US Intelligence Chief Warns of Deteriorating Security in Afghanistan

For the Trump Administration, facing a question whether to increase the US troop levels in Afghanistan, this can’t be good news. US National Intelligence Director Dan Coats said on Thursday that even if the US and its allies increase their military aid to the war-torn country, the security situation there is still likely to deteriorate. […]

Special Operations Forces Focus on Advisory Role Paying Off

For the past decade plus, Special Operations Forces have been utilized heavily on the Direct Action, (DA) side of operations including Counter-Terrorism (CT) in the wars in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Syria. But the pendulum is swinging back toward the traditional advisory role of SOF as the allies in Syria, Iraq, and in Afghanistan begin to […]

When Getting Ready for Selection, Prepare Don’t Over-Train

I’ve been scouring social media for the past few days because I’ve gotten a few messages about training for selection and the gist of several of them had me wondering if some of the potential candidates were reading a few things that are out on social media and taking it as gospel. The first and […]

SOF Selection PT Preparation 5.12.2017

Leg Day our favorite day of the week at the gym. This must mean it is Friday morning. Start off with some Squats – front, dumbbell goblet, and barbell. After the weighted sled push, we’ll finish off with a 4-mile run. Training: Continue to prep for the UBRR. 3 x Front Squat 20-15-12 reps (lighter […]

Turkey Threatens Military Action against U.S.-allied Kurds

The government of Turkey in response to the news that the Trump Administration is going to arm the Syrian Kurds with heavy weapons has threatened to take military action against them. US Defense Secretary Jim Mattis spoke to the media on Wednesday and said that the US and Turkey were having open discussions but was […]

The Aircraft of the Air Force Special Operations Command

The United States Air Force has some of the most sophisticated aircraft in the world. And some of the most feared aircraft by our enemies aren’t the sexy, sleek fighter jets, but the fat, slow converted cargo aircraft. The AC-130U gunship, “Spooky” as the pilots call it strikes more fear in the hearts of the […]

Survival Knife, Gear Review: Looking for a Versatile Tool

A survival knife is a tool and not a fashion statement but for any guys out there that have been in a survival situation or a school environment as in a training course, you’d know that. So it becomes a case of practicality over all else While I’m admittedly no expert on knives, I know […]

SOF Selection PT Preparation 5.11.2017

Chest and Triceps day at the gym today to build upper body strength. Then a 5-mile ruck march with 45-pounds minimum. Remember to stay hydrated and 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 Dumbbell […]

US to Arm the Kurds with Heavier Weapons, Against Wishes of Turkey

The United States is going to provide the Kurd forces in Syria with heavier weapons as they prepare to attack the key Islamic State stronghold of Raqqa, U.S. officials said Tuesday. The Trump Administration’s decision is not being met with much happiness in Turkey as the government of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan views the […]

United States Focusing on the Wrong Enemy in Afghanistan?

The US and their Afghan allies have been hammering the Islamic State offshoot in recent weeks including dropping the MOAB (Mother of all Bombs) recently on tunnel strongholds where the terrorist group has been hiding. But according to an OPED in the New York Times, the US may be focusing on the wrong enemy and […]

How the OSS Shaped Special Operations Forces and CIA of Today

Just a few short months after Pearl Harbor, the United States was locked in a global war with both the empire of Japan and Nazi Germany. And the country had no formal intelligence gathering apparatus. So, in July 1942, President Franklin D. Roosevelt created the Office of Strategic Services (OSS) and appointed BG William “Wild […]

SOF Selection PT Preparation 5.10.2017

Happy Hump Day, it is back and shoulders day at the gym. Then a 5-miler ruck march. Remember to stay hydrated during the ruck and mark your progress in the workout log book. Training: More Preparation for the UBRR: 3 x 12 Lat Pulldowns, behind the neck (go as heavy as possible) 3 x 12 […]