Over the past few years, the U.S. has moved its focus from the Global War on Terrorism (GWOT) and long running counterinsurgency efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan to strategic competition. The emphasis of the national security establishment and the Department of Defense has been on our chief competitors in the global arena. Of primary importance is the threat posed by China in the Indo-Pacific region and by Russia in Eastern Europe. This redirection toward great power competition with Russia and China has us moving away from our involvement in the Middle East.

A recent article published by the Middle East Institute points out that the Middle East region is still a volatile place that deserves our attention. Authored by Gen. (ret.) Joseph Votel and Col. (ret.) Christopher Costa, the article argues for continued support of Iraq’s premier counter terrorism unit by U.S. Special Operations Forces.

Iran is still supporting its proxy forces in Iraq, Syria, and elsewhere in the region. The Houthis of Yemen are wreaking havoc on the shipping lanes in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. The conflict in Gaza could very likely spill over into neighboring countries. The incidents of attacks against U.S. personnel and facilities in the Middle East has grown significantly since the Hamas terrorist attacks against Israel in October 2023 and subsequent invasion of Gaza by Israel.

Currently, the U.S. is involved in negotiations with Iraq about future U.S. force presence in Iraq. The Higher Military Commission (HMC) is one of the mechanisms for discussions on the continued fight against the Islamic State. To many outside observers – this seems like negotiations for a withdrawal or reduction of western forces.

During the August 2023 U.S.-Iraq Joint Security Cooperation Dialogue (JSCD) the United States and Iraq committed to launch the Higher Military Commission (HMC) on a mutually determined date (DOD Release, 8 Aug 2023). On January 25, 2024, the beginning of the HMC officially took place (DOD Transcript, 25 Jan 2024). The HMC process will discuss the evolution of the Coalition mission while taking into consideration that one result will be that the Islamic State can never resurge.

Currently there are 24 nations that are contributing to the Coalition Joint Task Force and the mission of Operation Inherent Resolve. There are about 2,500 American troops in the Iraq region as well has hundreds from other European countries. The main focus of the Coalition is the enduring defeat of ISIS and the advise-assist-enable missions with partner forces – Iraqi Security Forces (ISF), Kurdish Security Forces, and Iraqi SOF units.

It is quite possible that the Coalitions personnel strength and combat enabling capabilities (ISR, strike, etc.) will be reduced as a result of the HMC process. One important consideration in the talks should be the continued relationship between U.S. Special Operations Forces (USSOF) and the Iraqi Counterterrorism Force (CTS).

This relationship has spanned twenty years – beginning in 2004 with the establishment of the Iraqi Counter Terrorist Force (ICTF) and the 36th Commando Battalion. Over those past twenty years these two units have evolved into one of the premier counterterrorism units in the Middle East. The CTS has performed admirably over the past two decades and remains one of the few professional non-sectarian units in the Iraqi security establishment.

As the talks between U.S. and Iraqi negotiators proceed it is important that one of the provisions of any resulting agreement be the continued relationship between USSOF and the CTS. This should include the presence of USSOF in Iraq and the authorities to continue the advisory and support mission.

Gen. (ret.) Joseph Votel and Col. (ret.) Christopher Costa argue that “the CTS is a strategic hedge against violent extremist organizations in the Middle East”, USSOF has had an enduring relationship with the CTS, and a “strong CTS strengthens a sovereign Iraq”. They provide three recommendations on how the U.S. can continue to support the Iraqi Counterterrorism Service.

Gen. Votel is the former commander of USSOCOM and CENTCOM. Col. Costa is a former career intelligence officer who served with Special Operations Forces. Their article is an excellent read about the Iraqi Counterterrorism Service and why the U.S. should continue supporting it in the future.

“Maintaining the best thing the US built in Iraq: Continued support to the Iraqi Counterterrorism Service”, Middle East Institute, February 26, 2024. https://www.mei.edu/publications/maintaining-best-thing-us-built-iraq-continued-support-iraqi-counterterrorism-service

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Photo: Iraqi Counterterrorism Service (CTS), photo by PFC Anthony Zendejas, CJTF-OIR, Apri 4, 2018.

Dec 7th – On this day in 1941 Japanese naval forces launched a carrier-based air attack against U.S. Navy and Army installations, ships, and aircraft based on or near Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. The surprise attack resulted in numerous ships sunk or damaged and over 2,400 deaths of military members and U.S. citizens.

Prelude to the Attack. Difficulties between the United States and Japan began in the 1930s and continued into 1941. The Japanese was expanding its empire in Asia the United States was viewed as a roadblock to these expansion efforts. The U.S. Pacific Fleet based at Pearl Harbor was a danger to Japanese plans for the seizure of the resource-rich territories of Southeast Asia – so the Japanese decided to immobilize the U.S. fleet at the start of the war.

Surprise Attack. Early on Dec 7th Japanese planes from six aircraft carriers launched the first wave of 181 planes – torpedo bombers, horizontal bombers, dive bombers, and fighters. A second wave of aircraft continued the attack. The Japanese achieved complete surprise (despite early sightings of miniature submarines and incoming aircraft) when they hit naval bases and army installations in Hawaii.

Damage to Fleet. The attack, lasting about two hours, sunk or damaged twenty-one ships of the U.S. Pacific Fleet. Over 188 aircraft were destroyed with 159 aircraft damaged. American dead, including civilians, totaled 2,403. Over a thousand American military members and civilians were wounded.

Japanese Losses. The attacking force suffered light losses. Only twenty-nine planes failed to return to the carriers. No Japanese ships were lost although a miniature submarine was lost.

Not a Complete Success. The Japanese failed to sink or damage any aircraft carriers. Two were out of port delivering planes to Wake and Midway Islands. All but three of the sunk or damaged ships were raised and repaired and pressed into service in the ensuring war. Most important, the surprise attack united the country and helped enter the United States into World War II against Japan, Germany, and their allies.

Learn more about the attack by the Japanese on Pearl Harbor from the Naval History and Heritage Command:

Overview of The Pearl Harbor Attack, 7 December 1941

Arizona State University is now offering an academic journal that covers the topics of irregular warfare and special operations. The first issue, fall 2023, has been published and is posted online. This peer reviewed publication is focused on furthering studies and discussion on the intersection of irregular warfare and special operations. It will cover lessons learned (historical studies), current best practices, and the nature of future conflict.

The editors and editorial board are a “who’s who” of the special operations community; many of them academics in universities and military educational institutes – some with extensive military experience in special operations. Current plans are for the journal to be published twice a year.

The title of the journal is unusual and deserves explanation. Inter Populum is Latin for “among the people”. It has been said by General Rupert Smith (2005) and echoed by many national security pundits that the nature of future conflict will be “wars among the people”. Therefore, the focus of Inter Populum is the human domain – a principal concern of both irregular warfare and special operations.

This current issue has six articles about special operations and irregular warfare covering the topics of World War II, Falklands War, Ukraine, maritime operations, counterterrorism in strategic competition, and ethical decision-making. In addition, there are nine book reviews covering the topics of airpower, Vietnam, ‘Gray Wars’, military reconnaissance, interpreters, Iraq, intelligence, and more. The first issue of Inter Populum is a great read – I look forward to subsequent issues.

Inter Populum: Journal of Irregular Warfare and Special Operations, Arizona State University, Fall 2023, PDF, 148 pages. https://interpopulum.org/

The latest edition of the Special Operations Forces Reference Manual has been published by the Joint Special Operations University Press. The document provides information on U.S. special operations forces of all the services. Topics include the SOF command structure, unit organization, equipment, and areas of responsibility.

Contents:

• Introduction to Special Operations
• Special Operations Forces Structure
• Army Special Operations Forces
• Naval Special Operations Forces
• Air Force Special Operations Forces
• Marine Corps Special Operations Forces
• Special Operations Related Definitions
• SOF Abbreviations and Acronyms
• Bibliography

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Special Operations Forces Reference Manual, Fifth Edition, Joint Special Operations University Press, MacDill AFB, Florida, November 2023, PDF, 162 pages. https://jsou.edu/Press/PublicationDashboard/240

Photo: Special Warfare Combat Crewmen conduct a maritime external air transportation system training evolution, a way to move a watercraft from a point on land or water to somewhere else, using an Army MH-47G Chinook helicopter. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Christopher Prows, 5th Mobile Public Affairs Det)

The rankings for the United States Army Special Operations Command (USASOC) Best Combat Diver Competition 2023 have been announced. The three-day event took place in September 25-27, 2023, in Key West, Florida. The host was the U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School (USAJFKSWCS). The competition took place on and around the Naval Air Station Key West installation. This was an inaugural event which should take place on a yearly basis.

There were 13 two-man teams in the competition – taking part in ten competitive events that tested their mental and physical toughness while proving their ability to demonstrate their knowledge of advanced combat dive capabilities. The events took place on land, sea, and air incorporating dive, pool, kayak race, academic testing, and water parachute jumps.

Photo: Competitors in the 2023 U.S. Army Special Operations Command (USASOC) Best Dive Team Competition validate their equipment and undergo pre-competition training at the U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School’s Special Forces Underwater Operations School at NAS Key West, Florida Sept. 25, 2023. (Photo by K. Kassens, U.S. Army)

Competition Events:

• Day 1: Academic Exam, Physical Fitness Test
• Day 2: Static line parachute jump into a water drop zone morphing into a 1,500 klic kayak race, pool events, and a 1,500-meter navigation dive in Fleming Bay.
• Day 3: 1,500-meter navigation dive, contour dive, helo cast, surface swim, and four-mile run.

Photo: Competitors in the 2023 U.S. Army Special Operations Command (USASOC) Best Dive Team Competition validate their equipment and undergo pre-competition training at the U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School’s Special Forces Underwater Operations School at NAS Key West, Florida Sept. 25, 2023. (U.S. Army photo by K. Kassens)

The Naval Special Warfare (NSW) entered four teams; the remaining teams came from Army Special Operations Forces (ARSOF) units. The Marine Raiders and Air Force Special Warfare teams withdrew from the competition – but should be present next year. The 13 two-man teams were from the USAJKFSWCS, 1st SFG(A), 7th SFG(A), and Navy SEALs.

Photo: Competitors in the 2023 U.S. Army Special Operations Command (USASOC) Best Dive Team Competition descend into Patton Water Drop Zone at the U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School’s Special Forces Underwater Operations School at NAS Key West, Florida Sept. 26, 2023. (Photo by K. Kassens, U.S. Army)

Rankings:

• 1st Place: 5th Special Forces Group
• 2nd Place: 2nd Special Warfare Training Group
• 3rd Place: 5th Special Forces Group
• SEAL Delivery Vehicle Team 1

Photo: Competitors in the 2023 U.S. Army Special Operations Command (USASOC) Best Dive Team Competition take part in a 1,500-meter kayak race after parachuting into the water at the U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School’s Special Forces Underwater Operations School at NAS Key West, Florida Sept. 26, 2023. (Photo by K. Kassens, U.S. Army)

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Video – Inside the Special Forces Combat Diver Qualification Course, Coffee or Die Magazine, September 18, 2022, 18 minutes. Watch this video about the six-week dive course conducted at Key West, Florida. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AaNuUU10kTc

Video – Army Special Forces Underwater Operations School, U.S. Army, August 21, 2015, 4 minutes. Watch a video about the Army’s dive course. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AW-dFhkV1qQ

Photos: Courtesy of United States Army Special Operations Command (USASOC).

On August 15, 2021, the Taliban entered Kabul and assumed the reigns of government. A few months earlier, the Biden administration announced the implementation of the February 2020 Doha agreement that had been negotiated by the Trump administration. This resulted in an announcement of a full withdrawal of U.S. forces and contractor support.

Defeat of the ANDSF. By the spring of 2021 the support provided to the Afghan National Defense and Security Forces (ANDSF) was greatly diminished and it experienced defeat after defeat on the battlefield. There are number of reasons for the defeat of the ANDSF and these will be studied for decades to come by military analysts and national security ‘experts’. However, the bottom line is that the Taliban took district after district and province after province until it reached the gates of Kabul. However, the reasons for the loss of Afghanistan extends far beyond the defeat of the ANDSF. The successive Afghan governments were inept and corrupt and lack influence and capacity at the sub-national level. The United States is far from blame – having made many strategic errors in Afghanistan over the course of twenty years.

Kabul Airlift. As the Taliban advanced, the United States was withdrawing the last of its forces. By August 15th, the remaining troops were either located at the U.S. Embassy in Kabul or at the Hamid Karzai International Airport (HKIA). In the preceeding months the Department of State (DoS), despite urging from the Department of Defense (DoD), refused to evacuate the U.S. Embassy as the Taliban were steadily making progress across Afghanistan. The DoS, over the course of time, has a dismal record when initiating non-combatant evacuation operations in times of crisis. Finally, much too late, DoS declared a Non-combatant Evacuation Operation (NEO) and the DoD was presented with an almost impossible task of securing the Kabul airport and conducting operations in support of the Kabul NEO.

SIV Program. Over the course of the 20-year involvement of the United States in the long-running conflict in Afghanistan it received considerable support from Afghans. The military and other governmental agencies were very reliant on interpreters to conduct operations, activities, and implement programs in Afghanistan. In 2009, the Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) program was established to provide an opportunity for some of these interpreters and others who assisted the U.S. to re-locate to the United States. Eventually, this would lead to the ability to apply for a legal permanent resident (LPR) status (Green Card). However, the program was slow and bureaucratic.

At-Risk Afghans. With the rise to power of the Taliban these interpreters and others realized they and their families would be subject to reprisals by the victorious Taliban. In fact, this has been happening over the past two years – former interpreters have been singled out for detention, imprisionment, torture, and death. In addition, former members of the National Directorate of Security (NDS), Afghan National Army Special Operations Command (ANASOC), Afghan Air Force (AAF), and Special Mission Wing (SMW) have also been hunted down and faced reprisals. It is no wonder that these at-risk Afghans swarmed the Kabul airport seeking space on U.S. military aircraft conducting the evacuation of Americans, LPRs, foreign nations, and those who could prove they were holders of a Special Immigrant Visa. The airport was overwhelmed.

Two Weeks of Chaos. From August 15 to August 30 the world was captivated by the attempt of nations from across the world to evacute their embassy staff, foreign nationals, and at-risk Afghans that they could identify as having aided their country’s efforts in Afghanistan. During this two week period over 124,000 people were evacuated from the Kabul airport by the various nations. Unfortunately, by the end of the NEO, many U.S. citizens, LPRs, and SIV holders were left behind.

Volunteer Groups. Beginning in early August 2021 informal groups of U.S. veterans and others began to organize themselves in an effort to assist the thousands of Americans, LPRs, and at-risk Afghans (interpreters and others) get access to the interior of HKIA. While a few were actively on the ground in Kabul the vast majority were supporting the effort from their home offices or workspace using phones, WhatsApp, Signal, Zoom, and other messaging services. These volunteer groups – like No One Left Behind, Team America Relief, and others – stepped into the gap caused by the inadequate planning and preparation of the DoS. Thousands of people got onto the HKIA evacuation flights as a result of these hastily formed volunteer groups. Over time, these groups – hundreds of them, small and large – would be affiliated with larger umbrella organizations such as the Afghan Evac coalition, Evacuate our Allies, or the Moral Compass Federation.

The Aftermath of the Kabul NEO. After the conclusion of the Kabul airlift at the end of August these volunteer groups continued to operate for several months – assisting Americans, LPRs, and Afghans in departures from the Mazur-e-Sharif airport in northern Afghanistan and in overland movement to Pakistan and other neighboring countries. As Afghans made their way to the United States the efforts of many groups turned to the resettlement process – finding jobs, living arrangements, processing legal paperwork, and navigating the difficulties of adapting to a new country.

Afghan Adjustment Act. One of the more important efforts of the various volunteer groups is the advocating for Congressional legislation that would provide a legal pathway for Afghans who arrived in the U.S. after evacuation from Kabul. In addition, there are provisions in the proposed Afghan Adjustment Act (AAA) that would provide SIV status to members of ANASOC, AAF, and the SMW. Unfortunately, Congress has failed to support this important legislation. Organizations at the national level such as Evacuate Our Allies (EOA) are fighting hard in Washington, D.C. for Congressional support for the AAA. This advocacy effort is also found across the country at the local level – the Maine Vets for Afghans is one such example.

More Work Remains. The work of assisting at-risk Afghans continues today – two years after the fall of Kabul. Some volunteer groups have disbanded, the members having completed their mission of relocating the Afghans they were assisting. Some are no longer operating – the members returning to their normal lives – after depleting their financial resources, spending time away from their jobs, and sacrificing family life. Many U.S. veterans of the Afghan conflict and members of these Afghan Evac volunteer groups have suffered from moral injury. But many groups, like Team America Relief, continue to assist in the relocation of Afghans to the United States, resettlement efforts, and advocacy for Afghans.

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The author is a member of Team America Relief and Maine Vets for Afghans.

A book published in 2022, SOG Kontum, details the some of the top secret missions that were conducted in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia during the 1968 – 1969 time period. The authors are Joe Parnar and Robert Dumont; with a foreword by John Plaster. The book is an excellent account of the men who served in the Military Assistance Command, Vietnam – Studies and Observations Group (MACV-SOG).

MACV-SOG was very classified, mult-service unit that conducted secret missions during the Vietnam War. The men who served in this unit were members of the U.S. Army Special Forces, U.S. Navy SEALs, U.S Marine Corps recon units, and other specialized units. They were supported by dedicated Airmen who infiltrated and exfiltrated these small teams into dangerous conflict zones via helicopter, flew medical evacuation flights, provided ‘Covey’ forward air controller support (communications and situational awareness), and close air support with rotary and fixed-wing aircraft.

This book focuses on the special operations teams that operated out of FOB-2 Kontum located near the tri-border area (Google Maps) of Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia during the a year span from 1968 to 1969. These ‘Recon Teams’ and ‘Hachet Forces’ of Command and Control Central (CCC) conducted missions “in-country” and “over the fence” to gather intelligence, capture enemy assets, recover downed pilots, rescue allied prisoners of war, conduct personal recovery, and conduct psychological operations.

Little was known about MACV-SOG while the Vietnam conflict was ongoing. For several decades the American public and most people in the military had no idea of the secret missions the SOG operators were engaged in. Within the Special Forces community, certainly the word got out over time. Part of the secrecy about MACV-SOG can be traced to the decision to destroy the classified records of the unit and its operations in 1972 when SOG was disbanded. This, of course, has made it difficult to document the activities of MACV-SOG. It has fallen to several book authors to reconstitute the history of MACV-SOG through researching the personal stories of the ground and air participants. This book, SOG Kontum, does this; with the authors conducting numerous interviews of the participants of the SOG operations in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia.

The book contains the first-person accounts of the ground teams, FACs, close air support (rotary and fixed-wing) pilots and crewmen, MEDEVAC crews, and others. Although several books have been published about SOG, they cannot possibly tell all of the thousands of stories about the activities of the men who belonged to MACV-SOG. SOG Kontum is an excellent oral history of the men of MACV-SOG CCC during a year that spans 1968 to 1969.

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SOG Kontum, by Joe Parner and Robert Dumont, December 2022. Available on Amazon.com.

Brig. Gen. Derek Lipson replaced Maj. Gen. Michael Martin as the commander of U.S. Special Operations Command – Korea (SOCKOR) during a change-of-command ceremony at Camp Humphreys, South Korea on June 12, 2023.

The position is a dual-hat role, as both commander of SOCKOR and the United Nations Command Special Operations Component (UNCSOC). Senior members of the U.S. and South Korean military and governments attended the event. The U.S. Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special Operations and Low Intensity Conflict, Christopher Maier, was in attendence.

Martin took command of SOCKOR on June 23, 2021. Prior to that he was the Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) Director of Operations. Martin began his career as an enlisted Airman in 1985 serving as an Electronic Warfare Technician. After his first enlistment he left the Air Force to attend college and join ROTC. Upon graduation in 1992 from Texas A&M University he received his commission in the Air Force. He began his career in the Combat Control field. He has spent his career in special operations, the air staff, and has had numerous combat deployments. Martin is moving on to be the J3, Director of Operations at U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) in Florida.

Photo: Major General Martin, SOCKOR commander, hosts senior RoK Officers at Osan Air Base in March 2023. This meeting took place during Exercise Teak Knife. (Photo by SOCKOR).

Lipson was previously assigned as the deputy commanding general support for the 1st Special Forces Command (Airborne) at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. He started his career in the Army in 1990 as a Infantry Platoon Leader. In 1993 he began his long career in Special Forces. Lipson has had numerous overseas and combat deployments in Iraq, Afghanistan, and other locations around the world.

The mission of Special Operations Command Korea is to plan and conduct special operations in support of the U.S. forces, United Nations forces, and combined forces in times of armistice, crisis, and war. SOKOR is a functional component command of United States Forces Korea. It is tasked to plan and conduct special operations in the Korean theater of operations.

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Video – SOCKOR CoC Ceremony, Defense Now, YouTube, June 13, 2023, 43 minutes. https://www.dvidshub.net/video/886523/sockor-change-command

Biography – Major General Michael E. Martin, U.S. Air Force

Biography – Brigadier General Derek N. Lipson, U.S. Army

Top photo: Image by Special Operations Command Korea, June 12, 2023. Posted on SOCKOR Twitter account.

Maps by Central Intelligence Agency (CIA).

SFACON 2023 was held during May 22-26, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Special Forces Association members, past and current, gathered together to renew old friendships and make new friends, listen to an interesting and variety of speakers, and enjoy a number of enjoyable activities. And, of course, thousands of ‘war stories’ were exchanged during the course of the five days.

The speakers at the SFA Symposium (scroll down page for biographies of speakers) provided a mix of information and entertainment. Some were funny, some updated the assembly on the latest news about special operations, some provided an in-depth analysis of current events or historical aspects of Special Forces, while others provided insight into the complex problems confronting Green Berets and their families during and after their service.

The convention took place at the Wyndham Indianposlis West hotel. The hospitality suite, open all week, featured a cash bar, plenty of seating, and the Green Beret Marketplace where vendors displayed coins, books, t-shirts, and other types of GB swag. Indianapolis offers a variety of attractions to include the Indy Monuments & Memorials Tour, Indy 500 Museum, Museum of Art, Dallara IndyCar Factory Tour, and Conner Prairie. The registration desk at the conference was open all day, every day to assist with visits to city attactions and tours.

Monday, May 22nd

This was arrival day for most of the Green Berets. Registration began in the afternoon, followed by a social gathering. Welcoming speeches provided information about the coming week. The cash bar had a brisk business as everyone settled down in the hospitality suite. Old friends met once again and broke into their familiar groups to catch up with each other. A number of vendors were open for business in the Green Beret Marketplace set up in the hospitality suite.

Tuesday, May 23rd

SFA President’s Meeting. Special Forces Association President Kevin Harry provided an update on the current status of the SF association. The membership of the SFA remains strong at over 11,000 current members. There are 94 SFA chapters across the United States and around the world. A chapter will soon be formed in Key West. The quarterly print magazine, The Drop, is seeing some changes. Members will have the option to select a print copy or to view the periodical in digital form; the default will be digital. The association is exploring more ways to leverage technology to manage day-to-day operations. There were also updates by other SFA officers to include the treasurer, secretary, and special projects officer Chris Bell. Jeremy Miller of Chapter 500 welcomed the attendees to SFACON 2023. Pete Tingstrom provided a brief on the October 2024 SFA Caribbean Cruise.

BG Lawrence Ferguson, Deputy Commander of the 1st Special Forces Command, provided an update on the SF command and what is coming in the future. The command has been busy; over 3,000 of its 23,000 members are currently deployed to over 70 countries. He commented on the success of the 18X program, citing its importance to the personnel strength of the SFODAs. He presented two short videos about Special Forces entitled “The Why” and “The How” (YouTube). Colonel Matt Valas, commander of the 20th Special Forces Group, gave the audience a brief on the two National Guard Special Forces groups to include training, deployments, state mission, federal mission, Rep 63 recruitment, and more. Jeff Man, a former employee of the National Security Agency (NSA) and information security expert gave a brief on his career with the NSA and the infamous Special Forces ‘whiz wheel’ used in the past by 18E’s.

Alex Quade, a war reporter with ties to SF units that deployed overseas, presented screenings of her documenties on SF teams deployed in Afghanistan and Iraq. MSG (R) John Armezzani, Veterans Services Director of the Green Beret Foundation, spoke to the audience about services available to veterans after separation from the military. SFC (R) Greg Stube, a retired 18D and book author, recounted his struggle to recover from serious wounds suffered in Afghanistan and provided his input on how to overcome adversity in life. Gayle Becwar, a comedian and magician, performed in the evening with some very good magical feats. On Tuesday afternoon a Green Beret motorcycle ride took place around the Indianapolis area.

Wednesday, May 25th

LTG (R) David Fridovich provided a detailed brief on the beginning years of CJSOTF-P; the establishment of the special operations task force in the Philippines that had its origin in the fall of 2001. While serving as the 1st SFG(A) commander, Fridovich conducted an initial site survey of the Philippines with the task of identifying future SOF assistance to that nation in 2001 and for many years after. COL (R) Ken Hurst gave a presentation of the logistical challenges of supporting the 10th Special Forces Group’s entry into Northern Iraq during the beginning of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) in early 2003. At the time, Hurst was the 10th SFG(A) Support Battalion commander. COL (R) Dave Maxwell delivered a presentation entitled “An Unconventional Warfare Mindset: The Philosophy of Special Forces Must be Sustained”; later published by Small Wars Journal. He traces the Unconventional Warfare mindset back to the days of the Office of Strategic Services (OSS) during World War II. He made mention of how SOCEUR assisted Ukraine over the past several years with the implementation of the Resistance Operating Concept and how the U.S. should be helping Taiwan with adopting a ‘porcupine defense‘.

Dr. Alice Atalanta gave a presentation where, how, and why Green Berets can study philosophy; citing the works of philosophers like Seneca, Cicereo, and Dante. She is an author and an advocate for the special operations community. LTC (R) Jeff Tiegs, COO of All Things Possible Ministries, provided a motivational speech for the GBs and their wives in attendence. Eric Prince, former Navy SEAL and Blackwater founder, attended the evening VIP Mixer and spoke to the audience. The evening ended with a dinner buffet, an auction, and a live band.

Thursday, May 27th

Thursday kicked off with Kevin Harry convening a general membership meeting for all attendees providing additional information on the status of the association; with several of the association officers providing reports on projects, programs, activities, and finances. The morning ended with a presentation by MSG Geoffry Dardia (3rd SFG) discussing ‘operator syndrome’ and how current and former GBs can take ownership of their health and well-being. Geoff provided information about the effects of trumatic brain injury, sleep deprivation, inflamation, chronic pain, toxic exposure, cancer trends in SOF, and the importance of seeking support for mental and physical health. Bianca Baldwin, a Silver Star spouse, presented a summary of her time as an advocate and spokesperson of injured Green Berets and their spouses. Dr. Erik Won talked about technologies that provide treatment protocols with the aim of restoring optimal neurological function.

RADM (R) Brian Losey spoke about the benefits of psychedelics in treating mental health issues in the special operations community. He serves on the advisory board of Veterans Exploring Treatment Solutions (VETS). The SFA Banquet was held on Thursday evening. Speakers included LTC (R) Mitch Utterback (retired SF officer and author) and LTC (R) Scott Mann. A presentation by Scott Man of Last Out: Elegy of a Green Beret followed the dinner.

Friday, May 26th

The last day of the conference included a morning session with closing remarks and then attendance at Carb Day at the Indy 500. Following the racetrack visit attendees went to the American Legion 500 Festival Memorial Service and picnic. The conference ended officially on Friday; however, many attendees chose to attend the Festival Day and Parade in downtown Indianapolis on Saturday and the Indy 500 Race on Sunday (free admission).

SFACON 2024

Next year’s Special Forces Association convention will be held in October 2024. This one will be different than past conventions as it will be held on a cruise ship. It was just recently announced in mid-May 2023 and it already has a couple of hundred registrations. The intent is to fully-book the cruise ship with current and former members of Special Forces. The expected trip will last five days, departing from Tampa, Florida with a couple of stops at Caribbean ports. There will be activities such as a visit to Ybor City, motorcycle ride, and golf tournament held in the Tampa area prior to and after the cruise. Should be an excellent time! Registration – https://sfali.org/cruise-pre-registration-page/

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Special Forces Association Convention 2023

Photos: All photos of speakers (except Jeff Man, Mitch Utterback, Scott Mann, and John Amenzzani) by Brian Kanof of Chapter 9, Special Forces Association, El Paso.

The Editor of SOF News will be attending the Special Forces Association Convention in Indianapolis this week from May 22-26, 2023. Posting of articles and sending of the SOF News newsletter will be on pause for several days. We will resume publication on Thursday, June 1, 2023. The SFA convention looks to be an informative and interesting event. There are lots of activities planned as well as numerous guest speakers who will provide some great presentations. Should be some great stuff to write about!

Special Forces Association Convention
https://www.specialforcesassociation.org/sfacon/