Learn to ruck like a pro before you get to selection

Learn to ruck like a pro before you get to selection

For our readers who are attempting to become part of our Special Operations Forces, of course after volunteering, the first obstacle in your path is passing Selection. And the biggest key to that is being properly prepared to do so. We went back and recently posted a series of articles on Land Navigation where we […]

SOF tips: Decrease lower back pain and workout more effectively

SOF tips: Decrease lower back pain and workout more effectively

Like many of us, I had issues with occasional lower back pain while in the military. Eventually, suffering a major injury that required surgery, that was in no way related to the normal workout routine that the Army conducts with soldiers doing PT. However, it wasn’t until many years later, I was doing some physical […]

And thus ends the legal saga of the SEAL who was accused of war crimes

And thus ends the legal saga of the SEAL who was accused of war crimes

After more than a year since he was first accused, the legal saga of Navy SEAL Eddie Gallagher has come to an end. And the verdict is that he will be demoted to the rank of Petty Officer First Class (E-6) and forfeit almost $3000 of pay/month for four months. In October 2018, military prosecutors […]

Raid on al-Baghdadi and the targeting of terrorist leaders: The best way?

Raid on al-Baghdadi and the targeting of terrorist leaders: The best way?

Is this the best strategy in the War on Terror? Like everyone else, we watched riveted as the Pentagon released video of the Special Operations Forces from the 1st SFOD – Delta, commonly known as Delta Force, taking down the compound of Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi.  And as much as everyone complained about President Trump’s comments, […]

Feed the beast! Proper nutrition will help in SOF preparation

Feed the beast! Proper nutrition will help in SOF preparation

When we write about preparing for the rigors of Selection and the qualification courses here in Special Operations.com, one specific area we don’t write about often is proper nutrition. It is an oversight on our part and it is for two very good reasons. Number one, I am not a nutritionist and have no training […]

Spec Ops Forensics: Everything you need to know about Sensitive Site Exploitation (SSE)

Spec Ops Forensics: Everything you need to know about Sensitive Site Exploitation (SSE)

The recent raid of ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi’s compound in Syria by members of the United States Special Operations Command was highlighted by the military, which stated that they had taken “information and material from the compound that will be exploited moving forward.” With terrorist organizations operating out of cells and using coded communications, […]

The Video of the Week: SOF force-on-force and Unconventional Warfare

The Video of the Week: SOF force-on-force and Unconventional Warfare

Exercise Combined Resolve XII is a force-on-force exercise that included over 5,000 multinational participants, which took place in Hohenfels, Germany. About 140 Special Operations Forces from five countries participated in the exercise, from August 11-27, to strengthen the combined, joint force on the battlefield, and the readiness of both SOF and conventional forces. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MjjTYi9NC1o

SOF tips: How you handle adversity or failure will follow you through life

SOF tips: How you handle adversity or failure will follow you through life

The greatest accomplishment is not in never falling, but in rising again after you fall. Vince Lombardi When we write here at SpecialOperations.com and have discussions with aspiring candidates for the various units, we tend to deal only with the positive. It is par for the course, by and large, the vast majority of us […]

How can women improve on rucking for Special Operations selection?

How can women improve on rucking for Special Operations selection?

Rucking is one of the biggest discriminators for Special Operations Selection. It, along with Land Navigation are two of the biggest problem areas that candidates face when attempting to enter into one of the units in the military. And now with Special Operations open to women, they face the same issues that men face. In […]

Oct. 31, 1972: Michael E. Thornton, SEAL, Medal of Honor recipient

Oct. 31, 1972: Michael E. Thornton, SEAL, Medal of Honor recipient

Michael Thornton was a Navy SEAL and was awarded the U.S. military’s highest decoration, the Medal of Honor, for his actions during the war in Vietnam. He was decorated for saving the life of his senior officer, Lieutenant Thomas R. Norris, who also a recipient of the Medal of Honor in another combat action in […]