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

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 […]

The Pic of the Day: Shooting Javelins is fun

The Pic of the Day: Shooting Javelins is fun

A U.S. Army soldier from the 3rd Platoon, Apache Troop, 1st Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment fires the Javelin anti-tank missile during the 1/2CR live fire exercise during Saber Guardian 2019 near Várpalota, Hungary, on June 5, 2019. 1/2CR is currently supporting SG19, an exercise co-led by the Romanian Land Forces and U.S. Army Europe that […]

Two US Special Operators killed in Afghanistan

Two US Special Operators killed in Afghanistan

While U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo made an unannounced visit to Kabul on Tuesday in search of a peace deal, two American troops were killed in action in Afghanistan just a day later. The Pentagon officially identified Master Sgt. Michael B. Riley, 32, 2nd Battalion, 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne); and Sgt. James G. Johnston, […]

The Pic of the Day: I’ve got your back, brother

The Pic of the Day: I’ve got your back, brother

French Marines with 3rd Marine Artillery Regiment evacuate a simulated downed pilot during Burmese Chase at Camp Lejeune, N.C., on May 22, 2019. Burmese Chase is an annual U.S.-led multi-lateral exercise that includes training on fast-roping, naval gunfire and parachute employment with participating NATO allies. The exercise helps strengthen allied nations’ security as well as […]

The Pic of the Day: Dutch Raiders train with U.S. Marines on Carolina coast

The Pic of the Day: Dutch Raiders train with U.S. Marines on Carolina coast

U.S. Marine Cpl. Cody Hebert, right, a dog handler with 2nd Law Enforcement Battalion, II Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group, and a Royal Dutch Marine with the 32nd Raiding Squadron, prepare to patrol during Dutch bilateral training at Camp Lejeune, N.C., on April 2, 2019. Bilateral training between the U.S. Marine Corps and the Royal […]

The Pic of the Day: Recon Marines conduct arctic parachuting

The Pic of the Day: Recon Marines conduct arctic parachuting

U.S. Marines with Force Reconnaissance Company, 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion, discuss their plan prior to an operation during Exercise Trident Juncture 18 at Vaernes Air Station, Norway, on October 31, 2018. Trident Juncture 18 demonstrates the II Marine Expeditionary Forces’ ability to deploy, employ, and redeploy the Marine Air Ground Task Force while improving interoperability with […]

When seconds matter: American and European SOF medics hone their craft

When seconds matter: American and European SOF medics hone their craft

Treating a wounded comrade while under fire is one of the tougher aspects of war-fighting. Enemy fire and adverse battlefield conditions add to the existing stress of a medical emergency. The wounded’s life is in the balance and there’s no room for error. That is the reason why medics undergo long intellectually, emotionally, and mentally […]

The Pic of the Day: Paratrooper of Exercise Immediate Response

The Pic of the Day: Paratrooper of Exercise Immediate Response

A U.S. Army paratrooper assigned to the 173rd Airborne Brigade dons his parachute while participating in Immediate Response 19 at Italy’s Aviano Air Base, May 13, 2019. Exercise Immediate Response is a multinational exercise co-led by Croatian Armed Forces, Slovenian Armed Forces, and U.S. Army Europe. The logistics-focused exercise is designed to test and improve […]

The Pic of the Day: Recon Marines and their Commando friends

The Pic of the Day: Recon Marines and their Commando friends

A U.S. Marine with 1st Platoon, Force Reconnaissance Company, II Marine Expeditionary Force, patrols during exercise Platinum Ren at an undisclosed location in Norway on May 13, 2019. The evening patrol was conducted to acclimatize the team to the harsh Arctic climate and mountainous terrain, increase interoperability within the allies and partners of the North […]

The Pic of the Day: Maple Resolve Face of Courage

The Pic of the Day: Maple Resolve Face of Courage

U.S Navy Lt. Carter Bonnafoux, a naval gunfire liaison officer with 6th Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company, 4th Force Headquarter Group, Marine Forces Reserve, stands for a picture during exercise Maple Resolve in Camp Wainwright, Alberta, Canada, May 12, 2019. Maple Resolve is an annual exercise—a three-week, multinational simulated war, hosted by the Canadian Army. […]

Is Trump diplomacy working? NATO allies to pay for huge US base

Is Trump diplomacy working? NATO allies to pay for huge US base

In a most unanticipated decision, NATO member states have decided to finance the construction of a huge military storage site for U.S. military hardware in Poland. The project, which is the largest of its kind in recent history, will include storage for tanks, armored personnel carriers, general utility vehicles, artillery pieces, and other materiel. Its […]

European Allies form a new regional special operations command to counter Russia

European Allies form a new regional special operations command to counter Russia

In an unanticipated but promising move, five European countries will establish a new Regional Special Operations Component Command (R-SOCC) according to NATO standards. According to NATO, defense ministers of Croatia, Hungary, Slovakia, and Slovenia signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) in February 2019 to create a common Special Operations Command. Austria, a partner nation, will […]