Jump & Dive 2020: A fundraiser for the combat diver and freefall communities

Jump & Dive 2020: A fundraiser for the combat diver and freefall communities

The Combat Diver Foundation and the U.S. Military Freefall Association will be jointly hosting a virtual fundraiser to raise money for their respective causes. The “Jump & Dive Fundraiser” will take place on August 29. The event will include a livestream of the fundraising event, comments by notable Combat Diver and Military Freefall qualified leaders, […]

From the Holocaust to America’s Special Forces

From the Holocaust to America’s Special Forces

For most people, surviving the Holocaust in Nazi-occupied Europe would be the defining moment of their lives. Men like Major General Sidney Shachnow aren’t most people. The Lithuanian-born Shachnow survived a forced labor camp and went on to join the U.S. Army, serve in Vietnam, and lead the Army Special Forces’ ultra-secret World War III […]

Taliban kill hundreds of Afghan security forces in a week as peace talks fall apart

Taliban kill hundreds of Afghan security forces in a week as peace talks fall apart

A wave of recent attacks in Afghanistan has left the Afghani government infuriated. Over the past week, the Taliban carried out 422 attacks in 32 provinces, killing a minimum of 291 Afghan security personnel and wounding 550 others. This marks the deadliest week in the country’s 19-year war, even as the Taliban reject the figures. […]

Women & standards in Special Operations and Special Mission units

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 […]

The Special Operations argument for a Civil Affairs tab

The Special Operations argument for a Civil Affairs tab

Symbols are important. Civilizations, organizations, corporations, and even an individual’s identity are built on and around symbols. They communicate values, demonstrate principles, express aspirations, declare intentions, assert purpose, affirm origins, and galvanize solidarity. Symbols are powerful because they instill pride, evoke camaraderie, and spur individuals to strive harder in their pursuits. The proud graduates of […]

Arctic: The neglected frontier

Arctic: The neglected frontier

On June 9, President Trump released the “Memorandum on Safeguarding U.S. Interests in the Arctic and Antarctic Regions.” The Memorandum flew mostly under the radar, yet it is indicative of increased U.S. interest in the polar regions and a response to the adverse power balance in the Arctic. The Arctic consists of the Arctic Ocean […]

75th Ranger Regiment permanently activates new battalion

75th Ranger Regiment permanently activates new battalion

Earlier this month, the 75th Army Ranger Regiment permanently activated its newest battalion. The Ranger Military Intelligence Battalion (RHIB) is now one of the five battalions of the 75th Ranger Regiment, the other being three infantry battalions (1/75, 2/75, 3/75) and a Special Troops Battalion. According to the 75th Ranger Regiment, the RHIB’s mission is […]

Brains vs Brawn: A Green Beret and a Ranger meet

Brains vs Brawn: A Green Beret and a Ranger meet

Green Berets rely on their problem-solving abilities to survive in combat. Much of SF selection seeks to assess this talent. The Special Forces qualification course itself develops and improves creativity. Many times, military problems must be solved with the application of force. Green Berets are not afraid to get their hands dirty, but they understand […]

The Pic of the Day: Brazilian Commandos

The Pic of the Day: Brazilian Commandos

Special Operators from the Brazilian Army line up to showcase some of their equipment and capabilities to U.S. delegates participating in army-to-army staff talks between the two countries on July 25, 2017.

Indian Army overhauls Special Operations selection and training

Indian Army overhauls Special Operations selection and training

The Indian Army is looking at restructuring the selection process of its personnel volunteering for Special Forces and Airborne battalions. It is also aiming to expand their role in multiple operational theatres. India, despite having large numbers of Special Forces units and troops, does not have a national strategy on how its SF troops should […]