Navy releases new SWCC recruiting and capabilities video

The U.S. Navy has just released a new recruiting and capabilities video about one of its – and indeed the Special Operations Forces (SOF) community’s – less known career fields. Often mistakenly identified as Navy SEALs, the Special Warfare Combatant Crewmen (SWCC) are Naval Special Warfare Command’s (NSWC) go-to choice for maritime mobility. To become […]

How to become a Navy SEAL sniper: A special breed

The cold morning air hung thick in the Afghan valley. Each warm exhale would briefly fog the outside corner of my riflescope as I waited and maintained a clear view of my target. I could make out a middle-aged man, in traditional Afghan dress, with a crook in his step, perhaps a wound and story […]

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 […]

Addicted to SEALs: Overdependence on SOF units is dangerous

It is an undeniable fact that since the twin towers went down on 9/11 the role of Special Operations Forces (SOF) has changed. The gradual change saw SOF shift from their traditional role of supporting conventional forces to that of being supported by conventional units. With increased frequency, conventional elements fulfil secondary tasks during operations […]

SEAL Team 6: Naval Special Warfare’s elite

The public description of Naval Special Warfare’s Development Group for years has reflected its name. An organization whose primary purpose was to develop tactics and strategies supporting operations from the sea, air or land. This was the accepted description of DEVGRU. Naval Special Warfare Development Group was tasked with the management and testing of both […]

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 […]

One Beret to rule them all: Air Force SOF brace for huge changes

The Air Force is getting ready to completely overhaul its Special Operations Forces (SOF). The Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) is currently undergoing a transitional phase that will merge all the existing career fields under the new Special Warfare career field. More specifically, the current plan envisions one Air Force Specialty (1Z) that will […]

The Pic of the Day: Make-A-Wish Foundation visits Naval Special Warfare

Earlier this year, a little boy with a terminal disease fulfilled his wish to see his Navy SEAL heroes up close. As part of the Make-A-Wish program, Tanner Nelson was recently able to spend some time with Sailors from Naval Special Warfare. Following the visit, the Naval Special Warfare Command (NSWC) released a statement saying […]

The Pic of the Day: Top Spec Ops officer visits SEAL trainees

Army Gen. Richard D. Clarke, commander of U.S. Special Operations Command, shakes the hand of a U.S. Navy SEAL candidate participating in Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL training in San Diego, Aug. 2, 2019 at the end of “Hell Week.” Hell Week is a strenuous five-day crucible meant to test a candidate’s physical and mental toughness as […]

We still trust you: Spec Ops chief shields SEAL community

As the Naval Special Warfare community stumbles from controversy to controversy, the top special operations officer graciously stepped forward and offered a helping hand to the embattled community. Army General Richard Clarke, the commander of the U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM), was the guest speaker to the graduation ceremony of the SEAL Qualification Training Class […]

Marine Raider killed in combat in Iraq

On Saturday, August 10, a Marine Raider was killed in action during combat operations in Iraq. Gunnery Sergeant Scott A. Koppenhafer, a Critical Skills Operator (CSO) assigned to the 2nd Marine Raider Battalion (2nd MRB) was fatally wounded while providing combat support to Iraqi Security Forces. In a press release, the Marine Special Operations Command […]