Chinese Flyby Drills Closer To Taiwan Sound the Alarm

The Chinese are growing increasingly bolder and more aggressive toward Taiwan as their navy and aircraft get closer and closer to the island in a challenge to the Taiwanese armed forces. Planes from China flew near Taiwan in November and December, raising concern last week at the presidential office in Taipei. Over the past two […]

Big Changes Coming For Military Retirement, Thank Your Congress

Congress has rolled out the biggest changes in the Military Retirement System since World War II and it will affect more than 1 million service members. Beginning in 2018, those members affected will need to make a very important financial decision on how their retirement program will work for them. Members of the US Army, […]

Special Operations Forces Selection PT Preparation Week 5, Day 4

Wednesday is Hump Day of the week, so we’ll head to the gym for a back and shoulders workout and then head out for a 5-mile ruck march. Remember to stay hydrated while on the march and mark your progress in the workout log book. Training: More Preparation for the UBRR: 3 x 12 Lat […]

Selection Land Nav Basics: Pinpoint Your Location, Orient the Map

We’ve been going back over some of the basics in recent weeks as the winter months means an entirely new batch of Selection classes and candidates. And many of the new candidates have questions, just like the last group of prospective Special Operations troops did and we’ll do our best to answer every one of […]

Special Operations Forces Selection PT Preparation Week 5, Day 3

Tuesday morning is time to go back to the gym to work on pull-ups and rope climbing preparation as well as Leg Day. Go heavier with the sled push to build up explosion which will definitely help with the rucksack marches. If you don’t have access to climbing ropes, (which my gym doesn’t) then do […]

I Doubt James Bond Ever Had to Deal With This…

Merry Christmas to All, we sincerely hope each and every one of you has a safe and happy day surrounded by family and loved ones. Originally, I was going to write about a Christmas being away from home, but even a good story and a funny one is a bit depressing when you’re far from […]

Trump In a Teleconference With the Troops, “We’re Winning”

President Donald Trump conducted a teleconference with troops deployed which was supposed to be a Christmas greeting but it turned into a cheerleading video with the President telling the troops how well they have been doing in the war on terrorism as well as thanking the families of the troops. To top it off, the […]

Special Operations Forces Selection PT Preparation Week 5, Day 2

Merry Christmas, we’ll do a small prep for the UBRR (Upper Body Round Round) by doing a pre-test on the Pushups, Sit-ups, Crunches, and V-Ups two times and then go open our presents. Go thru the entire cycle and then do it again and see where your fitness level is. How are your feet feeling […]

Special Operations Forces Selection PT Preparation Week 5, Day 1

We’ll kick off things today with our Sunday morning rucksack march. A warmup of pushups and planks followed by a fast-paced 5-mile ruck march with a 45-pound minimum to start the day right. The ability to carry a rucksack is of paramount importance in Special Operations. Remember to stay hydrated throughout the ruck and to […]

Special Operations Forces Selection PT Preparation Week 4, Day 7

Shoulder and back exercise this morning in the gym before a run to top things off. Pretty icy up here in the Northeast today, so be careful. If you have access to any ropes, you should start incorporating rope climbing into your workouts. If not towel pull-ups are the next best thing. Mark down your […]

Having the Proper Boots and Socks at Selection Is Essential

About 8-9 months ago we posted a piece on boots and not only having ones that fit properly but having at least one backup, broken-in pair when you start Selection. With new classes starting up, we’ve gotten some questions about the different gates and events at Selection and we’ve posted on those and will revisit […]

Pence Makes Surprise Visit to Afghanistan, Vows “To See it Through”

Vice President Mike Pence made an unannounced trip to Afghanistan to meet its leaders and US troops but the true purpose was to assure Afghan leaders that the US was going to stay in Afghanistan for the long haul and the commitment for the Afghan people was strong. Pence whisked into Afghanistan on a military […]