Norwood

About the author

Ex - Green Beret. Writing represents his own views, which are NOT necessarily those of his former employers in the U.S. government.

Veteran Entrepreneurial Transition (VET) Act of 2015 is dead

The VET Act of 2015 introduced by Rep. Jeff Fortenberry with much of the work done by an active duty military fellow is dead. It sounds dramatic but that’s the terminology. “This bill was introduced on July 28, 2015, in a previous session of Congress, but was not enacted,” according to GovTrack. But, I’m curious if […]

Pentagon is considering deploying conventional troops into Syria (MAYBE)

To jumpstart the campaign against ISIS, the Pentagon is considering deploying conventional troops into the fray against ISIS. The implications are far-reaching and many questions arise. This could have been an inevitable outcome. It could be a product of ‘mission creep.’ Stakeholders within the Pentagon are beginning to claim their ‘piece of the pie.’ The […]

Winter Soldier: Prepare to Shiver during Winter Training

There’s little worse than sitting at a collection point in the dead the winter, barely awake, waiting for the fake raid to end. You get in trouble if you nod off – but, since training isn’t real – it’s easy to just drift away. In the cold weather, I felt like it was even easier. […]

Staying fit on a team can be tough

Staying fit when you’re on your team, after you’ve made it through selection and training isn’t easy. You’re going to be easy. You’ll often be gone and when you’re gone there won’t always be a gym near you. You’re going to have to learn how to eat right if you’re going to try and salvage […]

Putin’s incremental encroachment on the world (Part One)

A Russian wind is blowing over Europe creating a chill no one has felt since the rise of the Soviet Union. While the wind isn’t as strong, it is more biting. We, as Americans, must hope for the best for our president. He should be granted the benefit of the doubt while accountable for his actions […]

Are we entering the humble beginning of a new Chinese century?

The new administration has many around the world concerned. Here, domestically, critics and supporters both might have a hard time defining POTUS Trump’s foreign policy goals outside of defeating ISIS. From a recent call with China and a pledge to adopt the “one China” policy after a call to Taiwan, to a bargaining with Russia, we’re […]

SUNDAY RUCK (SOFREP/SPECIALOPERATIONS.COM) TOMORROW (2/12/17)

Hey Ruckers, Last weekend a small cohort of about three guys showed up. There were more but the early time and travel restriction kept some of you from making it out there. But, there’s much more to come, every week in fact. I’ve set up a meetup.com page for the group. Here: https://www.meetup.com/meetup-group-soChnNNb/events/237475348/ Please visit and […]

President Trump turns his eye to Ukraine

President Trump recently remarked that he would look into the Ukraine crisis. More specifically he said he would look into the separatist movement in Ukraine. But, POTUS Trump has stated he will not lift Russian sanctions. The future state of Trumpian foreign policy toward Ukraine is a complete unknown. But it’s shaping up to be something […]

Will the US lead at the UN or sit-out in protest?

President Trump has the power and weight of the United States to commandeer and steer the United Nations. It won’t be at his peril; leadership is critical in the body that hosts 193 member states. Not everyone has to love who is in charge, it’s more important that someone is leading the way. The U.S. Ambassador to […]

Past US relations with Ukraine, a diplomatic overview

The crisis in Ukraine is reaching a tipping point, and the U.S. is expected to act or draft policy concerning Ukraine. Russia may be testing the US, and our interest to intervene in Ukraine. If they discover we are not likely to act when they do – this behavior and their influence might expand. Russia […]

US Ambassador to the UN condemns Russia’s actions in Ukraine

US Ambassador Nikki Haley condemns Russian increased violence in eastern Ukraine that harmed and killed civilians in recent days. The remarks have come after increased attacks and mortar barrages. The UN, as well as the world at large, has taken notice of the increased military activity in eastern Ukraine. The UN security council is poised to […]

SOFREP DC RUCK MARCH SUNDAY (2/5/2017)

Please come ruck with me at The United States Capital at EITHER (PLEASE VOTE IN THE COMMENTS) 6 AM or 10PM (after the super bowl) We’ll ruck down the Mall past the Washington Monument. It will be cold, but it will be good training. There’s ample parking on a Sunday night on the street, and […]