Set for an August, 2013 “Russian Security and Paramilitary Forces Since 1991” will be of interest to many SSD readers who strive to stay abreast of international military, paramilitary, and LE organizations. Of particular interest are the Russian paramilitary PMCs which have been formed during the Putin administrations and operate outside of direct government control.
I first met Chief Norrad right after he retired. I was an Intelligence Officer at the 720th STG at Hurlburt and he was in charge of the Command jump team, the Special Tactics and Rescue Specialists. He’s a great guy with a long history with the Air Force and the Combat Control community. I’m glad to see him honored with this video.
Today in 1944, 1Lt Carter Harmon (standing top right), flew a YR-4B helicopter on a rescue mission to evacuate a light L-2 plane pilot and his passengers. This was the first helicopter rescue mission by the 1st Air Commando Group.
DoD Photo of the Day: A U.S. Marine assigned to a Special Operations team fires an M240B machine gun during night training in Helmand province, Afghanistan, March 28, 2013. Team members are deployed in Helmand province to train and mentor Afghan security forces. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Pete Thibodeau
Panteao Productions presents “Battle of the Black Sea” a documentary look at the events leading up to and including the combat operation in Mogadishu, Somalia on 3-4 Oct, 1993. The interview-style video features MSG Paul Howe (USA, Ret), a Veteran of that battle. I spent the weekend watching the video’s many chapters and I can say that it is excellent. He points out instances where the movie “Blackhawk Down” incorrectly depicts the events and speaks very frankly about subjects that few are willing to broach even in private. If you want a look behind Howe’s mindset and experience on planning and executing combat operations, this is a must see. I highly recommend it.