Two Israeli Cops, Three Terrorists Dead in Shootout on Temple Mount

Shortly after 7 a.m. on Friday morning, three terrorists who just finished prayers at the Al Aqsa Mosques on Temple Mount in Jerusalem killed two Israeli police officers. The terrorists then attempted to retreat to the Al Aqsa mosque where they were killed by other Israeli police officers. The Temple Mount is among the holiest […]

Special Operations Medics Build Trust, Rapport With Locals

The Special Operations medics, officially known as Special Operations Medical Sergeants are an extremely valuable resource for the both the operational unit and the host nation’s military and civilian populace. The popular depiction of a Special Operations trooper is that of a warrior diplomat. And no one epitomizes that better than the medics. In the […]

SOF Selection PT Preparation 7.14.2017

Back to the gym this Friday morning. It is Chest and Triceps day and then a 5-mile run. Remember to stretch well before and after and to stay hydrated. Mark your progress down in your workout log book. Training: More Preparation for the UBRR: 3 x 12 Bench Press 3 x 10 Dumbbell Flies 3 […]

Virginia Hall, The Famous “Limping Lady” of the OSS

The story of Virginia Hall reads like the script of a Hollywood spy film, except that her exploits were true. She was an operative for the British Special Operations Executive (SOE), later the American Office of Strategic Services (OSS) and finally the CIA. Despite the loss of her lower leg in a hunting accident, Hall […]

SOF Selection PT Preparation 7.13.2017

Chest and Triceps workout in the gym and then hit the trails for a 4-mile run. Remember to stretch well before and after and to stay hydrated. Mark your progress down in your workout log book. Training: More Preparation for the UBRR: 3 x 12 Bench Press 3 x 10 Dumbbell Flies 3 x 10 […]

Ranger Leroy Petry Awarded the Medal of Honor July 12, 2011

On this date, July 12, 2011, SFC Leroy Petry was awarded the Medal of Honor by President Obama in a White House ceremony attended by his family and those of his fellow soldiers. Petry was assigned to the 2nd Bn. 75th Ranger Regiment based in Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington. Petry’s actions took place on […]

SOF Selection PT Preparation 7.12.2017

Wednesday is a back and shoulder day at the gym followed by an 8-mile rucksack march. Look to better the time that is the standard and remember to hydrate throughout the march. Don’t forget to mark your progress in the workout log book and stay hydrated. Training: More Preparation for the UBRR: 3 x 12 […]

Former Green Beret Medic Still Making a Difference

As a former Special Forces soldier, sometimes you never see the final results of the hard work and sacrifice that you put into a mission. For Phil Melcher, a former medic in the 7th Special Forces Group, he met the results of a life-saving operation face-to-face. Melcher had served all over Latin America but found […]

SOF Selection PT Preparation 7.11.2017

Rainy Tuesday starts with Leg Day at the gym followed by a 4-mile run. Begin with pull-ups and towel pull-ups for those who don’t have access to climbing ropes. Then squats, lunges and the sled followed by a four-mile run Training: Continue to prep for the UBRR 3 x Pull-ups 10 reps 3 x Towel […]

MARSOC Critical Skills Operators Worthy of Their WWII Lineage

The Marine Corps hadn’t had a Special Operations unit since World War II, but all of that changed in 2003 when on June of that year, the Marine Corp and USSOCOM formed Marine Corps Special Operations Command Detachment One (MCSOCOM Det 1) to explore unit level Marine Corps participation in USSOCOM. Prior to this, Marine […]

Pakistan Courting China and Russia as US Ties Weaken

The governments of China and Russia have used the precarious position of Pakistan and its weakening ties to Washington to make serious inroads in their influence. The government of Pakistan, once a considered a key ally in the U.S. war on terrorism, has had to face allegations that it harbors more than a dozen terrorist […]

Iraqi Forces ‘Plant Flag’ On Tigris in Mosul, Face Long Road

The brutal fighting for the Iraqi city of Mosul, once the “caliphate” for the Islamic State is almost at an end. Iraqi forces have broken thru the ISIS lines to reach the Tigris River and have symbolically planted the Iraqi flag there. But the battle is far from done. Even while Iraqi Prime Minister Haider […]