A brief history of bulletproof vests and armor

The evolution of the firearm is an interesting one — from the unknown Chinese origins of gunpowder, to the fire lance, and the slow development of handheld tubes that use gunpowder to force a projectile outward and into an enemy target. By the 1300s, what we consider guns today were well along in development, and […]

SOF Pic of the Day: On the wrong end of a US Air Force Pararescueman

A U.S. Air Force pararescuemen, assigned to the 83rd Expeditionary Rescue Squadron, Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, aims his rifle during weapons training on Feb. 21, 2018. Pararescuemen conduct training on all aspects of combat, medical procedures and search and rescue tactics to hone their skills, providing the highest level of tactical capabilities to combatant commanders. U.S. […]

Special Operations Forces Selection PT Preparation, Week 1, Day 4

Continue to prep for the UBRR and focus on some speed work today with some short runs for time. Speed work will help with your endurance and explosion. Work on the perfect form when doing your exercises. The cadre at Selection are meticulous in grading form, especially with pushups. The time to get it right […]

SOF Pic of the Day: Force Recon doesn’t request permission to board

Force Reconnaissance Marines assigned to Force Reconnaissance Company, 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force along with British Royal Marines with J Company, 42 Commandos and Sailors assigned to Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit 5 (EODMU-5) conduct special insertion and raid training on the submarine tender USS Frank Cable (AS 40) moored […]

Islamic State Regrouping in Iraqi, Kurdish Territories

The Islamic State has regrouped in Iraq and is conducting increasingly deadly attacks in territories across northern Iraq, taking advantage of the hostility between the central government and the Kurdish people, according to both Iraqi and Kurdish officials. The Iraqi government declared a final victory over IS last December after Iraqi forces drove its last […]

Special Operations Forces Selection PT Preparation Week 1, Day 3

Tuesday is a leg day at the gym. These exercises build strength and explosion in your lower body and you’ll need both in Selection. These will also help your times with both running and carrying a rucksack. We’re going to go for heavier squats today with fewer reps, at other times we’ll go lighter and […]

SOF Pic of the Day: Special Operations troops at an undisclosed location, Afghanistan

U.S. Air Force pararescuemen, assigned to the 83rd Expeditionary Rescue Squadron, survey the landscape during a training exercise at an undisclosed location in the mountains of Afghanistan, March 14, 2018. The Army crews and Air Force Guardian Angel teams conducted the exercise to build teamwork and procedures as they provide joint personnel recovery capabilities, aiding […]

US Top General in Afghanistan Claims Russia is Arming the Taliban

The top U.S. general in Afghanistan has said the Russians are supporting and supplying arms to the Taliban, adding more fuel to the already tense relationship between the two superpowers. General John Nicolson said in an interview with the BBC that he’s seen “destabilizing activity by the Russians.”  He said Russian weapons are being supplied […]

Special Operations Forces Selection PT Preparation Week 1, Day 2

Back to the gym today, with our Monday work out and then practice our shuttle run to build up some explosion and lateral quickness. Try to limit the time between sets to 30 seconds or less Training: More Preparation for the UBRR: 3 x 12 Flat Bench Presses 3 x 12 Incline Dumbbell Presses 3 x […]

SOF Pic of the Day: USSOCOM loading C-130s under cover of darkness

U.S. Army Special Operations Soldiers load tactical vehicles onto a U.S. Air Force C-130J to exfiltrate from a training area, March 1, 2018, at Melrose Air Force Range, NM. At Emerald Warrior, the largest joint and combined special operations exercise, U.S. Special Operations Command forces train to respond to various threats across the spectrum of […]

Special Operation Forces Selection PT Preparation Week 1, Day 1

How did everyone do on their UBRR Test from yesterday? If you passed but have some weak points, you now know what needs to be worked on. If you failed any portion of it, then you still have a lot of work to do. And know exactly what needs to get worked on. What we’re […]

SOF Pic of the Day: Special Operations Soldiers exfiltrate via CV-22 Osprey

U.S. Army Special Operations Soldiers exfiltrate from a training area, via a U.S. Air Force CV-22 Osprey, March 1, 2018, at Melrose Air Force Range, New Mexico. At Emerald Warrior, the largest joint and combined special operations exercise, U.S. Special Operations Command forces train to respond to various threats across the spectrum of conflict. U.S. […]