Women & standards in Special Operations and Special Mission units

SOFREP recently published an exclusive piece covering the journey of the first female candidate set to graduate the Special Forces Qualification Course and earn her coveted green beret — an amazing achievement. Similarly, recent years have seen the services open their previously male-exclusive roles, including the opportunity to attend Ranger School and others, to women […]

Special Operations reading list: A few of my favorite hidden gems

I love reading about Special Operations history. It’s amazing what information can be found in published sources if you’re prepared to dig around. There’s a whole hidden history that can only be compiled by doing some deep research and really looking for sources. Thankfully, some former operators penned books that are well worth tracking down. Here […]

The Recce Rifle

Reconnaissance teams of all different origins have always been centered around the ability to be a minimalist,  highly maneuverable element that can discreetly observe and report on the enemy, providing valuable intelligence for command elements that often dictates when and where the fight takes place. With this mission comes the desire for lightweight and versatile […]

Watch: Survival and recce chest rig setup

I’m not a fan of having equipment on my belt line. It impedes movement, gets in the way during awkward shooting positions or when getting into observation spots. As a SERE instructor for the military I have quite a bit of minimal gear that I need to carry in order to fulfill my job effectively. […]

Watch: Basic Long Range / Survival Pack Setup

Today we’ll be talking about the basics of long range / survival pack setup and the equipment that goes into them. Take a look as Loadout Room writer and Military Survival Instructor,  Mike Jones drops some knowledge on setting up your pack for longer distance rucks or backpacking trips. Mike has extensive knowledge on setting […]

Special Operations Gear | RECCE/SNIPER Chest Rack

The RECCE/ Sniper Chest Rack was designed and developed on the battlefield by Special Operations Snipers. I know we hear the word “operator” being thrown around a lot when it comes to the military community or gear, but what makes it “operator” worthy?  The word operator is in reference to Tier 1 special operations units, commonly referred […]

Book review: ‘Recce: Small Team Missions Behind Enemy Lines’

Most people are familiar with the British SAS and American Navy SEALs. Some may have heard of the Rhodesian Light Infantry and Selous Scouts, but nearly lost to contemporary military history is the South African Recces. These white, black, and interracial soldiers pulled off some of the most hair-raising operations that you have never heard […]