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USSOCOM Enterprise Training Solution Assessment Event

Wednesday, December 6th, 2023

SOFWERX, in collaboration with USSOCOM Program Executive Office-Services (PEO-SV), is hosting a series of ongoing events to identify, collaborate, and find solutions to streamline the acquisition, purchasing, and scheduling of enterprise training. The purpose of this effort is to alleviate the burden on units of ordering and purchasing required training multiple times throughout the year. The next event is scheduled for 30 January – 01 February 2024.

In February of this year, the USSOCOM Commanding General initiated a series of round tables to discover areas of burden being experienced by the USSOCOM Enterprise. Acquiring, purchasing, and scheduling training is one of the top issues. A Government Purchase Card (GPC) can be used for any training requirement under $25K, but if the training occurs multiple times per year, and you make several purchases, it is flagged as a split purchase. If the training is over $25K, you can execute a Purchase Order, which requires multiple quotes before a contract can be let for the requirement. A Request for Proposal (RFP) for an open bid and source selection is also required before the contract can be awarded. This process traditionally takes between six to twelve months.

The goal of this series of events is to identify capabilities for a tool that will enable government stakeholders to sort through a menu of available training options from available companies. The tool should allow customers to rate companies’ past performance and allow units to purchase and schedule training without resoliciting and/or renegotiating a contract or purchase order. Ideally, the tool will also provide firewalls to protect company proprietary data and ITAR information and reside on the unclassified network.

Submit NLT 05 January 2024 11:59 PM ET.

Learn more about participating here.

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Green Berets Complete Dive Requalification

Wednesday, November 29th, 2023

CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. — In the uncertainty of the Pacific Ocean, combat divers assigned to 2nd Battalion, 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne) successfully completed their annual dive requalification exercise on Oct. 10 – 27, 2023.

With overcast skies, fast winds and cold waters, the combat diving teams planned and executed multiple maritime operations, enhancing their effectiveness in various tactics and procedures.

“We want to familiarize our divers [old and new] with different team tactics and procedures as well as exposing the team in a progression and operational glide path,” said a team captain. “We test ourselves in more advanced and punishing conditions such as intense surf, cold water, low visibility and an overall more demanding environment.”

During the 17-day training period, the two combat diving teams initiated their preparation by acquainting themselves with the Zodiac, a boat used within special operations, and diving equipment. This familiarization helps combat divers develop confidence and comfort with their equipment.

The teams then carried out a series of exercises focused on extensive swimming, beach landing techniques, infiltration, extraction, navigation at depths reaching up to 120 feet beneath the water’s surface and long-distance navigation. Some of these operations were conducted in daylight and under the cover of night.

By being proficient in these skills, combat divers can use their abilities as a method of infiltration to access target points in real life operations.

“For us [combat divers], diving is an ability and a skill to apply on unconventional warfare settings, which is our expertise as Green Berets,” said one of the team sergeants. “It makes Green Berets calmer and more lethal underwater and even more in any real-world situations.”

The divers also had the opportunity to work alongside the U.S. Navy, performing long range movement. This tactic is used to infiltrate target points within the intercoastal or coastal waters.

The teams also took advantage of practicing with a landing craft air cushion, or LCAC. The LCAC is a type of hovercraft used to carry out smaller boats for longer distances in more demanding conditions to complete this exercise.

“We are always looking to do joint exercises with other U.S. military branches and even with partner allies,” said a team captain. “Today, we had the opportunity to work with the U.S. Navy in this operation and it was a success.”

Lt. Col. Matthew Mesko, 2nd Battalion, 10th SFG (A) commander, emphasized the importance of mastering different operation domains as the special operations command finds new ways of mitigating operational strategic threats in the maritime domain.

Green Berets defy the belief that they excel only on land; they excel in maritime environments too, proving their expertise in any conditions.

“Our teams here are practicing their mastery in waterborne infiltration methods, improving their lethality across all kinds of domains,” said Mesko. “10th SFG (A) has a proud track record of presenting the best maritime dive capabilities. These gentlemen right here work hard to foster and cultivate that reputation within the country and with our allies.”

An old saying tells that water is unforgiving, however, these elite warriors operate silently and unseen in both, the shadowy depths of the water, and the unpredictable demanding surface. They represent a unique and highly specialized branch of the U.S. Army and the Special Forces Operations Command.

Photos and Story by SGT Luis Solorio

Photos by SSG Isaih Vega

Posted in Army, Guest Post, Maritime, SOF, Training | Comments Off on Green Berets Complete Dive Requalification

Developing the Next Generation of Air Force Special Warfare Cadet Programs

Tuesday, November 21st, 2023

By Headquarters Air Force A3 Air Force Special Warfare Directorate

Air Force Special Warfare (AFSPECWAR) continues to refine its academic year and summer programs to help AFROTC and USAFA cadets prepare to be Special Tactics Officers (STOs), Tactical Air Control Party Officers (TACPOs), and Combat Rescue Officers (CROs).

Now in year three, USAFA’s formalized “Special Warfare Club” (SWC) academic year materials benefit two areas — first, they are available for AFROTC Detachments to download and develop or refine their own SWC; second, they are used in the 2, two-week Special Warfare Orientation Courses (SWOC) official summer programs.

The information and exposure will help cadets prepare physically and mentally prior to attending a selection for Special Warfare, called Phase II. The 19Z Special Warfare Officers (STO/TACPO/CRO) are the only officer specialties which require successful selection at a pre-commissioning screener to begin their respective training pipelines, according to Col. John M. Graver, individual mobilization augmentee to the director of AF/A3S Air Force Special Warfare.

“With no previous experience, many cadets do poorly, negatively impacting unit readiness. Now, we provide them a safe introduction to the events and evaluation criteria,” said Graver. “Without a formalized method to prepare, cadets have proven to develop unsafe habits.”

Currently, filling commissioning slots for the 19Z AFSC is a challenge shared by both AFROTC and USAFA.

“We want cadets to be successful. Our program includes over 30 academic and physical lesson plans, risk management, and templates to organize their SWCs, along with opportunities to learn from contracted coaches, thereby mitigating risk for Detachment commanders,” added Graver.

The last SWOC was held in June and July 2023 at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo. where 80 AFROTC and USAFA cadets participated; with more than 20 cadets-in-charge and over 20 uniformed and civilian staff from USAFA, AFROTC, MAJCOMs, and Air Force and Army flying units assisting with the training.

SWOC involves over 40 events to prepare cadets for the “Phase II” pre-commissioning screener. These included land and water fitness sessions, troop leading procedures, small unit tactics, decision making, as well as planning and executing global access, precision strike, and personnel recovery missions.

Additionally, AFROTC cadets can participate in AFRS-led Special Warfare AFROTC Weekend (SWAW) events, which are conducted 8-10 times throughout the academic year at various detachments hosting these weekend events around the country.

“We want to provide interested cadets as many opportunities as possible to prepare,” said Maj. Eric Atchison, Air Force Recruiting Service. “Between these SWAW events, the 2-week SWOC opportunities in the summer, and an increased number of Special Warfare Clubs at Detachments, we can prepare as many cadets as possible to succeed as leaders in the Special Warfare community. It’s an extremely challenging and rewarding career like no other, and we are looking for the right young men and women who have what it takes to succeed, no matter the odds.”

AFROTC detachments with interest in developing or refining their cadet Special Warfare Club should expect to receive another message this fall on these opportunities, and may reach out to Maj. Atchison for additional information at eric.atchison.1@us.af.mil

Posted in AFSW, Air Force, Guest Post, SOF, Training | Comments Off on Developing the Next Generation of Air Force Special Warfare Cadet Programs

Mountain Tactical Institute Launches New Daily Training offerings for elite Military, Law Enforcement, and Urban Fire/Rescue Fitness

Thursday, November 16th, 2023

Mountain Tactical Institute, a renowned name in tactical fitness, proudly announces the launch of its new Daily Fitness Programming Streams, designed to revolutionize the fitness regimen of military special operations, law enforcement, and firefighter personnel and aspirants. This innovative program is meticulously crafted to enhance the essential fitness attributes of a military athlete: high relative strength, work capacity, endurance, tactical speed, explosive power, agility, chassis integrity, stamina, and long-term durability.

With years of dedicated research and development, Mountain Tactical Institute has fine-tuned this program through extensive collaboration with MTI Research Teams and feedback from operational units. This ensures the utmost efficacy and relevance of the training modules. The day-to-day, year-round training emphasizes performance outside the gym, focusing on tactical performance and longevity over gym statistics

Unique to this subscription is the periodized and programmed approach to training, avoiding randomness and ensuring clear progression towards fitness goals. Understanding the constant need for fitness in a tactical athlete’s life, the program periodizes intensities and recovery phases to prevent training staleness and promote sustained engagement.

Today, as Mountain Tactical Institute continues to evolve its offerings based on new learnings and coaching experiences, the Daily Fitness Programming Streams stands as a testament to its commitment to excellence and constant improvement. The institute’s hands-on approach, tested by operational units including special operations personnel, federal law enforcement, and regional SWAT/SRT teams ensures effectiveness and efficiency.

For more information, visit www.mtntactical.com.

Posted in Press Release, Training | Comments Off on Mountain Tactical Institute Launches New Daily Training offerings for elite Military, Law Enforcement, and Urban Fire/Rescue Fitness

CMP Announces Return of Advanced Maintenance Rifle Classes in 2024

Friday, November 10th, 2023

After a long hiatus, the Civilian Marksmanship Program’s (CMP) Advanced Maintenance Clinics will be returning in 2024! The course is for those firearm enthusiasts interested in assembling his or her own vintage rifle with the help of hands-on, knowledgeable instructors.

The CMP is happy to announce the return of the Advanced Maintenance Class in 2024.

The Advanced Maintenance Class (AMC) is a three-day course in Anniston, Ala. Designed for those who wish to take their passion for the timeless M1 Garand to the next level, the AMC offers students a unique opportunity to receive unparalleled training from our CMP Custom Shop staff. Topics such as head space, barrel installation, component purpose/function, general rifle assembly, rifle/component maintenance and various accuracy techniques will be covered using instructional videos and detailed visual presentations.

In conjunction with the classroom sessions, students will receive active instruction and individualized assistance from Custom Shop staff. Additionally, students will receive an exclusive visit to the CMP South Store and Talladega Marksmanship Park for a chance to view the grounds and fire their personally crafted rifles from class.

The AMC is taught by the talented armorers of the CMP’s Custom Shop.

Due to popularity of the classes, registration will be based on a lottery system. Registration for the lottery will be open Nov. 27 to Dec. 22. Along with classes for individuals, the Custom Shop will host four “Buddy Class” dates – reserved for applicants wishing to attend with a designated partner of their choosing.

Those interested in the AMC may register through the CMP website at https://thecmp.org/training-tech/advanced-maintenance-class/.

The 2024 dates are:

• Class 1: February 27 – 29, 2024

• Class 2: March 1 – 3, 2024 – BUDDY CLASS

• Class 3: June 25 – 27, 2024

• Class 4: June 28 – 30, 2024 – BUDDY CLASS

• Class 5: August 20 – 22, 2024

• Class 6: August 23 – 25, 2024 – BUDDY CLASS

• Class 7: October 22 – 24, 2024

• Class 8: October 25 – 27, 2024 – BUDDY CLASS

During the class, participants use M1 Garand parts to construct their own rifles.

Registration Lottery:

The Lottery will be used to randomly select participants for the classes. Registering for multiple classes is permitted, but no applicant will be selected for more than one slot. Former AMC participants are welcome to sign up for 2024.

Registrants will become part of an electronic lottery used to randomly assign the 20 available seats for each class date. An additional 20 participants will be assigned to a stand-by list for each date. These stand by lists have been established due to a historically high cancellation rate and will be utilized to fill classes as cancellations occur.

A confirmation email will be sent to each accepted participant, which will include a hidden link to the CMP eStore that will be used to complete the registration process. The class must be purchased on the eStore through the sent link by Feb. 16, 2024. Failure to meet this deadline will result in forfeiture of your slot to the next applicant on a wait list.

The Fine Print:

Total cost for the 2024 AMC will be $2,350 ($1,200 for tuition + $1,150 for Expert rifle). The $1,200 course tuition fee will be billed immediately after purchasing the course from the eStore (with $150 of your class tuition fee considered as a nonrefundable “registration fee”). Late cancellations, made within 30 days of the class start date, will be subject to forfeiture of an additional $300. Deadline for class payment will be Feb. 16, 2024.

The class features hands-on learning along with a trip to CMP’s Talladega Marksmanship Park.

Questions:

For any questions regarding the 2024 AMC or for online registration questions, please contact Hector Lopez-Perez in the Custom Shop at hlopez.perez@thecmp.org or call (256) 835-8455, ext. 513.

More info on the Advanced Maintenance Class page can be found on the CMP website at thecmp.org/training-tech/advanced-maintenance-class.

Posted in Press Release, Training, weapons | Comments Off on CMP Announces Return of Advanced Maintenance Rifle Classes in 2024

Green Berets Partner with Spanish Special Operations Forces for Training

Wednesday, November 1st, 2023

ALICANTE, Spain — Green Berets with the U.S. Army’s 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne) concluded a nearly two-month joint combined exchange training — known as JCET — with members of the Spanish Army’s Grupo Especial de Operaciones near Alicante.

The U.S. and Spanish special operations forces practiced a wide variety of skills during this exercise, including training in long-range marksmanship, crew-served weapons familiarization, mission planning, close-quarter battle, breaching operations, military operations in urban terrain, rappelling and other critical combat and unconventional warfare skills.

U.S. Special Forces conduct JCETs with foreign militaries and partner agencies in their home countries. “JCETs facilitate shared understanding and awareness of capabilities and readiness,” said Lt. Col. Kevin Bowman, U.S. Special Operations Command Europe’s special operations liaison officer to Spain. “More importantly, they allow for both country’s units to build bonds and relationships, which are invaluable, particularly in times of crisis.”

Conducting JCETs with traditional U.S. allies like Spain is important to U.S. Special Operations Forces. “Spain is a very capable NATO ally with diverse, yet shared interests around the globe. It is critical that both countries collaborate wherever possible, given the high probability that we’ll be asked to work together in a future scenario,” Bowman said.

This JCET built upon past training and exercises for the Green Berets of 10th SFG (A). “This two-month JCET was extremely successful – not only did we increase our own tactical capabilities, but we also improved our interoperability and integration with our Spanish Army SOF peers,” said a U.S. Army special forces detachment commander directly involved in the training. “My Spanish counterpart and I integrated our teams to the maximum extent possible… this afforded both detachments the opportunity to develop our mission planning skills, mobility capabilities, and combined special reconnaissance and direct action tactics, techniques, and procedures.”

Both the Green Berets and the GOE gained valuable experience and increased their interoperability according to the detachment commander. JCETs continue to provide unique training opportunities for both U.S. forces and their multinational counterparts.

By CPT Jonathan Leigh

Photos by SSG Jacob Dunlap

Posted in Army, Guest Post, SOF, Training | Comments Off on Green Berets Partner with Spanish Special Operations Forces for Training

CTOMS Academy – Emergency Bleeding Control Training

Wednesday, October 25th, 2023

CTOMS Academy announces the release of its Emergency Bleeding Control training package. This online training includes both the standard and advanced Emergency Bleeding Control courses, giving students in-depth instruction on circulation anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology, and the principles of massive hemorrhage management including direct and indirect pressure, wound packing, bandaging, and the use of various types of tourniquets.

Like all CTOMS Academy courses the training is presented to students with an engaging mix of live video, motion graphics, and 3D animations to facilitate Students understanding of the topics. The Emergency Bleeding Control package includes demonstration video from labs using pathophysiological training models.

CTOMS Academy provides online training suitable to both medical professionals and non-medics operating in tactical and non-tactical environments. Clients include military, law enforcement, and emergency medical service groups. Many civilians, looking for training beyond standard First Aid, also find tremendous value in these courses.

Once enrolled, students can access their course material 24/7 from anywhere in the world, provided they have internet. Learning is self-paced, and the course will remain active for 3 years.

For more information on the Emergency Bleeding Control training package, and other Tactical Trauma Care training, visit CTOMS Academy.

For volume, government, or agency pricing please contact training@ctomsinc.com Use code SSD25 for 25% discount on all online training.

Posted in Advertiser, Medical, Training | 1 Comment »

AFSOC Embraces Extended Reality (XR) to Enhance Readiness

Thursday, October 12th, 2023

HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. —

Extended Reality (XR) is revolutionizing the way Air Force Special Operations Command is approaching training and readiness. XR is an umbrella term that encompasses Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), and Mixed Reality (MR) to create a spectrum of experiences that range from fully virtual environments to overlays of digital content onto the real world. These technologies manipulate our perception of reality, hence the term “extended.” The manipulation of reality is at the core of XR, and it’s transforming the training landscape of AFSOC.

The XR Training Program’s mission is to provide Air Commandos the ability to conduct repetitive readiness training anyplace at any time through secure, autonomous learning distribution and reporting across all command disciplines. The vision is equally ambitious: to be a training program that employs virtual, mixed, and augmented training methodologies, producing warfighters with greater skillset competencies and proficiency in a more realistic environment, at a reduced cost, and on a shortened timeline.

In the beginning of FY23, AFSOC established an XR cross-functional team dedicated to creating an XR Training Framework for the entire command.

“Our first step as a command was to admit we had fallen behind in the evolution of training technology,” said Capt. Kyle Schoonover, Chief of AFSOC XR Training Program. “In true AFSOC fashion, in just a few months we went from this realization to producing a MAJCOM-wide framework capable of incorporating all existing XR technologies as well as charting a path forward for future development in the years to come.”

This framework operates on a crawl, walk, run strategy, composed of four distinct lines of effort (LOEs):

LOE 1: Virtual Hangar

The foundational effort for XR in AFSOC focuses on initial qualification academic training for all aircrew support and mission support personnel, including maintenance and Mission Sustainment Teams. A prime example of this is the “Virtual Hangar” initiative by AFSOC A4. This innovative program leverages VR to enhance AC-130J, MC-130J, CV-22 and munitions maintenance workforce training. The “Virtual Hangar” offers comprehensive Instructor Tools and custom-built Learning Modules, ranging from checklist execution to 3D-modeled schematic overlays.

LOE 2: NexGen Instructor

AFSOC plans to incorporate VR into all Flying Training Units (FTUs) responsible for training AFSOC aircrew. Training modules will cover the academic phases of the FTU syllabi such as academics on aircraft systems and mission equipment. Collaborative partnerships with other Major Commands (MAJCOMs) will be pursued when appropriate, and pathfinding will be the norm when required.

LOE 3: Fusion & Integration

The integration of XR into operational units is a pivotal aspect of AFSOC’s strategy, with a particular emphasis on mission events. These events can range from emulated flight of AFSOC aircraft, to special tactics, to our medical community across the entire continuum of patient care.

LOE 4: The Future Fight

The pinnacle of AFSOC’s XR Training Framework envisions the utilization of Augmented Reality (AR) for aircrew and special tactics teams. Imagine a CV-22 pilot flying over Melrose Air Force Range in New Mexico while their visor displays real-world terrain from distant locations like the Indo-Pacific region. Meanwhile, the pilot’s visor reveals a digital wingman controlled by a ground-based XR device. The goal is to replicate any battlespace via XR technology back at the home station.

“AFSOC’s XR framework provides every unit in the command with a readily digestible and easily repeatable strategy to modernize their training through next-generation methodologies of instruction,” said Schoonover.

The AFSOC XR Training Framework’s implementation is ongoing. While teams across AFSOC continue to work through LOE 1 by immersing in virtual reality and “Virtual Hangars”, LOE 2 is on the horizon with small group XR testing sessions with the AC-130J FTU planned for Summer 2024 and the C-146 FTU planned for Fall 2024. As investment into the training program framework continues, the line of efforts will gain momentum.

“AFSOC is heavily invested in enhancing readiness and training through initiatives like XR,” said Lt. Gen. Tony Bauernfeind, AFSOC commander. “The use of XR in training allows Air Commandos to experience highly realistic simulations of complex scenarios, missions, and environments they may encounter in real-world operations. This practice is paramount as we prepare for current and future operating environments. I’m excited to see where this program goes and we will be ready to build upon each line of effort as resources become available.”

With a comprehensive XR Training Framework in place, AFSOC is poised to transform its training methodologies, ensuring that Air Commandos are better prepared and equipped for strategic competition.

By Capt Amy Rasmussen

Air Force Special Operations Command Public Affairs

Posted in Air Force, Guest Post, SOF, Training | 1 Comment »