Frequent and realistic exercises that test war-fighters on symmetric and asymmetric war scenarios are the best way to prepare a force for a possible conflict. Force preparedness is crucial with the near-peer threats of China and Russia becoming ever more pronounced as the American military and its NATO allies shift their gaze from counterterrorism and counterinsurgency … [Read more...] about American and EU commandos assess the regional SOF command concept
Stavros Atlamazoglou Articles
The Pic of the Day: Coast Guard commandos at the ready
Members of Maritime Security and Response Team West (MSRT-West) exercise with sidearms and rifles from the flight deck of U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Bertholf (WMSL 750) during a months-long deployment in support of the U.S. Navy's 7th Fleet. Coast Guard MSRT operators were recently involved in a high-speed interdiction of a mini-submarine carrying drugs. … [Read more...] about The Pic of the Day: Coast Guard commandos at the ready
The Pic of the Day: 75th Ranger Regiment welcomes new boss
Retired Command Sgt. Maj. Mike Hall, honorary CSM of the 75th Ranger Regiment, passes the guidon to Col. Todd Brown, commander of the 75th Ranger Regiment, on July 12, 2019, on Inouye Field at Fort Benning, Georgia. During the ceremony, the 75th Ranger Regiment received the prestigious Joint Meritorious Unit Award for its actions from October 2015 to July 2016. According to … [Read more...] about The Pic of the Day: 75th Ranger Regiment welcomes new boss
The Pic of the Day: Marines down under
BOWEN, Australia (July 22, 2019) Assault amphibious vehicles, assigned to the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) depart the well deck of the amphibious transport dock ship USS Green Bay (LPD 20). Green Bay, part of the Wasp Expeditionary Strike Group, with embarked 31st MEU, is currently participating in Talisman Sabre 2019 off the coast of Northern Australia. A bilateral, … [Read more...] about The Pic of the Day: Marines down under
Forget China and Russia, terrorists are still a major threat
It is an undeniable fact that the U.S. military has been gradually shifting its focus from counterterrorism and counterinsurgency operations to near-peer threats, such as China and Russia. Navy SEALs have been practicing with increased frequency in the Pacific in anticipation of a potential conflict with the former. Special Forces teams are rotating more frequently in Europe, … [Read more...] about Forget China and Russia, terrorists are still a major threat
Deception and Low-Visibility Ops: Here are the three most interesting SOF courses
One of the indirect benefits of being a Special Operations Forces (SOF) unit member is getting the chance to attend a series of interesting schools. Such schools aim at improving the participants’ craft, whether he's a shooter or an enabler (support guy). Each component command has a number of schools tailored to the needs of its units. For example, Naval Special Warfare … [Read more...] about Deception and Low-Visibility Ops: Here are the three most interesting SOF courses
The Pic of the Day: Working that EOD magic
Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician 3rd Class Marcus Crone, assigned Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit (EODMU) 5, prepares to cut a simulated trip wire during a routine training evolution. EODMU-5 is assigned to Commander, Navy Expeditionary Forces Command Pacific, the primary expeditionary task force responsible for the planning and execution of coastal riverine … [Read more...] about The Pic of the Day: Working that EOD magic
Special Operations Command wants to improve SOF forensics
During the 2019 Special Operations Forces Industry Conference that took place earlier in the summer, the U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM) offered a rare glimpse into its Sensitive Site Exploitation (SSE) initiatives. In specific, SOCOM is developing a cell phone application that aims to simplify the SSE process. Glen Cullen, SOCOM’s SSE program manager, said in an … [Read more...] about Special Operations Command wants to improve SOF forensics
SEAL platoon sent home early from Iraq due to misbehavior
A Navy SEAL platoon was ordered home early from a deployment in Iraq due to misbehavior during non-operational periods. The unidentified platoon is part of SEAL Team 7, and their misconduct appears to have been the overconsumption of alcohol during the 4th of July celebrations. According to a statement released by the U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM), it was the … [Read more...] about SEAL platoon sent home early from Iraq due to misbehavior
The Pic of the Day: Pararescuemen at your call
Two pararescuemen, both assigned to the 58th Rescue Squadron, ride to their destination in the back of an HH-60 Pave Hawk during the Joint Civilian Orientation Conference (JCOC) 91 at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., June 26, 2019. Pararescuemen are highly trained Airmen able to rappel out of aircraft to rescue injured individuals on the battlefield. … [Read more...] about The Pic of the Day: Pararescuemen at your call
The elite Air Force unit that inserts and resupplies Special Operators
One of the primary reasons America’s special operations forces (SOF) are so effective is the first-class support they get from all fronts. Even in the lowest tiers of the SOF structure, the operator-to-support-guy ratio is remarkable, averaging about one operator to every eight support personnel. The higher up within the SOF hierarchy you go, the more support guys there are for … [Read more...] about The elite Air Force unit that inserts and resupplies Special Operators
Navy Times reveals drug scandal that rocks SEAL Team 10
Trouble continues for the leadership of the Naval Special Warfare Command (NSWC) as another scandal rocks the community. A declassified report revealed that several Navy SEALs were caught abusing drug substances to include cocaine and ecstasy. The six SEAL operators were assigned to SEAL Team 10, and according to a report obtained by the Navy Times, four of them were kicked … [Read more...] about Navy Times reveals drug scandal that rocks SEAL Team 10