Brandon Webb: Why I joined the Navy SEAL Teams

When I was 16, my father and I had a huge argument which resulted in my leaving home. I don’t remember what I said that finally set him off, but whatever it was, it brought to an end not only my trip with my family but also my life with my family. Suddenly my dad […]

48 years ago, the A-10 Thunderbolt flew for the first time

Few U.S. Air Force aircraft are as popular among the ground troops of the military as the A-10 Thunderbolt, aka “The Warthog.” And it is as unpopular with our foes in Iraq, Syria, and Afghanistan as it is popular with our troops. The distinctive sound of the jet’s high-bypass turbofan engines is enough to make […]

Jacob Sotak: Why I Enlisted in the United States Army

Editor’s note: What a better way to celebrate the Military Appreciation Month than with some “Why I Joined” stories? I was skipping class the morning of September 11th.  It was three days after my 17th birthday and I was a cocksure senior with a buddy who had a car. I was making my way to […]

What’s next for the ex-Special Forces operators caught in Venezuela?

Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape (SERE). This training has been pertinent for the former Army Green Berets Luke Denman and Airan Berry since their prompt capture on Monday, May 4. Despite the perceived circumstances, the politics, and the backstory, one thing is certain — these two brothers are having the worst days of their Earthly […]

US SOF troops and Kurdish fighters take down ISIS cell leader

U.S. Special Operation Forces led a Kurdish Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) operation against an Islamic State cell in Syria in response to increased ISIS attacks in the region. The combined operation resulted in the capturing of an ISIS leader responsible for the recent attacks in the Deir el-Zour countryside.  Combined Joint Task Force-Operation Inherent Resolve […]

Special Operations troops need their Armed Overwatch program now

Special Operations Command (SOCOM) is working through the Air Force Special Operations (AFSOC) to purchase up to 75 “armed overwatch” planes that will conduct intelligence, reconnaissance, and Close Air Support (CAS) missions. SOCOM’s armed overwatch aircraft is envisioned to operate in close conjunction with special operations troops on the ground. The versatile aircraft can scout […]

Air Force revamps Special Operations officer career fields

As with the recent revamp of its enlisted Special Operations career fields, the Air Force created a new specialty code that will now encompass its three officer SOF jobs. Combat Rescue, Special Tactics, and Tactical Air Control Party officers will now fall under the same Air Force Specialty Code (19ZXX), which is the Air Force […]

The Special Forces Combat Diver Qualification Course: Failure can be fatal

I have been through a lot of training over the years. After a few beers, people sometimes ask about the toughest training I have ever seen. After you read this story, I think you will agree that the Combat Diver Qualification Course (CDQC) at the Special Forces Underwater Operations School in Key West, Florida, takes […]

Steve Balestrieri: Why I joined the Army’s Special Forces

Editor’s note: What a better way to celebrate the Military Appreciation Month than with some “Why I Joined” stories? May is here and spring is in the air unless you live in New England where it feels like March. However, May is National Military Appreciation Month. During the month, there are several days set aside […]

Breaking down the British elite forces: The Royal Marine Commandos (RM)

In a recent series, we examined the United Kingdom Special Forces (UKSF) spectrum. In this series, we’ll review the elite components within the conventional British forces. We will start with one of the U.K.’s most renowned units: the Royal Marines, an elite amphibious commando force of the Royal Navy. The Royal Marines (RM), or Bootnecks […]

‘Who’s Your Daddy?’ Special Forces trolling taken to an art level

There are times when you just should be realistic and just admit defeat. And when you are in a conventional National Guard unit, don’t get into a war of psychological operations with Special Forces guys. It is a losing proposition.  So, to quote the beginnings of the old “Lone Ranger” television series: Return with us […]