Salerno: Advancing onto the underbelly of the Italian mainland

Less than a month after the fall of Sicily, the Allies began their quest to liberate mainland Italy. On September 3, 1943, the British undertook simultaneous landings in the Calabria “toe” region of Italy. About a week later, on September 9, 1943, the Americans launched Operation Avalanche near the port of Salerno. The operation began […]

The Smuzzle: The Army’s newest suppressor/muzzle brake

The Army Combat Capabilities Development Center (CCDC) Research Lab is testing a new suppressor with an integrated muzzle brake that will help soldiers maintain accurate and quiet fire on the enemy in future battlefields. This new device is aptly named “Smuzzle.” Smuzzle’s design was originally meant for the Army’s 155mm howitzers, yet the inventors turned […]

Somali Army targets al-Shabaab terrorists in order to curtail violence

The Somali National Army moved into a stronghold of the terrorist group al-Shabaab in a large operation that killed two of the group’s fighters and resulted in the capture of dozens more, army officials said. One Somali soldier was killed in the fighting. According to the Somali National Army (SNA) commander of the 60th Division, […]

Indian Army deploys Special Forces in border after deadly clash with China

After recent bloody clashes with Chinese troops over a disputed border area along what is known as the “Line of Actual Control” (LAC), India has now deployed its Special Forces units in Ladakh to prepare to defend its territory against further violence. On June 15, the worst border fighting in nearly 60 years took place. […]

The Pic of the Day: Army snipers sneaking through the woods

At Fort Benning June 19, a Soldier enrolled in the U.S. Army Sniper Course at Fort Benning and already camouflaged in a ghillie suit, adds to his camouflage by affixing natural vegetation to himself and his rifle, during training in how to stalk targets. Most students sent for training with the Sniper Course are Soldiers […]

Help keep Army Special Operations history alive

De Oppresso Liber – To Free the Oppressed Known as the quiet professionals, the Green Berets have been “freeing the oppressed” all over the world, for decades. Their extraordinary contributions in Vietnam alone, serve to remind us of their uniqueness as the ONLY presidentially appointed unit. Now, the Special Forces’ legacy is desperately calling upon […]

Indian Army overhauls Special Operations selection and training

The Indian Army is looking at restructuring the selection process of its personnel volunteering for Special Forces and Airborne battalions. It is also aiming to expand their role in multiple operational theatres. India, despite having large numbers of Special Forces units and troops, does not have a national strategy on how its SF troops should […]

Islamic Jihadists ambush Malian Army convoy, heavy casualties

About a dozen military vehicles were ambushed on Sunday at Bouka Were, around 60 miles from the border with Mauritania, the army said. Unnamed Malian military sources confirmed that the ambush on the military convoy in central Mali left 24 soldiers dead and a number missing. Jihadists aligned with al-Qaeda perpetrated the attack.  According to […]

Army rolls out alternative fitness test, but scores will still not count

The Coronavirus pandemic has affected readiness in all of the military services. For the Army, it has impacted everything from deployments, permanent change of station moves (PCS), and the implementation of the new Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT).  The Army is still rolling out the new ACFT, as planned on October 1, but the results […]