The Pic of the Day: Working that EOD magic

Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician 3rd Class Marcus Crone, assigned Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit (EODMU) 5, prepares to cut a simulated trip wire during a routine training evolution. EODMU-5 is assigned to Commander, Navy Expeditionary Forces Command Pacific, the primary expeditionary task force responsible for the planning and execution of coastal riverine operations, explosive ordnance […]

Special Operations Command wants to improve SOF forensics

During the 2019 Special Operations Forces Industry Conference that took place earlier in the summer, the U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM) offered a rare glimpse into its Sensitive Site Exploitation (SSE) initiatives. In specific, SOCOM is developing a cell phone application that aims to simplify the SSE process. Glen Cullen, SOCOM’s SSE program manager, said […]

SEAL platoon sent home early from Iraq due to misbehavior

A Navy SEAL platoon was ordered home early from a deployment in Iraq due to misbehavior during non-operational periods. The unidentified platoon is part of SEAL Team 7, and their misconduct appears to have been the overconsumption of alcohol during the 4th of July celebrations. According to a statement released by the U.S. Special Operations […]

The Pic of the Day: Pararescuemen at your call

Two pararescuemen, both assigned to the 58th Rescue Squadron, ride to their destination in the back of an HH-60 Pave Hawk during the Joint Civilian Orientation Conference (JCOC) 91 at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., June 26, 2019. Pararescuemen are highly trained Airmen able to rappel out of aircraft to rescue injured individuals on the […]

The elite Air Force unit that inserts and resupplies Special Operators

One of the primary reasons America’s special operations forces (SOF) are so effective is the first-class support they get from all fronts. Even in the lowest tiers of the SOF structure, the operator-to-support-guy ratio is remarkable, averaging about one operator to every eight support personnel. The higher up within the SOF hierarchy you go, the […]

Navy Times reveals drug scandal that rocks SEAL Team 10

Trouble continues for the leadership of the Naval Special Warfare Command (NSWC) as another scandal rocks the community. A declassified report revealed that several Navy SEALs were caught abusing drug substances to include cocaine and ecstasy. The six SEAL operators were assigned to SEAL Team 10, and according to a report obtained by the Navy […]

Is the M4/AR-15 an obsolete platform? An Australian SOF operator weighs in

In 2015, when the Australian military was discussing its future combat rifle, there was an interesting debate about the merits of the M4/AR15 platform versus its competitors. More specifically, an Australian Special Air Service Regiment (SASR) warrant officer with over 25 years’ experience in the SOF community offered some interesting remarks about why the M4/AR15 […]

Delta Force operator awarded Distinguished Service Cross for daring operation in Mali

A Delta Force operator has been awarded the Distinguished Service Cross (DSC), the nation’s second-highest award for valor under fire, for his actions during a terrorist attack in Bamako, Mali in November 2015. During the morning hours of November 20, 2015, approximately a dozen Islamists associated with the terrorist group al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb […]

A major change for the Army’s SOF Psychological Operations Regiment

In a long-due and much-deserved move, the Army has decided to expand the number of senior non-commissioned officers (NCOs) in the Psychological Operations (PSYOP) career field. The grade plate change was a result of concentrated and laborious efforts from both within the Army Special Operations Forces community and its supporters in Army leadership. Thus far, […]

Special Operations Command considers keto diet for SEALs

In what is bound to be a controversial decision, the Special Operations Command (SOCOM) is pondering establishing a mandatory keto diet for its maritime operators. The rationale behind the move is that such a diet would make diving operations more efficient and effective. A ketogenic diet is high in fat with a moderate intake of […]

Air Force Special Operations Command gets a new chief

The Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) has a new commander. On June 28, Lt. Gen. Jim Slife replaced Lt. Gen. Brad Webb as the Air Force’s new special operations chief. He will now command close to 21,000 spec ops airmen. “When it came time to pick someone for AFSOC’s continuing legacy, General Slife was […]

A new star is born: Meet the Hellenic Joint Special Operations Command

After years fraught with disputes and skepticism, the Greek government has decided to establish a new Joint Special Operations Command (ΔΔΕΠ). The new Hellenic JSOC will answer directly to the Chief of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (CJCS) and will most likely be comprised of two components: a “Tier 1” and “Tier 2” component (these […]