Federal authorities are reportedly investigating threats made by Islamic sympathizers against former Special Forces solider and current UFC fighter Tim Kennedy. The Army Times reported Wednesday that followers of ISIS have made “recent credible threats” against Kennedy. But that doesn’t mean Kennedy is shying away from the fight. “Just spoke to the FBI regarding some … [Read more...] about Ex-Green Beret, UFC Fighter Tim Kennedy Reportedly Working with Authorities Over ISIS Threats
April 25, 1980, was a defining moment the American people and Special Operations. At 7 a.m., a somber President Carter announced to the nation and the world the tragic news of Desert One. He revealed a secret hostage rescue mission had failed; eight American servicemen were dead and several others were seriously injured. Problems with the superficial success of the … [Read more...] about SOF History: Tragedy of Desert One Creates the Four Tribes of U.S. Special Operations Command
WASHINGTON — The White House will nominate a veteran Special Operations commander to lead U.S. Central Command, underscoring the Obama administration's affinity for using secretive elite military forces in Iraq, Syria and Afghanistan. Senior officials this week approved Army Gen. Joseph Votel, who has headed U.S. Special Operations Command since Aug. 2014, as the … [Read more...] about Obama Picks Special Operations Commander to Lead CENTCOM
Vanek, a seasoned combat veteran with multiple tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, assumed command of the storied 75th Ranger Regiment in July 2013. A career infantryman, Vanek served multiple assignments with the regiment. He also served in Joint Special Operations Command and commanded a battalion in the 10th Mountain Division, leading them on a 15-month deployment to Iraq. He … [Read more...] about Army Rangers’ Wild Partying Contributed to Commander’s Reprimand, Report Says
The Naval Criminal Investigative Service has reopened its investigation into allegations that Navy SEALs and Afghan police militiamen beat several detainees, including one who died, at an isolated outpost in Afghanistan in 2012, agency officials said Thursday. The agency’s action came after revelations in an article in The New York Times last month about new Afghan witnesses … [Read more...] about Investigation of SEAL Conduct in Afghanistan Is Reopened
Much has been written about Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll's "new age" coaching style. He's been featured by Forbes and the New York Times among others for embracing who players are instead of making them conform to a certain way. "I think the more you can engage the people that you're dealing with and involve them in the process, you have a better chance of drawing in the … [Read more...] about U.S. Special Forces Among Carroll’s Coaching Influences
MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. — Defense Secretary Ashton B. Carter said Thursday that the United States has asked more countries to send Special Operations troops to join the fight against the Islamic State, and not just typical partners like Britain and Australia. Carter did not name the countries, but said “there are states in the region” who have been asked to … [Read more...] about Wanted: Foreign Special Operations Troops to Join the U.S. in Targeting the Islamic State
Here we go again – sort of. With no discernable borders between Iraq and Syria, Special Operations is once again being thrown into the breach assisting the Iraqis to gain control of their own homeland. Syria is added into the mix this time, but hopefully, it will be a one off. It’s the wishful thinking anyway. Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter announced a broad … [Read more...] about Revisiting our Strategy for Iraq and Syria
Two reasons I hate the trite expression “No boots on the ground.” One - American patriots are filling those boots. They sweat, bleed and die in those boots. Two - Special Operators’ boots are still at the places the political apparatus says they aren’t. Those in power draw a distinction by using no boots on the ground to mean multiple battalions, squadrons and units … [Read more...] about Why I hate “No Boots on the Ground”
