This video depicts scenes from the NATO Maritime Interdiction Operational Training Centre (NMIOTC) course held in Greece in April 2021. The course is designed to improve the accuracy of snipers engaging stable or moving targets from land, air, and naval vessels.

The video was produced by Sgt. Patrik Orcutt of the U.S. Special Operations Command Europe (SOCEUR). The video was originally posted on the Defense Visual Information Distribution Service on June 16, 2021. DVIDS content is in the public domain. Video is two minutes long.

Watch the video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-y3IwL8zBsk

SOF News Update 20180309 – DoD and Hollywood, Germany in Afghanistan, Niger incident, new Army sniper rifle, US SOF in Panamanian JCET, expanding SOF, “Gallant Phoenix”, EUCOM commander testimony, RAND paper on deployments, new cdr for 24th SOW, history of U.S. Army Rangers, and more.

DoD and Hollywood. An article by the Defense Department says that it has armed forces Hollywood liaison offices to help the movie industry accurately display military stories, make sure sensitive information isn’t disclosed, and to coordinate for the use of military equipment and installations. Read more in “How & Why the Defense Department Works With Hollywood”, DoDLive, February 28, 2018.

Niger – Hostile Fire Back Pay. The four U.S. soldiers who were killed in Niger in an ISIS ambush are now eligible for back pay while serving under hostile fire. The Imminent Danger Pay is an additional $225 per month. Military personnel serving in Niger, Mali, and parts of Cameroon will now get the extra pay – and it is retroactive to June 2017. Other countries are already considered hostile fire pay areas – Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, and Sudan. (NBC News, Mar 7, 2018).

Africa – “The Tyranny of Geography”. SOF and conventional small units are currently dispersed all over the huge continent of Africa. AFRICOM, SOCAFRICA, CJTF-HOA, and other organizations are continually evaluating contingency plans for MEDEVAC, QRF, CAS, ISR, and Personnel Recovery. Read more on the difficulty of this huge task and responsibility in “This Is One of the Biggest Reasons Why The Deadly Ambush in Niger Won’t Be The Last”, by Jared Keller, Task & Purpose, March 8, 2018.

US SOF in Panamanian JCET. Members of the U.S. special operations community recently conducted a Joint Combined Exchange Training (JCET) event in Panama with Panamanian counterparts. Panama units included the National Police Counterterrorism Unit (UFEC), National Police Rural and Maritime Anti-Drug Unit (UTOA), and elements from the National Aero Naval Service (SENAN). Read more in “Training boosts US response capabilities in the Americas”, DVIDS SOCSouth, March 8, 2018.

Gallant Phoenix and Belgium. Belgian defence sources have confirmed Belgian participation in an operation that collects information on ISIS in Syria and Iraq and uses it to conduct operations. (Flanders News.be, Mar 8, 2018).

New Cdr for 24th SOW. The Air Force’s only Special Tactics Wing is getting a new commander. In the last two years, under the outgoing commander, the 24th SOW personnel have conducted almost 2,900 combat missions, more than 180 airfield surveys, engaged in combat around the world. See “24th SOW welcomes new commander”, DVIDS, March 8, 2018.

RAND Paper on Deployments. Since 9/11, 2.77 million service members have served on 5.4 deployments. the average length of deployment varied across the services; multiple deployments were not uncommon. Read Examination of Recent Deployment Experience Across the Services and Components, RAND Corporation, March 2018, 12 pages.
www.rand.org/pubs/research_reports/RR1928.html

Expanding SOF. Eric P. Shwedo, a career SOF officer, writes about how Army Special Operations might prepare to expand in the event of a major war by resolving impediments to growth, improving recall procedures, and developing plans to expand training capacities. “Expansibility and Army Special Operations Forces”, Parameters, U.S. Army War College, Winter 2017-2018, Vol. 47 No. 4, (12 pages).
http://ssi.armywarcollege.edu/pubs/Parameters/

EUCOM Cdr’s Testimony to Senate. Army General Curtis Scaparrotti, the commander of U.S. European Command and Supreme Allied Commander Europe of NATO Allied Command Operations, provided testimony to the Senate Armed Services Committee on March 8, 2018. (DVIDS, 2 hours long).
www.dvidshub.net/video/588587/european-command-chief-discusses-capabilities-senate-hearing

New Army Sniper Rifle. The modified HK G28 will replace the Army’s current SDMR – the M110 SASS 7.62 compact sniper rifle. It is a harder hitting rifle than the current one in uses and provides infantry soldiers with an upgraded, deadly capability – with increased body armor penetration. (Fox News, Mar 8, 2018).

History of U.S. Army Rangers. The Rangers and the Army have had an on-and-off type of relationship over the last half century. This story provides a history of the Ranger units from World War II to the beginning of the GWOT. Read “U.S. Army Rangers from WW II to the War on Terrorism, 1945-2001”, Defense Media Network, March 1, 2018.

Germans to Increase Troops for Afghanistan. The Germans are stepping in their commitment to NATO’s Resolute Support Mission in Afghanistan. Germany is the lead ‘framework’ nation in northern Afghanistan – in command of Train, Advise, and Assist Command – North. They will raise their troop levels to 1,300. (Reuters, Mar 7, 2018).

SOF News Update 20171128 – SOCOM sniper rifle, WWII naval gray zone activities, Ralph Peters on Africa, SWCS student dies, armed UN Little Birds in Mali, air opns in Afghanistan, 26,000 troops in Afghanistan and Iraq, MARSOC recruiting video, AFSOC’s money people, SFC Cribben remembered, Afghan SMW graduates crew members from course, the golden age of SOF, shift of air assets from Middle East to Afghanistan, ASSF keep pressure on Taliban and ISIS, U.S. Army policy on beards, leaving the Kurds behind, and more.

SOCOM Sniper Rifle. The are a lot of different U.S. military sniper rifles. The United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) is trying to consolidate these variations into one rifle. The SOF command is looking for a rifle that will fire three different rounds – which would require three different rifle barrels. A rifle with three barrels reduces the weight carried (two less rifles and less magazines). Read “SOCOM asking rifle makers for single weapon to serve many sniper roles”, Tampa Bay Times, November 22, 2017.

Do More in Africa? Ralph Peters, a former U.S. Army officer and Fox News commentator, tells us why we have SOF teams in Africa and questions if we shouldn’t be doing more. Read “Here’s what the US is doing in Africa”, New York Post, November 25, 2017.

Armed UN Little Birds in Mali. The United Nations has deployed small helicopters in Mali to attack militants and evacuate casualties. (The Warzone, Nov 27, 2017).

MARSOC Recruiting Video. The Marines do good PR. Been that way for a long time. Read more about a MARSOC recruiting video in “This MARSOC recruiting video looks like a Hollywood movie”, We Are the Mighty,  November 27, 2017.

The Golden Age of SOF. In a long article explaining what SOF is a writer confuses the reader referring to US Navy SEALs as ‘special forces’ (2nd para). Oh well. An interesting read despite that. See “The Golden Age of Special Operations Forces”, E-International Relations, November 28, 2017.

SWCS Student Dies. PFC Nicholas Martinez had completed the Special Forces Preparatory and Conditioning Course and was awaiting additional training. He was found dead in his Fort Bragg barracks on Thanksgiving Day. (Fayetteville Observer, Nov 25, 2017).

Shift of Air Assets from Middle East to Afghanistan. One sign that the war in Iraq and Syria is winding down is the increase in air operations in Afghanistan. Read “War in Afghanistan Heats Up as Fight Against ISIS Winds Down”, DoD Buzz, November 27, 2017.

Afghan SMW Graduates More Crew Members. The Special Mission Wing has 15 more qualified crew members with the recent graduation of students from its ‘Green Platoon’ course. (DVIDS, Nov 25, 2017).

ASSF Keep Pressure on ISIS-K and Taliban. Afghan Special Security Forces have inflicted heavy damage recently on the Taliban and ISIS-K in Nangarhar and Balkh provinces. (DVIDS, Nov 25, 2017).

SFC Cribben Remembered. SFC Stephen Cribben died in Afghanistan on November 4, 2017. He was a member of the 10th Special Forces. He is remembered by his family. (News Channel 13, Nov 27, 2017).

AFSOC’s Money People. Every operational mission and training exercise needs a funding mechanism. Learn more about AFSOC’s money people in “No Money No Mission”, DVIDS, November 1, 2017.

Air Opns in Afghanistan. The U.S. Air Force is striking more targets in Afghanistan than at any other time since 2010. In October 2017 the Air Force conducted 653 air strikes. Read “US Aircraft Return to Surge-Level Operations in Afghanistan”, Air Force Magazine, November 21, 2017.

Leaving the Kurds Behind. The U.S. had some very dependable allies in Iraq and Syria over the past few years in the fight against ISIS. And now that the fight is ‘almost’ over? Well, it’s time to look out for our strategic interests – sucking up to Russia and Turkey and cutting the support for the Kurds. (The Hill, Nov 27, 2017).

26,000 Troops. The Department of Defense has updated the number of troops deployed to Afghanistan and Iraq. (Military Times, Nov 27, 2017).

U.S. Army Policy on Beards. It appears those wanting to enhance their looks will be disappointed. (Task and Purpose, Nov 27, 2017).

WW II Naval Gray Zone Activities. A former naval surface warfare officer and military historian has penned an article describing naval gray zone activities against the Germans and Japanese during WW II. Read the article by Steven Wills in “Franklin D. Roosevelt, ‘Gray Zone’ Warrior”, War on the Rocks, November 23, 2017.

Fuerzas Comando 2017 – The armed forces of Paraguay hosted top special operations soldiers from across North and South America during the Fuerzas Comando 2017 competition. This military exercise has been held every year since 2004. The first competition was hosted by El Salvador with 13 participating countries. This year’s event, which took place July 17-26, hosted almost 500 personnel. Many military and law enforcement agencies were represented from 20 different countries.

The competition is sponsored by the United States Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) and planned and executed by the Special Operations Command South (SOCSOUTH). The intent of the exercise is to promote regional cooperation and interoperability. In addition, relationships are established and reinforced within the SOF community of the Western hemisphere.

General Tony Thomas, the commander of the United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) attended the opening ceremony and stated:

“Fuerzas Comando is yet another link in the global network. This network brings together our hemisphere’s Special Operations Forces and key leadership into an interlocking tribe of families, partners and true friends.”

The teams that compete are made up of 6 members. Four troops are in the assault group while two are snipers. In addition, each team has an alternate in case of illness or injury. There are a number of complicated and arduous events that the teams compete in to include a confidence course, combat march, aquatic events, obstacle course, physical fitness tests, marksmanship, sniper stress tests, and situational scenarios requiring specific actions.

As part of the overall event a Senior Leader Seminar was held where military, defense, security leaders, academics, and policy influencers met to to discuss the methods of countering transnational and transregional threat networks (T3N). The four-day seminar featured several presentation on the T3N topics. In addition the Joint Special Operations University (JSOU) provided a series of presentations on related subjects.

The victorious team this year was Team Honduras.  Colombia placed second with the United States team from 7th Special Forces Group from Eglin Air Force Base, Florida placing third.

Videos of Fuerzas Comando 2017:

Combined Assault Event, SOCSouth, July 22, 2017.

Ruck March and Team Event, SOCSouth, July 26, 2017.

Fuerzas Comando 2017, SOCSouth, July 26, 2017.

Further Reading:

“Paraguay to Host Fuerzas Comando 2017”, Dialogo Military Magazine, July 25, 2017.

“A Band of Brothers: Countries compete for 11 days but partner for life”, DVIDS, Special Operations Command South, July 27, 2017.

“Fuerzas Comando XIII Senior Leader Seminar Analyzes Joint Ways to Counter T3N”, Dialogo Military Magazine, July 28, 2017.

“Special Ops Competition Brings Teams Together, SouthCom Commander Says”, Defense Media Activity, July 27, 2017.

Sniper Systems Update for SOF – The last several years have seen new developments in training, tactics, and employment of sniper teams and their associated equipment and weapons. Sniper teams have taken a leading role in the conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq. In addition, SOF has been employed in the small wars now taking place in Libya, Somalia, Yemen, Syria and elsewhere.

Andrew White, an writer at Defense Media Network, has published (July 3, 2017) an extensive review of SOF sniper equipment, weapons, training, and employment over the past few years.

USASOC Sniper Competition. In March 2017 the annual U.S. Army Special Operations Command (USASOC) International Sniper Competition was held. The event high-lighted “. . . the wide-ranging skill sets required to effectively operate as a force multiplying sniper team.” Two-man teams from the U.S. Army’s SOF units as well as sniper teams from European countries participated in a series of sniper events during the competition. The events included many aspects of sniping to include marksmanship, stalking, battle preparation, sniper operations, and target acquisition.

Employment of Sniper Teams. White’s article goes on to explain how U.S. SOF sniper teams are engaged around the world in real-world missions. These operations range from disrupting terrorist networks, direct action (DA), counterterrorism (CT), and other missions. A key development taking place recently is the urban warfare being conducted over the past several months in the siege of Mosul. U.S. and other nation’s SOF snipe teams have been actively employed in fighting the Islamic State fighters in the Mosul fight. Recently a Canadian SOF sniper was recognized for conducting the longest-ever sniper shoot in combat. Snipers are also the ‘eyes and ears’ for commanders for a variety of operations.

USSOCOM and Sniper Systems. The United States Special Operations Command based in Tampa, Florida is actively pursuing advanced sniper systems for its special operations forces across all services (SEALs, Green Berets, Rangers, MARSOC, etc.). White’s article goes into great depth on the full range of these sniper systems currently being purchased or under development.

White concludes his long article on Sniper Systems Update with:

“The role of the sniper across the COE remains as relevant as ever, highlighted by the effort and investment paid to the training teams tasked with identifying personnel with the correct aptitude for such missions. This trend is unlikely to change as the future character of conflict continues to evolve toward a battlespace that will still require the force-multiplying effects of a sniper team.”

The full article can be read at:

“SOF Sniper Systems Developments”, by Andrew White, Defense Media Networks, July 3, 2017.
http://www.defensemedianetwork.com/stories/sof-sniper-systems-developments/

SOF News Update 20161221 – Review and movie trailer of “The Wall”, review and trailer of “SIX” by History Channel, ISIS use of RBs providing greater safety and capability, Reaper upgrade, book review (yep, its about a SEAL), and SOCAfrica busy on the African continent, and more.

Movie – “The Wall”. John Cena stars in a war movie due to be released in March 2017 entitled “The Wall”. It features three snipers – two U.S. Army Soldiers and one ‘enemy’ sniper. Based on the trailer that I viewed it promises to be an engaging movie. You can read a short review of and watch the trailer at this link: http://taskandpurpose.com/john-cena-gets-serious-new-role-army-sniper/

History Channels “SIX”. A review and trailer of “SIX” – “New War Drama on America’s Elite: SEAL Team Six”, by Task @ Purpose, November 28, 2016.

Russian and US SOF Look Similar in Photos. See 18 photos that show how similar US and Russian SOF posted by Business Insider, December 19, 2016.

USSOCOM Contract Award. Chantilly, Virginia based OGSystems has announced that the company has been awarded two contract delivery orders from the United States Special Operations Command providing intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance equipment solutions. Washington Exec, December 19, 2016.

SOCAfrica Busy in . . . Africa. Nick Turse of Tom’s Dispatch provides his usual sample of fact and fiction when describing a wide range of U.S. special operations activities on the African continent in “Washington’s America-First Commandos in Africa”, TomDispatch.com, December 18, 2016.

“The Soul of a SEAL”. Read a book review of a novel that is part adventure, part political, part romance, and a military thriller. A SEAL who is involved in a space program has to untangle a mystery . . . and finds romance along the way. Military Press, December 19, 2016.

Reaper Drone Upgrade. One of the key weapons systems of USSOCOM’s fight against terrorists is the armed drone. The MQ-9 Reaper will soon receive the MetaVR’s virtual reality generator to train crews of Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC). C4ISRNET, December 19, 2016.

SOF News Update 20161213 – Lithuanian PYSOP Team, preparation tips for snipers, investigation reopened of Green Beret who killed an unarmed Taliban fighter, JTAC training, capture on Saddam Hussein Dec 13, 2003, SOF motorbike, Ukrainian SOF webpage, and more.

Operation Red Dawn. On December 13, 2013 – thirteen years ago – the former ruler of Iraq was captured by SOF and conventional forces. He was hiding in an underground tunnel near the city of Tikret, Iraq when discovered. Hussein was later hung by the Iraqi government. Read more about Operation Red Dawn in postings by WikipediA and U.S. Army.mil.  See also an excellent graphic by The Baltimore Sun (Dec 13, 2016) describing the operation. (Photo above from USSOCOM Twitter account posting Dec 13, 2016).

Australian Political Leader Visits Australian SOF in Iraq. Bill Shorten, an Australian Opposition leader, visited members of the Australian and New Zealand military who are based at Camp Taji, Iraq training up the members of the Iraq Counter Terrorism Service (CTS). The Daily Telegraph, December 12, 2016.

5 Prepartion Tips for Snipers. Former Army Ranger Nicholas “The Reaper” Irving provides us with five important tips used by SOF snipers to prepare for leaving the wire – whether that is on a sniping mission in Iraq or Afghanistan or hunting big game in Alaska. Read “Here’s How a Direct-Action Sniper Maintains His Gear in the Field”, Task and Purpose, December 7, 2016.

Investigation Reopened on Green Beret. During the battle of Marja, Afghanistan in February 2010 Major Matthew Golsteyn killed a Taliban bombmaker who had been captured and then released. The killing became a subject of investigation when the CIA provided information to the U.S. Army about the incident. During a job interview the Special Forces Soldier admitted to CIA interviewers that he had killed the Taliban – at the time unarmed and buried him in the desert. The Army did an investigation but cleared him – recommending him for a general discharge. Recently Golsteyn admitted the killing once again on a Fox News interview – and now the Army wants to reopen the investigation. Read more in “Army reopens investigation into former Green Beret Matthew Golsteyn”, Army Times, December 8, 2016.

Interview about IO to end Conflict in Colombia. One of the successes of the U.S. SOF forces (specificially 7th SFGA) is the long-term strategy of training up the Colombian special forces to fight the FARC in Colombia. Lara Logan, a 60 Minutes correspondent and no stranger to the SF community, interviewed an ad executive who ran a information operations campaign to help end the conflict. Read more in “How Unconventional Thinking Transformed a War-Torn Colombia”, CBS News 60 Minutes, December 11, 2016.

The Selection: Special Operations Experiment. The History Channel is putting 30 civilians through a special operations themed survival course. Learn more in an article posted by Monster and Critics, December 8, 2016.

JTAC Training Goes Hi-Tech. A recent article (8 Dec 2016) by Giles Ebbutt in IHS Jane’s 360 provides information on new and updated training systems for JTACs. The Joint Terminal Attack Controllers will use a system to train FOs and FACs for close air support and indirect fire. Read more in “JTAC training tech advances emerge”.

Ukrainian SOF Webpage. The Ukrainian military has posted a website about Ukrainian SOF. You might want to have your web browser translate it into English for viewing.
http://sof.mil.gov.ua/

MOTOPED for SOF? The MOTOPED Survival Bike could be a SOF operator’s means of transportation in a conflict area. This sturdy mountain bike / motorcycle is perfect for someone who needs to maneuver across tough terrain. Read more in “The MOTOPED Survival Bike Could Be the Wheels Special Operations Forces Need”, Task and Purpose, December 13, 2016.

Video of Lithuanian PSYOPS Team. U.S. SOF from SOCEUR were present during a recent exercise in Eastern Europe. The SOF exercise included use of a Lithuanian PSYOPS team to provide battlefield deception. Watch a short (2-min) video.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vbu4X61FpcM

SOF News Update 20161023 – Concealable Spec Ops sniper rifle, MARSOC’s Blackjack drone, Indonesia’s counter-terrorism strategy, SWMS contract award, virtual reality of USAF special operations, and more.

Virtual Reality and USAF Special Operations. A VR application provides you the ability to experience the life of an Air Force special operator. Read more in “New VR App Lets You Train Like Air Force Special Ops”, Popular Mechanics, October 4, 2016.

Remington Defense CSR. SOF operators use a variety of weapons to include sniper rifles. Some are very heavy and long . . . and others, like the Remington Defense CSR, are easily hidden. Read more about the ‘Concealable Sniper Rifle’ in “This spec ops sniper rifle fits inside a ‘granola-eater’ backpack”, We Are the Mighty, September 28, 2016.

Indonesia’s CT Strategy. The serious threat posed by the Islamic State in Indonesia has prompted the country to revamp its counter-terrorism strategy and structure. It has established the Joint Special Operations Command and launched several successful CT operations. Read more in “Operation Tinombala: Indonesia’s New Counter-Terrorism Strategy – Analysis”, Eurasia Review, October 8, 2016.

GDIT Awarded SWMS Contract. General Dynamics Information Technology has been awarded a SOCOM Wide Mission Support (SWMS) contract by the United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM). Read more in “GD Award for US Special Ops SWMS”, American Security Today, October 8, 2016.

MARSOC’s Blackjack Drone. The Raiders of the Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command have deployed with a new drone. The RQ-21A Blackjack reached initial operational capability (IOC) in January 2016. Read more in “Marine Special Operators Fly New Surveillance Drone in Iraq”, Military.com, October 8, 2016.

A lot a special operations forces (SOF) news today. British SAS selection, combat divers, book by a Ranger sniper, SOF vehicles, Ranger Hall of Fame, and some neat videos.

Seahawks Spend Day with Combat Divers. A few players from the NFL team got to spend a day with Combat Divers from Joint Base Lewis-McChord. The favor was returned when the Special Forces team members spent a day at the Seahawks training camp. Read “Doug Baldwin, Seahawks Pay Tribute to Combat Divers at Joint Base Lewis-McChord”, Seahawks.com, July 31, 2016.

Proposed Law to Limit British PM in Use of Special Forces. According to a news report Jeremy Corby – the Labour leader – thinks that Britain should have a US-style war powers act to prevent secret missions without a paramilitary vote. Read “Jeremy Corbyn calls for law to limit PM’s powers to deploy special forces”, The Guardian, August 1, 2016.

Interview – “Way of the Reaper”. Former Army Ranger Nicholas Irving has written a book about his experiences serving with the Ranger Regiment in Iraq and Afghanistan as a sniper.
http://taskandpurpose.com/ex-army-ranger-nicholas-irving-becoming-reaper/?

Special Operations Vehicles. The past several years, with combat campaigns in Iraq, Afghanistan, and other locations – have seen major advancements in the design and fielding of vehicles for special operations forces. Read an in-depth article on the topic in “Special Operations Vehicles”, Special Operations International, July 19, 2016.

SOCEUR Hosts Jump Week. The Special Operations Command Europe hosted the 2^nd Annual International Jump Week in Stuttgart, Germany from July 25-29, 2016. Jumpers from Belguim, Denmark, Estonia, Germany, Holland, Ireland, Italy, Lativia, and the UK joined US paratroopers to conduct HALO and static line parachute jumps. Read more in “Paratroopers reinforce bonds during IJW2016”, DVIDS, July 29, 2016.

Description of British SAS Selection. The selection process for the SAS lasts over 5 months and has a 90 per cent fail rate. The “Special Forces Aptitude Test” is required for entry into the 22 SAS, the Territorial Army’s SAS reserve units, and the Special Boat Service (SBS).  There are two courses a year – winter and summer. Read more in “Tested to destruction: the terrifying selection process for British SAS”, Special-Ops.org, August 1, 2016.

Top Ten. A recent news report lists the top ten SF units around the globe. Read “The Top Ten Special Forces Units in the World”, Gazette Review, July 30, 2016. Hmmmm.

New Members of Ranger Hall of Fame. Fifteen retired Rangers were inducted into the 2016 Ranger Hall of Fame class in a recent ceremony. Read “Ranger Hall of Fame welcomes 2016 Inductees”, Army.mil, July 20, 2016.

Mandatory Military Service – Not Needed. Retired Green Beret Scott Mann provides us some reasons why we don’t need the draft in a short video posted by Business Insider (August 1, 2016).
www.businessinsider.com/why-military-doesnt-need-mandatory-service-2016-7

Memorial for Navy SEAL. “A memorial for slain Navy SEAL and “American Sniper” author Chris Kyle has been unveiled in the West Texas city where he was born in 1974”. See a news report by Army Times, July 29, 2016.

Video of MARSOC Individual Training Course. Watch a 3-min long video of MARSOC training.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LJjFJXfca04

Technology and SOF. Special operators operate in many challenging environmental regions of the world. Technology can assist the SOF personnel in the performance of their mission. The United States Special Operations Command is constantly updating the uniforms and equipment that SOF operators wear. Read more in “Wearable Technology Could Change How Special Operations Forces Fight”, National Defense Magazine, August 2016.

USASOC Jumpmaster School. Learn how tough it is to graduate from the three-week long jumpmaster school run by USASOC at Fort Bragg in “USASOC Paratroopers strive to be leaders in the sky”, DVIDS, August 1, 2016.

Secret Aussie Commandos Honored. Surviving members of a secret Australian command unit – “Z Special Unit” – sent into occupied Asia to fight the Japanese during World War II were recently honored. Read “After 7 decades, memorial of Z Special commandos”, The Australian, August 2, 2016.

Video of Artillery Training. Watch an 8-minute long video of artillery training by 1^st Battalion, 101^st Field Artillery Regiment of the Massachusetts Army National Guard. They are conducting their annual training at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey. Video by SSgt Caitlin Jones, and posted by DVIDS.
www.dvidshub.net/video/477284/massachusetts-national-guard-field-artillery-training