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US, Canadian Special Forces Forge Partnerships in Jamaica

Friday, April 12th, 2024

KINGSTON, Jamaica – The District of Columbia Army National Guard joined forces with elite U.S. and Canadian Special Operations Forces for a subject matter expert exchange in Jamaica.

The collaboration with SOF counterparts from the Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, and Trinidad and Tobago marked a significant milestone in international military cooperation amid Tropical Dagger, an annual event orchestrated by Canada in partnership with the Jamaica Defense Force focusing on the Jamaican SOF element.

The D.C. National Guard’s Lt. Col. Tyson Mele, Maj. Bill Seskey, Capt. Michael Humphrise and Sgt. 1st Class Jurgen Soekhoe provided instruction on U.S. troop-leading procedures and operations orders. Despite geographical and organizational differences, they shared a common framework of tactical techniques and procedures.

The exchange’s success Feb. 16-22 extended beyond the classroom to field exercises where the Soldiers forged camaraderie.

The Jamaicans’ hospitality and professionalism were key to the exchange’s success and included cultural immersion, allowing the visiting Soldiers to experience local customs and traditions.

The participants plan to cultivate their new partnerships with future joint exercises and SMEEs to enhance interoperability and collective security in the region.

The success of Tropical Dagger 2024 serves as a testament to the power of collaboration and cooperation among like-minded nations.

The SOF SMEE was not merely a training exercise but a testament to the strength of international partnerships in fostering peace and security. As the sun set on Tropical Dagger 2024, it illuminated the path forward, where collaboration and cooperation remain the cornerstone of our collective defense.

By MAJ Matthew Dewaegeneer, District of Columbia National Guard

Posted in Army, Guest Post, International, SOF, Training | Comments Off on US, Canadian Special Forces Forge Partnerships in Jamaica

Blast From The Past – Detachment B-52 (Project Delta) Reconnaissance Tips Of The Trade

Wednesday, April 10th, 2024

This is a repost of a story from a few years ago. I was reminded of it based in a TTP you’ll see later today.

When I joined the Army in 1985, most of my senior NCO leadership had served in Vietnam. They were men who had seen combat and we hung on their every word as we trained.

In the late 80s, I served in a LRSD in Germany. We turned to photocopies of a document produced by the Vietnam-era Military Assistance Command Vietnam Studies and Observation Group’s Det B-52 aka Project Delta called ‘Reconnaissance Tips Of The Trade.’

We poured over its 32 pages which were gold to us, offering guidance on how to configure equipment and conduct ourselves on patrols. Some of the information was outdated due to equipment changes, other data was not applicable because we faced a different foe, on different terrain. However, the basics remained the same.

Around the same time, 1st Bn, 7th SFG(A) were gathering their own lessons learned from operations in Central America which would not be released formally until the mid-90s. This update was entitled “Combat Recon Manual: Tips of the Trade” but is often referred to as the “ODB-720 Tips.” Unfortunately, it was much more difficult to share information pre-internet and I never saw a copy until I was about to leave a 3rd Group SOT-A for the Air Force.

The original B-52 Manual is available on the web from Chapter 31 of the Special Forces Association at www.sfa31.org/deltarecontips. Whether you’re reading from a historical perspective or a professional one, there are still a few gems in there. You can find the ODB-720 Tips here.

Posted in History, Profession of Arms, Recce, SOF | 7 Comments »

Call for Articles: Military Review Special Edition on Irregular Warfare

Wednesday, April 3rd, 2024

Army University Press and the US Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School invite submissions for a special edition of Military Review focused on Irregular Warfare. They’re looking for insights from academia and the field to expand the understanding of IW. Topics include policy, training, future trends, digital age effects, space, cyber, and more.

Deadline: 15 May 2024

Submit to: usasoc.milreview.submissions.shdmbx@socom.mil

Posted in Guest Post, Profession of Arms, SOF | Comments Off on Call for Articles: Military Review Special Edition on Irregular Warfare

Royal Thai Navy Special Warfare Command, Naval Special Warfare Conduct Joint Combined Training Exchange

Monday, April 1st, 2024

SATTAHIP, Thailand — A West Coast-based U.S. Naval Special Warfare (NSW) Unit conducted joint combined exchange training (JCET) with members of the Royal Thai Navy Special Warfare Command (RTN SWC) from Jan. 28 – Feb. 29, 2024.

The joint training took place in Sattahip, Thailand, and included visit, board, search and seizure (VBSS) tactics, close-quarters combat, tactical combat casualty care, live weapons ranges and training, airborne water entry training, and mission planning.

While JCET events inherently focus on U.S. military readiness and training, they also mutually enhance bilateral relations, contribute to regional stability and improve interoperability among partners and allies.

“Working with the Thai special warfare unit has given us a chance to share knowledge and expand our working relationships with a partner nation,” said a U.S. Naval Special Warfare operator. “JCETs like this enhances our integrated special warfare capabilities and fosters growth as partners and allies.”

During the JCET, the RTN SWC also hosted a cultural day for NSW operators.

“The opportunity to take a day to learn and share in our Thai partners’ rich culture only deepened our partnership,” said the NSW operator. “While warfighting and mutual capabilities are always our shared focus, the opportunity to learn more about our cultures together is invaluable.”

The United States and Thailand have enjoyed nearly two centuries of diplomatic relations and have been security treaty allies for over 65 years. The enduring relationship covers political, security, and economic cooperation, as well as a shared commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

Naval Special Warfare is the nation’s elite maritime special operations force, uniquely positioned to extend the Fleet’s reach and ensure readiness for future security challenges.

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Chelsea D. Meiller

Posted in Guest Post, International, Navy, SOF | Comments Off on Royal Thai Navy Special Warfare Command, Naval Special Warfare Conduct Joint Combined Training Exchange

Mentors Needed

Sunday, March 31st, 2024

To expand our reach to make even more of an impact, HireSOF is looking for peer mentors to help support the current and future candidates.

If you have successfully transitioned from SOF active duty and have been working within your civilian career for at least 1 full year, and want to help others who are enduring this process, please reach out.

linktr.ee/hiresof

Posted in SOF, Veterans | Comments Off on Mentors Needed

Space Force Guardians Advance SOF Space Interoperability During Emerald Warrior Exercise

Sunday, March 31st, 2024

HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. —

Air Force Special Operations Command, in collaboration with the United States Space Force Special Operations Element (USSFSOE), unveiled the 527th Space Aggressor Squadron full suite of capabilities for the first time during its annual Emerald Warrior exercise, underscoring the unique and invaluable role of USSF Guardians in advancing SOF Space integration.

Emerald Warrior is an AFSOC-sponsored combined joint exercise that provides realistic, relevant, high-end training to prepare special operations forces, conventional forces and international partners for the evolving strategic environment.

The USSFSOE coordinated Guardian support to deliver specialized space expertise, space-related intelligence and integration over the three-week exercise. As representatives of the newest service, the USSFSOE is responsible for space coordination and support to U.S. Special Operations Command.

“The United States Space Force Special Operations Element is strengthening the SOF-Space relationship by integrating our service capabilities into SOCOM exercises like Emerald Warrior,” said Maj. Jonathan Green, USSFSOE plans and programs chief. “These exercises and training opportunities provide Guardians and SOF personnel with much needed interoperability for future joint operations.”

Support for the exercise from the 527th SAS included joint personnel from the USAF, USMC and USSF.

During the exercise, they replicated satellite communication and GPS-based electromagnetic interference to emulate a contested, degraded, operationally limited environment prevalent in areas of operation around the world. This support provided operators the real-world experience that they require.

“Our team allows units to operate in a realistic radio frequency limited environment, providing commanders the benefit of preparing their units with the most effective training,” said U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Bryan Hernandez, 527th SAS mission commander.

“The relationship between the USSF and special operations is imperative as we address next-generation challenges related to great power competition,” said Green. “We will continue to integrate space capabilities and personnel with special operations to meet joint warfighter needs.”

By Maj Jessica Gross & 1st Lt. Cassandra Saphore, Air Force Special Operations Command Public Affairs

Posted in Air Force, Forces Focus, Guest Post, SOF, Space | Comments Off on Space Force Guardians Advance SOF Space Interoperability During Emerald Warrior Exercise

USSOCOM Seeks Subjects for VA Study on PTSD & Brain Health

Saturday, March 30th, 2024

USSOCOM is sponsoring a VA study about PTSD and Brain Health, and they are seeking Operators, Enablers, Leadership/Command, Providers, Contractors, and GS Employees serving SOF.

Go here to start the survey: vhaordfedramp.gov1.qualtrics.com/

Hat tip to the Combat Control Foundation.

Posted in Medical, SOF | Comments Off on USSOCOM Seeks Subjects for VA Study on PTSD & Brain Health

USSOCOM Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) – Digital Projection Close Quarters Sight (DP-CQS)

Wednesday, March 27th, 2024

This upcoming USSOCOM Small Business Innovation Research topic is pretty exciting.

The objective of Digital Projection Close Quarters Sight (DP-CQS) is to develop applied research toward an innovative solution that will provide a compact, close-quarters sight that has multiple user-selectable and user-configurable ballistic reticles, while eliminating mechanical adjustors to improve system stability under thermal and mechanical shock by utilizing a digital screen projected onto a transparent surface for the user to look/aim through.

On 01 April, SOFWERX will host a virtual Q&A session for the DP-CQS area of interest. Soon after, on 10 April 2024 12:00 PM ET (Noon), submissions will open.

As a part of this feasibility study, the proposers shall address all viable overall system design options with respective specifications to innovatively design a 1x (non-magnified) direct view optic that projects a digital screen/reticle onto a transparent surface for the operator to look/aim through. The DP-CQS shall allow the user to configure and store at least 3 different digital reticle configurations with different types of ballistic features and shall include the ability for the center dot/aim point to be brighter than other displayed features. The DP-CQS shall have no mechanical boresight adjustors and shall be designed as a sealed optical system with low Size Weight and Power (SWaP) with a 72-hour continuous battery run time, utilizing no more than 1x CR123 or L91 battery. The DP- CQS shall communicate with external devices to receive range/ballistic data, and user configured/updated reticles. The feasibility study should consider technologies to eliminate scattering of light to provide a sharp edge to all reticle features, while also minimizing unwanted color shift of the direct-view scene. The DP-CQS shall mount to a MIL-STD 1913 Rail.

Visit events.sofwerx.org/sbir24-4r5 to sign up and answer any questions.

Posted in Optics, SOF | Comments Off on USSOCOM Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) – Digital Projection Close Quarters Sight (DP-CQS)