sponsored exercise is conducted annually in the Kingdom of Thailand and will be held from Feb. 27 – Mar. 10, 2023, with seven full participants (Thailand, U.S., Japan, Indonesia, Republic of Korea, Singapore, Malaysia), three limited participants (Australia, India, China) and ten Multinational Planning Augment Team participants

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This article by Petty Officer 1st Class Alex Smedegard was originally published on February 23, 2023 by the Defense Visual Information Distribution Service. DIVIDS content is in the public domain.

Photo: U.S. Naval Special Warfare and Royal Thai Navy Special Warfare operators conduct maritime interdiction operations during FLASH TORCH 2023-1, a joint combined training exercise built upon the two forces’ long-standing relationships and interoperability in the Indo-Pacific. (Photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Alex Smedegard, Naval Special Warfare Group One, Sattahip, Thailand, 16 Feb 2023.)