In the spring of 1991 in the aftermath of the defeat of Iraqi military forces in the Gulf War (Desert Storm) a humanitarian crisis of immense proportions took place. Once the truce was signed by the Iraqi military representatives and the Coalition nations led by the United States the allies quickly looked to exit the region and bring their troops home to their respective … [Read more...] about Operation Provide Comfort - 10th Special Forces Role
John Friberg Articles
Operation Provide Comfort - 10th Special Forces Role
JSOU - Joint Special Operations University
The personnel of Special Operations Forces (SOF) units are constantly receiving training and attending advanced educational schools throughout their careers. This begins with their initial training that allows them entry into the SOF community. For the U.S. Army Special Forces Soldier the beginning is ‘getting selected’ in the Special Forces Assessment & Selection (SFAS) … [Read more...] about JSOU - Joint Special Operations University
ANASOC - Afghan National Army Special Operations Command
The Afghan National Army Special Operations Command (ANASOC) has been in existence for several years now. The command falls under the Afghan Ministry of Defense (MoD). The commando units that fall under ANASOC control have proven to be the most effective combat forces of the Afghan National Defense Security Forces (ANDSF). The special operations command is advised by special … [Read more...] about ANASOC - Afghan National Army Special Operations Command
NATO and Baltic security: Keeping the Russians at bay
It has been quite evident to the European leaders that Russia has become increasingly aggressive towards the nations of Eastern Europe. Its actions in the Crimea (occupation and annexation), Eastern Ukraine (support of rebels and deployment of Russian troops), no-notice military exercises, and other threatening activities have many of the European countries deeply concerned. … [Read more...] about NATO and Baltic security: Keeping the Russians at bay
SOF News - AC-130 Gunship, SEALs, Spetsnaz; More
Periodically we will publish short snippets of SOF news that are not covered by SOFREP in our more detailed reports. Covered here is news on AC-130s, Spetsnaz, irregular warfare, live tissue training, SOF pubs, and videos on SOF topics. Former SF Officer Leads Army Reserve. LTG Charles D. Luckey has been appointed as the Chief of the Army Reserve and Commanding General of the … [Read more...] about SOF News - AC-130 Gunship, SEALs, Spetsnaz; More
Flintlock, Unconventional Warfare, and Special Forces Teams
A few decades ago – while the Cold War was still raging – the 10th Special Forces Group would conduct an annual exercise named Flintlock. At the time the Iron Curtain encompassed many of the countries of Eastern Europe. These nations, led by the Soviet Union, formed up a military alliance called the Warsaw Pact. The response of the Western European nations along with the United … [Read more...] about Flintlock, Unconventional Warfare, and Special Forces Teams
Special Forces language training
The men of the U.S. Army Special Forces are a unique group of Soldiers. The selection process to gain entry to Special Forces training is difficult. Once accepted into the Special Forces Qualification Course (SFQC) the training is long, complex, and arduous. Special Forces missions are very different from those of the conventional army and require intense training in many … [Read more...] about Special Forces language training
JOTC - Jungle Operations Training Center
The U.S. Army’s 25th Infantry Division (Tropic Lighting) based in Hawaii has a jungle operations training school that prepares its Soldiers for some of the harsh terrain they may encounter when deployed to Pacific Rim countries. The official name is the Jungle Operations Training Center (JOTC). For many years the U.S. Army had a jungle operations school located in the Panama … [Read more...] about JOTC - Jungle Operations Training Center
Afghan Local Police - A SOF Success Story
In an effort to extend security and governance beyond areas of Afghanistan where Coalition conventional forces were not operating the U.S. special operations forces organized the Afghan Local Police (ALP). The ALP is a locally-based village or community security force established in mid-2010. Initially the ALP came under the control of U.S. special operations forces [1] but … [Read more...] about Afghan Local Police - A SOF Success Story
Operation Uphold Democracy - SF in Haiti (1994-1995)
In 1994 the Caribbean country of Haiti was undergoing tremendous turmoil. The dictator, General Cedras, headed a regime that had overthrown the Haitian President Jean-Bertrand Aristide in 1991. The dictator’s police forces were accused of human rights abuses and American public opinion demanded that the White House take action. President Clinton issued some ultimatums to the … [Read more...] about Operation Uphold Democracy - SF in Haiti (1994-1995)
History of the 8th Special Forces Group
Most people familiar with the U.S. Army Special Forces know that currently (mid-2016) there are five active duty Special Forces groups and two National Guard Special Forces groups. Less well-known are the existence of other Special Forces groups that have long been de-activated. [1] The 8th Special Forces Group was one of these groups. It was established at Fort Gulick in the … [Read more...] about History of the 8th Special Forces Group
Special Forces Mountain Training
U.S. Army Special Forces has a multitude of missions that require many types of skills and capabilities. One of these capabilities is being able to infiltrate and conduct operations and missions in environmentally challenging conditions – such as in cold weather or mountainous terrain. Some Special Forces detachments are designated mountain teams and participate in Special … [Read more...] about Special Forces Mountain Training
