Story by C. Todd Lopez, DoD News.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In the next several months, several NATO countries will be turning over main battle tanks to Ukraine. These tanks will be a tremendous help to Ukraine in resisting Russian offensives and in conducting their own offensive operations.

Background. Over the past year long and intense discussions have taken place among NATO allies behind the scenes and in the media over the issue of providing tanks to Ukraine. The country has requested more than 300 modern main battle tanks with which to resist the Russian invaders. The U.S. M1A2 Abrams tank is a superb choice; however maintenance and logistic issues are a big concern. The United States has, up to now, refused to send Abrams tanks to Ukraine. Many defense analysts believe the best solution would be the German Leopard 2; however, for a number of pragmatic and cultural reasons, Germany has resisted. Germany has insisted that the United States pitch in – supplying tanks as part of a broader effort.

U.S. Reverses Course. The United States announced on Wednesday, January 25, 2023, that it would provide 31 Abrams tanks. The Germans quickly followed with an announcement that it would provide 14 Leopard 2 A6 tanks. Germany also indicated that it would allow other nations to export their German-made Leopard tanks to Ukraine as well. The Germans were under immense diplomatic pressure to provide the tanks, but insisted on the U.S. doing the same. While President Biden has said that the U.S. decision to send tanks to Ukraine had nothing to do with the Germans demand for U.S. participation, there are skeptics who question his assertion.

Abrams Tanks. The DoD announced that the Abrams tanks are being procured via the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI). The total package is $400 million and includes 31 Abrams tanks with 120mm rounds and other ammunition, eight M88 tactical vehicles to recover equipment, support vehicles and equipment, and funding for training, maintenance, and sustainment. This equipment is the equivalent of one Ukrainian tank battalion. The 68-ton tank has a 120-mm gun and can move about 72 kmh or 45 mph. The United States has 2,645 Abrams tanks of various modifications in service and 3,450 Abrams tanks in storage.

Photo: A German Army Leopard 2 tank, assigned to 104th Panzer Battalion, moves through the Joint Multinational Readiness Center during Saber Junction 2012 in Hohenfels, Germany, Oct. 25, 2012. Photo by Specialist Markus Rauchenberger, U.S. Army.

Leopard Tanks. A European consortium, including Germany and other nations, will be providing two battalions (80 tanks?) of Leopard tanks to Ukraine. Some of the other countries mentioned by the media that will provide the Leopards include Poland, The Netherlands, Norway, Spain, and Portugal. There are reports that up to twelve countries will provide their Leopard tanks. This 55-ton tank has a range of about 500 klics or 310 miles. It can get up to 68 kph or 42 mph. The main weapon is a 120-mm smooth bore gun with a fully-digital fire-control system. The inventory of Leopard 2 tanks of the European and NATO countries amount to around 2,400 tanks.

A Variety of Tanks. There are other tanks in the pipeline as well for Ukraine. The British are sending 14 Challenger 2 tanks projected to arrive in March 2023. A few other European countries have sent or plan to send Soviet-era T-72s. France may be sending their main battle tank as well.

Tank and Artillery Type of War. The Ukraine conflict has seen extensive use of tanks, armored vehicles, and artillery. The war has been the scene of the most use of tanks in battle in Europe since World War II. Up to now, both sides of the conflict have been using Soviet-era tanks. The countries of Poland and the Czech Republic have already donated hundreds of Soviet-era T-72 tanks to Ukraine. In addition, Ukraine has captured a substanitial number of Russian tanks on the battlefield.

Tank Training. The estimates vary on how long it would take to train the tank crews and maintenance personnel. Some reports say six weeks is the minimum for basic proficiency while others indicate it could take 3-4 months. Training for the tank crews and maintenance personnel for both the Abrams and Leopard could begin in weeks. It will likely take about two or three months for the Leopards to be fully operational in Ukraine; perhaps, a lot longer for the Abrams. Training is only one aspect of fielding the tanks in Ukraine; there are a host of issues with logistics and maintenance.

Additional Armored Vehicles for Ukraine. In mid-January, the United States announced a $2.5 billion assistance package that featured Bradley infantry fighting vehicles and Stryker armored personnel carriers. Germany is providing Marder infantry fighting vehicles, France AMX-10 light tanks, and Sweden is donating CV90 infantry fighting vehicles.

Turning Point? These tanks, if fielded in sufficient numbers with proper training, maintenance, and logistical support, could very well provide a big advantage to the Ukrainian forces. This advantage will factor into defending against Russian offensive operations or Ukrainian efforts to recover territory now occupied by the Russian forces. The current pledges for tanks by the NATO allies falls short of the Ukrainian request for 300 main battle tanks. But it is a start.

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References:

M1 Abrams – Wikipedia
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M1_Abrams

Abrams Tank
https://www.national-security.info/ukraine/weapons/abrams-tank.html

Leopard 2 – Wikipedia
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leopard_2

German Leopard Tank
https://www.national-security.info/ukraine/weapons/leopard-tank.html

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

The United States has established Security Assistance Group – Ukraine or SAG-U, a three-star command to oversee support to Ukraine. The new joint forces command will be stationed in Wiesbaden, Germany to handle weapons shipments, personnel training, and other related tasks for the Ukraine conflict.

The joint service command will be manned by personnel from across the military services. The members of this organization will be pulled from units and organizations in the United States from all of the military branches – Army, Marine, Navy, and Air Force. SAG-U will coordinate closely with the Ukraine Defense Contact Group – a coalition of 40 countries that the DoD created to assist Ukraine.

It will also be monitoring the use , disposition, and accountability of the more advanced weapons being provided to Ukraine – ensuring they don’t fall into Russian hands or get diverted from their intended purpose. This monitoring function could be performed, in part, by a small team located with the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv; most likely personnel from, attached to, or working in coordination with the Office of the Defense Attaché.

“The United States remains committed to supporting Ukraine’s near-term needs on the battlefield and its long term requirements to deter and defend against future Russian aggression. To maintain the historic level of our ongoing security assistance support for Ukraine, I’m pleased to announce that the department will establish the Security Assistance Group – Ukraine, what we will call SAG-U, which is a dedicated headquarters element in Wiesbaden, Germany and under U.S. European Command to coordinate our efforts.”

Sabrina Singh, Pentagon deputy press secretary, November 4, 2022

Prior to the establishment of SAG-U, the 18th Airborne Corps, as well as other organizations, had been coordinating the training and equipping of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The 18th Airborne Corps had deployed 300 personnel to Europe in February 2022. The use of the 18th Airborne Corps headquarters, under the command of Lt. Gen. Christopher Donahue, was a temporary solution and returned to Fort Bragg in late October. The SAG-U command offers a more enduring capability. Donahue remains in Europe, continuing his work until relieved by the new commander of the SAG-U.

A three-star general will likely be nominated (and confirmed) for the new command. The unit is supposed to be up and running by early 2023. In the meantime, the U.S. European Command is filling the gap between the departure of the element from 18th Airborne Corps and the full-time operational status of SAG-U. Lieutenant General Antonio A. Aguto, Jr. is considered a top candidate for the position. He currently is the commander of the First U.S. Army hqs at Rock Island Arsenal in Illinois.

The current U.S. troop level in Europe is around 100,000; an increase of 20,000 from the pre-war level a year ago. The troop level is likely to remain the same for several months, with continued rotations to provide security assurance for front-line NATO nations like Estonia, Poland, Latvia, and Lithuania – as well as providing training for Ukrainian troops in Poland, Germany, and elsewhere.

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Photo:

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Chase Smith, right, 8th Airlift Squadron loadmaster, marshals a K-loader toward a C-17 Globemaster III, assigned to Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, at Travis Air Force Base, California, Feb. 14, 2022. U.S. Airmen with the 60th Aerial Port Squadron and 8th Airlift Squadron load K-loaders onto the C-17. K-loaders are used to transport cargo into and out of aircraft. Under the direction of U.S. Transportation Command, the 60th Air Mobility Wing supported the 621st Contingency Response Wing during the movement of security assistance cargo to Ukraine via commercial cargo aircraft. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency coordinated the effort. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Karla Parra)

References:

“US Department of Defense establishes Security Assistance Group – Ukraine in Wiesbaden”, U.S. Army Europe and Africa, November 16, 2022.

“US quietly announces new Ukraine command with 3-star general”, by Kelley Beaucar Vlahos, Responsible Statecraft, November 14, 2022.

U.S. Security Assistance to Ukraine, Congressional Research Service (CRS), October 21, 2022.
https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/IF/IF12040

The defense of Kyiv has resulted in a Ukrainian victory over the invading Russian forces in northern Ukraine. Russian units have pulled out of most of northern Ukraine and have repositioned into eastern Ukraine in the Donbas region. Both Ukraine and Russia are massing their units for a protracted battle in this area of Ukraine and artillery is playing a key role on the battlefield.

Russian tactics have always had artillery and rocket fire as a key ingredient in both offense and defense. The Ukrainians need to match their adversary’s artillery capabilities. Numerous shipments of M777 155 mm howitzers (Wikipedia) by the United States and other countries are helping Ukraine respond to the firepower of Russia’s artillery and rocket systems.

On May 19, 2022, the Pentagon announced (DoD) that another shipment of 18 155 mm howitzers are heading to Ukraine. In addition, 18 tactical vehicles to tow those howitzers are part of the shipment. Other field equipment and three AN/TPQ-36 counter-artillery radars are also going as part of the weapons shipment. This equipment is part of yet another tranche of presidential drawdown support for Ukraine. The 18 artillery tubes are basically the equivalent of a U.S. artillery battalion.

Photo: Marines fire a M777 howitzer at Twentynine Palms, California. Marine Corps Sgt. Jose E. Guillen.

The howitzers have left several different locations within the United States. They are usually transported by Air Force C-17 Globemaster IIIs to Europe. Members of the Ukrainian military have received training on the artillery tubes in Germany and a few other locations in Europe. The training is about a week long. The transition to the M777s should not be difficult by the Ukrainians. Their standard artillery weapons are the D-30 122 mm howitzer and 152 mm Msta-B howitzer. By the end of April over 50 of the howitzers had arrived in Ukraine along with 155 mm rounds. With this latest shipment of 18 howitzers and the 90 already shipped or enroute, the total M777 howitzers delivered to Ukraine will be 108 or the equivalent of six U.S. artillery battalions. The U.S. is also providing the tactical vehicles to tow the howitzers.

The artillery is a critical element for the Ukrainians in the Donbas region where the opposing forces are heavily reliant on long-range fires and artillery and have massed many motorized infantry and armor units. Many of the 155 mm howitzers are already on the frontlines and being used effectively by the Ukrainians.

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Photo: Marine Corps 155 mm M777 towed howitzers are staged on the flight line prior to loading them into an Air Force C-17 Globemaster III aircraft on March Air Reserve Base, Calif., April 23, 2022. The howitzers are included in U.S. and allied efforts to identify and provide Ukraine with additional capabilities. Photo by Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Royce H. Dorman.

The United States has committed more than $4.5 billion in security assistance to Ukraine since the beginning of the Biden Administration, including approximately $3.8 billion since the beginning of Russia’s unprovoked invasion on February 24.

On May 6, the Department of Defense (DoD) announced the authorization of a Presidential Drawdown of security assistance valued at up to an additional $150 million tailored to meet critical Ukrainian needs for today’s fight as Russian forces launch a renewed offensive in eastern Ukraine.  This authorization is the ninth drawdown of equipment from DoD inventories for Ukraine since August 2021.

United States security assistance committed to Ukraine includes:

• Over 1,400 Stinger anti-aircraft systems;
• Over 5,500 Javelin anti-armor systems;
• Over 14,000 other anti-armor systems;
• Over 700 Switchblade Tactical Unmanned Aerial Systems;
• 90 155mm Howitzers and over 200,000 155mm artillery rounds;
• 72 Tactical Vehicles to tow 155mm Howitzers;
• 16 Mi-17 helicopters;
• Hundreds of Armored High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicles;
• 200 M113 Armored Personnel Carriers;
• Over 7,000 small arms;
• Over 50,000,000 rounds of ammunition;
• 75,000 sets of body armor and helmets;
• 121 Phoenix Ghost Tactical Unmanned Aerial Systems;
• Laser-guided rocket systems;
• Puma Unmanned Aerial Systems;
• Unmanned Coastal Defense Vessels;
• 17 counter-artillery radars; 
• Four counter-mortar radars;
• Two air surveillance radars;
• M18A1 Claymore anti-personnel munitions;
• C-4 explosives and demolition equipment for obstacle clearing;
• Tactical secure communications systems;
• Night vision devices, thermal imagery systems, optics, and laser rangefinders;
• Commercial satellite imagery services;
• Explosive ordnance disposal protective gear;
• Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear protective equipment;
• Medical supplies to include first aid kits;
• Electronic jamming equipment;
• Field equipment and spare parts.

The United States also continues to work with its Allies and partners to identify and provide Ukraine with additional capabilities to defend itself.

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This article was first published by the U.S. Department of Defense on May 10, 2022. Top photo is of a Javelin Anti-Tank Missile, photo by USA Acquisition Support Center.

SOF News Update 20200114 – Curated news, commentary, and analysis about special operations, national security, and conflicts around the world. New 7th CSM, bodyguards in Hollywood, Delta Force, new IDF unit, IDF drones, IS video about the Sahel, audiobook about SF in Vietnam, and Afghan conflict lessons learned.

Email Formating. We are doing a little bit of experimentation with our email format. If you notice some odd things going on over the next few weeks then we managed to muck something up. Bear with us; we will get it straightened out and hopefully provide an improved reading experience.

SOF News

SF “Day on the Hill”. The Special Forces Association is looking for SFA members to support a planned “Day on the Hill” at the Capitol Building in Washington, D.C. on February 5, 2020. The intent is to visit Congressional offices to advocate for the bipartisan passage of the 116th U.S. Congress House Resolution 906 and Senate Bill 743 – “Merrill’s Marauders Congressional Gold Medal Act”. The bill seeks to recognize the valor and contributions of the U.S. Army’s 5307th Composite Unit (Provisional). The unit conducted long-range special operations jungle warfare during World War II in the China-Burma-India Theater against Japanese forces. For more information on how to help contact the Special Forces Association.

Death of 5th Group Officer. Douglas Ndole Odera, a member of the 5th Special Forces Group, died on December 23, 2019 at age 36. He was a graduate of West Point and had completed several deployments with Special Forces. Obituary.

SEAL Heading off to Space. An active-duty Navy lieutenant with an interesting career (SEALs, Silver Star, Harvard Medical School, etc.) finds himself in the astronaut program. Read “SEAL, Doctor, Astronaut – Navy Lt. Jonny Kim achieves your childhood dreams so you don’t have to”, Task & Purpose, January 13, 2020.

Promotion for Cdr 1st SOW. Air Force Colonel Michael Conley has been nominated for appointment to the rank of brigadier general. He is currently serving as the commander of the 1st Special Operations Wing at Hurlburt Field, Florida.

Bio of Gary Gordon – 1SFOD-D KIA in Somalia 1993. The official blog of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has published a biography of MSG Gary Gordon. See “Gary Gordon: A Real American Hero”, VA, January 9, 2020.

Former Green Beret Pleads Guilty. A former Special Forces NCO of the 3rd Special Forces Group will be sentenced in his role in stealing money while deployed to Afghanistan. He faces 15 years in prison. (Army Times, January 13, 2020).

CMO Capacity Building in Africa. James P. Micciche, a U.S. Army Civil Affairs office, has written a lengthy essay on the need to stay for the long haul in Africa to ensure regional stability. Read “A Cause of and Solution to Extremism: A Case for Civil Military Operation (CMO) Capacity Building in African Partner Forces”, Small Wars Journal, January 13, 2020.

New 7th Group SEA. The 7th Special Forces Group has a new group Senior Enlisted Advisor. A change of responsibility ceremony was conducted on Friday, January 10, 2020 at Camp Simons, Florida with CSM Alexi Ortiz taking the reigns. (NSF Daily News, Jan 11, 2020).

SEAL Arraigned on Murder Charge. A Navy SEAL charged with murder in the strangulation death of an Army Green Beret in Mali has pleaded not guilty to the charges. Read more in “Navy SEAL arraigned on murder charges in death of Green Beret”, Army Times, January 13, 2020.

SOF Vets Work as Bodyguards in Hollywood. A firm providing protection to high-profile Hollywood actors relies on former and current members of law enforcement organizations and special operations units of the military. Read more in “Inside the Secret Service of Hollywood That Guards Stars Like Post Malone and Jennifer Lopez”, The Daily Beast, January 12, 2020.

Delta Force – Staying Elite? Sebastien Roblin explains how the selection and training process prepares its members for the difficult and dangerous missions it conducts around the world. But it also does more. Read “How does the Delta Force Remain So Elite?”, The National Interest, January 12, 2020.

Soldierstone. “Hidden high in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, in a remote and unmarked field, is a secret monument honoring war veterans. The lonely pillar of polished granite sits at more than 11,000 feet, in a clearing among majestic peaks.” LTC (Ret) Stuart Allen Beckley, a former Green Beret and Vietnam Veteran, is the man behind “Soldierstone”. Read more in “Visiting Soldierstone, a hidden memorial in Colorado honoring forgotten war veterans”, CBS This Morning, December 2, 2019.

Human Domain and PSYOP. Some fascinating, futuristic reading by the Mad Scientist Laboratory (army.mil). Read Psychological Warfare in the Human Domain: Mixing AI-Powered Technology wit Psychosocial Engagement, TRADOC, January 13, 2020. The plot is about a multifunctional special operations team that infiltrates into the Ad Dali’ Province of western Yemen as part of a coalition effort that supports the UN recognized government of President Mansour Hadi, based in the southern capital of Aden in the year 2025.

The ‘New’ SOF M110K1 Sniper Rifle. A sniper rifle used by Special Operations Forces is getting an upgrade that will allow it to remain in the SOF arsenal for a few more years. Read “The U.S. Special Forces ‘New’ M110K1 Sniper Rifle: The Best on the Planet?”, The National Interest, January 11, 2020.

Crash of SOF Drone Cause Revealed. The cause of a September 2018 crash of a MQ-9 Reaper was revealed in a recently released Air Force accident investigation. The aircraft was assigned to the 27th Special Operations Wing at Cannon AFB, N.M. Thirty-four MQ-9s have been destroyed (by various means) during the 2009-2019 time frame. Read “Report: MQ-9 Crash Caused by Faulty Engine Design”, Air Force Magazine, January 13, 2020.

International SOF

Israel’s Drones. Seth Frantzman, a Jerusalem-based journalist, enlightens us on “How Israel Trains Its Elite Drone Warriors”, The National Interest, January 11, 2020.

India’s VIPs Losing NSG Security. The government of India has decided to withdraw the security details provided to VIPs by the National Security Guard Black Cat Commandos. Read “Govt to Withdraw NSG Commandos From All VIP Security Duties”, Indian Defense News, January 13, 2020.

IDF Establishes New ‘Multidimensional Unit’. The Israeli Defense Forces announced the formation of a new unit that will help Israeli ‘strike the enemy faster’. Personnel assigned to the new unit will come from a variety of other IDF units to include intelligence, special forces, reconnaissance, paratroopers, air force, and others. The new unit will be led by a former commander of the elite Duvdevan special forces unit. Read “IDF Launches New Combat Unit”, Arutz Sheva, January 1, 2020.

Military News and National Defense

Contractors Supporting Military Operations. Russia, China, and the United States are increasingly using private military contractors to accomplish national security objectives. Read more in “The Dark World of Private Military Contractors”, Inside Over, January 7, 2020.

Hearings on Lessons Learned. Mr. John F. Sopko, the head of the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR) will be testifying before the U.S. House of Representatives’s Committee on Foreign Affairs on Wednesday, January 15, 2020 at 10:00 am (EST). The hearing is about the U.S. Lessons Learned in Afghanistan. You can watch the testimony live.

Norway and SSA. Two Norwegian Army officers collaborate in an essay describing the Security Sector Assistance capabilities of Norway – touching on the use of Unconventional Warfare, Military Assistance, Security Force Assistance, and Security Sector Reform. The article describes how small states can punch above their own weight. See “Small States – Big Gains: Understanding the Dynamics of Security Sector Assistance (SSA)”, Small Wars Journal, January 13, 2020.

Turkey, Diplomacy, and Operation Peace Spring. Turkey’s ambitious involvement in Syria is causing domestic and international problems for its leadership. Read more in “Turkish Public Diplomacy and Operation Peace Spring”, by Ozlem Kayhan Pusane, War on the Rocks, January 13, 2020.

Books, Pubs, and Papers

Audiobook – SF in Vietnam. John Stryker Meyer has published an eleven hour long audiobook entitled Across the Fence: The Secret War in Vietnam. His audiobook details the deadly and secret war in Laos and Cambodia fought by Special Forces men assigned to the top secret Military Assistance Command Vietnam – Studies and Observations Group or SOG. The audiobook is available on Audible – an Amazon company.

Journal of Military History. The latest issue is posted online. Must be a current member of the Society for Military History to access.
https://www.smh-hq.org/jmh/online.html

TV, and Videos

68 Whiskey. James Clark of Task & Purpose reviews a new CBS comedy about medics serving in Afghanistan. He says “Don’t bother”. Read “CBS’s new dark comedy ’68 Whiskey’ is everything that’s wrong with network military shows”, Task& Purpose, January 13, 2020.

Video – IS Operations Across the Sahel. A new Islamic State video details the jihadist group’s varying operations across the Sahel over the past few years. The group, known as the Islamic State’s West African Province, is also known as the Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (ISGS). The operations that are presented in the video take place in Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso. Read more in “Islamic State video details operations across the Sahel”, FDD’s Long War Journal, January 10, 2020.

Tampa Bay Frogman Swim. Watch a video from the January 12, 2020 event that raised money for the Navy SEAL foundation. (six minutes).
https://www.facebook.com/RonCollins/videos/10157674298002092/

1917. This movie is about two young British soldiers who are given a seemingly impossible mission to cross enemy territory and deliver a message that will stop a deadly attack on hundreds of soldiers. Watch the official movie trailer by Universal Pictures, posted December 18, 2019 on YouTube, 3 minutes long.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gZjQROMAh_s

Merrill’s Marauders. The 530th Composite Group conducted special operations missions in the Asian theater against Japanese forces during World War II. Watch a 3 minute long video about their missions.
USASOC PAO, YouTube, 28 August 2019.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=wacNdAi8OBA

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Photo: A Soldier assigned to the 10th Special Forces Group participates in Wet Silk Training at the Iron Horse Physical Fitness Center on Fort Carson, Colorado, on September 9, 2019. Photo by Special Christopher Stevenson, 10th SFGA.

CDOQC Phase 1

The first phase – CDOQC Phase 1 – of the Afghan National Army Special Operations Command’s (ANASOC) School of Excellence Commando Qualification Course (CDOQC) is on small arms weapons systems. The Afghan National Defense and Security Forces (ANDSF) rely heavily on the offensive punch of the Afghan Commando units. One reason for this heavy reliance on the Special Operations Kandaks (SOKs) is the extensive training the Commando trainees receive prior to joining their Commando units. CDOQC 25 recruits started their Commando training in July 2018 at Camp Commando in Kabul. Over 770 recruits received weeks-long weapons systems training on the M4 carbine rifle, M203 grenade launcher, M240 machine gun, and the RPG-7 rocket propelled grenade launcher. The weapons training was conducted by Afghan Commando instructors as well as members of the Slovak and Polish Special Operations Advisory Teams (SOATs).

“As Commandos, we must be properly trained and prepared to fire any weapon typically found in an infantry unit’s inventory. It’s my job to ensure these recruits receive the best experienced based training before graduating and joining the fight against our enemies. Once you’re out there, aside from your Commando brother’s, training is what you rely on”- SFC Sheer-Jan, ANASOC School Of Excellence weapons and training instructor.

Photo Caption: An ANASOC instructor guides a Commando recruit in firing an RPG-7 during CDOQC Phase 1 training. Photo by MSG Felix Figueroa, NSOCC-A, August 2, 2018.

Several days of training are on the Rocket Propelled Grenade launcher (RPG-7). Depending on their proficiency, each student fired the RPG-7 one or two times. The RPG-7 is a man-portable, shoulder-fired weapon designed for anti-tank use. However, it is used as a common weapon system in many countries to include Afghanistan. Both the ANDSF and insurgents used the RPG-7. The rocket launcher is of Russian origin but is manufactured by several nations. It is a favorite weapon of many nations due to its low-cost, simplicity, ruggedness and effectiveness. [1] There are several types of grenades that can be used in the RPG-7 – to include point-detonating or time-delayed. [2]

The next phase of the 14-week long Commando course will see a shift from individual proficiency skills towards team driven training objectives such as patrolling, night mission planning, preparation, and execution, and Close Quarters Battle (CQB). After the CDOQC is completed some of the newly-minted Commandos will go on to more advanced training courses such as Air Terminal Controller, medical, or communications.

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Footnotes:

[1] RPG-7, Wikipedia.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RPG-7

[2] How Rocket-Propelled Grenades Work, How Stuff Works.
https://science.howstuffworks.com/rpg3.htm

Top Photo: CDOQC Phase 1 RPG Training – An ANASOC instructor talks recruits through the principles of firing the RPG-7. Photo by MSG Felix Figueroa, NSOCC-A, July 30, 2018.

]]> 7572 https://sof.news/update/20180312/ Mon, 12 Mar 2018 05:00:54 +0000 http://www.sof.news/?p=5286 SOF News Update 20180312 – 2003 JSOC raid into Iraq, intel in corporate world, some great SF photos, USSOCOM and ‘hard problems’, Britain’s WWII GW, conflict in Mali, Kurds shifting focus to invading Turkish forces, MQ-1 Predator to retire, 10th [...]]]>

SOF News Update 20180312 – 2003 JSOC raid into Iraq, intel in corporate world, some great SF photos, USSOCOM and ‘hard problems’, Britain’s WWII GW, conflict in Mali, Kurds shifting focus to invading Turkish forces, MQ-1 Predator to retire, 10th SFGA dietitian, Green Berets and their weapons, ‘own the night’, SERE, early SF history, USAF Reserve CSAR, and more.

Podcast – 2003 JSOC raid in Iraq. Modern War Institute’s The Spear presents a 30-minute podcast on a special operations mission into Iraq. Col. Phil Ryan, the commander of the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment tells the story. In 2003, Ryan was a pilot in the unit when it entered Iraq at the very beginning of the invasion of Iraq. Listen to “Podcast: The Spear – a 2003 Helicopter Mission Deep into Iraq”, Modern War Institute at West Point, March 7, 2018.

Solving ‘Hard Problems’ for USSOCOM. The Special Operations Forces Acquisition, Technology & Logistics (SOF AT&L) organization within the U.S. Special Operations Command is seeking assistance to solve ‘hard problems’ in areas that are of critical importance to the success of mission accomplishment. These areas are small unit dominance, mission assured communications, and signature management. Read more about SOF Hard Problems.

Green Berets and Their Weapons. There are several military occupational specialities (MOS) on a Special Forces Operational Detachment Alpha (SFODA). Two members of the team are ‘weapons men’. These guys have the most fun. See “Watch Green Berets demonstrate a lot of cool firepower”, We Are the Mighty, March 8, 2018.

MQ-1 Predator Has Seen Its Time. The Air Force is phasing out the famed Predator UAV. Read more by Joe Chapa, a major in the U.S. Air Force. Read “The Sunset of the Predator: Reflections on the End of an Era”, War on the Rocks, March 9, 2018.

SERE: “. . . the biggest mental challenge . . .” Tom McCollum left the 82nd to go through Special Forces training. Then he hit SERE training. (Fayetteville Observer, Mar 11, 2018).

Britain’s WWII Guerrilla Warfare History. Historian Giles Milton is interviewed about his book Churchill’s Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare. Churchill recognized the changing nature of war and allowed a team of independent-minded operatives to operate in the new environment. Read “The Secret History of Britain’s WWII Guerrilla Warfare”, Military.com, March 8, 2018.

USAF Reserve CSAR Units Feeling the Pinch. The burgeoning economy and increase in air travel are prompting the commercial airlines to offer very attractive packages to active duty Air Force navigators and pilots. The USAF reserve units are also being affected. Read “Reserve Rescue Aircrews to Air Force: Don’t Forget About Us”, Military.com, March 10, 2018.

Early SF History. I was at a fundraising event this past Saturday night talking with a SSG from Special Forces who was manning a static display. One of my friends with me had served with the 77th SFG in the early days. The SSG had no clue there was a 77th and had no real idea on the history of Special Forces beyond what has happened since 9/11. I spent about 10 minutes bringing him up to date. By coincidence I bumped into this article on the Internet! “Becoming Special Forces”, Paraglide, March 8, 2018.

ANASOC’s Team Leader Course. The Afghan National Army Special Operations Command conducts a six-week long Noncommissioned Officer’s Team Leader Course near Kabul. Read more (DVIDS, Feb 22, 2018).

‘Own the Night’ – Not as Much Now. As the U.S. continues to provide night vision goggles to our ‘partnered forces’ (in Iraq, Afghanistan, and elsewhere) the insurgents they fight will gradually attain night vision capability. One way this happens is when the insurgent capture the equipment in raids and ambushes. Another avenue is the corruption within these ‘partnered forces’ when the equipment is sold to insurgents. Still yet another way of attaining night vision capability is to buy commercial off-the-shelf night vision goggles. Read more in “How much longer will US and partner forces ‘own the night’ in combat?”, Army Times, March 11, 2018.

Conflict in Mali. The Tuareg militias are clashing with the Islamic State-loyal militants in northern Mali. The analysts at Threat Matrix of the Long War Journal provide info on the clashes. (March 8, 2018).

10th SFGA Dietitian. Kelsey Bailey, a Tactical Performance Dietitian for the Special Forces Group based in Colorado, says a good diet starts off at the grocery store. Read “Go Further With Food – Fort Carson Dietitian Leads Commissary Tour”, DVIDS, February 28, 2018.

Kurds of Syria Shifting Focus. Kurdish forces are shifting their focus to the Turkish invasion of Kurd-held areas of Syria. This means that the Kurds attention on the Islamic State fighters has lessened in order to confront the more immediate and severe threat from the north. One would think that the SF ODAs in Syria would get an opportunity to hit the weights; but I am sure the Bn CSM / S3 has them busy with other duties and missions. Read “Turkey’s war on Kurds unsettles fronts in northern Syria”, AP, March 9, 2018.

Afghan SOF Take Losses in Battle. At least 10 Afghan commandos (some news reports say more) were killed in an ambush in Farah province on March 9th. “Afghan special forces hit hard in deadly Taliban ambush”, FDD’s Long War Journal, March 10, 2018.

Afghan SOF Staying Busy. Maj Anthony Mayne, of NSOCC-A, provides a roll-up of recent Afghan SOF operations around Afghanistan. (DVIDS, Mar 9, 2018).

Intelligence in the Corporate World. The world of intelligence is not just for three-letter agencies of the U.S. government. Smart application of basic intelligence principles can enable business corporations to understand and adapt to a complex world of dynamically evolving threats and constantly evolving opportunities. Read “A CEO’s Brief Guide to Intelligence: Not Just for Three-Letter Agencies”, The Cipher Brief, March 9, 2018.

SF Photos – and Motivation for SFQC. View 30 great photographs from the 1st Special Forces Command Facebook and read some motivational passages targeting the candidate for Special Forces training. (The Chive, March 8, 2018).

SOF News Update 20180302 – New rifle for the Army, 1st SFAB, Stan McChrystal on Afghanistan and CT, Operation Gunnerside, Afghan GCPSU growing, book reviews, lasers for AC-130, Gary Rose, expeditionary advising, Gov Greitens in hot water, GB Gazette, SOF’s WMD mission, CANSOF and intel, and more.

New Rifle for the Army? The Department of Defense has established a task force to make American small arms more lethal – giving grunts an extra advantage in the close fight. The intent is to have U.S. infantrymen be able to overmatch any adversary. Included in this study is the possibility of a new rifle to replace the M16 rifle and M4 carbine. Read more in “Combat Troops Have Been Complaining about the M4 and M16 for Years. Now The Pentagon is Doing Something About It”, Task and Purpose, February 28, 2018.

SFAB – New Kid on the Block. The 1st Security Force Assistance Brigade (SFAB) has arrived in Afghanistan. Formed up just last August 2017 – the unit has gone through an intensive training program to gear it up to provide 36 combat advisor teams across Afghanistan. Tom McCuin, a retired Army CA / PA officer provides his thoughts on the Army’s newest unit in “Training Missions Overseas – Army Puts an End to Overseas Advisor Role Debate”, ClearanceJobs.com, February 27, 2018.

Operation Gunnerside – 75th Anniversary. Norwegian commandos executed an extremely significant and dangerous raid to deny the Nazis of heavy water that could be used to manufacture an atomic bomb. Read more (Scientific American, Feb 23, 2018).

Expeditionary Combat Medic Program. The Army just finished a pilot program for a new medical course to prepare medics to provide treatment in future battles with near-peer enemies. Read “Combat medics train to keep the wounded alive beyond the ‘golden hour'”, Army Times, March 1, 2018.

Review of New Bo Gritz Movie. Peter Bradshaw takes a peak at the new movie (Jan 2018) about former Green Beret and highly-decorated Vietnam veteran in “Erase and Forget review – real-life Rambo finally gets his own movie”, The Guardian, March 2, 208.

Money Boost for USSOCOM. The US Special Operations Command will increase its personnel ranks with about another 1,700 bringing its total to about 71,200. It will also pick up more money for equipment, base funding, and development. Read “Big SOCOM Budget Boost Goes to People, AI – & More”, Breaking Defense, March 1, 2018.

Afghan GCPSU Grows. The Afghan Ministry of Interior’s General Command Police Special Units is continuing to grow. The largest group of students in history recently graduated from the 26-week Special Police Qualification Course at the Afghan Special Police Training Center in Kabul, Afghanistan. The graduates will fill out the existing National Mission Units of the GCPSU as well as provide police for three new NMUs soon to be established. (NSOCC-A, Feb 22, 2018).

“The Guy With the Marker” and the Whiteboard Solution. This is an excellent article on how to solve problems. Through out MDMP and use a whiteboard. “The Whiteboard Solution”, Maximum Disclosure, March 2, 2018.

Proceedings Podcast. A Navy SEAL – Colin Supko – talks about his combat experience and how it’s served him as he created Patriot List, his startup business. Real Clear Defense, March 2, 2018.

School Shootings and Sheepdogs. Erik Prince, founder of Blackwater, provides his perspective on school shootings and methods of preventing them in “Sheepdogs Wanted”, RealClearPolitics, March 1, 2018.

USSOCOM’s WMD Mission. The U.S. Special Operations Command is now in the lead for the counter-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction mission. Some SOF leaders are scrambling to figure out how to do this mission with the resources currently available. Read “SOCOM Grappling With New Counter-WMD Mission”, Military.com, March 1, 2018.

Navy SEALs and Trump’s Wall. A Fox News contributor stated that Navy SEALs were unable to breach prototypes for the proposed U.S.-Mexico border wall in test scenarios. However, the folks at NSW Command said no SEALs were involved in the testing. (The Hill, Mar 1, 2018).

New Commander for SOJTF-A. It looks like an Air Force two-star will be commanding the Special Operations Joint Task Force – Afghanistan. Major General Albert Elton has been selected to command the SOF unit the commands U.S. and other coalition SOF units in Afghanistan. Read his bio here:
www.af.mil/About-Us/Biographies/Display/Article/466544/brigadier-general-albert-m-buck-elton-ii/

Gary Rose – SF Officer and MoH Recipient. Gary Rose was awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions during the Vietnam War. Read an account of his story in a recent article in the March – April 2018 issue of Military Review.

New Senior NCO for Army SOA. The Army’s Special Operations community has a new top enlisted man. Read “Army Special Operations Aviation Command welcomes new top NCO”, The Fayetteville Observer, February 22, 2018.

Expeditionary Advising in Iraq. Three Army officers with recent experience in Iraq outline how their unit providing advise and assistance to Iraq forces during the initial phase to take Mosul from the Islamic State. Read “Expeditionary Advising: Enabling Iraqi Operations from the Gates of Baghdad through Eastern Mosul”, Small Wars Journal, February 22, 2018.

Gov Greitens Indicted. Former Navy SEAL Eric Greitens has run afoul of the law – something about a compromising photo of a women with whom he had an affair with. Read “Missouri Gov. Greitens, a former Navy SEAL, indicted”, Navy Times, February 23, 2018.

Video – The Road Not Taken. Book author and military historian Max Boot takes part in a panel discussion with Peter Bergen about his new book entitled The Road Not Taken: Edward Lansdale and the American Tragedy in Vietnam, New America, February 22, 2018 (1 hour).
www.youtube.com/watch?v=oNQMScCTKvM

CANSOF and Intel. The Canadian Special Operations Forces Command has awarded a number of contracts to firms that provide intelligence services. Read more in “Canada is using private intelligence contractors for its special forces”, Vice News, March 1, 2018.

Lasers for AC-130 Gunship? The Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) is looking to put lasers on gunships. AFSOC commander Lt. Gen. Brad Webb spoke to reporters about the program. “AFSOC Boss Cautiously Optimistic Laser Program Will Move Forward”, Air Force Magazine, February 22, 2018.

Green Beret Foundation Gazette. The biweekly newsletter has been emailed and posted online. Stories related to the Special Forces community, upcoming fundraising events, SF retirees running for Congress, 2018 Army Spouse of the Year, and more. The Green Beret Foundation’s bi-weekly newsletter is edited and published by Katelyn Haglof – a niece of SSG Matthew Pucino.

Stan McChrystal on Afghanistan and CT. The Yale University Jackson Institute for Global Affairs hosted a panel discussion about Afghanistan and counterterrorism on February 23, 2018. The two key participants were former Secretary of State John Kerry and General (Ret) Stan McChrystal. Watch the 1 1/2 hour long video.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wGA48Lb72_c

Photo Credit. The top photo is of a memorial flight to honor the crew and passengers lost when a 1st SOS MC-130E crashed during an exercise – killing eight crew members and 15 passengers.

Foreign Weapons Familiarization Course – Members of Chapter 54 of the Special Forces Association (SFA) recently attended a foreign weapons familiarization course in Ayer, Massachusetts – adjacent to the area of the former Fort Devens. Fort Devens was the installation that housed the 10th Special Forces Group prior to their move to Fort Carson, Colorado in the 1990s. The two-day event included instruction and range firing of a large number of foreign pistols, rifles, assault rifles, and machine guns.

The event, held at the Ayer Gun and Sportsman’s Club on 24-25 June 2017 (Saturday and Sunday), was hosted by Chapter 54. The instruction and range operations personnel was provided by Vinny A. Pestilli & Associates. The gun club was very hospitable providing the classroom, facilities and range. The gun club also put on a barbeque on Saturday night – to include ‘beverages’ (after range firing of course).

Favorable weather was a key factor for the forty-plus strong contingent of retired Special Forces Soldiers that took part in a fun and educational weekend at the gun club. Not everyone was old – as there were some SF off-spring in attendance – learning a little about what their Dad’s did in the Army. There was a three-man element from Company C, 1st Battalion, 20th Special Forces Group located in the western Massachusetts area as well.

Although many in the group of retired Green Berets had fired most of the weapons before (especially if they were a former SF weapons man) it probably had been quite a few years since they had handled a tripod-mounted, belt-fed PKM Machine Gun. It was a sight seeing some of the 80-year-old plus ex-SF dudes throw their canes to the ground and pick up the Thompson submachine gun to put some rounds downrange. There was plenty of ammo and quite a few ‘ceasefires’ had to be called to set up new targets.

Vincent Pestilli, President of the Eleven Bravo Training Company located in Brownfield, Maine, provided the numerous instructors and range safety personnel to ensure there were enough firing positions to cycle the participants through all the weapons. There were over 30 different weapons fired on the range. In addition, there were over 70 weapons on display. All the weapons were provided by Vincent as well as the ammunition.

The morning sessions were classroom instruction in a very nice facility of the Ayer Gun and Sportsman’s Club that covered the history, description, and mechanical function (to include hands-on weapons breakdown) of the various weapons. The instruction started off with a presentation of the Russian weapons (AK 47, AK 74, AK 100, SKS Carbine, Mosin Nagant 1944 Carbine, SVD Sniper Rifle, RPK and RPD Light Machine Guns, Soviet PPSH 41 Submachine Gun, and PKM Machine Gun (belt-fed).

Later instruction covered other foreign weapons such as the H&K family of weapons, Israeli Galil SMG and UZI, NATO weapons, sniper rifles, and various tactical machine guns. Some of the more interesting weapons on display and fired on the range included the Thompson Submachine gun and the H&K Briefcase SMG. These weapons prompted a bit of camera action capturing men in poses looking very dangerous despite getting on in years!

Vincent and his group of very knowledgeable instructors travel across the United States and overseas providing foreign weapons familiarization, instruction, and range firing opportunities to various law enforcement agencies and military units from all service components. His courses are custom-tailored to the organization and can be anywhere from one-day to several weeks long. His firm specializes in Russian and NATO weapon systems.

This was the 3rd Annual Foreign Weapons Familiarization Course held by Chapter 54 and plans are to continue the very popular event. There was a nominal charge to attend with proceeds covering the cost of the weekend range firing and the profits going to the Chapter 54 college scholarship fund. This was the first year that I attended the range firing event and I will certainly sign up for next year’s event as well. Chapter 54 of the Special Forces Association is based in the Massachusetts area with members that come from across all of New England. Visit the Chapter 54 SFA website for more information.

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John Friberg, the author of this article, was a SF weapons man in the early years of his Army career. While attending the Special Forces Qualification Course (SFQC) in the early 1970s he went through the Special Forces Weapons Course. He was one of eight students in the months-long class and enjoyed an instructor to student ratio of 3 to 1. Many, many, many long hours were spent on the range trying to expend all the ammo for countless types of U.S. and foreign weapons (light and heavy) allocated to that class cycle accompanied by lots of hands-on training cleaning guns and mortars in the weapons pool on Fort Bragg later in the day.

Upon graduating from the “Q” course he was assigned to a SF ODA and immediately came under the protective umbrella of a senior detachment Weapons Man (a two-tour Vietnam vet with time in CCN). The senior constantly quizzed him on the cyclic rate of fire for obsolete and obsure weapons like the Finnish Suomi KP/-31 or how to train up the team on the “Australian Peel” in a reaction to ambush from the front on a live fire range. Eventually John escaped the harassing fire of the Senior Weapons Sergeant and found comfort in the relative safety of the Detachment Intelligence Sergeant position after graduating from the O&I course (when it was hard).