The Pic of the Day: The calm before the storm

Coalition Special Forces Operators defend a position while conducting a scenario during Exercise Eager Lion 2019 near the Sahab District, Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, Sept. 3, 2019. Eager Lion, U.S. Central Command’s largest and most complex exercise, is an opportunity to integrate forces in a multilateral environment, operate in realistic terrain and strengthen military-to-military relationships.

Hard-charging, old school Navy SEAL considered for top SOF position

Despite a series of misconduct and unprofessionalism incidents, the Trump administration continues to put faith in the Navy SEAL community for the top defence and intelligence positions. According to a report by Politico, President Donald Trump is considering former Navy SEAL Lou Bremer for the position of Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special Operations and […]

Meet the new air support Rules of Engagement in Iraq

A series of unidentified explosions around Iraq have triggered a political reaction that might affect how American and coalition warfighters destroy the remnants of the Islamic State (ISIS). From now on, the Iraqi government and military will review the air tasking order on a daily basis to determine which air missions will be greenlighted. The […]

The Pic of the Day: What is it like to be a Pararescueman?

A U.S. Air Force pararescueman assigned to the 31st Rescue Squadron looks out over the ocean while aboard an HH-60G Pave Hawk, July 26, 2019, out of Kadena Air Base, Japan. The 31st RQS consists of combat rescue officers, pararescue specialists and survival, evasion, resistance and escape specialists who work together to facilitate the return […]

The Pic of the Day: Dropping them bombs

A tactical air control party specialist assigned to the 12th Combat Training Squadron works with the Brazilian Air Force TACPs and the 124th Air Support Operations Squadron, Idaho Air National Guard, at the National Training Center, Fort Irwin, California, June 12, 2019. The Brazilian Air Force was training with the 124 ASOS TACPs and the […]

The Video of the Week: US and Aussie commandos working on their freefall insertions

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wQrmMQ7Wptc   U.S. and Australian Special Operations Forces (SOF) conduct a military freefall parachute insertion at night with zero natural illumination from 7,500 feet (2,300 meters) altitude, July 2019 during Talisman Sabre. By inserting behind enemy lines SOF conduct surveillance and reconnaissance to enable precision targeting. Talisman Sabre is a bilateral exercise that tests the […]

The Video of the Week: The B.A.T.M.A.N. program and Air Force SOF

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bIexGbySTkM B.A.T.M.A.N. (Battlefield Air Targeting Man-Aided Knowledge) is an advanced technology development program in the Air Force Research Laboratory’s 711th Human Performance Wing working to create new capabilities within the Air Force’s Special Warfare community, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, Aug. 2, 2019. The B.A.T.M.A.N. program develops groundbreaking, mission enhancing technologies for American warfighters.

The Pic of the Day: Special Tactics Air Commandos bridging the gap

A U.S. Air Force Special Tactics operator stands by while his team conducts a forward arming and refueling point mission with USAFE aircraft during Operation Rapid Forge on Amari Air Base, Estonia, July 16, 2019. Special Tactics is a U.S. Special Operation Command’s tactical air and ground integration force, and the Air Force’s special operations […]

The Pic of the Day: The enablers that allow Air Commandos to rock-and-roll

A United States Air Force logistics readiness Airman rolls a fuel hose during a forward arming and refueling point mission with USAFE aircraft during Operation Rapid Forge at Ämari Air Base, Estonia, July 18, 2019. Operation Rapid Forge involves NATO territories in order to enhance readiness and improve interoperability between U.S. allies and partners in […]

Despite political desire, women continue to fail SOF selection courses

A female Airman wishing to become the first woman operator in the Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) was dropped during the selection phase. More specifically, the Airman, whose name has been withheld by the Air Force for Operational Security (OPSEC) reasons, was trying out for the Special Reconnaissance (SR) career field. SR replaced the […]

The Video of the Week: Spec Ops Surgeons, a unique asset

Special Operations Surgical Teams (SOSTs) consist of active-duty Air Force medical professionals including trauma surgeons, emergency physicians, nurse anaesthetists, surgical scrub techs, critical-care nurses, and respiratory techs. They are charged with providing far-forward medical care during combat operations wherever the U.S. military is engaged. When not on active deployment, the team trains in surgery, in […]