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Hegseth Announces Pay Raise for Army Paratroopers

Saturday, May 24th, 2025

FORT BRAGG, N.C. — Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced a pay raise for Army paratroopers today during remarks to current and former members of the 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.

Hegseth made the announcement during the 82nd’s All American Week, a four-day event that brings past and present paratroopers together to celebrate their service through competitions and camaraderie.

“I’ve got a bit of an announcement today that might be of interest to this community,” Hegseth said to the formation of Soldiers.

“For the first time in [decades], here [as] the secretary of defense, through the secretary of the Army, we are increasing jump pay,” Hegseth said, eliciting an enthusiastic response from the crowd.

Hazardous duty incentive pay — commonly referred to as “jump pay” — is set to increase from $150 per month to $200 for rank-and-file paratroopers.

Additionally, Hegseth added, jumpmasters — the senior paratroopers responsible for training and teaching the techniques for jumping from aircraft — will receive an additional $150 per month on top of the $150 in HDIP they already earn.

“Here’s to our paratroopers, our jumpmasters, who do the difficult things in difficult places that most Americans can never imagine,” Hegseth said following the announcement.

He emphasized that service members remain central to decision-making at the Pentagon.

“I want you to know [that] inside the corridors of the Pentagon, you are on our minds — with the decisions we make in budgets, in planning, in deployments, in orders [and] in reorganizations,” he said.” We have you and your families in mind.”

Hegseth then spoke about rebuilding the military and reestablishing deterrence — two of his top three priorities, along with restoring the warrior ethos, as outlined in his Jan. 25, 2025, message to the force.

“President [Donald J.] Trump is committed to historic investments inside our formations,” Hegseth said. “Our promise to you is that when the 82nd Airborne is deployed — if we have to call 911 for America’s response force — you will be equipped better than any other fighting force in the world.”

He added that under the current administration, the 82nd Airborne will always maintain a superior advantage in battle.

“That’s my promise to you,” he said.

On deterrence, Hegseth said the department is focused on restoring “peace through strength.”

“When I look out at this formation, the eyes of the men and women and these flags, I see the eyes of deterrence; I see the eyes of American strength; I see the eyes that will deter the wars that we don’t want to fight,” he said. “Those who long for peace must prepare for war.”

Hegseth closed his remarks by expressing gratitude to the division’s troops, veterans and their families in attendance.

“Like those who came before you, you keep showing the world the stuff you’re made of,” Hegseth said.

“Because we know you are ready for the important work that lies ahead.”

– Matthew Olay, DOD News

Posted in Army, Guest Post, Parachuting, Profession of Arms | No Comments »

Special Operations Airmen Maneuver Through TRADEWINDS25

Saturday, May 24th, 2025

TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO (AFNS) —

Mission Ready Airmen assigned to the 137th Special Operations Wingmission sustainment team, Oklahoma Air National Guard, strengthened critical self-sustaining skills and assessed their ability to operate in multiple expeditionary environments across the Caribbean during TRADEWINDS25, April 21-May 5.

The team conducted five total maneuvers during the exercise, establishing forward operating sites in Trinidad and Tobago, Antigua, Martinique and Puerto Rico. This is the first time the 137th SOW’s current MST Airmen conducted agile combat readiness in environments outside of the continental U.S. These rapid maneuvers tested their resiliency, adaptiveness and ability to integrate logistics with U.S. Air Force aircrews and multinational hosts.

“Being able to operate in environments where you don’t have the logistical footprint to move resupplies in is critical,” said Lt. Col. Morgan Mathis, mission sustainment team commander. “With each maneuver, we are dealing with different embassies, different security operations officers and different militaries to enable movement into those different countries. That is a big push for us this Tradewinds.”

Mission sustainment teams are employed in support of Air Force Special Operations Command assets. By exercising enhanced operational reach and sustainment through integrated logistics, pre-positioning of forces and shared infrastructure during TW25, the 137th SOW MST assessed their ability to ensure readiness and responsiveness for future exercises and operations.

The 40th iteration of Tradewinds, a U.S. Southern Command-sponsored, regionally oriented annual exercise with 26 participating nations, provided a platform for the 137th SOW MST to train in ground, air and cyber operations. Although the exercise was held in Trinidad and Tobago, the 137th SOW team’s various movements to neighboring islands offered a blueprint for what future iterations of the exercise could incorporate to further interoperability between Caribbean nations.

“This team is able to provide a proof of concept by moving around to different countries and seeing what standard operating procedures we can develop for next year so that we can expand that Agile Combat Employment all over the Caribbean and all over the U.S. Southern Command,” Mathis added.

The first iteration of the 137th SOW MST was established in 2021, aligning AFSOC forces with the U.S. Air Force’s shift toward ACE. ACE is a concept that allows Mission Ready Airmen to operate in expeditionary environments to maintain posture, command and control, movement and maneuver, protection and sustainment. This is reliant on their ability to rapidly execute operations from various locations with integrated capabilities and interoperability, as 137th SOW Mission Ready Airmen demonstrated in TW25, through technical training and by conducting multiple maneuvers across Caribbean islands.

In the 18 months leading up to TW25, Airmen assigned to the current 137th SOW MST were hand-picked to form a team centered around enabling rapid maneuvers around areas of responsibility, sustaining AFSOC forces, providing force and medical protection to those forces, and mission generation: being able to rearm, refuel, launch, land and recover aircraft.

TW25 is the fourth major field training exercise this team participated in, each with an emphasis on movement and maneuver, protection, mission generation or sustainment. While operating in the Caribbean, Airmen assigned to the 137th SOW MST focused on the movement and maneuver and the sustainment elements of their mission.

“This is a huge opportunity for our Airmen to learn, to grow, to be leaders and to make decisions,” Mathis said. “As we look toward the future, exercises are how our Airmen are going to learn how to do mission command and how to problem solve on the fly without oversight. These exercises are a huge part of enabling them to gain that experience that, in the past, Airmen would have gotten through multiple deployments, but now they are getting through named exercises like Tradewinds.”

A key element to self-sustainable operations and maneuvers for Mission Ready Airmen is tactical combat casualty care tier two. TCCC tier two equips Mission Ready Airmen with advanced lifesaving skills that are crucial for sustainment in expeditionary environments. Airmen assigned to the 137th SOW MST enhanced these critical skills through multiple hands-on scenarios during TW25 in Trinidad and Tobago.

“TCCC tier two is especially critical for Mission Ready Airmen to understand and be proficient in,” said a 137th SOW TCCC instructor that accompanied the MST for TW25. “It is battlefield-proven to reduce preventable deaths. When they are in austere environments, these Airmen may be the only medical care available to their wingmen.

Following their operations in Trinidad and Tobago, the team shifted focus toward bolstering mobile communications.

Throughout their maneuvers, 137th SOW Airmen were tasked to establish and test the effectiveness and reliability of Mobile Ad-hoc Network, or MANET, communication networks between dispersed 137th SOW Airmen across Caribbean-centric islands in multinational operations, increasing the survivability, security and sustainability of communications as ACE’s command and control element requires.

With each maneuver to a new island, 137th SOW Mission Ready Airmen would establish a near vertical incidence skywave antenna to bounce high-frequency radio waves off of internal mobile communications. Alongside the NVIS technology, the 137th SOW team utilized handheld AN/PRC-163 radios to extend their secure communications networks further as they tested line-of-sight communications on the island of Martinique, and satellite communications to Wingmen on other islands and to units stationed in North Carolina and New York.

This technical and hands-on training provided a foundation for 137th SOW MST Airmen to participate in a cross-functional mobile communications discussion with members of the French Navy while the team was operating in Martinique.

“Communications are a big part of MST,” Mathis shared. “Without communications, MST cannot operate. We want each of the members of the team to be proficient in not just basic communications but digital communications, line-of-sight and beyond.”

Similarly, the Mission Ready Airmen assigned to the 137th SOW MST conducted a knowledge exchange with the Antigua and Barbuda Defense Force where they compared combat casualty care methodologies and life-saving techniques, mission and command planning, supply transportations logistics and mobile communications while staying in Antigua.

By comparing mission essential strategies with multinational forces, the 137th SOW Mission Ready Airmen are able to reinforce their skillsets and expertise while enhancing foundational relations and interoperability for future exercises and operations.

Opportunities like TW25 allow for these Airmen to demonstrate their professionalism and proficiency as they continue to grow as leaders and Citizen Airmen. For many on the 137th SOW team, this was the first time they collaborated with a Caribbean nation.

“I was very appreciative of their hospitality,” an MST Airman noted. “This exercise has helped me expand my worldview in ways that will continue to help me grow as a person and as a Mission Ready Airman.”

As Guardsmen, the 137th SOW team has the advantage of retainability, allowing for TW25 multinational interoperability opportunities to serve as a cornerstone for continuity and lasting relations that will allow 137th SOW Mission Ready Airmen to better support Air Force Special Operations Command assets in future global operations.

The success of global operations relies on the ability of units like the 137th SOW MST to project, maneuver and sustain the joint force and is made stronger through continued relationships with allies and partners.

“Working with these host nations is everything,” Mathis said. “From initial planning and coordination to on the ground communication and logistics support, building that relationship with each of the countries is a big part of what we have been able to do in Tradewinds. We hope to continue that in the future as we practice working with partner nations to enable Agile Combat Employment for AFSOC.”

Collaboration with partners and participation in multinational operations and exercises, such as TW25, reinforces 137th SOW Mission Ready Airmen’s capabilities to operate in a high-intensity environment, improving readiness, responsiveness and interoperability in both peacetime and crisis.

By Senior Airman Erika Chapa

137th Special Operations Wing Public Affairs

Posted in Air Force, Guest Post, SOF | No Comments »

FirstSpear Friday Focus: Assaulter’s Accessory Pocket (AAP)

Friday, May 23rd, 2025

The ASSAULTER’S ACCESSORY POCKET (AAP) is a highly versatile tactical pouch designed to meet the demands of both everyday and mission-specific gear organization.

At its core, it features a spacious main compartment ideal for storing essential equipment such as an Individual First Aid Kit (IFAK), breaching tools, or other loose gear. A removable interior organizer panel provides customizable options for arranging your contents, while the loop interior allows for hook-backed pouches to be added for even greater storage flexibility.

The pouch is engineered with a unique “shark mouth” opening that enables it to open wide for quick, efficient access—especially when worn on a belt—then compresses down to a slim, low-profile form when closed. This makes it both functional and compact.

The AAP offers two mounting options: a belt mount that fits belts up to 2 inches wide, including large cobra-style buckles, and a tube mount for added flexibility. Dummy cord attachment points enhance security for sensitive items, and a bungee cord is included to help stabilize or restrain loose gear within the pouch.

Built with tactical efficiency in mind, the ASSAULTER’S ACCESSORY POCKET is rugged and reliable in high-stakes environments. Its thoughtful design makes it a go-to choice for professionals requiring adaptable gear storage. Whether you’re carrying medical supplies, breaching tools, or everyday tactical essentials, this pouch delivers top-tier organization and access.

FirstSpear is the premier source for cutting edge-tactical gear for military, law enforcement and those who train.

For more information visit First-Spear.com.

Posted in Advertiser, FS Friday Focus, Guest Post, Load Carrying | No Comments »

Contract Awarded for Modernized Equipment for the Canadian Army’s Light Forces

Friday, May 23rd, 2025

Dismounted infantry soldiers test Logistik Unicorp’s protective and load carriage equipment during trials for the Dismounted Infantry Capability Enhancement trials. (Cpl Peter Grieves)

On March 18, 2025, Canada awarded a contract with an initial value of $19.7 million (excluding taxes) to Logistik Unicorp to supply the Canadian Army’s (CA) light forces with 3,000 units of advanced protective and load carriage equipment. This contract includes the provision of ballistic armour layers, tactical vests, pack systems and associated pouches, as well as options for additional systems and services.

The current equipment used by CA soldiers offers excellent ballistic and blunt impact protection but requires modular capabilities for modern dismounted infantry operations. The Dismounted Infantry Capability Enhancement (DICE)initiative aims to improve the form, fit and function of this equipment, to enable a full range of motion for soldiers performing demanding tasks.

User trials were conducted from October to November 2024 with active dismounted infantry soldiers that provided detailed data and individual feedback, that were in turn analyzed carefully against the contract requirements. The result is that soldiers will be equipped with the modern and effective equipment needed to do their jobs, at the best value to Canadians. To address past concerns about fit, especially for women, the trials included soldiers of different sizes and body types, with female participation at 13.3 percent,higher than the 0.3 percentrepresentation in dismounted infantry units.

The new equipment was exhaustively tested to ensure that it fits various bodies and forms, with soft armour available in two distinct cuts. Ballistic plates will be offered in a greater range of sizes to maximize comfort and protection. While protection remains the priority, the new equipment significantly improves overall fit and coverage.

The new equipment is expected to be delivered starting in fall 2025 and will be used in conjunction with the contract awarded to Galvion in March 2023 for new helmets (known as the “Helmet High Cut Ground Troop”). While that initial contract was for 2,100 helmets and spare parts for the light forces, the Department of National Defence (DND) has since exercised its options to obtain more, bringing the total number of helmets to 10,500, for a total contract value of $14.9 million.

The DICE is working in parallel with the Soldier Operational Clothing Enhancement Modernization (SOCEM)initiative, which provides all CA units with a full range of modernized equipment and clothing. The DICE initiative allows DND to purchase smaller quantities of equipment for specific groups, and to trial procurement methods that can be applied to the larger SOCEM initiative. This approach helps to deliver new equipment quickly and effectively by applying best practices from smaller procurements.

By Nancy Cook

The Maple Leaf

Photo and article via CANADA DND

Posted in Contracts, Guest Post, International, Load Carrying, Packs | 2 Comments »

Unique Army Unit Shares Lessons Learned on How Army Can Become More Mobile, Lethal

Thursday, May 22nd, 2025

WASHINGTON — The Army’s 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, shared insights gained from its nine-month European rotational deployment as the Army’s only Transformation in Contact 1.0 unit in an active theater during a media roundtable May 5, 2025, at the Pentagon.

The brigade is one of three brigades with an initiative to integrate technological advancements into equipment and force structure.

Unique to the Soldiers’ experience was that they were the first Army brigade to “transform in contact” while forward deployed. Transforming in Contact, or TiC, is how the Army is adapting its organization and delivering new technologies into the hands of Soldiers so they can experiment, innovate and be ready to fight on a modern battlefield. It accelerates fielding of necessary capabilities and leverages commercial off-the-shelf products to get new capabilities to the force fast.

Col. Josh Glonek, commander of the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, said when their deployment began nine months ago along NATO’s eastern flank from the Baltics to the Black Sea region, the Army asked them to do two things: become more mobile and more lethal.

Lessons learned

The unique brigade applied lessons learned from the war in Ukraine to advance Army efforts in unmanned aerial systems employment, electronic warfare, ground mobility, deception, command and control, survivability and more.

The brigade operated in challenging terrain in complex environments, during winter conditions, Glonek said during Combined Resolve 25-01 at the Joint Multinational Readiness Center in Germany.

“The difficult terrain and weather tested equipment and Soldiers, leading to crucial adjustments in tactics,” he said. “The European weather — cloud cover, fog, icing — presented significant challenges to drone operations. We need to develop technologies and tactics that can operate effectively in these conditions.”

Although the terrain and weather were difficult, he said the Soldiers proved their resiliency.

“Our Soldiers are proving that they can adapt and overcome, even in the most demanding environments,” Glonek said.

The colonel said the unique brigade also successfully fielded new equipment across five NATO countries.

“The 3/10 has been at the forefront of integrating cutting-edge technologies like advanced drones (Skydio, Vector, Darkhive), new vehicles such as Infantry Squad Vehicles, or ISVs, and networked communication systems. This isn’t just about having new gear. It’s about how we’re using it to enhance our capabilities.”

Glonek said the integration of Infantry Squad Vehicles, unmanned systems — including lethal drones — and redesigned Strike Companies has increased the brigade’s ability to maneuver quickly, find the enemy, and deliver decisive firepower. He said ISVs and Soldier Mounted Equipment Transports significantly improved the light infantry’s mobility, reducing their reliance on traditional support units.

Ninety percent of the brigade-initiated fire missions were observed by the UAS, significantly increasing accuracy and reducing risk to Soldiers, he said. The integration of Strike Companies, equipped with scouts, mortars and unmanned systems proved effective in finding, fixing and locating enemy forces.

“Through this, we’ve learned the importance of maintaining dedicated reconnaissance,” Glonek said.

Lethality, readiness

Glonek said the brigade combat team is modernizing their equipment and their approach to warfare to increase their lethality and readiness, so they can answer the call anywhere at any time.

“The 3/10 was specifically designed to rapidly integrate new technologies and adapt our organizational structures,” he said. “We’re now delivering those lessons learned — practical, actionable insights — to the entire Army.”

He said they incorporated discoveries from their European rotation to test and improve their C2 configuration, invest in innovations, and implement emerging technology with brigades to make them more lethal in multi-domain operations.

“The lessons learned by the 3/10 are shaping the future of the Army,” Glonek said. “We are prioritizing electronic warfare, investing in drone capabilities, and ensuring our Soldiers are equipped with the skills and technology they need to win on the modern battlefield.”

Transformation, interoperability

The brigade fielded lightweight alternatives and introduced drones, unmanned aerial systems equipment, electronic warfare and mobile infantry vehicles to adapt to the changing modern warfare environment.

It integrated multiple TiC systems and capabilities across the European theater. By emphasizing these TiC capabilities, integrating NATO Allied Forces and partner nations, Patriot Soldiers validated the Army’s ability to command and control U.S. and NATO ground forces in a large-scale combat operational environment, Glonek said.

The brigade integrated multiple TiC systems and capabilities across the European theater. They operated in a real-world environment, 90 miles from Ukraine, and in an exercise that involved nearly 4,000 participants from multiple nations.

“This provided invaluable insights unavailable in training exercises,” he said. “We worked side-by-side with our NATO allies, sharing technology and learning from their experiences. It reinforced the importance of interoperability and collective defense.”

As a TiC unit, the Soldiers were prioritized to receive the newest warfighting capabilities, including more than 150 unmanned aerial systems and upgraded communications equipment.

– Shannon Collins, Army News Service

Posted in Army, Guest Post, UAS | No Comments »

RIA-JMTC Leads the Charge in 3D-Printed Drone Production, Uniting the Organic Industrial Base for Future Warfare

Wednesday, May 21st, 2025

ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL, Ill. – As the conflict in Ukraine has demonstrated, the battlefield of the future will be defined by the innovative and widespread use of unmanned aerial systems, and the ability to rapidly produce and deploy these systems at scale will be crucial to maintaining a tactical advantage in future conflicts.

“The U.S. Army recognizes the changing dynamics of warfare and is fully committed to staying ahead of the curve,” said Col. David Guida, commander of Rock Island Arsenal-Joint Manufacturing and Technology Center. “We are investing heavily in our Organic Industrial Base, harnessing its agility and innovation to develop and field advanced capabilities like these 3D-printed drones. At RIA-JMTC, our unique blend of cutting-edge technology and skilled artisans is leading the charge in this critical effort to shape the future of warfare.”

Through initiatives like Transforming in Contact, the Army is fielding new technologies and transforming how it develops, tests and integrates those technologies onto the battlefield. TiC prioritizes addressing immediate needs by enabling “in-contact experimentation”—putting cutting-edge technology directly into the hands of Soldiers and empowering them to innovate and adapt in real-world scenarios. This approach fosters a culture of calculated risk-taking and rapid Soldier feedback, ensuring that solutions are not only technologically advanced but also practical and effective on the modern battlefield. By focusing on near-term solutions and integrating emerging technologies, TiC enables Army units to rapidly test organizational changes and stay ahead of our adversaries, ensuring they are ready to fight and win in an increasingly complex and challenging operational environment. RIA-JMTC is partnering with multiple units in the field and the Combat Training Centers to share and provide technical data and lessons learned to help all improve.

This flexible and adaptive process is illustrated by the development of 3D-printed drones. RIA-JMTC is actively preparing to build the capacity for large-scale production of 3D-printed drones, working in close collaboration with other key OIB facilities, such as Tobyhanna Army Depot. This collaborative approach, harnessing the unique strengths and expertise of various OIB sites, is key to the Army’s strategy for rapidly developing and fielding advanced UAS capabilities. This directly supports TiC’s goal to accelerate the innovation and experimentation of new systems at scale to preserve our technological edge.

“This project is a testament to the enduring spirit of American ingenuity and the Army’s unwavering commitment to staying ahead of the technological curve,” said Guida. “Our team at RIA-JMTC is dedicated to producing high-quality, on-time readiness solutions for the Warfighter, constantly pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in support of those on the front lines. This 3D printed drone initiative embodies that commitment, showcasing our ability to rapidly adapt and deliver cutting-edge solutions that will directly impact the future of warfare.”

The initiative was sparked by a collaborative proof-of-concept project with the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), which highlighted the potential of 3D printing for rapidly prototyping and producing customized tactical drones tailored to specific mission needs. This initial project served as a valuable learning experience, demonstrating the viability of RIA-JMTC’s 3D-printed drone production capabilities and revealing the power of collaboration within the OIB.

“The history of the 101st Airborne Division is a testament to the courage, ingenuity and unwavering spirit of the American Soldier,” said Maj. Gen. Brett Sylvia, commanding general of the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault). “These 3D printed drones are the latest of many exciting emerging technologies we are implementing under our continuous and iterative TiC. They are the beginning of a user-driven, division-enabled force multiplier that will empower our Screaming Eagles to write the next chapter in the evolution of vertical envelopment.”

Building on these initial successes, RIA-JMTC produced smaller drones from the 2nd Calvery Regiment with less pieces to again showcase its rapid production capabilities. The factory is now focused on preparing for full-scale production to meet the Army’s broader and rapidly expanding UAS needs. The factory is actively researching and evaluating various drone designs to ensure they are prepared when the Army provides the requirements. This research involves close collaboration with other experts within the OIB’s research and development community to identify designs that offer the optimal balance of capability, adaptability and cost-effectiveness.

“The OIB must support current unit readiness across the force, maintain the ability to surge and modernize and retool to sustain the next generation of equipment,” asserted Greg Lupton, RIA-JMTC deputy commander. “This project, demonstrating how Arsenals like RIA-JMTC directly respond to urgent Warfighter needs, highlights this critical role. By manufacturing and fabricating vital components and systems, Arsenals ensure our Soldiers have the utmost confidence in their equipment and are prepared to face any challenge on the battlefield.”

This collaborative approach is exemplified by RIA-JMTC’s partnership with Tobyhanna Army Depot, the Army’s Center of Industrial and Technical Excellence for Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (C4ISR) and Electronics, Avionics, and Missile Guidance and Control, and the Air Force Technology Repair Center for Tactical Missiles, Rigid Wall Shelters and Portable Buildings. Tobyhanna brings unparalleled expertise to the project, and their artisans will install the sophisticated electronics, sensors and mission-critical internal systems that will bring the drones to life, leveraging their deep experience in C5ISR, avionics and missile guidance systems.

“This partnership with RIA-JMTC leverages Tobyhanna’s core strengths as the Department of Defense’s leading provider of C5ISR readiness for the joint Warfighter,” said Col. James L. Crocker, Tobyhanna’s commander. “Our skilled workforce and state-of-the-art facilities are prepared to equip 3D printed drones with the advanced technological capabilities they need to provide a decisive edge on the battlefield.”

In addition to this ongoing research and development effort, RIA-JMTC is working to compile Technical Data Packages from the Army, which will help define the specific types and quantities of drones required to meet the demands of the future battlefield. This TDP will provide the critical specifications and requirements that will guide the final stages of production planning and ensure that the drones produced by RIA-JMTC are precisely tailored to meet the needs of the Warfighter.

“This project is about investing in the future of the Army and ensuring that our Soldiers have the tools they need to succeed in any mission, on any battlefield,” said Guida. “We are not just building drones; we are building the future of Army readiness.”

RIA-JMTC, in close coordination with Tobyhanna and other key OIB partners, is working to be fully prepared to rapidly produce and deliver these critical assets to the Warfighter. This agile and collaborative approach ensures that the Army can rapidly adapt to evolving threats and maintain its technological edge on the dynamic battlefields of the future.

“This is about more than just drones,” Lupton added. “This is about the Army’s commitment to leveraging the full potential of the OIB to maintain its technological edge in an era of rapidly evolving threats. The partnerships we are forging today will be essential to ensuring our nation’s security for decades to come.”

By Kendall Swank

Posted in Additive Manufacturing, Army, Guest Post, UAS | 2 Comments »

U.S. Special Operations Command Hosts First Ever International Commander’s Forum to Build Generational Relationships During Special Operations Forces Week 2025

Tuesday, May 20th, 2025

TAMPA, FLORIDA, UNITED STATES

U.S. Special Operations Command kicked off Special Operations Forces Week 2025 with an International Commander’s Forum. The forum was attended by 311 participants from 61 countries with 78 Special Operations Forces units represented.

The Forum was incorporated this year directly based on recommendations after the 2024 SOF Week. USSOCOM’s international division recognized that the most valuable part of the week was the interaction between command teams. Maintaining strong networks, and developing generational relationships is strength of special operations.

Building generational relationships takes commitment. While SOF Week is fast paced, with the displays, panels, keynote speakers, so it was a deliberate effort to start the week with this Forum to set the tone. Gen. Bryan Fenton, commander U.S. Special Operations Command often says, “relationships are our competitive advantage.”

USSOCOM has always recognized the significant role that international partnerships play in accomplishing the mission of special operations forces around the globe. To grow and develop generational partnerships, the Command hosted more than 60 countries from around the world.

The conference was attended by King of Jordan Abdullah II bin Al-Hussein along with Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and the Chairman of the Joints Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine and current and retired senior military leaders.

“In today’s contested world SOF does not go alone. They go first, but they also go with partners. SOF’s ability to work by, with and through international partners pays huge dividends on our border, in the Indo-Pacific and around the world,” said Hegseth. “Partners, as I see so many of our partners right here in the front, are central to how SOF works. They must believe that America is strong, that peace through strength is real, then they want to come into our orbit and be force multipliers. I’m talking about generational relationships that we have built with partner forces around the globe.”

“The fusion of what we have in this room — interagency, industry, academia, practitioners, and policymakers — is tied together and galvanized towards irregular and asymmetric options,” said Fenton. “We’re the scalpel, but when the time comes, we can bring the hammer too.”

A special operations officer from Japan reflected on his relationship with U.S. SOF.

“My relationship with U.S. SOF has been built on trust, mutual respect, and shared experiences in the field. We’ve trained, planned, and operated together—not as separate forces, but as one team with a common mission. That connection has only deepened over time. Generational partnerships ensure that knowledge, values, and strategic alignment are passed down and sustained. I was surprised and deeply moved when I discovered that my jump buddy from 1st SFG ten years ago was now serving as J3-I Director, USSOCOM as my counterpart. In today’s rapidly evolving threat environment, it’s not just about the mission at hand—it’s about building a legacy of trust and collaboration that empowers future operators and leaders,” he said. “I want to express my deepest gratitude to the SOCOM community. Your commitment, humility, and professionalism have inspired me throughout my journey. To my partners—let’s continue building something greater than ourselves. The mission continues, and so does our unbreakable bond.”

A Jordanian special operations officer emphasized the strategic value of long-lasting relationships between allies.

“Our relationship is strategic, productive, and collaborative. This is an historical, long-lasting relationship that we will always maintain. Relationships continue to grow in unprecedented ways with an increase in joint combat operations and UAS development for both Special Operations organizations. Generational partnerships are also extremely important. We continue to build on our partnerships to reach a level of trust that leads us to greater interoperability, seamless integration, and eventual interdependence to fight together as force multipliers,” he said.

SOF employs a partnership model around the world to build partner nation security force capacity and capability. The intangible power of generational partnerships comes from thoughtful, deliberate, and persistent interactions that lead to partnerships, and this intentional effort is irreplaceable for advancing and protecting U.S. national security interests.

Story by Michael Bottoms

U.S. Special Operations Command

Posted in Guest Post, International, SOF, SOF Week | No Comments »

Cyber Lethality: Multidomain Training Enhances Readiness at Exercise African Lion 2025

Monday, May 19th, 2025

TUNIS, Tunisia – Cyber capabilities are a fundamental function of modern warfighting. During African Lion 2025 (AL25) U.S. Cyber Command Soldiers joined Wyoming National Guardsmen and Tunisian Armed Forces cyber teams for an academic exchange to enhance the protection of critical infrastructure, enable secure communication and streamline battlefield coordination.

This first-ever joint, combined exchange in Tunisia, showcased the capabilities of cyber professionals to adapt, innovate and tackle the challenges posed by increasingly sophisticated adversaries.

“Cyber operations are vital in warfighting as they protect and disrupt digital networks, ensuring secure, rapid and resilient communication for strategic decision-making and battlefield coordination,” said U.S. Air Force Senior Master Sgt. John Williams, a warfighter communications superintendent assigned to the 153rd Communications Squadron, 153rd Airlift Wing, Wyoming Air National Guard.

Whereas offensive capabilities are often overlooked, the academics-style course highlighted the dual impact of cyber readiness on modern warfare. This was especially significant considering most people tend to think of this domain from a defensive perspective, such as cybersecurity and protection.

“Cyber enhances warfighting capabilities by ensuring command and control systems are protected and functioning when you need them the most,” said U.S. Army Capt. Jean-Carlos Cedré, a cyber operations officer assigned to U.S. Army Reserve Cyber Protection Brigade (ARCPB), 335th Signal Command (Theater), U.S. Army Cyber Command, and officer in charge of the AL25 Tunisia cyber team.

The defensive cyber portion of the course focused on incident response techniques, as well as computer forensics and frameworks designed to protect against malicious threats from adversaries. Offensive cyber scenarios simulated cyberattacks to identify vulnerabilities, seeking to gain any competitive battlefield advantage.

“From an offensive perspective, cyber can also enable battlefield enhancements by providing windows of opportunity that help tip the battle in favor of our warfighters,” said Cedré.

Joining ARCPB in Tunisia, Wyoming Air National Guard’s cyber team greatly contributed to the mission, bringing significant experience and expertise forged through a 21-year National Guard Bureau State Partnership Program (SPP) with the Tunisian Armed Forces.

SPP military exchanges have enhanced knowledge in aviation, engineering, and medical best practices, including readiness and warfighting capabilities such as cyber proficiency. These engagements foster interoperability, build trust and ensure both forces are better equipped to tackle emerging threats.

“My experience working with the Tunisian Army was eye-opening,” said Cedré. “Their experience, eagerness to learn and natural abilities provided a platform for us to build upon, leading to a highly valuable training event.”

The cyber team from Wyoming agreed.

“Collaborating with the Tunisian cyber team was both insightful and rewarding. Their expertise and dedication are complemented by their exceptional hospitality and professionalism,” said U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Thomas Schoening, an information technology network operations specialist, assigned to the 153rd Communications Squadron, 153rd Airlift Wing, Wyoming Air National Guard.

With defensive and offensive cyber skills enhanced, this multinational team is ready to showcase a domain the joint force cannot afford to overlook on an increasingly sophisticated battlefield.

“This training, along with future collaborations, will further solidify our partnership and cultivate highly skilled cyber professionals prepared to meet the challenges of future conflicts,” concluded Williams.

Exercise African Lion 2025 is more than a test of technical prowess; it shows the power of multinational collaboration in the face of evolving cyber threats. By pooling resources, expertise and innovations, these cyber warriors are setting the stage for a resilient and secure future.

About African Lion

AL25 is set to be the largest annual military exercise in Africa, bringing together over 50 nations, including seven NATO allies and 10,000 troops to conduct realistic, dynamic and collaborative training in an austere environment that intersects multiple geographic and functional combatant commands. Led by SETAF-AF on behalf of the U.S. Africa Command, AL25 takes place from April 14 to May 23, 2025, across Ghana, Morocco, Senegal, and Tunisia. This large-scale exercise will enhance our ability to work together in complex, multidomain operations—preparing forces to deploy, fight and win.

About SETAF-AF

U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) prepares Army forces, executes crisis response, enables strategic competition and strengthens partners to achieve U.S. Army Europe and Africa and U.S. Africa Command campaign objectives.

MAJ Joe Legros

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