“The final weapon is the brain; all else is supplemental.” SOF Assessment and Selection (A&S) courses are designed to bring the suck – in a number of different ways – to everyone privileged enough to receive an invitation to be evaluated as a candidate for various SOF units. Despite the suck, there’s a total beauty to it – to a struggle that methodically breaks down and … [Read more...] about 7 personal lessons on SOF selection you probably haven’t considered
Inscribed on the CIA’s original headquarters building in Langley is a passage from the gospel according to St. John: “And ye shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free.” This unofficial Agency motto alludes to the truth and clarity that intelligence provides to decision-makers, similar to the “knowledge is power” mantra. But what happens when the craft of … [Read more...] about The top four things you need to know about intelligence gathering and use
If you’re looking for some light reading or to get on one of the NSA’s watch lists, this is your opportunity. Below is a link to Al Qaeda’s renowned training manual, affectionately referred to as the “Manchester Documents,” for your reading pleasure. While by no means a new document, the intent here is to have readers explore this document as a means of gaining insight into … [Read more...] about Understanding Jihadis: Lessons From the Al Qaeda Training Manual
Recent travels have set me slightly behind on interacting with the amazing 'REP readership, so my hope is to open back up with this humdinger of what amounts to an obviously staggering risk to U.S. national security and the primary shareholders/keepers of this realm. I'm stepping outside my lane here, but had to offer some commentary when I read about the second major breach of … [Read more...] about Chinese Espionage Compromises Millions of Security Clearance Records. Again.
Referred to as the “black-bearded, blade-wielding embodiment of [Iraqi] retribution,” Abu Azrael, the 'Angel of Death,' is the anti-ISIL hero that Iraq wants and clearly needs. Does ISIL's 'Desert Lion,' Abu Waheeb, stand a chance? In the Blue Corner Ayyub Faleh al-Rubaie is his real name, but people know him simply as Abu Azrael. His moniker translates to “father of the … [Read more...] about SOFREP Cage Match: Angel of Death vs. The Desert Lion
The din of the hundreds of voices surrounding us grew increasingly louder as the crowd around us grew thicker. “You,” the gray-suited man flatly hissed in perfect English through a cloud of cigarette smoke, glancing at me before warily eyeing my companion from head to toe. “Where are you from?” He was met with silence as I made eye contact with my teammate and pursed my lips … [Read more...] about Americans Abroad: Beyond the Gray City
Inscribed on the CIA’s original headquarters building in Langley is a passage from the gospel according to St. John: “And ye shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free.” This unofficial Agency motto alludes to the truth and clarity that intelligence provides to decision-makers, similar to the “knowledge is power” mantra. But what happens when the craft of … [Read more...] about The Top 4 Things You Need to Know About Intelligence Gathering and Use
I market these as facts but that’s not completely true. In reality they’re my opinions, which just so happen to be facts. My hope is to candidly describe the basic functions and purpose of an intelligence cell at the tactical level in a deployed environment. This one comes from an analyst’s perspective, and not one of a collector. Former intel folks, this is one you probably … [Read more...] about Four Facts About a Tactical-Level DoD Intelligence Cell From an Analyst’s Perspective
Following the sweeping territorial gains and establishment of an Islamic caliphate in Syria and Iraq by the Islamic State of Iraq in the Levant (ISIL) in the summer of 2014, various nations and their governments have struggled to truly comprehend the group and its methods, particularly the ferociousness and rapidity through which the so-called caliphate was established and how … [Read more...] about Seven Ways ISIL Uses Terrorism as a Tool
According to recent reporting from IHS Janes and the Long War Journal, images released via Twitter by the Islamic State show a militant firing the advanced FN-6 MANPADS (man-portable air defense system) at an Iraqi helicopter conducting operations in the vicinity of the embattled Baiji Refinery in early October. The refinery, one of Iraq's largest and most productive prior to … [Read more...] about Threat to Aircraft: ISIS Downs Mi-35 Chopper Using MANPADS
Editor's note: This story comes from SN, a SOFREP reader, fellow intel guy, and good friend of mine. He had shared a mini AAR on his travels to Europe with me and I realized it was too good to pass up. Take what lessons and notes you can from his experience, and enjoy the story that goes along with it. This is part one, with part two available here.—14C I was alone, on … [Read more...] about Rome and the Night Train
Editor’s note: This story comes from SN, a SOFREP reader, fellow intel guy, and good friend of mine. He had shared a mini AAR on his travels to Europe with me and I realized it was too good to pass up. Take what lessons and notes you can from his experience, and enjoy the story that goes along with it. This is part two of his experience.—14C After spending a day in Rome and … [Read more...] about The Night Train and the Jihadist
