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Cannon AFB First to Test New AFSOC Combat Readiness Inspection

Tuesday, September 24th, 2024

CANNON AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. —

The 27th Special Operations Wing conducted its first Combat Readiness Inspection as a part of Emerald Warrior 24 FTX II in various locations throughout the western United States, Aug. 4 to Aug. 9, 2024.

The CRI is a new Air Force Special Operations Command assessment method designed to better evaluate a wing’s combat readiness for high-end operations. AFSOC’s pivot toward Great Power Competition requires its units to be pushed to their limits, encouraging them to boldly take risks and try new tactics and techniques. The CRI provides units the “freedom to fail” in a controlled exercise environment, ensuring any failures are viewed as opportunities for learning and growth, rather than punishments or setbacks.

A key element of the CRI is focusing on the performance of mission-essential tasks in a robust threat environment, helping units better prepare for the complexities inherent to real-world operations against pacing challenges.

“Overall, the 27th Special Operations Wing set the benchmark for the future of Combat Readiness Inspections” said Lt. Gen. Mike Conley, AFSOC commander. “The goal for this event was never perfection. We wanted the Wing to be all in, face tough challenges, discover areas for improvement, and work together to problem solve for the future…and they did just that. The CRI was a true reflection of AFSOC culture – a willingness to take on challenges that others may shy away from, even when success isn’t guaranteed. This mindset is key as we learn, grow, and continuously improve our readiness for current and future conflicts.”

The 27th SOW implemented the CRI as a part of an already existing high-end readiness exercise, Emerald Warrior, to identify opportunities for improvement, innovate training approaches and align its programs with the latest advancements in technology, tactics and strategic objectives.

The CRI brought U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Stephen Davis, Department of the Air Force Inspector General, to Cannon AFB to observe AFSOC’s premier readiness wing execute the CRI. While at Cannon AFB, Davis attended several battle staff events to ensure the inspection was as realistic as possible, highlighting the focus on combat readiness and accurately assessing the readiness required to succeed against pacing challenges across the spectrum of competition, including conflict.

“We were the first to do this new type of exercise, pathfinding for AFSOC,” said Col. Cary Mittelmark, 27th SOW deputy commander for operations. “We were able to validate some of the Agile Combat Employment concepts that AFSOC has been working hard at for the last couple years.”

During the CRI, inspectors evaluated the capabilities of a 27th SOW Special Operations Task Group, comprised of multiple aviation, Special Tactics and Mission Sustainment Team Special Operations Task Units.

Throughout the inspection, the 27th SOW MST established and secured one primary forward operating base and two geographically separated forward operating locations across Idaho and Nevada, sustaining 200 personnel while providing the placement, access and survivability required to conduct a variety of air and ground operations.

After a base of operations was established, Special Tactics Airmen from the 24th Special Operations Wing worked with the 27th SOW MST, AC-130JGhostrider, MC-130J Commando II and U-28 Draco crews to execute a variety of AFSOC core missions, including SOF mobility, strike Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) and air to ground integration.

Prioritizing readiness based on overall mission effectiveness rather than functional competence will ensure AFSOC’s continued ability to rapidly project unconventional airpower for the joint force globally, a task The Steadfast Line executes day-in and day-out.

By Staff Sergeant Kevin Williams

27th Special Operations Wing Public Affairs

Posted in Air Force, Guest Post, SOF | Comments Off on Cannon AFB First to Test New AFSOC Combat Readiness Inspection

AFSOC Commander Addresses Balancing Current and Future Requirements at AFA

Wednesday, September 18th, 2024

NATIONAL HARBOR, Md. – Lt. Gen. Michael Conley, commander Air Force Special Operations Command, shared his outlook on balancing current operational success and future requirements in the face of Great Power Competition during the Air and Space Force Association’s Air, Space and Cyber Conference panel here Sept 16.

“It is an exciting time to be in AFSOC, we are leaning very hard into future capabilities figuring out what our role is in a future fight but we do not have the luxury of just looking to the future we also have to make sure the men and women we send down range are ready to go,” said Conley.

Conley joined Lt. Gen. Adrian Spain, Deputy Chief of Staff of the Air Force for Operations and Lt. Gen. Douglas Schiess, Commander, U.S. Space Forces – Space and Combined Joint Force Space Component Commander for the Wars We’re Fighting panel.

On any given day AFSOC has approximately 1,000 deployed Air Commandos worldwide conducting operations, training and joint exercises. As an early adopter, AFSOC is completing its first 2-year Force Generation cycle, which has streamlined how Air Commandos are presented to the Joint Force.

“Force generation has proven to be a win for AFSOC,” said Conley. “It has really helped our ability to clearly explain the forces we have available to go out the door and support [the Joint Force], what we have in reserve, and what the risks are of reaching into that reserve force.”

Articulating capacity and risk while maintaining crisis response capabilities requires Air Commandos who understand the threats and are disciplined, adaptable, and ready to answer the Nation’s call.

“People are the thing I need more of – not just people, but the right people. We need problem solvers; we need thinkers, and it takes a while to build up a special operator to go downrange,” said Conley.

Current and future Air Commandos provide the Joint Force with placement and access in strategic locations, however when looking at Great Power Competition Conley says AFSOC needs to better to connect with other Air Force MAJCOMs like Pacific Air Forces and U.S. Air Forces in Europe – Air Forces Africa to provide SOF unique capabilities.

“I am challenging my team to be better at being the Air Force’s SOF component, so I want to be able to reach out to Gen Hecker (USAFE-AFAFRICA Commander) or Gen Schneider (PACAF Commander) and say how can AFSOC help you with some of your tough problems because I think in Great Power Competition we are going to need to be better integrated so now is the time to start moving out in that direction.”

In the face of Great Power Competition, AFSOC is striving to provide SOF unique capabilities, deter challengers and ensure success should deterrence fail.

– Courtesy of AFSOC

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

USSOCOM SBIR Pre-Release: Autonomous Precision Timing in Contested/Congested RF Environments

Tuesday, September 17th, 2024

The objective of this SBIR Open Topic is to develop applied research towards the development of an independent, autonomous precision timing source, such as an Atomic Clock, to enable precision timing in Radio Frequency (RF) contested and congested environments.

Existing systems depend on the Global Positioning System (GPS) for positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) services. In environments where GPS is unavailable, RF communication systems relying on precision timing are impacted. The proposed technology should address how autonomous precision timing sources can integrate into current systems and mobility platforms, including chip-scale, modular, and fixed-based timing sources. The aim is to provide a reliable autonomous precision timing source to support mission success in contested and congested environments.

Tactical Information Systems (TIS) Technology Areas of Interest:

Mobility Applications: Technology for “advantaged” user applications 1.

Disadvantaged Applications: Timing update technology for ground users 2.

Enterprise Timing: Source and distribution technology 3.

Performance Requirements:

General:

Interface Requirements: Ethernet, RS-232, 1 Pulse per Second (PPS) output, 1 Have Quick Timing output, L1/L2 SAASM GPS Input.

Objective Requirement: Maintain a drift of 1 microsecond in 24 hours.

Threshold Requirement: Maintain a drift of 1 microsecond in 4 hours.

Mobility Platform:

Size: Approximately 150 cubic inches (in³)

Weight: Less than 5 pounds (lbs.)

Power: Must operate on 28DC

Application: Intended for aircraft, vehicular, and maritime subsystems.

Dismounted:

Size: Approximately 20 in³

Weight: Less than 1 lb.

Power: Runs on a rechargeable battery

Application: Intended for handheld and manpack radios, small unmanned aerial systems (sUAS), etc.

Timeline:

September 26, 2024: USSOCOM begins accepting proposals via DSIP

October 15, 2024: DSIP Topic Q&A closes to new questions at 12:00 p.m. ET

October 29, 2024: Deadline for receipt of proposals no later than 12:00 p.m. ET

Join SOFWERX for a virtual Q&A with their Technical Point of Contact on 20 September 2024 from 1000-1100 ET

This is an ITAR Restricted topic.

Visit SOFWERX for more information.

Posted in Research, SOF | Comments Off on USSOCOM SBIR Pre-Release: Autonomous Precision Timing in Contested/Congested RF Environments

GAO Issues Summary of Armed Overwatch Reports

Thursday, September 12th, 2024

Last week the Government Accounting Office released “Special Operations Forces: Summary of Armed Overwatch Reports” which summarizes a series of previous reports on USSOCOM’s offer to acquire and field the OA-1K aircraft which they have selected for the Armed Overwatch role. This summary includes data from a restricted report entitled “Special Operations Forces: DOD Should Reassess Its Need to Acquire Armed Overwatch Aircraft, GAO-24-106993C, September 4” which is based on a classified study.

The initial plan was to field 75 of the AT-802U Sky Warden aircraft to conduct Close Air Support, precision strike; and Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance missions. The aircraft were to be operated by Air Force Special Operations Command and organized into five squadrons, four operational and one for training.

But based on a GAO report from last December, DoD directed SOCOM to justify their planned number of 75 aircraft and they have since dropped the number to 62, almost a full squadron’s worth of capability, but have claimed it is due to budgetary realities and not Congressional direction. To be sure, USSOCOM is a very expensive aviation force, but they haven’t had a dedicated ground attack capability, aside from AC130 gunships, since the Vietnam war.

Congress is still shrill about the program, under some sort of impression that we aren’t going to conduct anymore low intensity conflicts in the future. DoD has the same notion, relegating anything short of major theater war to just “countering violent extremist organizations.” This remains short sighted and requires systems intended for Large l-Scale Combat Operations (aka war) to be expended against threats which they are way overmatched against.

From the summary report:

RELEVANT GAO WORK

GAO issued two reports on the Armed Overwatch program and identified issues to support decision-makers in Congress and the Department of Defense.

Analysis of needs. GAO found in December 2023 that SOCOM did not complete analyses of its operational needs to justify its purchase of 75 Armed Overwatch aircraft. SOCOM reduced that amount to 62 aircraft in March 2024, but as of September 2024 had not completed these analyses.

Plans for divested aircraft. SOCOM plans to divest two ISR platforms. Subsequently, some personnel and resources from the platforms will be used to support Armed Overwatch. However, GAO found that SOCOM has not taken steps to plan for, or add, critical ISR capabilities provided by soon-to-be divested aircraft. Also, SOCOM has not addressed risks associated with the loss of these capabilities if the new aircraft does not provide them.

Operational challenges. Special operations commands identified logistical and operational challenges that could inhibit SOCOM’s ability to effectively deploy and operate the aircraft as intended. Users said that the Armed Overwatch aircraft may not meet their mission needs because of these challenges.

Based on these reports, GAO made seven recommendations to the Department of Defense to address challenges that face the Armed Overwatch program.

Of the seven recommendations, DoD has concurred on one and partially concurred on the other six.

Meanwhile, the Armed Overwatch program continues to slip to the right while we remain engaged with violent extremists around the world.

Posted in Air Force, Aviation, SOF | 1 Comment »

1 SOCES BEEFs Up Training

Sunday, September 8th, 2024

HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. —

U.S. Airmen assigned to the 1st Special Operations Civil Engineer Squadron hold a defensive position during Prime Base Engineer Emergency Training at Hurlburt Field, Florida, Aug. 20, 2024. Prime BEEF training consists of tactical convoy operations, radio communications etiquette, establishing security and defensive fighting positions to enable Airmen to set up a bare base – any time, any place.

By U.S. Air Force Amn Joey Weis-Petticord, 1st Special Operations Wing

Posted in Air Force, Guest Post, SOF, Training | Comments Off on 1 SOCES BEEFs Up Training

USSOCOM Selects Envision Technology to Supply Miniature Aiming Ranging Lasers

Monday, September 2nd, 2024

On Friday evening, USSOCOM made the following announcement for their Miniature Aiming Ranging Laser program:

Envision Technology, Manchester, New Hampshire, is being awarded an indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (H9240324D0012) with a maximum ceiling of $81,000,000 and a minimum ordering guarantee of $5,000 for range aiming laser systems, spares, engineering change proposals, repairs and new equipment training. This contract will be funded with the appropriate procurement; research, development, test and evaluation; and operations and maintenance funds. Fiscal 2022, 2023 and 2024 procurement funds in the amount of $7,545,230 are being obligated at time of award on the first delivery order. The work will be performed in Manchester, New Hampshire, and is expected to be completed by Aug. 29, 2029. U.S. Special Operations Command, MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, is the contracting activity.

According to the requirement, The Miniature Aiming Ranging Laser (MARL) increases the Advanced Target Pointer/Illuminator Aiming Laser (ATPIAL/SAL) capability by adding a range finder function for the Assault Rifle or Designated Marksman Rifle (DMR) and Light Machine Gun (LMG) for 0-900 meter system accuracy. Weapons mounted range finders are commercially available for interim capability but require further development andintegration with visual augmentation systems (VAS) to achieve MAS-L objectives.

Envision offered the Miniature Advanced Rangefinder System (MARS). The contract is for Range Aiming Laser (RAL) systems, spares, Engineering Change Proposals (ECPs), repairs and New Equipment training (NET) in support of U.S. Special Operations Command (SOF AT&L). The work will be performed in Manchester, NH and is expected to be completed by 29 August 2029. This contract was awarded through a competitive SBIR Phase III. Envision Technology is a small business.

Posted in Contracts, Optics, SOF | Comments Off on USSOCOM Selects Envision Technology to Supply Miniature Aiming Ranging Lasers

Combined SOF Training During Ulchi Freedom Shield 24

Sunday, September 1st, 2024

Multi-domain operations, Joint and combined forces planning together, special reconnaissance across various terrains, and enhanced readiness, just a typical day at Special Operations Command, Korea.

Recently U.S. Army Green Berets from the 1st Special Forces Group – Airborne, ROK Special Warfare Command, and 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit aviators completed a joint training exercise during the first week of Ulchi Freedom Shield 24, demonstrating their ability to plan and conduct operations across a variety of domains. The combined training included night-time land navigation, special reconnaissance, simulated air strikes during terminal guidance operations training, and joint partner missions over several days and nights in the Korean mountainous terrain.

Even rain from a passing a typhoon didn’t stop the training, fortifying the integrated deterrence posture and response capabilities of our combined forces.

UFS 24 reinforces the role of the alliance as a cornerstone for regional peace and security, reaffirming the ironclad commitment between the United States and the Republic of Korea to defend their homelands.

– Courtesy of SOCKOR

Posted in Guest Post, International, SOF | 1 Comment »

Green Berets Use Disruptive Cyber Technology During Swift Response 2024

Friday, August 30th, 2024

In 1991, U.S. Army Col. (ret) John Collins authored the special operations forces (SOF) truths. These five stanzas outline what it means to be a SOF soldier, and how the force must operate to be successful. Chief among those is truth number 1: “People are more important than hardware”. SOF capabilities have evolved considerably since 1991, however, and while people remain the most important asset, hardware has led the evolutionary change.

Advancements in technology have increased the capabilities of the people in the SOF community. Not only are they masters of air, land, and sea, but now there is a fourth domain. Cyberspace has become a key part of the battlefield, and quickly has become just as critical as the physical realm in battlefield superiority. It’s for this reason that Operational Detachment Alpha (ODA) teams trained with disruptive cyber technology during Exercise Swift Response 2024 near Skillingaryd, Sweden this month.

“What this allows us to do is target an objective, use the signaling equipment to gain access to any WiFi networks originating at the target, and then monitor activity from that location for a period of time,” explained an identity protected ODA team member.

“It’s a very useful tool for us, because it gives us another set of eyes and helps to paint a clearer picture of our objective.” he said.

During the exercise, the aforementioned ODA team identified a target building and used a remote access device (RAD) to identify the networks coming from the facility. They were able to crack the WiFi password, enumerate the network, and run exploits on the target computer inside the building. This enabled the team to manipulate security cameras, door locks, and other security systems in the building.

While one team was in charge of manipulating the building through cyber disruption, a second ODA team conducted an infiltration operation on the facility. They conducted a military free fall (MFF) jump and marched seven miles to access the building, which they were able to enter easily due to the cyber disruption. From there they placed signal jamming equipment to clear any trace of the attack and exited the premises.

Training on a set of tools gives the team the ability to master them, living up to the second SOF truth, which is that quality is more important than quantity.

“In a real-world situation, this would allow us to gain information in a way that we haven’t always had,” explained the commander of the INFIL ODA team. “If we have a specific target or objective we need to reach, we now have the capability to glean critical information in a way that is undetectable if we do our jobs right.” he said.

The third SOF truth is that special operations cannot be mass produced. The ability to hack into a building through cyber technology is not exclusive to the special operations community, but the ability to do so, while also incorporating an MFF jump, and 7 mile foot march undetected is a SOF skill that when combined with the cyber capability gives special operations a unique set of skills that is exclusive said the ODA cyber team member.

“We are able to see what’s happening, and we know what the INFIL team is doing,” he said. “We have eyes on the whole scenario.”

The fourth SOF truth states that special operations forces cannot be produced after an emergency. They must be established, ready, and fully competent. This is why training in exercises like Swift Response is so important. It allows team members to sharpen their skills in an unfamiliar environment and put their knowledge to the test.

Advancements in hardware are due to the fifth SOF truth, which is that SOF requires non-SOF support. Cyber disruption is not brand new technology, but a tool that continues to develop. Staying current with the technology is a critical task, said the ODA cyber team member.

“This capability is something that we need to train on, and keep current with,” he said. “Because it’s evolving so rapidly, the devices we use today could be obsolete next year. It’s been five years since I first went to school for this – it’s changed so much in that time, I feel like it’s a whole new world.” he said.

While advancements are inevitable, the five SOF truths remain. New capabilities fall in line with established practices, and the entire machine keeps moving forward. Working during exercises like Swift Response 24 with Allies and partners such as Sweden enables special operations to remain uniquely postured to counter malign influence, build interoperability, rapidly respond to emerging threats and if necessary, defeat aggression.

By SFC Tim Beery

Posted in Army, Cyber, Guest Post, SOF | Comments Off on Green Berets Use Disruptive Cyber Technology During Swift Response 2024