New defense budget includes unexpectedly large pay raise for troops

New defense budget includes unexpectedly large pay raise for troops

Starting from January 2020, military personnel are set to receive a 3.1% pay raise, according to President Donald Trump’s fiscal year 2020 defense budget. If the proposal goes through Congress, it would mark the largest increase in pay in a decade. The last largest increase was 3.4% in 2009. Depending on rank and years of […]

Ghostriders In the Sky… Air Force Gets Updated AC-130 Gunships

Ghostriders In the Sky… Air Force Gets Updated AC-130 Gunships

The United States Air Force just took delivery of their first upgraded “Ghostrider” AC-130 gunships, a valuable tool for Special Operations troops in the ground support role for many years. The 4th Special Operations Squadron, 1st Special Operations Wing, at Hurlburt Field, Florida, received its first of a reported 37 of the AC-130J Ghostrider Block […]

When the burden becomes too much: Family of legendary Special Air Service operator torn apart

When the burden becomes too much: Family of legendary Special Air Service operator torn apart

Military life is difficult for both the service member and his or her family. Schools, deployments, and relentless pressure often have a profound impact on the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of military families. Families of Special Operations Forces (SOF) often experience all this at a heightened magnitude given the secrecy of their loved one’s […]

Rangers kill or capture 1,900 terrorists in a single deployment

Rangers kill or capture 1,900 terrorists in a single deployment

According to an Army press release, 17 Rangers serving with the 1st Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment received military awards last week for their actions during the unit’s latest combat deployment to Afghanistan. The unit, which has deployed an amazing 22 times during the Global War on Terror, is credited with an astounding 1,900 killed or […]

Civilian to commando: How Canadian Special Operations Forces plan to recruit more candidates

Civilian to commando: How Canadian Special Operations Forces plan to recruit more candidates

Following the example of the American Special Operations Forces (SOF), the Canadian Special Operations Forces Command (CANSOFCOM) is considering a recruiting plan that will allow civilians off the street to try out for SOF selection. With the increased importance of SOF becoming evident with each passing conflict, the Canadian military is trying to swell its […]

British Special Forces To Have Bigger Counter-Terror Role in Afghanistan

British Special Forces To Have Bigger Counter-Terror Role in Afghanistan

With the United States set to pull out most of their 14,000 troops in Afghanistan in the next three years, a bigger part of the ongoing counter-terrorism mission will fall to the British Special Forces. The SAS and the SBS are expected to be tasked to take on a bigger part of these operations during […]

Search complete: Australian Special Operations Forces to get American choppers

Search complete: Australian Special Operations Forces to get American choppers

For some time now, the Australian military has been searching for new helicopters for its Special Operations Forces (SOF). The American company Bell is considered a favorite to win the contract. More specifically, Bell, in partnership with Hawker-Pacific, is proposing the Bell 407 or Bell 429 helicopters. In October, Australia’s Defense Capability Acquisition and Sustainment […]

US Offers $1 Million Reward For Information On Osama bin Laden’s Son

US Offers $1 Million Reward For Information On Osama bin Laden’s Son

The United States is turning up the heat on al-Qaeda and Hamza bin Laden, the son of Osama bin Laden who along with his son Khaled was killed by US Navy SEALs in 2011. The U.S. is offering $1 million dollars under the “Rewards for Justice” program for information leading to the arrest of the […]

Report: More money is key to retaining Special Operations warriors

Report: More money is key to retaining Special Operations warriors

Special Operations Forces (SOF) are known for their physically and mentally tough selection and assessment processes. However, for those few who can make the cut and enter into the vaunted ranks of a special operations unit, the benefits are significant. Special operators get to train and play with the most advanced military toys available. They […]