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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

Irregular Warfare Institute Announces the SOF in Competition Special Project

Wednesday, August 28th, 2024

The Irregular Warfare Initiative proudly announces the SOF in Competition Project. The intent is to coalesce the community of SOF policy makers, researchers, and practitioners to understand the role of SOF in addressing contemporary and future national security challenges. The project explores the intersection between irregular warfare, SOF, and broader national security challenges. With a focus on current events and their underlying historical logics, scholarly theories and evidence-based findings on the role of SOF in national security, and applied doctrinal concepts — we aim to contextualise the role of SOF in irregular warfare and modern conflict.

SOF Professionals Need an Intellectual Home

Since President George Bush’s declaration of the War on Terror in 2001, Special Operations Forces (SOF) have been focused on combating violent non-state actors to include terrorist groups such as al-Qaeda and ISIS. SOF excelled in the GWOT conflicts, seeing a rise in prestige and national resources as they tackled threats with a high degree of flexibility and effectiveness.

However, the GWOT is over. Western governments are increasingly focused on the return of great power competition. The former focus on countering violent non-state actors coupled with the swift re-introduction of great power competition may have unintentionally dislocated SOF from contemporary deterrence strategies. This rapid shift has led to important questions for the SOF and broader national security communities.

Most pressingly: what role does SOF have in great power competition? However, other questions require attention. How should SOF balance between non-state threats and directly confronting peer competitors? How should SOF capabilities and organization evolve to address changes in the threat landscape and rapidly changing technologies? What is the role of SOF in large-scale combat operations? How should SOF integrate with conventional forces? And many more.

These questions are not without consequence. Some argue SOF is irrelevant in strategic competition, with the U.S. Army going so far as to cut SOF manning and resources. Others argue that SOF will play a larger role in strategic competition, particularly as nuclear armed great powers historically have sought to attack each other indirectly through proxy conflicts – where SOF play a key role. Force postures are being resourced and doctrine is being revised based on these competing perspectives.

The SOF in Competition Project will provide a space for the community of SOF professionals – researchers and practitioners – to explore and address the big questions. This space is needed so we can grow as a profession, build professional networks, and contribute to advancing western national security interests.

The SOF in Competition Project aims to understand SOF’s value proposition in great power competition. It will serve as a rally point for various SOF stakeholders to convene, network, drive public dialogue, and advance our understanding of SOF in areas range from phase zero operations, to SOF’s role in deterrence, to understanding the role of SOF in continuing to address persistent non-state actor threats — and beyond.

Call to Action

The SOF in Competition Project provides a platform for this community to coalesce, understand the role of SOF, and invest in leaders and the broader community. If you are a SOF professional, this is your platform. We very much welcome article submissions, ideas for events and partnerships, podcast topics, and volunteers to join the community. Reach out to the authors to understand how you can get involved.

The need for this dialogue is real and growing!

The consequences are real!

We look forward to building this community together!

We invite your participation and engagement as we embark on this project.

If you would like to contribute to the SOF Special Project, please submit proposals to:

adam.darnley-stuart@irregularwarfare.org with the subject line “Project SOF Submission/ Proposal”.

– Director Adam “Monster” Darnley-Stuart

Posted in Press Release, SOF | Comments Off on Irregular Warfare Institute Announces the SOF in Competition Special Project

USSOCOM Office of Small Business Program Networking Event 7 November 2024

Tuesday, August 20th, 2024

SOFWERX, in coordination with the United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) Office of Small Business Programs (OSBP), will provide a networking opportunity on 07 November 2024 for Small Businesses with capabilities that support National Security Interests and/or the USSOCOM mission to engage with Government Stakeholders, Prime Contractors, and Investors in the form of “Speed Dating.”

The objective of this event is to allow open networking with key stakeholders, to include Government, Industry, and Investors, in order to advance partnerships with USSOCOM. Additionally, this event will give small businesses access to Government stakeholders, prime vendors, and other resources to further their journeys into Federal contracting.

Request a Networking Table NLT 22 October 2024 11:59 PM ET. Details here.

Posted in Industry, SOF | Comments Off on USSOCOM Office of Small Business Program Networking Event 7 November 2024

919th SOW Faces, Overcomes Adversity in Readiness Exercise

Tuesday, August 20th, 2024

EGLIN RANGE, Fla. —

Citizen Air Commandos took to the air, traversed the ground and braved rough water during a readiness exercise on the Emerald Coast Aug. 5-9, 2024.

Specialties across the 919th Special Operations Wing fought brutal summer heat, logistical challenges, and terrain across a range of scenarios they might encounter in a future fight.

“There were a lot of moving parts to this dual hat exercise and a substantial amount of planning that went in to making it happen,” said Maj. David Hornsby, 711th Special Operations Squadron chief of training. “It highlighted some areas in which the Wing did really well, and a few in which there is some room for improvement.”

Responding to scenarios that demanded an efficient and organized response for a notional country amid chaos and upheaval required exceptional planning and logistics across numerous capabilities.

These challenges allowed the wing to complete the required certification of their Special Operations Task Group and a Special Operations Task Unit in the simulated response.

The SOTG functioned as the command component of the response, tasking the SOTUs with providing specific capabilities to help mitigate the ongoing crisis. The 859th Special Operations Squadron utilized the C-146 A Wolfhound to move two Special Operations Mission Sustainment Team (SOMST) elements and their equipment between airfields.

SOMST members used the exercise to refine their skillsets, equipment, and procedures. Challenges such as heat and coordinating career specialties provided insight on how to further develop sustainment capabilities.

“It was important for us to have this integrated support team thrown into an unfamiliar environment together,” said Tech. Sgt. Michael O’Callaghan, 919th Special Operations Security Forces Squadron resource and training manager. “In a real-world scenario they would need to combine their skills in less-than-perfect conditions to accomplish the mission.”

Sustainment Airmen narrowed down their footprint by reducing the size and scope of equipment, utilizing portable items that could be hand-carried. They opted for tents, air conditioners, and other tools that are smaller than what would traditionally be used and occupied less space on the aircraft.

“We’re pressurizing the system to see where we can improve. We were able to identify needed improvements to our SOMST organization, training, and equipment that will help shape the capability moving forward,” said Col. Olivia Nelson, 919th Special Operations Mission Support Group commander. “Perhaps most importantly, we leaned into the weather and gave our Airmen a chance to experience what deployment in the heat and humidity of the INDOPACOM theater would really be like. We identified the need for greater levels of personal fitness and an emphasis on hydration and work-rest cycles that will make us more ready if called upon to face a peer threat.”

The mission support Airmen stayed in-place overnight throughout the exercise. Controller Observers from throughout the Wing placed them in a variety of scenarios and then assessed the effectiveness of their response. Some of the situations Airmen faced included unrest outside the compound, medical emergencies, and engagements with regional media.

“The team handled everything from small inconveniences like dealing with customs to larger problems like medical crises,” said O’Callaghan. “The differing levels of difficulty and engagement challenged them and encouraged them to be mindful of how they deal with adversity.”

While the SOMST maintained their encampments, the SOTU aviators also faced challenges that could parallel real-world scenarios. A simulated aircraft down left four aircrew members stranded aboard a raft in the Choctawhatchee Bay.

A C-146A Wolfhound crew coordinated rescue of the castaways with the U.S. Coast Guard. The team surveyed the bay to provide details on the rafts location and maintained communications between the raft and the Coast Guard vessel.

By the end of the exercise, the 919th SOW successfully completed various aspects of Air Force Special Operations Command warfighting model. Organizers coordinated the SOTG, SOTU and mission support elements in a way that could be reflected in real-world scenarios.

“The amount of work and time that went into all the unseen portions of the planning of this exercise, going back months, was significant,” said Hornsby. “Everyone on the planning cell did a commendable job. The [exercise] was successful and provided an excellent bellwether as to where the wing’s combat capability currently stands. It should help to provide the command a good direction in which to move forward.”

By Staff Sgt Dylan Gentile, 919th Special Operations Wing

Posted in Air Force, Guest Post, SOF | Comments Off on 919th SOW Faces, Overcomes Adversity in Readiness Exercise