The history of things, whatever they are, has always been fascinating to me for one reason or another. The same goes for etymology or the history of words. But, for today I’m going to attempt to write a few articles on something that’s popped up. Berets–their respective colors, whose heritage those colors are tied to and how we got to this point. We’ll start with the famed … [Read more…] about A history of things, the fashion of war: Berets
Since the civil war in Yemen began almost two years ago it has claimed over 10,000 lives and has left millions destitute and at risk for the disease. The disease, which has seized the nation, is Cholera and the numbers are staggering. One in 62 Yemenis is estimated to be sick with Cholera. There have been over 436,000 cases since the war began and in May and June of 2017 alone, … [Read more…] about In war-stricken Yemen, Cholera takes the greatest toll
It’s been written many times – Ukraine has given the world a glimpse of what future warfare might hold. In this period, Kiev announced plans to unveil a new kind of tank, that would best Russian tanks. However, it doesn’t appear that they can afford the production of the tank. Still, experts believe that a new bold tank would not change the almost trench warfare that’s raging … [Read more…] about Ukraine unveils new tank as it enters its 4th year of low-intensity war
POTUS Trump wants to shut down part of the internet to combat ISIS. At first pass, it sounds like a solid idea and plan that ought to be executable. But I’m sure anyone and everyone might feel as though this won’t be something that’s convenient for anyone’s daily routine. Before such a plan can play out (which will be addressed in another article) – a more solid partnership … [Read more…] about DIUx+Cyber: For the long term, investment public and private is necessary
Some time ago, back in 2013, China sent troops traveled en route to Mali. A Chinese presence has remained ever since. Russia continues to exasperate Ukraine’s military forces. Mali’s extremist problem has grown in recent years. French interests in Africa are no way in retreat, and the U.S. is at a time when European reassurance is of the essence. At what point does China … [Read more…] about Russia in Ukraine, China in Africa – and Unconventional Warfare in a modern world
Business in Africa is hampered by an unstable and immature business environment without a strong prognosis of a strong economic future. According to the Oxford Journal of African Economies, “despite more than a decade of reforms in many African countries, investment and growth rates are still far below the levels required for sustainable development.” This nascent environment … [Read more…] about Doing big business in Africa – pros and cons
Green Beret’s learn to get a task done regardless of steep odds and intense situations. It’s about finding a way forward and continuous progress. No, the featured image is not a Green Beret motto – but a Special Air Service one. It’s still relevant to earning the Green Beret and living a driven lifestyle. After all, much of our methodology and mentality is derived from the … [Read more…] about Green Beret mental floss
Disclaimer:Â There is no profundity or real message to this piece. This is just, essentially, a war story about some quirky attachment’s our OD-A (Operational Detachment Alpha, or A-Team) saw during one deployment to Afghanistan. We had a lot of attachments on that deployment to Afghanistan to conduct Village Stability Operations. It was an awesome mission with some colorful … [Read more…] about “Sprinkles” and some other non-SF attachments in Afghanistan
President Trump has selected Lt. Gen. H.R. McMaster to serve as the new National Security Advisor after recently asking for Lt. Gen. Flynn’s resignation. It’s difficult to find outspoken critics of Lt. General H.R. McMaster in Washington, D.C. Despite his controversy, McMaster seems to be admired similar to how Petraeus is and has been admired and respected. However, some … [Read more…] about Lt. Gen. McMaster, Trump’s new National Security Advisor met with widespread applause
I met someone recently who spent twenty years in SOF and was more or less kicked out. He was an asset than and still is today. He’s just not normal. I was in for eight years of active duty, total. No that’s not as long as some. But longer than most. However, in SF and SOF, generally, these are careerists and eight years isn’t long enough, not at all. I’m just teetering on … [Read more…] about Do you have to stay in the military forever? (Part One)
Government jobs are going to suffer huge vacancies in light of an aging workforce that inhabits its senior leadership. The next generation must step up. It’s estimated that a large portion of government workers are set to retire within the next ten years. Baby boomers are exiting the building, Generation X will take senior leadership and the millennial’s will become the … [Read more…] about Considering seeking a government civilian job, they’re going to be in high demand
The VET Act of 2015 introduced by Rep. Jeff Fortenberry with much of the work done by an active duty military fellow is dead. It sounds dramatic but that’s the terminology. “This bill was introduced on July 28, 2015, in a previous session of Congress, but was not enacted,” according to GovTrack. But, I’m curious if SOFREP readers and veterans thinks this sort of law might be … [Read more…] about Veteran Entrepreneurial Transition (VET) Act of 2015 is dead
