The Pic of the Day: Coast Guard SOF smashing it with Thai Navy SEALs

Maritime Law Enforcement Specialist 2nd Class Tyler Maryott, assigned to U.S. Coast Guard Maritime Security Response Team West, conducts a visit, board, search, and seizure drill with Royal Thai Navy SEALs aboard the Quiandaohu-class auxiliary ship HTMS Similan (AOR 871) as part of Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) Thailand 2019. This year marks the […]

Belgian Commandos in Africa: Secretive and highly effective

The deadly ambush in Niger in 2017, which resulted in the deaths of four Americans, revealed to a dumbfounded public the silent war that has been taking place in the Sahel. Aside from U.S. troops, several other countries have a strong presence in the area. Belgium is one of them. And its Special Forces Group […]

Special Operations Forces Selection PT Preparation Week 15, Day 2

Monday morning means our weekly mini-UBRR test to judge where our fitness level is at. Start off with pushups, sit-ups, and crunches, then to the bar for V-ups, Pull-ups, and dips before a 5-mile run. Remember to stay hydrated and mark your progress in your workout log book. UBRR Training: More preparation for the UBRR […]

Special Operations Forces Selection PT Preparation Week 15, Day 1

Sunday morning rucksack march. Do a quick warmup of pushups and sit-ups before heading out. Head out over varied terrain and try to go as fast as you can without running. Stretch well both before and after the event. Remember to drink plenty of water and stay hydrated out there. With a bunch of the […]

Indian special operations struggles to embrace the spirit of jointness

One of the big takeaways from the disastrous 1980 attempt to rescue American hostages held in Iran was that U.S. special operations units needed to work in a joint environment. Units need to coordinate and train together to develop their capabilities and ensure they function smoothly when deployed to combat. This is a lesson that […]

Special Operations Forces Selection PT Preparation Week 14, Day 7

Let’s kickoff this Saturday morning right and head back to the gym for a shoulder and back workout. Pulldowns, pullups and some shoulder work followed by a four-mile run. Log your numbers down in the workout notebook Training: More Preparation for the UBRR: 3 x 10 Lat Pull downs, rear 3 x 10 Barbell Dead […]

Special Operations Forces Selection PT Preparation Week 14, Day 6

Friday is Leg Day at the gym. Start off with our favorite, Squats – (Front, Dumbbell Goblet, and Barbell), then Lunges and the Weighted Sled Push. Follow it all up with a five-mile run. Mark your progress down in your workout log book and stretch well after the session. Remember….keep hydrating, even in the rain. […]

Is the US military indirectly supporting war crimes?

Are the U.S. government and military indirectly supporting war crimes? Yes, according to the non-profit Human Rights Watch (HRW). Recently, the HRW released a report documenting war crimes committed by the Egyptian military and the Islamic State (ISIS) in North Sinai. The report accuses both warring parties of committing crimes against humanity. Although this is […]

Special Operations Forces Selection PT Preparation Week 14, Day 5

Back to the gym this morning for a Chest and Triceps workout before heading out for a 4-mile run. Remember to stretch well before and after and to stay hydrated. Mark your progress down in your workout log book. UBRR Training: More Preparation for the UBRR: 3 x 12 Bench Press 3 x 10 Dumbbell […]

Book Review – “Murphy’s Law” And the Truth Will Set You Free

I always balk at when someone I know writes something and I’m asked to give an opinion on it. As my circle of friends has grown smaller, I have erred on the side of caution, not wanting to hurt any of my friends’ feelings. Jack Murphy has never had that problem. Jack has been on […]

Special Operations Forces Selection PT Preparation Week 14, Day 4

Wednesday is a light Shoulders and Back training day in the gym before heading off to do the SOF (Special Operations Forces) Triathlon. A 3-mile run, a rucksack march, and a swim with fatigues and boots. These are three things that you’ll have to be able to do well to pass Selection. If your plans […]

IDF West Bank Units Using New Intelligence Methods To Combat Terror Attacks

After several attacks on Israeli soldiers and civilians in the West Bank where the attackers were able to get away in the crowds, the IDF is revamping the way they do business to alert their troops to any suspicious activity by Palestinians in the West Bank. There have been 16 Israeli soldiers or citizens killed […]