Turkey Claims to be Destroying ISIS Cells at Home

High-level Turkish officials speaking anonymously have claimed that Turkish security and intelligence organizations are dealing heavy blows to Islamic State cells and networks in the country. The Turks have been rounding up foreign fighters who, according to their security organizations were plotting further terrorist attacks inside the country. “Since the New Year’s attack by IS […]

SOF Selection PT Preparation 7.19.2017

Wednesday is a back and shoulder day at the gym followed by a 6-mile rucksack march. Look to better the time that is the standard and remember to hydrate throughout the march. Get an early start and beat the heat today. Don’t forget to mark your progress in the workout log book and stay hydrated. […]

Chinese Conduct Several Air Drills Near Japan, Tell Tokyo “Get Used to It”

The Chinese air force confirmed Saturday that its warplanes had conducted long-range drills over the Bashi Channel and the Miyako Strait “several times” over the past week. This news broke just a day after the country’s Defense Ministry told Japan that it should “get used to” the military exercises in the area. “China’s air force […]

SOF Selection PT Preparation 7.18.2017

Tuesday means Leg Day at the gym followed by sprints to build up some explosion. 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 some sprint work. Training: Continue to prep for the UBRR 3 x Pull-ups 10 reps 3 x Towel […]

Mortars Hit Russian Embassy in Damascus, Seven Injuries Reported

The Syrian civil war has seen most of the news centered around the fighting in Raqqa and along the Israeli border. But on Sunday the war came to Damascus, although in a limited way as one of the forces opposing President Assad dropped two mortar rounds at the Russian Embassy in Damascus. One of mortar […]

Sony VR Launches Air Force Special Ops Nightfall

Ever wonder what it is like to launch yourself from an aircraft in flight? Well, if you’re not a paratrooper or a special operations soldier, you can now get the entire virtual reality experience in a new game by Sony. The company has released Air Force Special Ops Nighfall for PlayStation VR. In the new […]

SOF Selection PT Preparation 7.17.2017

Monday starts a new week, and we’ll continue with UBRR preparation. Start off with push-ups, sit-ups, and crunches, then to the bar for V-ups, pull-ups, and dips before a 5-mile run. Remember to stay hydrated and mark your progress in your workout log book. Training: More preparation for the UBRR 2 x 20 Pushups 2 […]

SOF Selection PT Preparation 7.16.2017

Sunday morning rucksack march. Do a quick warm up of pushups and sit-ups before heading out. Head out over varied terrain and try to go as fast as you can without running. Stretch well both before and after the event. Remember to drink plenty of water and stay hydrated out there. With the heat of […]

SOF Selection PT Preparation 7.15.2017

It is a foggy Saturday morning here so it is a perfect time to go to the gym for a shoulder and back workout. Towel pull-ups if you have no access to climbing ropes. Followed by a five-mile run. Log your numbers down in the workout notebook Training: More Preparation for the UBRR: 3 x […]

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 […]