Archive for the ‘Forces Focus’ Category
Forces Focus – 24 Hours In AFSOC
Friday, October 24th, 2014Forces Focus – Pararescue Rodeo
Sunday, October 12th, 2014
Thirty-four pararescuemen from active duty, guard, and Reserve recently participated in a competition hosted by the pararescue schoolhouse, Detachment 1, 342nd Training Squadron at Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico, on September 22nd through 27th.
The pararescuemen were split into 8 teams, and were tested on land navigation skills, high-angle rope rescues, survival techniques, medical skills, weapons operations and overall physical endurance.
To see the rest of the photos, visit www.flickr.com/photos/usairforce/sets/72157648485594032
Two Big Organizational Renamings In SOCOM Last Week
Sunday, August 10th, 2014Even though I spent most of my career in SOF units we aren’t a “Spec Ops” blog. Still, two big things happened in USSOCOM this week that are worthy of mention.
First, MARSOC, the Marine Special Operations Command was renamed Marine Raiders to adopt the heritage of the first USMC special operations unit in WWII.
“United States Marines take great pride in our special operations and irregular warfare heritage…From this point forward, the Marines of MARSOC will be officially aligned with the Marine Raiders of World War II and are charged with maintaining the high standards and traditions that accompany such distinction,” stated Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. James F. Amos in a proclamation he released August 6, 2014, which calls for “the official continuation of our Corps’ special operations heritage from the Raiders of World War II to our modern day Marines.” (Photo by Gunnery Sgt. Josh Higgins). Read the entire press release here.
Second, the US Army’s Military Information Support Operations units have been redesignated as PSYOPS. PSYOPS is the original name and was changed in 2010 under the direction of ADM Eric Olson, former Commander of USSOCOM.
FORT BRAGG, NC – All Military Information Support Operations Command (MISOC) units at Fort Bragg, N.C., have re-designated as Psychological Operations (PSYOP) units effective Aug.5, 2014.
The former 4th and 8th Military Information Support Groups (Airborne) are now the 4th Psychological Operations Group (POG) (Airborne) and the 8th Psychological Operations Group (POG) (Airborne), with their subordinate units being called Psychological Operations Battalions (POB). MISOC will retain its namesake for the time being.
This re-naming of PSYOP units will not affect any unit organization or operations as 4th and 8th POG continue to operate.
I’m quite pleased to see both of these changes and perhaps now those lames who think the term is “pog” and not the correct “Pogue” will take the extra time to put the “U” and “E” back where they belong.
7th Group at Fuerzas Comandos
Monday, July 28th, 2014
The American team from 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne) at the 2014 Fuerzas Comandos skills competition is currently in 1st place among 14 other country teams. With stiff competition from their allies, this 7th Group team is certainly well equipped. In addition to the Hodge Defense Systems AU-MOD 1 upper receivers, Velocity Systems BOSS Rugby Shirts and Crye Precision Tropical Combat Pants seen here, they are also shooting GLOCK 19s with upgrades from Zev Technologies and Leupold‘s upcoming Delta Point Pro red dot.
Definitely Worth the 5 Minutes
Monday, July 14th, 2014
What a Great Photo
Wednesday, June 11th, 2014
As special operations elements of the US Army, South Carolina National Guard, and US Air Force conduct urban assault training, a Lightweight All Terrain Vehicle is loaded onto a MH-47 Special Operations Chinook at McEntire Joint National Guard Base.
(Air National Guard photo by TSgt Jorge Intriago)
Forces Focus – Pararescue in Iceland 2014
Friday, June 6th, 2014Guardian Angel (GA) is a US Air Force, non-aircraft, equipment-based weapon system. GA is organized into nine specific capabilities: Prepare, Mission Plan, Insert, Movement, Actions on Objective, Medically Treat, Extract, Reintegrate, and Adapt.
These nine capabilities are supported by a family of nine acquisition systems: precision aerial insertion, information management, force application/personal protection, visual augmentation, maritime, ground mobility, technical rescue, medical, and Survival EvasionResistance and Escape (SERE). The sum of these capabilities and acquisitions support the PR execution tasks of report, locate, support, recover, and reintegrate.
This equipment-based weapons system is employed by Combat Rescue Officers, Pararescuemen, and SERE Specialists and enabled by uniquely trained combat support personnel.
Recently, a GAWS team deployed to Iceland. This is their experience.
Gerber Continues To Support Best Ranger Competition
Saturday, April 12th, 2014The Lieutenant General David E. Grange, Jr. Best Ranger Competition began in 1982. This year’s competition began yesterday and our friends at Gerber wanted us to remind you that there is live coverage available.
Portland, Oregon (April 11, 2014) Gerber, a leading supplier of knives and tools to the U.S. military, is pleased to announce its continuing support of the Army Best Ranger Competition. A long-standing sponsor, Gerber’s support of the Best Ranger Competition is emblematic of the company’s commitment to the US Military and provides a tangible way to give back.
A grueling annual event held each year at Fort Benning, Georgia, the Best Ranger Competition takes top soldiers through nearly sixty hours of intense competition. Events include the Spot Jump, Stress Shoot, Night Foot March, Prusik Climb, Weapons Assembly/Disassembly, Night Orienteering, Obstacle Course, Water Confidence Test, HELO cast and Buddy Run.
Gerber supports The Best Ranger Competition as a “Hero-level” sponsor, maintaining the highest level of commitment to the event.
This year’s Best Ranger Competition is live now. To watch visit:
www.bestrangercompetition.com/live
