Iraq

Behind the scenes at SOFREP

“Winchester” is the indicator used between aircraft that one’s gunship is out of useable ammunition. A fuel shortage is communicated by the word “Bingo” whereby an aircraft much break station and return to base or Forward Arming and Refuelling Point (FARP) for more fuel. While a Bingo gunship must leave the action, a Winchester gunship […]

It’s already been 14 years: Marine Raiders celebrate anniversary

A little over 14 years ago, Marine Raiders became a reality. The Marine Forces Special Operations Command (MARSOC) is the latest addition to U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM). Established in 2006, MARSOC has steadily grown ever since, often having to fight skeptics both in the Marine Corps and the Department of Defence (DoD) about its […]

Syrian airplanes wipe out Turkish unit, 33 dead and dozens wounded

On Thursday, 33 Turkish soldiers were killed and dozens more wounded during airstrikes conducted by the Syrian Air Force (SAF) in Idlib province. The incident comes at a time where tensions in Northern Syria are sky-high between the Syrian military, Russian forces, and the invading Turkish army and its local proxies. For the past weeks, […]

William Darby, Army SOF legend and old school badass

William Orlando Darby is one of the icons of the Army’s Special Operations community. He organized, trained, and led the first of the Army’s Ranger Battalions during World War II. He fought in North Africa, Sicily, and mainland Italy. Later, as the Assistant Division Commander of the 10th Mountain Division, he was killed in action […]

Navy invents new device that promises to revolutionize Close Quarters Combat

The U.S. Navy has invented a device that promises to revolutionize Close-Quarters Combat (CQB). The Room Breach Digital Sensor Alert Device (RBDSAD), a combination of an LED light and sensor, is able to mark and monitor a room that has been cleared by friendlies. But the revolutionary part comes in its ability to alert operators […]

Special Operations base in Syria attacked by rogue Iranian militias

What has been described as a “rogue Iranian-led militia” has breached the 55 km deconfliction zone around the U.S Special Operations base at al-Tanf and attacked MAT, an anti-ISIS unit trained by the U.S. Maghaweir al-Thowra (MAT) is a group that has been trained, equipped and led by American and coalition SOF operators in the […]

Iran threatens to strike America and Israel if they make ‘the slightest error’

The Iranian military marked the 40-day anniversary of the assassination of Major General Qassem Soleimani by rattling their saber and threatening both the United States and Israel.  Major General Hossein Salami, head of the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said that Iran is prepared to attack both the U.S.and Israel if either makes the […]

The Pic of the Day: American Soldiers defend the flag from Syrian militias

Global Coalition to Defeat Daesh Forces conducting a patrol to protect key terrain and natural resources were attacked at a pro-Syria regime checkpoint, near Qamishli, Syria, Feb., 12. The U.S.-led Coalition commonly patrols the area in support of the Syrian Democratic Forces to deny malign actors’ access. You can read more about the incident here. […]

Convenience or lack of money? Marine Raiders relocate to the East Coast

In a historic move, the Marine Forces Special Operations Command (MARSOC) has decided to move all of its subordinate units to the East Coast. The 1st Raider Battalion and 1st Marine Raider Support Battalion, both of which are currently located at Camp Pendleton, California, will relocate to Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, by the September 2022. […]

The Pic of the Day: US and SDF forces still working together

A U.S. and SDF soldier exit their vehicles to speak with locals during a patrol in northeast Syria Jan. 30, 2020. Coalition Forces continue to work with their partners to maintain stability and security in the region. We remain committed to increasing security in northeast Syria, to enable humanitarian assistance, reconstruction and stability operations. Terrorist […]

Old Habits Die Hard: Why Special Operations unit use old-school weapons

Have you ever heard the saying, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”? Well, this adage comes to mind when I think about the M2 Browning .50 caliber machine gun and the M79 grenade launcher. Both of these weapons have a very long, respected history and are still in service. They have been used by […]