Ukrainian Special Operations units hold competition

Earlier in July, the Ukrainian Special Operations Command held an intense competition between its Special Operations units. The competition was broken down into five days of intensive tests that aimed to test the resolve, morale, endurance, capabilities, and professionalism of the teams. There were 11 stages that put the commandos through obstacle courses, adverse weather […]

Risk aversion in Special Operations: When aid workers have more freedom in a combat zone

Who has more freedom of movement in a combat zone: a highly trained and well-resourced Special Operations fighter, or an untrained volunteer working for a cash-strapped religious non-governmental organization (NGO)? In the author’s opinion and experience, the answer is the NGO worker — and by a long shot. The reason for this predominantly boils down […]

The other side: A review of ethical misconduct in the military legal system

Military commanders are responsible for maintaining discipline in their unit. Bestowed absolute power over their subordinates, by the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ), they have the final say during criminal cases, even if they have no legal experience. By the mid-twentieth century, Americans who served in the armed forces protested against an unfair military […]

SEAL Teams are getting a new and improved delivery vehicle

Naval Special Warfare is in the process of taking delivery of the new Mark 11 SEAL Delivery Vehicle (SDV) in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. According to SOCOM’s maritime program executive officer, Captain Kate Dolloff, two of these Mark 11s have already arrived, allowing SEAL SDV operators to begin the familiarization process. The Mark 11 will replace […]

Thank you for your suicide: The ugly consequences of purposeless wars

Linda, an Army veteran, went into the bathroom late one night to shoot herself in the head. Her family and the world would be better off without her, she thought to herself. Plus, she wanted to finally put an end to the bad dreams. Her convoy was struck by a roadside bomb in 2010 taking […]

22 a day, we have to work together to end Veteran suicides

It seems that scarcely a week goes by without hearing of another Special Operations soldier that has committed suicide. This week was no different and as always it follows an all-too-familiar pattern.  A SOF soldier that has seen too many combat deployments and has resultantly suffered both physical and mental injuries, commits suicide after seemingly […]