With Fitness Lacking, the US Army Looks to Change its Culture

With Fitness Lacking, the US Army Looks to Change its Culture

The obesity problem and general lack of fitness in the United States is now affecting the armed forces and the pool of available recruits that the military needs to draw on to maintain the force. The Fayetteville Observer has looked at the growing issue of a lack of qualified recruits which is shrinking the available […]

Turkey’s gun culture: Sales soar as one in three households owns a firearm

Turkey’s gun culture: Sales soar as one in three households owns a firearm

A stroll through a bustling underpass in the centre of Istanbul offers the chance to buy a range of everyday goods: cheap watches, kettles, $2 emergency umbrellas to ward off autumn showers. And replica AK-47 assault rifles. While the rifles, and dozens of handguns displayed nearby, are imitations, they nevertheless stand out from the surrounding Karakoy stalls. […]

Op-Ed: Culture wars and the turning of American cities into Palmyra

Op-Ed: Culture wars and the turning of American cities into Palmyra

Many people don’t understand why universities include a core curriculum of mandatory study, one that usually includes study of classic western art and literature.  This came about in the aftermath of World War I and was reinforced by the horrors of World War Two.  The western world had come perilously close to destroying ourselves, our […]

After deadliest attack in years, SOFREP writer and Air Force Special Operations Forces veteran questions Afghan Army’s culture

After deadliest attack in years, SOFREP writer and Air Force Special Operations Forces veteran questions Afghan Army’s culture

Over the weekend, the Afghan National Army suffered one of its worst losses of life when unarmed soldiers leaving prayer services were ambushed by Taliban soldiers disguised as fellow Army members. To give perspective and “eyes-on-the-ground” experience, Buck brought on Zack Asmus, a writer for SOFREP and former Air Force Combat Controller who recently completed […]

Wild West culture of drug use on operations permeates SEAL Teams

Wild West culture of drug use on operations permeates SEAL Teams

Sources within the Special Operations community have described a situation to SOFREP in which SEAL Team Six operators are routinely high on drugs while conducting highly dangerous direct action missions while deployed abroad.  Operators are known to abuse methamphetamine and other uppers on a regular basis during combat operations.  The use of cocaine and methamphetamine is […]

Army officers are still lying, and it’s become a culture problem

Army officers are still lying, and it’s become a culture problem

Almost two years ago, the Strategic Studies Institute published an incredibly accurate depiction of the culture of lying that is so pervasive throughout the U.S. Army, specifically amongst the Officer corps and senior leadership, but also throughout the NCO ranks. In surprising detail, the authors of the study pick apart all of the little examples […]

Culture of physical fitness changing in the military

Culture of physical fitness changing in the military

The Marine Corps is creating a new fitness job to pad their ranks and protect Marines from injury via prevention, something we’ve enjoyed in SOF. It made a huge difference to me. I think this is a great new trend in the conventional ranks. What’s your fran time? What’s your bench? These are couple of […]