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SOFWERX – Security at the Edge Cyber Challenge

Thursday, April 14th, 2022

SOFWERX, in collaboration with SOF Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics (SOF AT&L) Science and Technology (S&T) Directorate Network and Data Management Capability Focus Area (NDM CFA), will host a Cyber Challenge on 13 July 2022 to identify technologies with automated capabilities that provide edge device endpoint security, cloud security to protect data at the edge, and network edge security within SOF operational environments.

In austere environments, edge computing devices provide the ability to handle processing on the device or local server and transmit only the relevant data by eliminating latency, which is essential for SOF Operators. Unfortunately, edge computing devices are designed to prioritize functionality and connectivity over security. This makes SOF Operators’ edge computing devices extremely vulnerable to sophisticated nation state threat actors’ cyber attacks. Edge computing devices can take essentially any form and endpoints are everywhere due to the proliferation of Internet of Things (IoT) devices. The SOF Operator needs to ensure they are making decisions based on trusted data and have protections against zero day attacks. The need for protection against advanced persistent threats (APTs), nation state sponsored cyber attacks, data integrity capabilities, and overall zero trust solutions for the main three components of edge computing devices are critical for the current and future SOF operational environments.

Submit NLT 06 May 2022 11:59 PM ET.

U.S. Citizens Only

More info here.

Posted in Comms, Research, SOF | Comments Off on SOFWERX – Security at the Edge Cyber Challenge

10th SFG(A) Tests Timbersled

Thursday, April 7th, 2022

The Originals recently tested out some “new tech” for cold weather/mountain mobility.

This is a Timbersled, which is a converted motorcycle that provides an unmatched level of maneuverability but comes with a bit of a steeper learning curve than snowmobiles.

Posted in Mobility, SOF | 1 Comment »

U.S. Army Special Operations Command Troops Test RA-1 Ram Air Parachute Automatic Activation Device

Wednesday, April 6th, 2022

FORT BRAGG, North Carolina – Airborne equipment testers here are busy with Special Operations Soldiers testing the Army’s newest Enhanced Electronic Automatic Activation Device (EEAAD).

The Airborne and Special Operations Test Directorate (ABNSOTD) is gathering data from the operational user to support an Army-wide fielding decision to replace the aging reserve automatic activation device currently fielded to military free-fall (MFF) units.

“The EEAAD provides the capability of the rigger shop to download the data instantly, which is not provided by the currently fielded automated activation device,” said a Parachute Rigger with the U.S. Army Special Operations Command.

The ABNSOTD first completed risk reduction efforts for the EEAAD using only ABNSOTD test jumpers to ensure that the intended test item did not impose additional and unforeseen risks or hazards to the jumper before operational test jumps.

Operational testing started in the vertical wind tunnel.

“This allowed the test team to observe the approach load system under simulated free-fall conditions being employed by a MFF qualified test jumper,” said James Cochran (JC), a seasoned Military Test Plans Analyst with the ABNSOTD.

“The ABNSOTD employed a host of risk reduction measures to ensure the potential test item was safe and effective from the intended user’s standpoint,” he said.

Operational Soldiers from USASOC finished testing with the RA-1 main parachute and reserve with the EEAAD installed by conducting MFF test jumps into the Laurinburg, North Carolina drop zone.

“The EEAAD will not only provide MFF operators with a next-generation reserve parachute activation device but will also facilitate after action reviews,” said Lt. Col Derek Johnson, Chief of ABNSOTD’s test division.

“The EEAAD will also support jump incident investigations by providing the ability to download and analyze flight data at the unit level,” he added.

The operational testing consisted of new user training and military free fall jumps followed by data collection of jump data, downloaded from the EEAAD.

“The simplicity of the menus and setting provides more confidence to the jumper that the device will work as expected,” said one USASOC Operator.

By Mr. Richard Hedgecock, Military Test Plans Analyst, Airborne and Special Operations Test Directorate, U.S. Army Operational Test Command

Posted in Army, Guest Post, Parachuting, SOF | Comments Off on U.S. Army Special Operations Command Troops Test RA-1 Ram Air Parachute Automatic Activation Device

AFSOC Civilian Development Program Revamp

Monday, April 4th, 2022

HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. —

In alignment with Air Force Special Operations Command Strategic Guidance, the AFSOC Civilian Development (CivDev) Program was launched to deliberately develop our civilian workforce in order to meet the ever-increasing challenges and develop the Airmen we need.

The AFSOC Civilian Development Program, includes a foundational plan, a variety of civilian development opportunities, career broadening initiatives, and annual civilian developmental education programs.

“As our organization evolves, so must our civilian workforce,” said Jodie James, deputy strategic advisor of civilian development for AFSOC. “It is our intent to develop our civilians through world-class programs that help our civilians reach their full potential. In order to do this, we must first start with a developmental foundation.”

On Apr. 1, 2021, the AFSOC Civilian Human Capital Foundational Plan was signed identifying three elements for implementation. The first is to create and maintain an Individual Development Plan (IDP) for all AFSOC civilians within 45 days of arrival and to be reviewed annually. The second is to complete the MyVector Air Force Competencies Assessment within 30 days of arrival and every year thereafter. Lastly, all civilians need to be assigned a mentor they can go to for advice and guidance.

This policy identifies the cardinal plan to provide the strong foundation we need to build on for future deliberate development initiatives.

“We’re not going to get to the ‘AFSOC We Need’ without developing our civilians who provide AFSOC with an adaptive and expert workforce,” said Donald Plater, executive director of AFSOC. “They are vital to our culture and must have the same attention our enlisted and officer Air Commandos get.”

In addition to the AFSOC Civilian Development foundational plan, AFSOC has invested in a variety of development opportunities for civilians looking to enhance their careers, hone their leadership skills, or just continue the journey of life-long learning.

For the most up-to-date information regarding civilian development opportunities, please visit the CAC-enabled AFSOC CivDev Sharepoint at usaf.dps.mil/sites/AFSOC-A1/A1D/CivilianDevelopment/SitePages/Home.

By Capt Savannah Stephens, Air Force Special Operations Command Public Affairs

Posted in Air Force, Guest Post, Profession of Arms, SOF | Comments Off on AFSOC Civilian Development Program Revamp

Project Director Soldier & Squad Integration Helps Forge Relationship Between PEO Soldier and USASOC

Thursday, March 31st, 2022

FORT BELVOIR, VA – Project Director Soldier & Squad Integration (PD S&SI) hosted a side-by-side gear comparison between Project Executive Office (PEO) Soldier and U.S. Army Special Operations Command (USASOC) on Fort Belvoir, March 8-10.

PD S&SI held an event at the Soldier Integration Facility on Fort Belvoir, designed to provide a familiarization of selected items from Project Manager Soldier Survivability (PM SSV) and USASOC’s respective portfolios.

“We put the event together and facilitated bringing everyone in at the same time,” said Christopher Baker, survivability and power lead for the operational synchronization team for PD S&SI. “USASOC’s chain of command believed that they could realize some cost savings by leveraging the work that PEO Soldier is doing and what they’re fielding. The most interest and discussion were around the protective equipment, helmets and body armor, and the differences between what PEO Soldier fields and what USASOC has right now.”

Product Manager Soldier Protective Equipment (PdM SPE) displayed the modular scalable vest (MSV), the blast pelvic protector (BPP) and the ballistic combat shirt (BCS). SPE personnel went over the capability and functions of the MSV, BPP, BCS, their threat levels and the differences between the Enhanced Small Arms Protective Inserts (ESAPI) plates and the legacy ESAPI plates. The SPE presentation highlighted the Army’s focus on increasing protection but slimming down on weight.

“A lot of the questions we received were predominantly on sizing and the kinds of threats our plates stopped,” said Capt. Kim Pierre-Zamora, assistant product manager for PdM SPE. “For us, the key message we want to convey to our audience, especially the Special Forces community, is that not only are we scaling back on these extra areas of redundant coverage or parasitic weight, but we’re also able to scale up the coverage depending on what they’re doing, where they are, and their commander’s intent.”

“Not only are we looking to make Soldiers lighter and more mobile, but also more lethal. Because if they can move enough to avoid a threat, they can engage that much better.”

The gear comparison not only presented an opportunity for USASOC personnel to get their first hands-on look with gear currently fielded by PEO Soldier, but it allowed for in-depth discussion of what goes into developing and producing that equipment.

“From my perspective, especially working in Future Capabilities, it’s good to see where the Army is with their equipment,” said Lt. Col. Rachel Cepis, S8 Future Capabilities Director, 95th Civil Affairs Brigade. “At the tactical level, you hear Soldiers sometimes complain and say, ‘why is this like this?’ or ‘when are we going to get this?’ Therefore, it is good to be able to see what is out there and being developed. It’s going to be helpful for me to be able to pass that message on to other Soldiers.”

The gear comparison event was the first step in developing the relationship between PEO Soldier and USASOC, with the future collaboration already in the works. Within the next six months, a future follow-on event, hosted by USASOC, will be scheduled.

Story by Jason Amadi, PEO Soldier

Posted in Army, Guest Post, PEO-Soldier, SOF | 5 Comments »

Operation EAGLE CLAW Presentation at the Airborne & Special Operations Museum on 20 April 2022

Wednesday, March 23rd, 2022

Please join the 3rd Special Forces Group Warrior Fund Team on Wednesday, 20 April at the U.S. Army Airborne & Special Operations Museum for a special event commemorating the 40th Anniversary of Operation EAGLE CLAW, the rescue of the Iranian Hostages.

0900-1600 hrs. – ASOM open for Visitors

0900-1600 hrs. – Special “Operation EAGLE CLAW” Exhibit viewing

Presentation #1, Focused Toward a Primarily Active-Duty and Retired Military Audience

1600-1610 hrs – Commemorative Video in the Theater with simulcast to auxiliary rooms

1610-1650 hrs.- Keynote Speakers to include Mr. Wade Ishimoto, in the Theater

1700-1730 hrs. – Questions and Answers Discussion with Audience in the Theater

1730-1900 hrs. – Social “Meet and Greet” with the Honored Guests and Refreshments in ASOM Lobby

Presentation #2, Focused Toward a Primarily Civilian and Fayetteville Community Audience

1900-1910 hrs. – Commemorative Video in the Theater with simulcast to auxiliary rooms

1910-1950 hrs. – Keynote Speakers to include Mr. Wade Ishimoto in the Theater

2000-2030 hrs. – Questions and Answers Discussion with Audience in the Theater

2030 hrs – Event Conclusion in ASOM Lobby

Please RSVP for either session by 31 March at 910.643.2775 or at volunteer@asomf.org

Posted in History, SOF | 2 Comments »

Air Commandos Earn ACA Honors

Tuesday, March 22nd, 2022

HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. —

Past and present Air Force Special Operations Command Airmen were recognized for their dedication and hard work by the Air Commando Association.

Due to COVID-19, the Air Commando Association’s Heritage Seminar Breakfast and the Awards Banquet were not held.

The following Airmen were recognized for receiving Commander’s Leadership Awards:

Technical Sgt. Andrew T. Flynn, 23rd Special Operations Weather Squadron, Det 1

First Lt. Brittany K. Brown, 4th Special Operations Squadron

Technical Sgt. Adam C. Long, 720th Operational Support Squadron

First Lt. Erik A. Lolland, 720th Operational Support Squadron

Technical Sgt. Arthur W. Mapp, 27th Special Operations Group

Captain Jonathan C. Edwards, 27th Special Operations Aircraft Maintenance Squadron

Staff Sgt. James R. Evans, 58th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron

Major Jacob L. Wiseman, 58th Special Operations Wing

Master Sgt. Robert T. LeMay, 352nd Special Operations Squadron

First Lt. Ryan M. Laube, 352nd Special Operations Support Squadron

Technical Sgt. Jeremy D. Morlock, 353rd Special Operations Support Squadron

Captain Zachary R. Maginnis, 1st Special Operations Squadron

Staff Sgt. Trevor L. Rohrer, 524th Special Operations Squadron

Captain Riley A. Feeney, 492nd Special Operations Training Support Squadron

Technical Sgt. Keith A. Proze Jr., 2nd Special Operations Squadron

Captain Jason M. Morris, HQ AFSOC/A3

Technical Sgt. Brett E. Rush, Data Masked

Major Michael J. Lintz, Data Masked

The following awards were presented:

Chief Hap Lutz AFSOC Commando Medic of the Year – Tech. Sgt. Stephen M. Sauer, Data Masked

Senior Airman Julian Sholten Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance Operator of the Year – Tech. Sgt. Nicholas A. Lord, 25th Intelligence Squadron, RAF Mildenhall, U.K.

Operational Squadron of the Year – 7th Special Operations Squadron, RAF Mildenhall, U.K.

Deployed Aircraft Ground Response Element Member of the Year – Staff Sgt. Ethan C. Pierce, 352nd Special Operation Support Squadron, RAF Mildenhall, U.K.

Special Tactics Operator of the Year (Enlisted Category 2020) – Tech. Sgt. Adam Anderson, 17th Special Tactics Squadron, 24th Special Operations Wing, Ft. Benning, Georgia

Special Tactics Operator of the Year (Operator Category 2020) – Capt. Brandon Farrell, 320th Special Tactics Squadron, 353rd Special Operations Wing, Kadena Air Base, Japan

Special Tactics Heart of the Team Member of the Year – Master Sgt. James A. Olk, 720th Operational Support Squadron

The following recipients were inducted into the ACA Hall of Fame:

Colonel (ret.) Timothy Hale – Hale excelled as an MC-130E/H crew commander and instructor/evaluator and an AC/MC-130J instructor. From his first combat mission as an MC-130E pilot in the lead aircraft over Point Salinas, Grenada, Hale led from the front with professionalism, courage, a keen sense of humor, and respect. He commanded an Expeditionary Group and Wing, flying missions and riding resupply convoys during Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. Upon retirement, he continued to serve Air Commandos as an aircrew accession instructor with the 58th Special Operations Wing.

Lieutenant Col. Bill Schroeder (posthumously) – As an officer-in-charge and then commander of the Special Operations Weather detachment at Ft. Bragg, North Carolina, his steadfast leadership of low-density, high-demand Special Operations Weather Team (SOWT) operators was critical in ensuring premier weather support to the 3rd and 7th Special Forces Groups as they deployed during Operations ENDURING and IRAQI FREEDOM. He later led the effort to modernize the Battlefield Airman training program and played a role in establishing the Special Warfare Training Wing. Schroeder laid down his life after confronting an armed assailant determined to inflict harm to the men and women under his charge. He was posthumously awarded the Airman’s Medal and honored by the Air Force Portraits in Courage for his valor and selfless sacrifice.

Major (ret.) Dan Turney – Turney was an MH-60 initial cadre pilot in the 55th Special Operations Squadron, the first H-60 unit in the U.S. Air Force. He was the first MH-60G special mission planner for the 1st SOW and Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC). He deployed as an MH-60G Combat Search and Rescue mission manager during Operations JUST CAUSE and DESERT STORM, coordinating over 40 combat missions. After retirement, Turney served as an AFSOC operations analyst and developed the first formal Aviation Foreign Internal Defense Concept of Operations and Roadmap for the 2006 and 2009 Quadrennial Defense Reviews.

Chief Master Sgt. (ret.) William C. Markham – Markham served as the senior enlisted leader of the Joint Special Operations Air Detachment and Combined Joint Special Operations Air Component in combat. He was the first U.S. Airman on the ground in Afghanistan a mere five weeks after September 11, 2001. Then-Sergeant Markham controlled close air support that decimated the ranks of the Taliban, and ultimately liberated Bagram Air Base and Kabul International Airport, and returned the U.S. Embassy to American control. For gallantry in action, he received the Silver Star. As an AFSOC Command Chief, he led the growth and re-missioning of the 352nd Special Operations Group integrating the MC-130J Commando II and CV-22B Osprey weapons systems. Markham personally enabled hundreds of thousands of dollars in scholarship funding and pro-bono legal support to American service members and their families.

Senior Master Sgt. James Lackey (posthumously) – Lackey’s outstanding professionalism and personal leadership were vital to building the readiness of the 8th Special Operations Squadron, AFSOC’s first operational CV-22B squadron, and prosecuting the squadron’s mission during the global war on terrorism. From 1992-2006, Lackey served with distinction as an Instructor and Flight Examiner for the MH-53 Pave Low Models J/M. His leadership, courage, and superior airmanship were evident during Operations PROVIDE PROMISE, UPHOLD DEMOCRACY, BEVEL EDGE, ALLIED FORCE, ENDURING FREEDOM, and IRAQI FREEDOM. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for heroism as well as the Meritorious Service Medal and Air Medal. He excelled as a CV-22 flight engineer during combat deployments supporting OIF and OEF. Lackey gave his last full measure on April 9, 2010 during a combat mission in Afghanistan.

The ACA recognizes retired and active duty Special Operations Forces Airmen by honoring their achievements as well as providing support to Air Commandos and their families.

By SSgt Brandon Esau, Air Force Special Operations Command Public Affairs

Posted in AFSW, Air Force, Guest Post, Profession of Arms, SOF | Comments Off on Air Commandos Earn ACA Honors

Duke Field Airman Among Newest DAGREs

Saturday, March 19th, 2022

DUKE FIELD, Fla. —

A lone security forces Airman ran through plumes of purple smoke while fighting off opposing forces before taking cover behind a building with their own ammunition flying through the streets of the mock village.

The sound of gunfire consumed the “city” comprised largely of shipping containers while the determined service member rejoined his wingmen to get a wounded Airman to an evacuation point. This was a small taste of what any DAGRE needs to be prepared for in a contingency environment.

Deployed Aircraft Ground Response Elements provide security for Air Force Special Operations Command assets and personnel in environments where security is unknown or deemed inadequate. They are highly specialized security forces members that receive more training than their counterparts and can perform a variety of defensive operations in remote environments.

“I joined initially because I thought it was one of the coolest slots in my unit,” said Senior Airman Amahd Rasheed, 919th Special Operations Security Forces Squadron member. “Everybody wanted to be ‘that guy’ so they could do those missions and wear that DAGRE tab.”

The first step for Rasheed in achieving his goal was passing the 919th SOSFS assessment. In this phase of training, DAGRE candidates learn and perform many of the tasks they will have to demonstrate during their qualification course. The assessment involves ruck marching, sleep deprivation, shooting, land navigation, and a multitude of other tasks and skillsets.

He pulled through and advanced to the next step of his DAGRE training at Hurlburt Field with the 371st Special Operations Combat Training Squadron. Here, Rasheed went through the Air Commando Field Skills Course, the first stop for all Airmen supporting Special Operations Forces.

“Most of the Airmen in this course are learning how to hold their own while supporting special operations,” said Dirk Baier, course director for ACFSC. “In this course, they’re learning how to go downrange, shoot, move, communicate, and get themselves out of a bad situation.”

The Airmen in this course work in support functions such as medical, communications, logistics and other career fields that provide for AFSOC’s special operations forces.
At ACFSC, Air Commandos from bases around the command learned advanced weapons tactics, participated in Tactical Combat Casualty Care training with robotic lifelike dummies, learned Defensive driving, practiced combatives, and mastered some security techniques.

“This course is geared towards on-the-ground tactics,” said Baier. “It gets them used to remote locations typical to DAGRE.”

According to Baier, the DAGRE program is relatively new. Leadership recognized the need for a capability similar to the Ravens (a team that provides security for Air Mobility Command airframes) to protect AFSOC assets and personnel.

“The difference is our security teams tend to operate in more remote environments,” said Baier.

For Rasheed and his fellow DAGRE candidates, they combined the skills they learned from the ACFSC course with their DAGRE qualification training.

“When they come to us, we sharpen the skills they learned in ACFSC and their time in security forces,” said Tech. Sgt. Thomas Geerts, NCO in Charge of the DAGRE qualification course. “We expect a lot from them and train them in a whole new range of skill sets.”

The qualification course moved the trainees to various locations across the Eglin Range over the course of five weeks. Some days are devoted to academics and some days they covered their combat boots with Florida’s red clay.

“Every day was like the night before Christmas where you just stayed up all night,” said Rasheed. “I never knew what to expect next with all the different classes and training that was planned for us.”

Students learned advanced tactics on weapons many had never used before and were required to complete tasks associated with higher skill levels such as mission planning.

The DAGRE trainees took on close quarter battle exercises, small unit tactics, tactical security details, and incorporated some of the lessons of their experienced instructors into their operations.

“They spent a lot of time doing urban operations and recovery, normal security forces also possess these skills but we sharpen them,” said Geerts. “As we transition into a new style of warfare, these small specialized teams are going to become more important.”

Rasheed and his wingmen’s training culminated in a field exercise, where instructors validate the knowledge students were expected to retain over the past several weeks.

During the exercise, they defended airframes from oppositional forces, de-escalated tensions with local nationals, and secured a Forward Operating Base tucked in the woods where they planned their mission.

At one point, they had to secure and protect the encampment from enemy fire while providing emergency medical care to a wounded local.

After the team successfully completed their culmination exercise, instructors decided who went on to graduate and wear the DAGRE tab, and who went back home to their units without one.

Two months of training, demonstrations, and academics for the team going through the courses culminated with a graduation ceremony December 2021. Rasheed was the first 919th Special Operations Wing Citizen Air Commando to graduate the full course and earn the tab in four years.

“My family and my team motivated and pushed me through the training,” said Rasheed. “I felt like I was cloud nine, I was so excited to have pushed through and finally graduated. I would highly recommend this training course to others”

While one journey ended here, another one began for Rasheed and other newly minted DAGRE team members who are fully trained and ready to defend AFSOC assets and SOF members wherever the Nation needs them.

By Senior Airman Dylan Gentile, 919th Special Operations Wing

Posted in Air Force, Guest Post, LE, SOF | Comments Off on Duke Field Airman Among Newest DAGREs