US to Increase Military Funding for the War in the Philippines

The U.S. military beefing up support for the Filipino military fighting their own counterterrorism fight against the Islamic State, making operations there eligible for the same funding used to finance the long-running wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. The decision by the Trump administration to elevate the U.S. mission to an Overseas Contingency Operation, or OCO, […]

North Korea May Hold Military Parade on Eve of Olympic Opening

The North Korean military is planning on conducting a large military parade on the eve of the Olympics opening ceremonies which are slated to begin on Feb. 9. A copy of what appears to be a letter sent from North Korean authorities to defense attaches, seen by CNN, invites them and their spouses “to attend […]

Special Operations Forces Selection PT Preparation Week 8, Day 6

Friday means another Leg Day at the gym. Begin with some Squats – front, dumbbell goblet, and barbell to build up strength for carrying a rucksack. We’re going with a lighter weight and more reps here. Then some lunges and after the weighted sled push/Fireman’s Carry, finish the workout off by breaking things up a […]

Phony Special Operators Are A Blight to the Services

I have never understood the mindset of some people that have such low self-esteem that they feel they have to invent an entire biography from thin air. You have seen them. They’re everywhere. Nary a week goes by where I’m not reading about a guy that was claiming to be a Green Beret/Ranger/Delta Operator/Navy SEAL […]

Former CIA Employee Arrested for Keeping Classified Documents

A former CIA case officer has been arrested in New York and charged with illegally retaining classified records, including names and phone numbers of covert CIA assets. Although no espionage charges have been filed, it would seem that those may be forthcoming. Jerry Chun Shing Lee, 53, was arrested Monday night after arriving at JFK […]

US Long-term Syria Presence Signals Intentions on Assad, ISIS, Iran

United States military forces will remain in Syria in a long-term presence as part of a broader strategy from the Trump administration to achieve three goals, officials announced on Wednesday. First to prevent any resurgence by the Islamic State, to prepare diplomatically for the eventual departure of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and to curb the […]

Special Operations Forces Selection PT Preparation Week 8, Day 5

Back to the gym today as we prep for the UBRR with a Chest and Triceps workout. Then a 4-mile ruck march with 45-pounds minimum. Since we’re rucking two days in a row…. It would be a great time, to wear that second pair of boots. Right? Remember to push the pace without running. And […]

First Gulf War Air Campaign Begins January 17, 1991

On this day in 1991, Operation Desert Shield became Operation Desert Storm as the US along with other coalition countries began a massive bombing campaign against the Iraqi forces of Saddam Hussein. The Iraqis had invaded the country of Kuwait during the summer of 1990 and the coalition began forming up to force Iraq to […]

Many Veterans Feeling Like the Military Is Becoming its Own Class

While many people will quickly discount it, there is a growing feeling among many of the nation’s veterans that the average US citizen is so disconnected to the people serving in the armed forces, that they have nothing in common with them. As a result, they are becoming more and more comfortable in only socializing […]

US Says No Military Support for Kurdish YPG in Afrin

In the crisis that is growing along the Turkish-Syrian border, the United States has said, the Syrian Kurdish fighters known as YPG, which were armed and supported by the US-led coalition are no longer part of the war on the Islamic State and receive no support. These comments may calm some of the tensions between […]

Special Operations Forces Selection PT Preparation Week 8, Day 4

Shoulders and back day in the gym before heading off to do a 5-mile rucksack march in under 75 minutes. Conduct the ruck over varied terrain.  It will probably be a very early start here in the Northeast as we’re supposed to get hit with another snow storm. So be careful out there. Remember to […]

January 16, 2002, Shoe Bomber Richard Reid Is Indicted in Boston

The attempted shoe bombing by Richard Reid, a British national, on a Paris to Miami flight occurred more than 16 years ago but even today, passengers are made to take off their shoes as US airport security remains in reactive rather than proactive mode. Reid was arrested after being detained on the flight when a […]