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

Photo / Image: U.S. Army Soldier Pfc. David Hanson, from 3rd Battalion, 509th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 11th Airborne Division, recovers his parachute after jumping onto Donnelly Drop Zone as part of Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center 24-02 at Donnelly Training Area, Alaska, Feb 8, 2024. (U.S. Army Photo by Spc. Wyatt Moore / 28th Public Affairs Detachment)

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SOF News

‘Angel of Death’ Retiring from AFSOC. Colonel Allison Black is retiring from the Air Force. In the initial stages of OEF she was referred to by Afghan fighters as “the Angel of Death” for her radio calls from AC-130 gunships. “Afghanistan’s ‘Angel of Death’ is retiring from Air Force special ops”, Task & Purpose, February 23, 2024.

New Cdr for 1st SOW. With the retirement of Col Black (see para above) the 1st Special Operations Wing at Hurlburt Field, Florida has a new commander. “Welcome Col. Patrick Dierig; 1st SOW change of command ceremony”, 1st SOW Public Affairs, February 23, 2024.

Former 10th SFG(A) Doc Awarded Army Astronaut Device. Army Col. (Dr.) Frank Rubio has earned many awards and decorations throughout his long career. He has deployed to Bosnia, Iraq, and Afghanistan . . . and spent a year in space. He set the U.S. record for the most days in space on a single spaceflight on the International Space Station. In addition to being a doctor (served with 10th Special Forces Group) and an astronaut, he also has been a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter pilot (600 combat flight hours). “Army Secretary Says Astronaut’s Army Values Inspire Others”, DOD, February 22, 2024.

Another List of Elite Units. At least once a month some journal or online blog publishes an article about the “Ten Most Elite Units in the World”. Typically, no list is the same as the other. Sometimes, the best units are sometimes left out while obscure units are included. Here is the latest ‘list’: “These Are 16 Most Dangerous Special Forces in the World 2024: Deathly Elite”, by Srdjan Ilic, Southwest Journal, February 20, 2024.

CV-22 Mishap Update. Air Force Special Operations Command has issued a press release providing an update on the November 29, 2023, aircraft ‘mishap’ in the waters off Yakushima, Japan that claimed the lives of eight servicemembers. Ongoing investigations found that a material failure that occurred is known but the cause of the failure has not been determined. “CV-22 Mishap Investigation Update”, AFSOC, February 20, 2024. Read an article on the same topic in Air & Space Forces Magazine, February 20, 2024.

Help Special Operations Forces (SOF) personnel with spine injuries receive the healthcare options, education, and care they need.

26th MEU(SOC). The Marines of the 16th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) have been quite busy during their deployment the past several months. One of the units training events has been working with the Italian San Marco Brigade Marines. (DVIDS, 21 Feb 2024)

SOF and Cancer Screening. The President of the Globa SOF Foundation, Stu Bradin, notes that special operations veterans have a higher rate of cancer than the general population and that we should take some steps to detect it early rather than in its later stages. “Options for Screening for Cancer in SOF”, Global SOF Foundation, February 20, 2024.

SOCAFRICA Trains SNA Danab Forces. Somali National Army units received training in media, medical, and tactics during a recent event held in January 2024. “U.S. Special Operations Command hosts Knowledge Exchange with Somali and Kenyan Partners”, DVIDS, February 22, 2024. There have been recent news reports that the U.S. will begin construction of five bases in Somalia (map, NSI) for the Danab unit.

SOCNORTH and Arctic Edge. The Special Operations Command North, along with NORTHCOM and Marine Forces North, will be participating in an annual defense exercise that is designed to demonstrate that U.S. forces are engaged, postured and ready to defend U.S. interests in the Arctic security environment (map, NSI). The 3-week long multi-domain exercise is taking place in late February and early March. It will focus on operations in extreme cold and high-altitude environments.

SOF History

Merrill’s Marauders. On February 24, 1944, Merrill’s Marauders began a campaign in northern Burma. The mission of the 5307th Composite Unit (provisional) was to disrupt Japanese supply and communications lines.

Operation Bunghole – OSS in WWII. On February 27, 1944, a five-man team from the OSS parachuted into Malo Ticevo, Yugoslavia to establish a weather station. Operation Bunghole consisted of members of the OSS and USAAF specialists. Yugoslavia was occupied by the Germans at the time.
https://codenames.info/operation/bunghole-ii/

Corregidor Secured. On February 26, 1945, the 503rd Parachute Regimental Combat Team (PRCT) secured the island fortress of Corregidor after two weeks of fighting. The 503rd had parachuted onto the island on February 16th. It was assisted by the 34th Infantry Regiment, a unit of the 24th Infantry Division that made a seaborne assault, as well as other smaller units.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Corregidor_(1945)

SR Mission in Desert Storm. On February 23, 1991, SOFDA 525 was inserted by helicopter at night and moved to a hide site to conduct a recon mission deep behind enemy lines in Iraq. On the next morning, the 24th, this 5th SFG(A) team would find itself fighting for survival against an overwhelming enemy force.
https://sof.news/history/sfoda-525/

MARSOC. On February 24, 2006, the Marine Corps Special Operations Command (MARSOC) was officially activated at Camp Lejeune, N.C.

Conflict in Israel and Gaza

Israel’s Future Plans. On Friday, February 23, 2024, Israel released its proposed plan for the future of Gaza. The IDF will retain indefinite military control over the Gaza Strip (map, NSI) while allowing Gazans to govern aspects of civilian life. Israel will control buffer zones along Gaza’s borders with Israel and Egypt. The offensive against remaining Hamas elements in Rafa (map, NSI) is still yet to be conducted.

Humanitarian Crisis. An in-depth look at the situation for the Gazan civilians is presented by Tania Hary and Kevin Huggard, Center for Middle East Policy, Brookings Institute, February 22, 2024, in “The Gaza Strip’s deepening humanitarian crisis”.

U.S. Involvement. The United States is working with Israel and other regional powers to get an agreement that results in the release of the remaining hostages and that produces an extended humanitarian ceasefire. Involved in the negotiations is CIA director Bill Burns, White House Middle East Coordinator Brett McGurk, and Ambassador David Satterfield.

• References:
• Map Gaza Strip (2005), and more maps of Gaza Strip, West Bank, and Israel.
• Israel-Hamas War: Insights from RAND

Ukraine Conflict

Two Years Ago – Invasion. On February 24, 2022, Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The objective of the Russians was to occupy the capital city of Kyiv and topple the Ukrainian government in three days. The conflict had been ongoing since 2014 when the Russians seized Crimea and created the regimes in the Luhansk and Donetsk regions in eastern Ukraine. Although the Russians captured a considerably amount of territory in the first several months of the conflict, Ukraine has retaken more than half of that land back. The fight continues, two years later. However, Ukraine suffers from manpower shortages, lack of air defense systems, and a severe shortage of artillery ammunition. Until Western aid picks up, Ukraine will remain on the defensive and Russia will retain the momentum. Ukraine has been successful in the Black Sea (GIS Reports, 14 Feb 2024). Read an account of the first day of the invasion of Ukraine, SOF News, February 24, 2022.

Commentary on Ukraine. There is a lot of coverage about the Russian invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022. Some of the articles and reports are listed below:

• Ukraine and IW Lessons. Doug Livermore, a Special Forces officer, highlights “several critical lessons regarding irregular warfare and its broader implications for global security and stability.” He used the conflict in Ukraine to underscore the importance of hybrid warfare strategies. He applies these lessons to China, Africa, and the Middle East. “Two Years On: Russia’s Full-Scale Invasion of Ukraine and the Continuing Lessons for the Future of Irregular Warfare”, Irregular Warfare Initiative, February 20, 2024.
• The Russo-Ukrainian War: A Strategic Assessment Two Years into the Conflict, by Amos Fox, Land Warfare Paper 158, Association of the United States Army, February 2024, PDF, 23 pages. Abstract or PDF.
• Ukraine Two Years Later: Memories and Observations from My time on the Ground, Spirit of America, February 2024. The Regional Director – Europe of Spirit of America writes of her experiences in the effort to assist the fighting forces of Ukraine and being an enabler for U.S. SOF efforts in Ukraine. Read more in “Spirit of America – Helping Ukraine Win“, SOF News, May 3, 2022.

Resistance Behind the Lines. While the world is fixated on the grinding war of attrition on the front lines, Ukrainian intelligence operatives of the SBU and GUR have been busy conducting operations deep behind Russian lines and in Russia. “Tip of the Spear: Analyzing Ukrainian Intelligence Operations Behind Russian Lines”, Georgetown Security Studies Review, January 10, 2024.

• References:
• Interactive Map. Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine by the Insitute for the Study of War and Critical Threats. On storymaps.arcgis.com See also https://www.national-security.info/ukraine/maps.html
• U.S. Security Assistance to Ukraine, Congressional Research Service, CRSIF12040, periodically updated, PDF, 3 pages. https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/IF/IF12040
• Ukraine Conflict, National Security Info. https://www.national-security.info/ukraine-conflict.html

National Security

IW Global Network. In February 2024 the Irregular Warfare Center introduced a new initiative entitled “IW Global Network”. This project has been established to address specific areas of interest, focusing primarily on confronting irregular challenges. The IW Global Network consists of several Functional Area Networks (FANs). These cover the topics of contested logistics, mission assurance, medical resilience, intelligence, information operations, and emerging technologies. Read more about it here at IW Global Network.

NDAA. The Congressional Research Service has updated a publication that provides an overview of the structure and organization of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). It also provides a description of the legislative process within the Senate and House of Representatives. Defense Primer: Navigating the NDAA, CRS IF10516, updated February 22, 2024, PDF, 3 pages. https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/IF/IF10516

Emerging Military Technology. The Congressional Research Service has updated a publication that provides an overview of new technologies that are being incorporated into the U.S. defense forces. These include artificial intelligence, lethal autonomous weapons, hypersonic weapons, directed energy weapons, biotechnology, and quantum technology. Emerging Military Technologies: Background and Issues for Congress, CRS R46458, updated February 22, 2024, PDF, 43 pages. https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/R/R46458

Border Security:

• Report – Illicit Fentanyl and China’s Role. The Congressional Research Service has published a document that provides the background, trafficking pathways, role of China, and Congressional legislation of the opioid crisis in the United States. Beginning in the mid-2010s, U.S. authorities identified the People’s Republic of China as a primary source of U.S.-bound illicit fentanyl and fentanyl analogues. CRS IF10890, updated February 20, 2024, PDF, 3 pages. https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/IF/IF10890
• Restricting Asylum. President Biden’s campaign for reelection is struggling with one of the foremost election issues – border security and the surge in border crossings. The White House is considering action that would prevent people from making asylum claims during border crossing surges. “Biden Mulling Plan That Could Restrict Asylum Claims at the Border”, The New York Times, February 31, 2024. (subscription) See also an article on this topic by Associated Press, February 21, 2024.
• Suspending Entry of Aliens. A recent Congressional Research Service report gets into legal aspects of border security and limiting the entry of aliens across U.S. borders. The report finds that the President has the authority “to suspend the entry of all aliens or any class of aliens” whenever he finds that entry of aliens would be detrimental to the interests of the United States. Presidential Authority to Suspend Entry of Aliens Under 8 U.S. C 1182(f), CRS LSB10450, updated February 21, 2024, PDF, 23 pages. https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/LSB/LSB10458

Strategic Competition

Russia and Unconventional Activities. A recent report details “Russia’s unconventional military activities outside Ukraine, including efforts to prepare for destabilization in European countries, expeditionary operations in Africa to seize control of critical resources, and outreach to target audiences in the Middle East.” This special report is entitled The Threat from Russia’s Unconventional Warfare Beyond Ukraine, 2022-2024, Royal United Services Institute (RUSI), February 2024, PDF, 38 pages. See Unconventional Warfare (NSI) for more references on UW.

Russia and ‘Offensive’ Resistance Operations. Russia, as well as the Soviet Union, has a long history of utilizing local collaborators to pursue political objectives in foreign nations. Dr. Jonathan White, a career Special Forces officer, writes on this topic in “Russian Offensive Resistance Operations”, Irregular Warfare Center, February 21, 2024.

Report – Taiwan: Background and U.S. Relations, The Congressional Research Service has updated its publication about the country that lies across the Taiwan Strait from mainland China. A recent U.S. Department of State Fact Sheet refers to Taiwan as “a key U.S. partner in the Indo-Pacific.” This CRS report has info on the modern history of Taiwan, the recent elections, U.S. policy toward Taiwan, the country’s security, and more. CRS IF10275, updated February 23, 2024, PDF, 3 pages. https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/IF/IF10275

Battle for Taiwan and U.S. Big Tech. Leading technology companies of the United States have provided significant assistance to Ukraine over the past two years. This includes services like mapping, ISR, targeting, cyber security, and more. However, these same firms may not come to the aid of Taiwan (map NSI) in the same manner due to their business ties with mainland China. Which Ties Will Bind? Big Tech, Lessons from Ukraine, and Implications for Taiwan, Issue Brief, Center for Security and Emerging Technology, Georgetown, February 2024, PDF, 76 pages. Read the report here.

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

Middle East

Video – Inside Look at U.S. Navy Response to Houthi Red Sea Attacks, 60 Minutes, YouTube, February 18, 2024, 13 minutes. A good video describing how the U.S. Navy keeps the waterways open in the Red Sea and other surrounding waters. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dRRJmOTCqqQ&t=1s

Houthi Threat. Dr. Can Kasapoglu provides his perspective on the Houthi threat. He states that Iran has successfully targeted global supply chains through its Yemeni proxy (Houthis). Up to this point, Operation Prosperity Guardian has not established a credible deterrence in the (NSI map) Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. “Assessing and Addressing the Houthi Threat”, Hudson Institute, January 2024.

Legal Status of U.S. in Syria. The United States has had a military presence and conducted operations in Syria (SOF News, 2022) since 2014. The primary reason for being there is so it can target Al Qaeda and the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) within Syrian territory (map) – as part of a broader counterterrorism campaign. It conducts this campaign unilaterally and in concert with the Syrian Democratic Front (SDF) (SOF News, 2018) and other proxies. Many observers of the conflict question the legal status of the U.S. conducting operations in a country where it is not invited. However, there is a legal justification. See “Enduringly Unwilling and Unable: The Syrian Chapter of the Forever Wars Saga”, by Thea Charlotte Andersen, Articles of War, Lieber Institute West Point, February 23, 2024.

Tower 22, al Tanf, and SF. A small U.S. base in Jordan burst into the news in January 2024 when a terrorist drone exploded within its perimeter killing three and injuring over 40 U.S. servicemembers. “What is the U.S. Doing in a Disputed Triangle on the Jordan / Syria / Iraq Border?”, Stimon.org, February 20, 2024.

SOF News Book Shop

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Journals, Podcasts, Videos, and Movies

InterPopulum: Journal of Irregular Warfare and Special Operations. The Spring 2024 issue has been posted online. There are a number of interesting articles for the IW practitioner. PDF, 117 pages.

• Jedburgh Teams – Lessons for Unconventional Warfare
• Secret War in Cuba: The Bay of Pigs Invasion, 1960-1961
• Limited Conflicts and Use of SOF in Global Competition
• 5307th Composite Unit (Provisional) “Merrill’s Marauders”
• The Liberator’s Dilemma: The Paradox of American Leadership
• and . . . six reviews of books relating to SOF, intelligence, insurgency, and AI

CTC Sentinel. The Combating Terrorism Center at West Point has published its February 2024 issue containing articles about “Long-Range Stand-Off Terrorism”, an interview of Christopher Maier (ASD SO/LIC), and Somalia’s stalled offensive against al-Shabaab. PDF, 28 pages.

Upcoming Events

February 27-29, 2024
Special Air Warfare Symposium – Global SOF
Fort Walton Beach, FL

March 11-13, 2024
Irregular Warfare COI Symposium
Mclean, Virginia

April 12-14, 2024
Best Ranger Competition

April 24-25, 2024
12th Border Security & Intelligence Summit
Defense Strategies

May 6-10, 2024
SOF Week – Global SOF
Tampa, FL

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

Photo / Image: A 31st Rescue Squadron pararescueman jumps out of an MC-130J Commando II assigned to the 353rd Special Operations Wing over Okinawa, Japan, Jan. 19, 2024. Pararescuemen are trained, equipped and postured to conduct full spectrum personnel recovery operations in both peacetime and combat environments. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Tylir Meyer)

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SOF News

Report – U.S. Special Operations Forces (SOF): Background and Considerations for Congress, Congressional Research Service, CRS RS21048, updated February 9, 2024, PDF, 13 pages. Considerations for Congress include Army Special Forces recruiting and possible force structure reductions and Air Force Special Operations Power Projection Wings and future unit relocations. https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/RS/RS21048

New Ruck for Airborne Commo Soldiers. The U.S. Army Airborne Test Force (ATF) located at Yuma Test Center, Yuma Proving Ground, recently tested the Army’s newest Radio Carrier Rucksack (RCR) solution. The RCR was developed and produced by the Natick Soldier Systems Center in Massachusetts. It was tested in combat-realistic scenarios to see if the RCRs could be used in parachute operations without damage to radios or the ruck. “Airborne Test Force tests field radio ruck to survive airborne combat missions”, by Ana Henderson, U.S. Army Yuma Proving Ground, DVIDS, February 8, 2024.

SOCOM Seeking Kamikaze Drones. The United States Special Operations Command is on the lookout for a loitering munitions capability that can be launched from AC-130J Ghostrider gunships, MQ-9 Reader drones, MH-60 helicopter and other platforms. “SOCOM gearing up to assess air-launched kamikaze drones”, Defensescoop, February 8, 2024.

SOF and Lessons Learned. The commander of USSOCOM, General Bryan Fenton, recently spoke with reporters during a Defense Writers Group event on February 9th. He provided some insight on how USSOCOM is learning from current conflicts. “U.S. Special Operators ‘Gobbling Up’ Lessons Learned in Ukraine, Gaza”, National Defense Magazine, February 9, 2024.

Floating Navy SEAL Base. The USS Lewis B. Puller is an expeditionary sea base (Business Insider, 5 Feb 2024) stationed in the Arabian Sea. it is used as a launching pad for Naval Special Warfare units and missions as well as a wide variety of military operations. The two SEALs lost in the VBSS mission on a dhow off the coast of Somalia were launched in a small boat from the Puller.

Army SOF to Transfer to Baumholder. U.S. special operations troops based in Stuttgart are expected to take up residence at a rural base in southwestern Germany in 2026, adding 1,000 people to a garrison once on the Pentagon’s chopping block. Special Operations Command Europe (SOCEUR) is expected to remain in Stuttgart. “Transfer of Army special operators to Baumholder on track for 2026”, Stars and Stripes, February 6, 2024.

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.

Cuts to PSYOP Units. Key psychological operations capabilities may soon be cut from the U.S. Army in an effort to trim USASOC force structure. “US may cut info-warfare assets as China, Russia expand influence ops”, Defense One, February 8, 2024.

U.S. Psychological Warfare Capability in Decline. Cole Livieratos and Ken Gleiman, two former Army officers, outline the long history of PYSOP and the proposed cut to United States Army Special Operations Command (USASOC) force structure that will gut the U.S. military’s ability to understand and influence the modern battlefield. “Special Operations Force Structure: Strategic Calculus or Organizational Power?”, War on the Rocks, February 6, 2024.

10th SFG(A) and VirTra Training. The VirTra simulator is a program featuring technology that can present different scenarios to its users which helps sharpen shooting skills. The different scenario options that VirTra features include active threat, hostage situation, threat recognition and high-risk entry. Through these scenarios, the VirTra simulator is actively analyzing the decisions that its users make and then adjusting what happens in the program based on those decisions. “VirTra Reality Simulator Training”, DVIDS, February 2, 2024.

10th SFG(A) Soldiers and Mountain Climbing. The NCOIC of the Special Operations Mountain Training Warfare Training Center is no stranger to high mountains and cold weather. “Summit or Survival: A Green Beret’s Odyssey From Everest to Denali”, Global Rescue, February 7, 2024.

Jacobs Loses Big SOCOM Contract. Jacobs lost out on a contract worth $2.8 billion for the Special Operations Forces IT Enterprise Contract (SITEC). (Washington Technology, 7 Feb 2024)

C-27 Spartan. One of the Army’s biggest aircraft is flown by the USASOC Flight Company located at Fort Liberty, North Carolina (FBNC). (The Aviationist, 7 Feb 2024)

SEALs in Exercise Dragon Trident. East Coast-based Naval Special Warfare Operators recently took part in an exercise that saw them infiltrating a fixed defensive position located in Nevada. (DVIDS, 9 Feb 2024)

International SOF

Ukrainian SOF. Ukraine says its special forces blew up a Black Sea mining platform in the night to throw off Russian drone operations. The SOF unit approached the platform in small boats, searched the facility, and then blew it up. (Business Insider, 6 Feb 2024)

Training UKRSOF. United States Special Operations Forces began training the Ukrainian Special Operations Forces in 2015. Much of that initial training instruction emphasized a comprehensive irregular warfare skillset over the formerly adopted Spetsnaz approach. Currently Task Group – Ukraine (TG-U), part of the much larger Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force 10 (CJSOTF-1), is responsible for training, equipping, and advising UKRSOF. The CJSOTF collaborates with the Security Assistance Group – Ukraine (SAG-U). “The Key to Ukrainian Victory is Partnering (not Ukrainifying)”, Irregular Warfare Initiative, February 6, 2024.

NATO SOF. On February 8, 2024, the NATO Military Committee visited Allied Special Operations Forces Command in Belgium. The committee members received briefings on SOFCOM and the role of Allied and Partner SOF contributions to collective defense. (NATO, 9 Feb 2024)

Conflict in Israel and Gaza

Situation Update. The conflict in Gaza Strip continues. Israeli actions are now focused on southern Gaza with operations underway in Khan Younis and future operations to be conducted in Rafa (The Hill, 9 Feb 2024) close to the Egyptian border. Most of the population of Gaza has been displaced with as many as 1.4 million in Rafa city. Rafa remains one of the last holdout areas of Hamas – an estimate of four battalions, intermixed with the refugees and city population. Attempts of a negotiated settlement have been unsuccessful. “Palestinians brace for Rafah assault as Israel promises evacuation plan”, Reuters, February 10, 2024.

Hostages. Hama still has over 130 hostages seized during the October 7th terrorist attacks in Israel. It is estimated that about 1/5 of hostages taken by Hamas are now dead. Two hostages, ages 60 and 70, were rescued by Israeli commandos on Sunday, February 11, 2024. They were held in Rafah; the IDF conducted air strikes in Rafah as a diversion.

King of Jordan in Airdrop Over Gaza. A video showed King Abdullah in military gear on board a plane in the latest mission by the Jordanian Air Force to drop urgent medical supplies to field hospitals it runs in Gaza. Thus far, Jordan has conducted 11 air drops. “Jordan’s King Abdullah participates in Gaza aid drop”, The Jerusalem Post, February 11, 2024.

• References:
• Map Gaza Strip (2005), and more maps of Gaza Strip, West Bank, and Israel.
• Israel-Hamas War: Insights from RAND

Ukraine Conflict

Ten Year Anniversary of Ukraine War. In February 2014, Russia seized Crimea. Some nations conflate conventional warfare with war. However, irregular warfare – such as the taking of Crimea from Ukraine with “little green men” – is not recognized as warfare. Andrew Maher outlines four important lessons that can be drawn from the Ukraine conflict. “The anniversary of war in Ukraine – 10 years, not two years”, The Strategist, Australian Strategic Policy Institute, February 7, 2024.

New Ukraine Military Leader. The popular general leading the armed forces of Ukraine has been relieved by President Zelensky. The president says he is looking for a different approach to mobilization, recruitment, and frontline management. The new Commander-in-Chief is General Oleksandr Syrskyi – the commander of Ukraine’s Ground Forces since 2019. “Ukraine’s new military chief focused on high-tech, command and control”, C4ISRNET, February 9, 2024.

Unmanned Systems Force. Drones have proven very effective for the Ukrainian military both on land and at sea. The security situation on the Black Sea has been improved for the Ukrainians because of airborne and seaborne drones equipped with explosives. As a result of the effectiveness of drones Ukraine has established a separate command for the use of UAVs.

Report – Russia’s Black Sea Fleet. Igor Delanoe has provided a report on the performance and current status of the Black Sea Fleet. He describes how it has moved from the offense to an active defense. The Russian vessels have begun operating at a greater distance from the Ukrainian coasts. The Russians have learned some lessons from the current conflict and will likely be incorporating them into future naval operations – both in the Black Sea and around the globe. Foreign Policy Research Institute, February 2024, PDF, 22 pages.

Report – The Kremlin’s Occupation Playbook. This publication describes the coerced Russification and ethnic cleansing taking place in occupied Ukraine. Institute for the Study of War, February 2024, PDF, 29 pages.

Report – Evolution Not Revolution: Drone Warfare in Russia’s 2022 Invasion of Ukraine. Stacie Pettyjohn has published a detailed report on how drones have transformed the battlefield in the war in Ukraine. Center of a New American Security (CNAS), February 8, 2024, PDF, 67 pages.

Interactive Map. Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine by the Insitute for the Study of War and Critical Threats.
On storymaps.arcgis.com

National Security

Yemen Strikes. The United States has continued its campaign against Houthi missile sites and naval attack drones in recent days. In the past week U.S. forces have destroyed 29 missiles in Yemen and 10 drone ships.

SECDEF Back in Hospital. On Sunday, February 11, 2024, the Pentagon Press Secretary announced that Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin was transported to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center to be seen for a developing health issue. Austin has transferred the functions and duties of the SECDEF office to Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks. The CJCS, White House, and Congress has been notified. The press release didn’t specify if it was a day visit or overnight stay. (DOD, 11 Feb 2024)

Border Security Bill, Dead on Arrival. The Senate worked for four months to come up with a compromise bill that would provide aid to Ukraine, Israel, humanitarian assistance to Gaza, and also improve border security and improve the immigration process. However, it died a quick death. Now Congress is looking to put together an aid bill for Ukraine and Israel that both political parties and both chambers of Congress can agree on. At the same time, there is a bipartisan push to include an amendment (formerly called the Afghan Adjustment Act) that would assist the many Afghans who arrived in the U.S. after Afghanistan fell to the Taliban in August 2021 as well as certain categories of Afghan military personnel. If included, the language would provide the possibility to apply for Special Immigrant Visa status for former members of the Afghan National Army Special Operations Command (ANASOC), the Afghan Air Force (AAF), and the Special Mission Wing (SMW).

Growing Importance of PMCs. The influence of private military organizations like Blackwater and Wagner Grup is set to increase in the coming decades. Read about the long history and coming future of mercenary groups. “The Future of Private Military Companies”, by Federica Saini Fasanotti, GIS Reports, February 6, 2024.

Report – U.S.-China Strategic Competition in South and East China Seas, Congressional Research Service, CRS R42784, updated February 5, 2024, PDF, 142 pages. https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/R/R42784

Report – Hypersonic Weapons: Background and Issues for Congress, Congressional Research Service, CRS R45811, updated February 9, 2024, PDF, 36 pages. https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/R/R45811

Report – Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO), Congressional Research Service, CRS IF10613, updated February 8, 2024, PDF, 3 pages. The CRS has published a paper that describes what the FTO list is, the designation criteria, and who is on the list. https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/IF/IF10613

Podcasts and Videos

Podcast – Stay Behind Operations. Brian Petit (retired SF officer) and Marta Kepe (RAND Corporation) are the guests for this podcast episode that contrasts conventional conflict with resistance warfare. They discuss how small states can impose outsized costs on occupying powers by operating behind enemy lines. Irregular Warfare Podcast, February 9, 2024, 46 minutes. https://irregularwarfare.org/podcasts/stay-behind-operations/

Video – What is Irregular Warfare? The Joint Special Operations University describes the nature of IW. February 8, 2024, YouTube, February 8, 2024, 4 minutes. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zt7LtwQ-WRg

SOF News Book Shop

View our selection of books about special operations forces at the SOF News Book Shop.

Upcoming Events

February 27-29, 2024
Special Air Warfare Symposium – Global SOF
Fort Walton Beach, FL

April 12-14, 2024
Best Ranger Competition

April 24-25, 2024
12th Border Security & Intelligence Summit
Defense Strategies

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

Photo / Image: Marine Raiders rehearse advanced military free fall jumps at Camp Lejeune, N.C., Sept. 1, 2021. Military free fall sustainment training is necessary for a Marine special operations team to stay proficient and ready at all times for future operations. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Ethan Green)

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SOF News

Five KIA in MH-60 Crash. Five crew members of an Army special operations helicopter died in a crash in the eastern Mediterranean Sea during an air refueling event on Friday night. The mishap took place off the coast of southeast Cyprus. “5 U.S. Special Operations Forces Killed in Helicopter Crash in Mediterranean”, The New York Times, November 12, 2023. (subscription may be required) See also “US Military Plane Crashes in Mediterranean Training ‘Mishap'”, Voice of America, November 11, 2023. “DOD Identifies Army Soldiers Killed in Helicopter Crash”, U.S. Department of Defense, November 13, 2023.

Pulling TACPs from Army Bases. Bad Idea? An Air Force plan to relocate squadrons of elite close-air support airmen on Army bases, consolidating from eight locations down to just two, is likely to harm military readiness. (Military.com, Nov 7, 2023)

AC-130J’s Big Gun Going Away? The future of the AC-130J’s big gun is once again uncertain as interest in giving the Ghostrider more stand-off strike capabilities grow. “AC-130J Ghostriders Could Lose Their Big 105mm Guns”, The WarZone, November 7, 2023.

Lasers for the AC-130? The future of a laser-armed AC-130J is increasingly uncertain and a broader review of the Ghostrider’s armament package is in progress. “AC-130 Laser Weapon Test Slip Raises Questions About Its Future”, Thew Warzone, November 10, 2023.

Navy’s Leap Frogs. The Leap Frogs, a U.S. Navy Parachute Team, showcase their precision, teamwork, and commitment to excellence in each jump, and are a vital tool in Navy recruiting by landing and immediately interacting with the crowd to offer their unique perspective on Naval Special Warfare. “A Leap of Faith and Excellence: Skydiving with the U.S. Navy’s Leap Frogs”, Men’s Journal, November 9, 2023.

History of the Green Berets. Christopher Klein provides a historical timeline of U.S. Army Special Forces – from their founding in 1952 to the end of the GWOT era. “How Green Berets Became the US Army’s Elite Special Forces”, History.com, November 7, 2023.

Matt Parrish and TFDSOF. A former Green Beret, Matt Parrish, has been appointed as the new Executive Director of the Task Force Dagger Special Operations Foundation. Matt served much of his career with the 7th Special Forces Group. He recently retired, his last assignment with U.S. Special Operations Command in Tampa, Florida. https://www.taskforcedagger.org/our-team/

British SRR. Guy McCardle provides some insight into the British Special Reconnaissance Regiment (SRR). Established in 2005, the unit provided an evolution of the UK’s special forces capabilities. “SOF Spotlight: British Special Reconnaissance Regiment”, SOFREP, November 2023. (subscription)

Fires Center Named After Ranger. After four years of planning, collaboration, design, and renovation, the U.S. Army’s 75th Ranger Regiment cut the ribbon on the Domeij Fires Center on Nov. 2, 2023, marking its grand opening. “The Crucible of Fires: State of the Art Fires Center Named After Legendary Ranger”, U.S. Army, November 9, 2023.

Romania SOF Orders Polaris DAGOR. Romania is ordering more than 50 DAGOR ultralight tactical vehicles. These vehicles will enhance the tactical mobility of Romanian SOF. (Joint-Forces.com, Nov 13, 2023).

GBs Visit JFK’s Gravesite. A wreath-laying ceremony was held at the grave of President John F. Kennedy on November 8, 2023, at Arlington National Ceremony. “Green Berets bring annual tribute to JFK’s Arlington Gravesite”, Stars and Stripes, November 10, 2023.

Myths about SEALs. One result of that increased public notoriety, which has reflected both positively and negatively on the SEALs, has been the growth of certain misconceptions held by the wider public about the Navy SEAL Teams. “Think You Know the Navy SEALs? Here’s 3 Things You Have Wrong”, National Interest, November 9, 2023.

Combat Diver Competition. In September, two-man teams from across the U.S. special operations community competed in a number of MAROPS events held for three-days at Naval Air Station Key West. “US Commandos showed off their little-known underwater skills in Army Special Operations Command’s best combat diver competition”, Business Insider, November 11, 2023.

SOF History

Operation Eagle Claw. On November 4, 1979, nearly 3,000 fundamentalist Iranian students stormed the United States Embassy in Tehran and took 63 American personnel hostage. The storming of the Embassy came after the fall of Iran’s U.S.-backed government and the rise of an Islamic republic. The United States feared for the safety of all the hostages and as a result, on April 16, 1980, after months of being held, U.S. President Jimmy Carter approved a military rescue operation to free the hostages and end the crisis, codenamed Eagle Claw. Read more in “Operation Eagle Claw”, Grey Dynamics, November 8, 2023.

Afghanistan 2001. On November 13, 2001, Taliban-held Kabul fell to the Northern Alliance. Green Berets would enter the city the next day. The Northern Alliance were also advised and assisted by other SOF elements such as the 49th Public Affairs Detachment (ABN) out of Bragg, Psychological Operations elements, and 1st Battalion 87th Infantry Regiment out of Ft. Drum, NY. The initial operation name was Operation Stronghold Freedom and these U.S. service members made up the Joint Special Operations Task Force-North (JSOTF-N).

Book – Lincoln’s Special Forces. During the Civil War a shadow conflict took place between special irregular units of both sides. A new book entitled The Unvanquished covers the history of the Jessie Scouts, a unit that hunted Mosby’s Confederate Rangers from 1963 to the war’s end.

Conflict in Israel and Gaza

Evac of U.S. Citizens from ME? There are about 600,000 Americans (many dual citizens) that are living in Israel and Lebanon that may need to be evacuated. The U.S. government is getting ready to act if the war between the Palestinians militants of Gaza and Israel continues to escalate. “U.S. readies plans for mass evacuations if Gaza war escalates”, The Washington Post, October 23, 2023. (subscription)

Hostages. There are still 9 Americans missing and presumed to be hostages taken by Hamas and now held in captivity in Gaza Strip. U.S. SOF units are positioned in the area to respond to the situation and to offer Israel advice on hostage recovery.

Map. Check out a regularly updated visual tracker of northern border attacks by Hezbollah, the IDF, and Palestinian groups during the 2023 Hamas-Israel War. “Mapping Clashes Along the Israel-Lebanon Border”, Washington Institute, November 1, 2023.

References: Map Gaza Strip (2005), and more maps of Gaza Strip, West Bank, and Israel.

Ukraine Conflict

Creating an Army in the US Fashion. The United States is repeating mistakes made in Iraq and Afghanistan – attempting to create a Ukrainian military with US doctrine and strategy. Some believe we are going about it all wrong. “It’s Time to Ukrainify US Military Assistance”, Modern War Institute at West Point, November 10, 2023.

Beating Up on Russia’s Navy. The Ukrainians have broken the Russian naval blockade of Odesa. Although Ukraine doesn’t have a navy it has mastered the use of unmanned maritime drones, long-range anti-ship missiles, and special operations forces to diminish the effectiveness of Russia’s Black Sea fleet. “How Ukraine, With No Warships, Is Thwarting Russia’s Navy”, by Marc Santora, The New York Times, November 12, 2023. (subscription) See also “Russia’s Black Sea Fleet Loses One of Its ‘Most Advanced Ships’ – Ukraine”, Newsweek, November 5, 2023.

Video – Training for the Return of Trench Warfare. The Ukraine conflict has evolved into a long-term battle where success is measured in small territorial gains along a wide front. With the war in Ukraine proving trench-to-trench battles are not a relic, NATO troops prepare for the grueling form of war. Military Times, November 6, 2023, YouTube, 2 minutes. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ns0FeJG0kVU

Interactive Map. Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine by the Insitute for the Study of War and Critical Threats.
On storymaps.arcgis.com

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Commentary

IW Research Center. David Maxwell provides his perspective on the merits of establishing an academic setting for the research of irregular warfare. “Ensuring the Success of America’s First University-based Irregular Warfare Research Center”, Small Wars Journal, November 8, 2023.

Stay Behind Forces. Brian Petit, a retired Special Forces colonel, provides his perspective on the use of stay behind forces in the context of four different occupation environments. “Should I Stay or Should I Go? Stay-behind Force Decision-Making”, War on the Rocks, November 8, 2023.

Intel Ops and IW. Sal Artiaga traces the history of intelligence operations over the course of recent warfare – from Vietnam to Ukraine. Over time, the nature of intelligence has shifted – from human-centric insights to technology-driven reconnaissance. The role of intelligence in irregular warfare is continuing to change, however, the importance of understanding human terrain will never go away. “The Evolution of Intelligence Operations in Support of Irregular Warfare”, Irregular Warfare Center, November 1, 2023.

PTSD and Psychedelics. Clinical trials have shown that, under the right conditions, psychedelics can have a positive effect on mental health conditions like PTSD or depression for some people. Veterans have responded by calling for greater access to psychedelic-assisted therapy for some patients. “Therapeutic Use of Psychedelics in Treating PTSD and Depression Among Veterans”, RAND Corporation, November 8, 2023.

National Security

CT and Armed Drones. The United States has significantly increased its use of armed drones to attack global counterterrorism targets since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 (9/11) continuing to
today to support U.S. and partnering country counterterrorism missions. Read more in Armed Drones: Evolution as a Counterterrorism Tool, Congressional Research Service, CRS IF12342, updated November 7, 2023, PDF, 3 pages. https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/IF/IF12342

U.S.-ROK Alliance. To more effectively advance three strategic priorities of the United States and Republic of Korea relationship, Secretary Austin (SecDef) and Minister Shin (ROK) are looking to restructure existing bilateral Alliance dialogue mechanisms to ensure that the Alliance is well-postured for the future. “Defense Vision of the U.S.-ROK Alliance”, U.S. Department of Defense, November 13, 2023.

Report on Nigeria. The Congressional Research Service has published an update to Nigeria: Overview and U.S. Policy, CRS R47052, updated November 9, 2023, PDF, 28 pages. https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/R/R47052

Great Power Competition

Preparing for War with China. Jennifer Hlad writes on how the U.S. Army is conducting exercises in the Indo-Pacific region to prepare for future conflicts. “How US Army Pacific is preparing for war with China”, Defense One, November 9, 2023.

IW in the Indo-Pacific. Dr. Lumpy Lumbaca details why a comprehensive Irregular Warfare (IW) campaign strategy is needed by the United States Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM). He outlines the strategic focus areas that the IW campaign should be built upon and then describes the specific lines of effort that may be used as building blocks toward strategic success. “Irregular Warfare: Undermining the CCP’s Dangerous and Illegal Activities in the Indo-Pacific”, Small Wars Journal, November 12, 2023.

Afghanistan – China Wins? Almost two-and-a-half years after the U.S-backed Afghan government crumbled and the Taliban regime resumed power in Afghanistan, Chinese investors are maneuvering into the country – most notably to reap the benefits of Afghanistan’s abundant and in-demand national resources. Has China emerged as the ultimate winner of the long and devastating war? “Is China the Real Winner in Afghanistan?”, by Hollie McKay, The CIPHER Brief, November 13, 2023. (subscription)

Philippines Confronts China. For years China has slowly extended its maritime reach. It is now increasing tensions with the Philippines – a situation that may draw the United States into a maritime confrontation. “Let’s Call China’s Actions in the South China Sea What They Really Are”, by Charmaine Misalucha-Willougby, United States Institute of Peace, November 1, 2023.

China’s PLA. Payton Rawson describes “How China commands its ‘people’s army'”, The Strategist, Australian Strategic Policy Institute, November 13, 2023.

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

Afghanistan

Former CIA and SF Vets Helping Afghans. Members of “Team Alpha” – Special Forces and CIA paramilitary personnel who link up with the Northern Alliance in 2001 – are now assisting Afghans of the Northern Alliance who fought with them in the initial days of the invasion of Afghanistan by the United States. Their private organization, Badger Six, is working to bring these Afghan allies to the United States. “These US veterans aren’t giving up on Afghan fighters who save their lives”, New York Post, November 8, 2023.

Afghan Economy. Kate Clark provides an overview of the Afghan economy. It is a bleak look that contradicts the rosy proclamations of the Taliban regime. “Survival and Stagnation: The State of the Afghan Economy”, Afghanistan Analysts Network, November 7, 2023.

Deportation of Afghans from Pakistan. In October, Pakistan announced that undocumented migrants would be expelled from Pakistan. About 1.6 million Afghans currently live in Pakistan; some 600,000 fled there after the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan in August 2021. Beginning on November 1st, Pakistan began rounding up Afghans and sending them back to Afghanistan. Read more in “Pakistan opens 3 new border crossings to deport Afghans in ongoing crackdown on migrants”, by Abdul Sattar, The San Diego Union-Tribune, November 13, 2023.

Afghanistan’s Earthquakes. Herat province has suffered a series of deadly earthquakes over the past few months. This article looks at the damage and the science behind the earthquakes, the disaster response efforts, and what remains to be done to help Afghans affected by the quakes to rebuild their lives. “Nature’s Fury: The Herat earthquakes of 2023”, Afghanistan Analysts Network, November 10, 2023.

Podcast – Shawn VanDiver with #AfghanEvac. Shawn VanDiver, is president and founder of the #AfghanEvac coalition, which unites volunteers and professionals from government, national security, and public policy backgrounds in a search to fulfill the promises the U.S. made to its allies left behind in Afghanistan. Shawn talked about the important wins that the coalition has been able to achieve through their efforts, as well as some of the difficulties they have faced over the past two years. The Afghanistan Project Podcast, November 13, 2023, YouTube, one hour. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ePjYq2x5E90

Middle East

U.S. Military Strikes in Syria. U.S. military forces conducted precision strikes today on facilities in eastern Syria used by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and Iran-affiliated groups in response to continued attacks against U.S. personnel in Iraq and Syria. The strikes were conducted against a training facility and a safe house near the cities of Abu Kamal and Mayadin, respectively. See “U.S. airstrikes kill Iranian proxies in Syria, officials say”, The Washington Post, November 12, 2023. (subscription)

Houthi Rebels Shoot Down U.S. Reaper. A US drone was shot down by Yemen’s Houthi rebels on November 8, 2023. The MQ-9 was shot down in Yemeni airspace. “U.S. officials have confirmed an MQ-9 has been shot down off the coast of Yemen”, The Aviationist, November 8, 2023.

Qatar. The Congressional Research Service has updated its report entitled Qatar: Issues for the 118th Congress, CRS R47467, updated November 3, 2023, PDF, 27 pages. https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/R/R47467

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Books, Podcasts, Videos, and Movies

Video – Rescuing Americans Where Others Won’t. Brian Stern of Project Dynamo is interviewed by Matt Parrish on the Prep for Impact show. Stern’s organization has been assisting in the evacuation of Americans from Afghanistan, Ukraine, Sudan, and now Israel and Gaza. The podcast is backed by the Green Beret Foundation. November 6, 2023, YouTube, 57 mins. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pUwmnpguD80

Video – Scott Mann and SF Around the World. A retired Green Beret talks about the role of U.S. Special Forces around the globe. Fox News, November 11, 2023, 5 minutes. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ySJHjv5Tjg

Video – The Legacy of the 75th Ranger Regiment in Afghanistan. The 75th Ranger Regiment, YouTube, November 11, 2023, 8 minutes. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NYrJZDzXytI

Video – Training ARVN | Foreign Internal Defense (FID). “Training ARVN” examines US Foreign Internal Defense (FID) doctrine through the early years of the Army of the Republic of Vietnam. ARVN came to look like a mirror image of the US Army of the 1960s. Under American advisement, South Vietnam developed its abilities in its war against North Vietnam and the National Liberation Front. Yet ARVN’s deficiencies contributed to the United States’ decision to introduce American combat forces in 1965. Army University Press, YouTube, November 2, 2023, 29 minutes. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OAOUnPOUzoQ&t=2s

Video – Beyond the Battlefield: Inside the US Special Forces. History, YouTube, November 12, 2023, 8 minutes. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Q2pvUg95co

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

Photo / Image: Naval Special Warfare Combatant Craft (image from DVIDS video, 3 Oct 2023).

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SOF News

Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Ken Tovo. A former commander of the United States Army Special Operations Command (USASOC) is assuming the position of Strategic Advisor (Instagram) with Oak Grove Technologies. Tovo had a 35-year Army career with much of it spent in Special Forces.

Army SOF Cuts Coming. Defense Department officials and the Army undersecretary briefed congressional staff members on Thursday, October 12th, on the 3,000 cuts in personnel that will take place in the USASOC force structure. “Pentagon briefs Hill on Army special ops cuts, vacant slots targeted”, Army Times, October 12, 2023.

U.S. SOF Hostage Rescue in Gaza Strip? A Navy SEAL who is now a GOP lawmaker says that a U.S. special operations hostage rescue in Israel would take considerable effort. (Fox News, October 15, 2023)

‘Space Ranger’. An MIT graduate who works on satellites has completed U.S. Army Ranger School. His primary job in the Air Force is to develop satellite communications tools. He has attended other ‘infantry’ type schools to include the Sapper Leader’s Course and Air Assault School. (The Messenger, October 15, 2023).

SOF and Multidomain Operations. Lt. Gen. Jonathan P. Braga, commanding general, U.S. Army Special Operations Command, spoke during the Association of U.S. Army’s Warriors Corner event – “Special Operations, Space, and Cyber Operations: A Modern-Day Triad” – in Washington D.C. on Oct. 11. Braga said he foresees the Triad being leveraged for irregular warfare options, flexible deterrents and flexible response options for the joint warfighter. He said the Triad has to work together, experiment together and learn together. “TRIAD leaders update AUSA at Warriors Center”, DVIDS, October 13, 2023.

Green Beret (the hat) History. Sarah Sicard has penned an article that provides details on how the green beret became the official headgear for Special Forces soldiers. “How the green beret became the symbol of US Army Special Forces”, Military Times, October 10, 2023.

A Dad Remembers His Fallen Son. On October 4, 2017, four U.S. soldiers of the 3rd Special Forces Group died in an ambush in Niger. While this event captured the attention of the nation for several months, for most Americans, it is a faint and distinct memory. But not for the families of those lost soldiers. “A father reflects on the death of his son during the 2017 Niger ambush”, by Henry Black, Military Times, October 6, 2023.

‘Hell Week’. Joshua Skovlund provides some historical perspective on SEAL training and the early days of frogmen. “Why Navy SEALs wear a trident and other facts about life as a frogman”, Task and Purpose, October 12, 2023.

SOF History

3rd SFG(A). On October 16, 1991, 2nd Battalion, 3rd SFGA was activated with HQs company, 2 SF companies, and a forward support company.

Martha Raye. On October 19, 1994, the Honorary Special Forces LTC “Maggie” Raye died.

Afghanistan. On October 19, 2001, two SF detachments infiltrate into northern Afghanistan to link up with the Northern Alliance. They were the first two U.S. Army SF teams inserted into Afghanistan to work with Northern Alliance Forces. On the same day, Operation Rhino took place in southern Afghanistan. The 3rd Ranger Battalion conducted an airborne operation to seize Objective Rhino. This was part of a highly publicized U.S. effort to show that the United States could put boots on the ground anywhere in the world whenever it wanted.

PSYOP. On October 16, 2006, the Psychological Operations branch was established.

Conflict in Israel and Gaza

Hostages. Israel and the international community are confronted with the vexing problem of recovering their citizens held hostage by Hamas in Gaza Strip. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) says that more than 120 hostages are being held by Hamas. There are a total of 32 countries with ‘missing’ citizens. The United States has more than ten Americans held in dispersed locations by the terrorist group. Over 30 countries have had at least one of their citizens killed by Hamas in Israel. At least 27 Americans have been killed in the Israel-Gaza War. According to reporter James LaPorta the U.S. has special operations forces in the region should a hostage rescue attempt be necessary. In addition, he says U.S. hostage rescue experts may now be in Israel (The Messenger News, Oct 11, 2023).

Civilians in Combat Zones. Israel has moved thousands of its citizens from the border areas of Gaza Strip and southern Lebanon. The IDF has warned civilian Palestinians that northern Gaza will soon see extensive combat operations and urges them to evacuate (IDF Twitter) to southern Gaza along two designated ‘safe routes’. Some news reports stay that Hamas has set up roadblocks to prevent Palestinians from moving south. Despite the roadblocks hundreds of thousands of Palestinians have fled northern Gaza to the south.

U.S. State Department. DoS has authorized the departure of non-emergency U.S. government personnel and eligible family members from Israel. It has updated (Oct 14, 2023) its travel advisory for Israel. U.S. citizens who wish to depart with U.S. government assistance must express their interest via the DoS crisis intake form. The U.S. Embassy in Israel has announced that a ship will leave Haifa, Israel on October 16, 2023, for Cyprus to evacuate U.S. citizens. There are about 200,000 U.S. citizens in Israel, most of them dual citizens.

Evacuations. Most foreign nationals are leaving Israel on commercial flights. Some nations, including the U.S., have chartered aircraft to evacuate their citizens from Israel. Poland was one of the first to conduct evacuation flights for its citizens, completing the task with over 27 lifts.

Crossing into Egypt from Gaza. Negotiations with Egypt for the use of the Rafah Border Crossing as an evacuation corridor from Gaza Strip is ongoing. It was reported that a few citizens of the U.S. and Canada got across a few days ago; but it has now been closed by Egypt. There is the possibility that the crossing will be open on Monday, October 16, 2023, at 9 am (local time) according to the U.S. State Department, but only for a limited amount of time and probably only for foreign nationals.

Coming Ground War. Tunnels, anti-tank missiles, drones, and suicide bombers are just some of the perils that await Israeli forces in the tight confines of heavily populated Gaza. “The Perilous Tactical Realities Israel Will Face Fighting in Gaza”, by Howard Altman, The WarZone, October 13, 2023. Read also “Reflections on Israel’s Urban Operations”, Irregular Warfare Center, October 12, 2023.

CRS Reports. The Congressional Research Service has published two reports about the Hamas – Israel conflict. https://www.national-security.info/country/israel/hamas-attack-2023.html

Odds and Ends. The Iraqi Parliament has called for the activation of the Arab Defense Treaty (Yale.edu) in response to the ongoing Israeli actions in Gaza. The U.S. has been building up its naval forces in the region; a US armada is now based in the waters off Israel and more ships are on the way (The Washington Post, subscription). Sec Def Austin issued a statement on the composition of U.S. naval forces in the region (defense.gov). The U.S. is providing a variety of assistance to Israel (Military.com, Oct 15, 2023). Despite the dropping of over 6,000 bombs on Hamas targets in Gaza by the Israeli Air Force the terrorist group still has the capacity (as on Mon, 16 Oct) to send a large number of rockets and missiles into Israel’s cities.

Ukraine Conflict

Russian Offensive. The Russians have begun offensive operations in the Avdiivka (Google Maps) region close to Russian-occupied Donetsk. Thus far it has gained minimal ground. The Russians have stepped up attacks on military and civilian targets with drones over the past few days. F-16 fighter training will begin in the coming days for Ukrainian pilots and crews in the United States.

IO Front. Ukrainian information operations activities are credited with the defection of over 17,000 Russian soldiers according to US Army Special Operations Command’s Lt. Gen. Jon Braga (Breaking Defense). A recent RAND corporation study examines the respective characteristics and persuasiveness of the Russian and Ukrainian information operations campaigns. See “The Nightingale Versus the Bear”, RAND, October 2023, PDF, 59 pages. https://www.rand.org/pubs/research_reports/RRA2032-1.html

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National Security

Bolduc on our Generals. In modern military operations, the role of Generals and Admirals is critical in shaping the direction and outcomes of defense strategies. However, there has been an increasing concern over the failure of these top-ranking officers to fulfill their duties effectively. Retired Brig. General Don Bolduc, a career Special Forces officer, examines the reasons behind this perceived failure and the implications for our military today. “Evaluating the Leadership Failure of Generals and Admirals in Today’s Military”, SOFREP, October 9, 2023.

IW and the Gaza Conflict. The future is entirely unwritten, but the history that will be made in the Middle East in the coming weeks and months will prove valuable to the study of multi-echelon irregular warfare. “The Irregular Warfare Implications of the Israel-Hamas Conflict”, by Doug Livermore, Irregular Warfare Initiative, October 12, 2023.

Are China and North Korea Allies? Beijing is keeping a careful eye on its neighboring nation – it has concerns that the growing threats from Pyongyang will destabilize Northeast Asia. “North Korea and China Aren’t the Allies You Think They Are”, The RAND Blog, September 27, 2023.

Russian Military Ground Forces. The Institute for the Study of War has published Russian Regular Ground Forces Order of Battle: Russian Military 101. The PDF (60 pages) was published on October 12, 2023. It has two sections: an introductory essay on the regular Russian ground forces and a fully sourced order of battle (OB). https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-regular-ground-forces-order-battle-russian-military-101

Sahel CT Effort. If the US is forced to end operations at the air base it modernized at Agadez, Niger and to withdraw US troops from Niger, they may be able to relocate to another country.  But it’s hard to see how the US can continue to pursue its counterterrorism strategy in the Sahel without a base in the immediate area. “West Africa: Collapse of U.S. Counterterrorism Strategy in the Sahel”, All Africa, October 15, 2023.

Another Earthquake. A third earthquake, measuring 6.3 magnitude, struck an area close to Herat on Sunday, October 14, 2023. Over 100 have been injured with some deaths reported as well. The last two earthquakes flattened thousands of homes, killed over 3,000 people, injured more than 7,000, and displaced thousands. The United States is providing over $12 million in aid for Afghan earthquake relief. The Hindu Kush Mountain range lies near the junction of the Eurasian and Indian tectonic plates. “Afghanistan hit by third earthquake in a week”, BBC News, October 15, 2023.

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Book – The Fourth Age: The Future of Special Operations. This anthology of fictional stories helps us visualize a future era of special operations. Through their creative talents and subject matter knowledge, the authors realistically portray what is within the realm of possible. They draw upon lessons of the past while imagining the future. Joint Special Operations Press (JSOU), October 2, 2023, PDF, 192 pages. https://www.jsou.edu/Press/PublicationDashboard/239

Podcast – SEALs in Iraq. The commander of a SEAL team in Iraq, Rick Witt, talks about the deployment. The Spear Podcast, October 11, 2023, 50 minutes. https://mwi.westpoint.edu/podcast-the-spear-seals-in-iraq/

Video – NSW Overview. Naval Special Warfare Command, located on Naval Amphibious Base, Coronado, leads the Navy’s maritime special operations force and is the Navy component to U.S. Special Operations Command. NSW is the nation’s elite maritime special operations force, uniquely positioned to extend the Fleet’s reach and gain and maintain access for the Joint Force in competition and conflict. DVIDS, October 3, 2023, 6 minutes. https://www.dvidshub.net/video/900276/nsw-overview-video

Video – AFSOC Mission Overview. A look at the history, heritage, and missions of Air Force Special Operations Command. DVIDS, October 12, 2023, 5 minutes. https://www.dvidshub.net/video/900214/afsoc-mission-overview

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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/

**********

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

The Russian invasion of Ukraine has failed for the most part – Kyiv still stands and Ukraine has recaptured much of the territory it had lost in the initial phases of the war. The remarkable resistance of Ukraine has surprised many national security observers, caused embarrassment to Russia, and have had many looking to apply lessons learned to a future Taiwan conflict.

In April 2022, General Richard Clarke (Ret.) – former commander of the United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM), stated that many U.S. officials share the desire that “Taiwan, just like Ukraine has been, to be an indigestible porcupine.”

The U.S. and other nations have been reluctant to directly engage in open conflict with Russia or China. This leaves some strategic deterrence gaps – areas that special operations forces can fill. Many studies have been done on how the Ukraine conflict can provide some lessons on how to deter the People’s Republic of China from invading Taiwan. However, most of these are focused on conventional warfare and seem to omit the applicability of SOF.

This JSOU paper aims to fill that research gap by gathering lessons from SOF activities in Ukraine and applying them to Taiwan – adding quills to Taiwan’s defensive capability. The lessons gathered include the strengthening of resistance capabilities, fostering long-term alliances, and dominating the information war.

**********

SOF Quills for the Porcupine: Applying Lessons from Ukraine to Taiwan, by Scott Simeral, Lieutenant Colonel Steven Skipper, and Lieutenant Colonel Giovanna Espegio, Joint Special Operations University Press, March 2023, PDF, 18 pages.
https://www.jsou.edu/Press/PublicationDashboard/225

Image from the cover of the paper cited above. A porcupine with quills containing the Fairbairn-Sykes dagger, an international symbol for Special Operations Forces, against a backdrop of Ukraine and Taiwan flags. Claire Luke for JSOU Press.

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

Photo / Image: 20th SFG(A) Mountain Team members conduct backcountry movement on skis in Colorado. Mountain SFODAs specialize in negotiating highly technical mountainous terrain in Winter and Summer Alpine enviornments. Image 20th SFG(A).

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SOF News

COL Joe Celeski – RIP. Colonel (Ret.) Joseph Cileski, age 69, died on February 13, 2023. He retired from a thirty-year career with the U.S. Army in September. When serving as 3rd Special Forces Group commander he deployed to Afghanistan where he was the Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force – Afghanistan (CJSOTF-A) commander. Obituary. Cileski was the author of The Green Berets in the Land of a Million Elephants. Watch a video of Cileski talking about the secret special operations war in Laos. (C-SPAN2 Book TV, March 2019, one hour).

Maj. Gen. Gary Harrell – RIP. Retired Green Beret Gary Harrell died at age 71. He had served for three decades of service with the U.S. Army to include numerous tours in SOF units to include Delta Force. He served as commander of Special Operations Command – Central (SOCCENT) during the beginning phases of the Global War on Terror (GWOT). “Harrell Dies in Tennessee”, Coffee or Die Magazine, February 14, 2023. Obituary.

New Cdr for SOJTF-Levant (OIR). Brig. Gen. Philip Ryan, CG, U.S. Army Special Operations Aviation Command; Fort Bragg, North Carolina, is to be assigned as commander, Special Operations Joint Task Force-Levant, Operation Inherent Resolve, Kuwait.

News on SOCPAC Cdr. Navy Rear Adm. (lower half) Jeromy B. Williams has been nominated for appointment to the grade of rear admiral.  Williams is currently serving as commander, Special Operations Command Pacific, U.S. Special Operations Command, Camp H.M. Smith, Hawaii.

Rangers Take ‘Best Medic’ Competition. Two Rangers from the 6th Ranger Training Battalion took top honors in a three-day event at Fort Polk. “Meet the winners of the 2023 Army’s Best Medic Competition”, Army.mil, February 14, 2023.

Retired SF COL to Receive MoH. A retired Special Forces officer who served in Vietnam will receive the MoH from President Biden. “Biden to award Medal of Honor to Black Vietnam War vet who’s waited decades”, The Washington Post, February 13, 2023.

Marine Raiders. The history, organization, TTPs, training pipeline, equipment, weapons, and missions of MARSOC units is examined in this article by Michael Ellmer. “Marine Raiders: Always Faithful, Always Forward”, Grey Dynamics, February 14, 2023.

Decker With the Panthers. A former Special Forces officer who served two tours in Iraq is now the new vice president of development for a NFL team. “Panthers add Brian Decker, former “GM for Special Forces”, Panthers,com, February 16, 2023.

SOTTACs, JTACs, CCTs, and TACPs – A Brief. There is a lot of confusion about who is a Joint Terminal Air Controller or JTAC. In Guy Ritchie’s The Covenant (official YouTube trailer), Jake Gyllenhaal plays a Special Forces solder with a JTAC patch on his uniform. Is that accurate? Max Hauptman explains in “JTAC vs TACP: A user’s guide to the troops who call in close air support”, Task & Purpose, February 10, 2023.

Wingsuiting at 150 MPH. A wingsuit skydiver from Argentina talks about his dangerous sport. “Flyin Squirrel”, Harvard Magazine, March 2023.

Britt Slabinski – MoH Recipient. A retired Navy SEAL is profiled in this article. The Battle of Takur Ghar, Afghanistan in 2022 is where Slabinski was leading a recon team on top of a 10,000-foot snow-covered mountain that led to a fierce fight with the Taliban. Read about it in “Medal of Honor Recipient: Britt Kelly Slabinski”, Informed Insight, February 21, 2023.

Bonuses for NSW Operators. The U.S. Navy is offering large cash re-enlistment bonuses to veteran Navy special warfare sailors. The bonus system for keeping highly-skilled members of the military community on active duty have worked for many decades. Read more in “Attrition: U.S. Navy Bonuses for Special Operations Sailors”, Strategy Page, February 20, 2023.

3rd ASOS Developing Arctic Skills. In an operation designed to test the capabilities of Airmen and equipment in extreme-cold long-distance movements, members of the 3rd Air Support Operations Squadron took a 130-mile trek in Alaska. The TACPs support the 11th Airborne Division based in Alaska. “3rd ASOS Arctic Warfighters participate in Operation Agipen 2”, Pacific Air Force, February 10, 2023.

SOA AAR. The Special Operations Association held its annual convention this past October 2023. It was a week-long event bringing together former and current members of the U.S. special operations community. Read the SOA’s AAR on the convention dated February 2023, PDF, 72 pages.

SOF Injured in ISIS Raid. U.S. service members and one combat dog were injured on February 16, 2023 during a night helicopter raid in northeast Syria that killed a senior ISIS leader. They are reported to be receiving medical treatment at a facility in Iraq. The raid was conducted in conjunction with members of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). “Four US service members injured in ISIS helicopter raid”, The Hill, February 17, 2023.

CIA’s Spec Ops Center. Jordan Smith details the covert action and paramilitary operations division of the Central Intelligence Agency. He says that this organization is the ‘third option’ for the resolving of U.S. crisis or problems abroad. The first would be the State Department using diplomacy and the second the Department of Defense using its military forces. The third option, is using the CIA’s Special Activities Center of the Directorate of Operations (DO). Read more in “CIA Special Activities Center: The Third Option”, Grey Dynamics, December 6, 2022.

193rd SOW Receives 1st MC-130J Commando II. The Pennsylvania Air National Guard unit has taken possession of its first Commando II transport. The unit previously operated the EC-130J Commando Solo as part of the airborne Military Information Support Operations broadcasting platform. The MC-130J is used to conduct low-level infiltration, exfiltration, and resupply of special operations forces. “US Air National Guard unit receives first MC-130J special operations transport”, Defence Blog, February 11, 2023.

AFSOC Recruiting. The Air Force Special Operations Recruiting Wing is tasked with providing a talent pool of skilled, qualified, and diverse applicants to the AF Special Warfare training programs. “Special Warfare, Air Force Recruiting Teams Develop Programs, Scour Nation to Attact Candidates”, Special Warfare Training Wing, February 15, 2023.

Not Guilty. Irene Loewenson provides a detailed look at the MARSOC 3 trial. Four years ago in January 2019 a military contractor and retired Green Beret died after an altercation outside of a bar in Irbil, Iraq. Three members of the Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command were charged with homicide in connection with the retired Special Forces NCO’s death. “Verdict, not guilty: An inside look at the homicide trial of 2 Marines”, Marine Corps Times, February 16, 2023.

International SOF

NORSOF Checking Out Arctic Gear. Norwegian special operators staged the Arctic Warrior Experiment inviting participants from eight countries to test their latest cold weather gear in rugged terrain. “Norway special operators field pitches on fresh, Arctic-capable gear”, by Elisabeth Gosselin-Malo, Defense News February 9, 2023.

SAS Recruiting Women. The ban on women serving in the UK’s Army frontline units was lifted in 2018. However, up to this point, there are no women in the Special Air Service or Special Boat Service. One in ten of the armed forces are women. So far, only two women are believed to have tried the selection proscess. “Elite SAS launch recruitment drive to encourage women to join its ranks”, Mirror, February 11, 2023.

Video of Canadian Sniper Shot Causes Concern with CANSOF. A recent podcast that depicted a Canadian sniper taken a long-range shot of an ISIS fighter has placed a former member of Joint Task Force Two (JTF2) and a former U.S. Navy SEAL in hot water. “Former Navy SEAL in Canada’s crosshairs after publishing video of world’s longest sniper shot”, Task and Purpose, February 17, 2023.

UAS Solution for NATO SOF. Two drone firms are going to provide a unmanned aerial system that meets the requirements of all-weather functionality, quick deployment, hand launchability, and more. “Rheinmetall and AeroVironment Join Forces for NATO Special Forces Project”, Defense Advancement, February 10, 2023.

Bio on Maj. Gen. Sidney Shachnow. A Lithuanian Jew who experienced and survived the Holocaust eventually became a U.S. citizen and would go on to serve with the U.S. Army’s Special forces. He retired as a major general. “Sidney Shachnow: The Holocaust Survivor Who Became a Green Beret”, War History Online, February 9, 2023.

Seaspray. A covert air unit was a collaborative effort between the Central Intelligence Agency and the U.S. Army that began in 1981. The clandestine air power organization grew out of the chaos of the revolution in Iran and failure of Operation Eagle Claw – an attempt to rescue U.S. citizens held hostage in the U.S. Embassy in Tehran. Read more in “SEASPRAY: Clandestine Air Operations and Covert Activity”, by Alec Smith, Grey Dynamics, February 12, 2023.

Rhodesian SAS. Learn about the history, organization, training, equiment, and missions of the Rhodesian Special Air Service. This special forces unit was active during the time of the white minority-ruled Rhodesia. It was based on the British Special Air Servie – which they were originally a part of. The SAS was extremely active during the year-long Rhodesian Bush War. “The Rhodesian SAS”, by Aidan Hickey,Grey Dynamics, February 18, 2023.

Elite Australian Dive Team in Vietnam. It has been 56 years since the arrival of the Australian Naval Clearance Diving Team in South Vietnam. They were a group of men who put their lives at risk in a complex and dangerous mission risk by clearing underwater mines and obstacles during the Vietnam War. “Anniversary of the Arrival of Australian Naval Clearance Divers in Vietnam”, Veteran Web, February 6, 2023.

Ukraine Conflict

Biden Visits Ukraine. The US president made his first visit to the war zone just ahead of the 1-year anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion. “Biden arrives in Kyiv on surprise visit to war zone”, Politico, February 20, 2023.

SOF, Ukraine, and Propaganda. An interesting article by Caitlin Johnstone about a possible attempt by U.S. special operations forces to employ ‘propaganda’ in the Ukraine conflict. “Pentagon Wants to Return Special Ops Propagandists to Ukraine”, Scheerpost, February 12, 2023. Read more in “Pentagon looks to restart top-secret programs in Ukraine”, Stars and Stripes, February 10, 2023.

Former GB Describes Fighting in Ukraine. William Brangham, a former Green Beret with tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, fought for the Ukrainians for over ten months last year. Listen to a podcast describing his time in Ukraine. “Former Green Beret who fought for Ukraine offers perspective on war, how to counter Russia”, PBS, February 14, 2023, 7 minutes.

SFA and Ukraine. In 2022 the United States provided Ukraine with over $20 billion in security assistance. The authors of this article provide some recommendations on how to better provide SFA to Ukraine. “More Bang for the SFA Buck: Improving US Security Force Assistance in Ukraine and Beyond”, Modern War Institute at West Point, February 15, 2023.

Commentary

Roles and Limitations of SOF. David Ucko argues that SOF can play a vital role in countering threats by Russia and China. However, to do so, he believes that SOF must recalibrate, changing their composition and their focus. “Indispensable but Insufficient: The Role and Limits of Special Operations in Strategic Competition”, Lawfare Blog, February 19, 2023.

SOF – Too Big? R.D. Hooker provides his perspective on the U.S. special operations community – it is a little too big, over-staffed, draws too much talent from the conventional forces, redundant, and it is a stovepiped community insulated from the established chains of command across the globe. “America’s Special Operations Problem”, Joint Force Quarterly, National Defense University Press, January 2023.

And a Response. Charlie Black provides his comments on the R.D. Hooker essay in the above paragraph. He believes that Hooker’s argument is a misinterpretation of recent historical events and derives some generalized conclusions from a relativetly small number of incidents or events. “Challenging the ‘Problem of Special Operations and USSOF'”, Small Wars Journal, February 20, 2023.

More Thoughts on IW. Mark Grdovic, a retired Special Forces officer and currently a Senior International SOF Advisor within the USSOCOM J3 – International Division, provides his thoughts on how the U.S. military is addressing how it will institutionalize the topic of Irregular Warfare (IW). “Untangling the Gordian Knot that is Irregular Warfare”, Small Wars Journal, February 9, 2023.

GSOF and IW. The Global Special Operations Foundation has made Irregular Warfare a central theme in its 2023 SOF Imperatives effort. Read more in 2023 SOF Imperatives, PDF, 4 pages.

Managing Risk for SOF. Tim Ball, a U.S. Army Special Forces officer, writes on “Managing Risk for Special Operations Forces in Large-Scale Combat Operations”, War on the Rocks, February 21, 2023.

OSINT and ‘Special Forces’. Jeff Giesea argues that a new approach is needed for how the United States generates open source intelligence products. He points to U.S. Army Special Forces as a model for how hybrid intelligence operators could fill this role. “America Needs Special Forces for Open-Source Intelligence”, Small Wars Journal, February 12, 2023.

Upcoming Events

Februrary 28 – March 2, 2023
Special Air Warfare Symposium
Globa SOF Foundation

April 5-6, 2023. San Diego, California
Warrior West
ADS

April 14-16, 2023. Fort Benning, Georgia
Best Ranger Competion

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

June 21-22, 2023
Warrior East
ADS

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

Podcasts, Videos, Pubs, and Movies

Movie –The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare. A story of Britain’s World War II Special Operations Executive (SOE) is being filmed – with initial work being done in Turkey. The SOE was also known as Churchill’s Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare, a term applied by some senior members of the Uk military who were disdainful of SOE tactics. “Cameras Now Rolling on Movie About Churchill’s Securet WWII Spec Ops Unit”, Military.cojm, February 14, 2023.

Video – The Role of Special Operations in Great Power Competition. The U.S. House Armed Services Committee heard testimony from Seth Jones and Dr. David Ucko about SOF and GPC. February 8, 2023, YouTube, one hour. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9tDmJxPkIYI&t=982s

Video – Psychological Operations – Narrative. Col. Jeremy Mushtare, Dr. Ajit Mann, and Lieutenant Colonel (Ret.) Brian Steed discuss the use of narrative in PSYOP. 1st Special Forces Command, YouTube, January 29, 2021, one hour.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k2-m9CHG7sw

Video – USASOC Command Video 2022. United States Army Special Operations Command PAO, February 8, 2023, YouTube, 3 minutes.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ClWZjoNwOxA

Podcast – Theory and Practice of Proxy Warfare in Strategic Competition. LTG (Ret.) Ken Tovo, Dr. Vladimir Rauta, and Dr. Nakissa Jahanbani are the guests for a podcast about special operations forces as well as conventional forces that engage with proxy forces. Social Science of War Podcast, Modern War Institute at West Point, February 20, 2023, 51 minutes.

Podcast – 5th Generation Warfare. Boone Cutler is the guest of this podcast where he talks about the ongoing conflicts and the importance of understanding irregular warfare. He is the co-author of The Citizens Guide to Fifth Generation Warfare. February 10, 2023, one hour.

Podcast – That Others May Live: CSAR in Future Conflicts. Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies, February 18, 2023, 36 minutes. An assortment of guests are featured in this podcast that discuss the challenges facing the USAF’s Combat Search and Rescue mission as it adapts to changing global threats.

Armor. The mounted maneuver journal for Fall 2022 has now been posted online. PDF, 53 pages.
https://www.dvidshub.net/publication/issues/66234

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

One of the more widely used air defense systems in NATO countries is the National Advanced Surface-to-Air System or NASAMS. The system is owned by 12 countries for homeland defense and for integrated air defense capability. The NASAMS are used to identify, engage, and destroy aircraft, cruise missiles, and drones.

The NASAMS reached an operational capability in 1994 and was first deployed by the Royal Norwegian Air Force. The short- to medium-range system can engage targets beyond visual range. It is armed with three launchers, each carrying up to six missiles. It is a reloadable system. There are three primary components of the NASAMS – the AN/MPQ-64 Sentinel Radar, the AIM-120 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM), and the Fire Distribution Center (FDC). The missile launchers can be positioned as much as 20 kilometers away and can be dispersed providing an extended area coverage.

The Department of Defense announced in July 2022 that it would supply two NASAMS to Ukraine for its air defense mission. It was announced in August 2022 that a total of eight NASAMS would be sent to Ukraine. The first system arrived in Ukraine in early November. Currently two of the systems are operational in Ukraine. The DoD has awarded a $1.2 billion contract for the manufacture of the six NASAMS; however, there may be a two-year wait for the production to be completed. The United States is attempting to persuade NATO and Middle Eastern nations to send some of their NASAMS to Ukraine. This would avoid the two-year wait for the six additional NASAMS to be manufactured.

The NASAMS has performed very well in Ukraine. On the first two days it was deployed the system shot down 25 incoming missiles with 25 interceptors. The Norwegian military provided the initial training of the Ukrainian operators. Yet to come is the training on how to do the maintenance and repair work. Since it is a complicated system, so maintenance will need to be done outside of Ukraine.

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References:

National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System (NASAMS), Congressional Research Service, CRS IF12230, December 1, 2022, PDF, 3 pages.
https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/IF/IF12230

NASAMS, Wikipedia
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NASAMS

“US Trying to Persuade More Allies to Send NASAMS Missiles to Ukraine, Raytheon CEO Says”, by Marcus Weisgerber, Defense One, December 1, 2022.

Photo: National Air Surface-to-Air Missile System (NASAMS). Photo Raytheon Missile & Defense.

The Belfer Center of Harvard University and the Irregular Warfare Initiative of the Modern War Institute held a virtual panel discussion entitled Resistance to Russian Aggression: Irregular Warfare in Eastern Europe on Thursday, November 10, 2022.

Panelists include:

• LTG Antonio Fletcher, Commander NATO Special Operations HQ (NSHQ)
• BG Riho Uhtegi, Commander Estonian Defense League
• Petri Tuivonew, Secretary General Finnish Security Committee
• Nataliya Buguyova, Institute for the Study of War
• Doug Livermore, LTC, Special Forces officer

The topic of the Ukraine – Russia conflict was a constant topic through the discussion. The implementation of the Resistance Operating Concept (ROC) was also woven through the online event as well as the importance of ‘total resistance’, ‘territorial defense’, ‘whole of society approach’, and ‘resilience’. Also recognized was that preparation is needed prior to conflict to be able to resist an aggressor, the use of special operations forces helps to enable an effective resistance, and the importance of the total integration of all of society into a resistance and / or resilience movement.

The changing nature of ‘resistance’, as demonstrated by the Ukrainian forces, was noted by panelists as well. LTG Fletcher cautioned against characterizing the Ukraine Russian conflict as one of just ‘resistance’; the Ukrainians have incorporated a variety of means to fight the Russians – using information operations, modern tank killing methods, guerrilla resistance in occupied areas, networked communications, air defense, OSINT, and more.

Resistance to Russian Aggression: Irregular Warfare in Eastern Europe, YouTube, one hour.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uH8JD-9SZXI

The commander of NATO Special Operations Forces Headquarters (NSHQ), LTG Antonio Fletcher, is the guest of a USSOCOM SOFCAST episode. He discusses his career in U.S. Army Special Forces, the role of NATO Special Operations Forces, leadership development, diversity of SOF, the evolution of missions for SOF over time, and the current state of the world.

Fletcher, one of the most respected leaders in U.S. Army Special Forces, talks about his journey to West Point, deciding to go the Special Forces route, and his early days on an ‘A-team’ with 7th Special Forces Group. He gives credit to his early success in the Army to mentors, fellow soldiers, officers, and senior NCOs he was associated with. Fletcher shares his insight on how to develop ‘teams’ and interacting with other colleagues.

He compares Special Forces ODA’s from the pre-GWOT era, during GWOT, to the Special Forces ODA’s post-GWOT. This includes the differences in soldier development, training, planning, preparation, missions, and deployments during these eras. He provides excellent insight into 7th Special Forces Group’s missions in South American and the employment of the group in Afghanistan for almost two decades.

Fletcher notes that the impact of SOF in the contemporary operational environment has shifted – to one of achieving short-term objectives to setting goals that provide a long-term effect. During the discussion the conversation shifts from U.S. Army Special Forces to the role of North Atlantic Treaty Organization Special Operations Forces Headquarters (NSHQ).

He explains the role of NSHQ and how it engages with European SOF. The Ukraine conflict has NATO special operations forces engaged in various activities. However, NSHQ is also engaged in many activities not related to the Ukraine conflict – as there are numerous other requirements as well. NSHQ has a critical role in building ‘partnerships’ and ‘relationships’ among SOF of Europe in a very complex security environment.

His views on how to interact with colleagues and approach to working with other nations is valuable insight. The host of SOFCAST, Sergeant Major Matt Parrish, and ‘Tony Fletcher’ have a discussion that is wide-ranging, informative, and interesting . . . and worth the time to watch.

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LTG Antonio Fletcher – Commander of NATO Special Operations Forces Headquarters (NSHQ), SOFCAST, USSOCOM, November 2, 2022, YouTube, one hour.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s3y-LlxQ1Xk