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Special Air Warfare and the Secret War in Laos: Air Commandos, 1964-1975

Monday, November 7th, 2022

“Special Air Warfare and the Secret War in Laos: Air Commandos, 1964-1975” is a historical monograph written by COL Joseph D. Celeski (US Army, Ret) and published by Air University Press. COL Celeski describes his work thusly:

“During retirement, I was intrigued by the lack of comprehensive historical research devoted to one of the long wars fought by the USAF Air Commandos, the Secret War in Laosa gap in written Special Operation Forces SOF history. It is a story of the growth of the Air Commandos from a detachment-level operation sent to Thailand to the later establishment of the 56th Special Operations Wing. The lack of coverage can in part be attributed to the secrecy surrounding the war and classification restrictions on relevant documentation. Further, many special operators remain reluctant to discuss the details of their involvement in classified operations. Although peeling back the cloak of secrecy can be difficult, it is important to the special operations profession to capture the legacy of the Air Commandos involvement in the Secret War in Laos and provide an open-source history for the Air Commando community. Much of the motivation and desire to complete this work is in their honor and sacrifice in this endeavor. Work on this project began with a two-year research plan to develop an irregular warfare course for use in military schools focused on the dynamics of strategic and operational art in a war, conducted vis-a-vis a covert interagency environment. The preliminary preparation for the course consisted of gathering as many books on the war in Laos as possible over sixty at the time as well as what could be uncovered through online research. Museums with a primary focus on USAF Special Operations and offices of SOF historians provided material and sound advice about how to contact Air Commando veterans who served in Laos. Although research material was gathered from national to local archives as well as major universities and air museums, the two definitivesources for a book of this kind were the Air Force Historical Research Agency, at Maxwell AFB, Alabama and the command history office of the Air Force Special Operations Command at Hurlburt Field, Florida.”

You can download it for free here.

Posted in Air Force, History, SOF | Comments Off on Special Air Warfare and the Secret War in Laos: Air Commandos, 1964-1975

USSOCOM Looks to Add Capability to Fire 7.62×39 Ammo from SIG MCX Rattlers

Monday, November 7th, 2022

Recently the United States Special Operations Command awarded a 5-year IDIQ contract to SIG SAUER for MCX Rattlers in .300BLK to be used as Reduced Signature Assault Rifle (RSAR)/Personal Defense Weapons (PDW).

However, the MCX SPEAR-LT and its variants can quickly be converted to the initially offered 5.56 NATO caliber, or more recently 7.62×39, which has been in service with allied units for some time now. Although envisioned since its inception, the 7.62×39 capability was first publicly shown in 2015.

In light of this capability, USSOCOM has issued a Sources Sought Notice to industry for “7.62 x 39mm upper receiver caliber conversion kits that are compatible with the SIG SAUER Rattler Lower Receiver. The upper receiver caliber conversion kits shall integrate with the SIG SAUER Rattler and RSAR/PDW converted M4A1 Lower Receiver Groups. The conversion kits shall include all required hardware and ammunition magazines that will fit with the SIG SAUER Rattler and RSAR/PDW converted M4A1 Lower Receiver Groups….the vendor shall provide spares for the whole RSAR/PDW system to include but is not limited to bolts, springs, 7.62 SLHC suppressors, UTM training kits, stocks, carrier groups etc.”

They are seeking a 7.75″ barrel with a weapon featuring an Overall Length with Stock folded of 18.4″. The Upper Receiver with flash hider installed must not exceed 16.4″.

Posted in Advertiser, SOF, weapons | Comments Off on USSOCOM Looks to Add Capability to Fire 7.62×39 Ammo from SIG MCX Rattlers

SOFWERX – AIM Micro Sensors Assessment Event Update

Friday, November 4th, 2022

SOFWERX, in collaboration with the USSOCOM, U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Chemical Biological Center (DEVCOM CBC), the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA), and the Accelerator for Innovative Minds (AIM), will host a series of events leveraging their hybrid accelerator model to identify Micro Sensor technologies available now, under development, or anticipated to be developed in the Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction (CWMD) and Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosives (CBRNE) areas.

There’s been a change to the timing of the AIM Micro Sensors Assessment Event (AE). Now, it’s takes place on 18-20 January. Subsequently, other event phases have been revised. Please visit events.sofwerx.org/aimmicrosensors for the most up-to-date information and to submit.

Interested parties must submit NLT 23 November 2022 11:59 PM ET.

Posted in CBRNE, Sensors, SOF | Comments Off on SOFWERX – AIM Micro Sensors Assessment Event Update

AFSOC Receives Final AC-130J

Friday, November 4th, 2022

HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. —

Air Force Special Operations Command received its 31st and final AC-130J Ghostrider, completing the command’s transition from the legacy AC-130W, AC-130U and AC-130H fleets.

Following a commemoration ceremony at the Lockheed Martin Gunship Modification Facility in Crestview Nov. 2, the final AC-130J was delivered to the 27th Special Operations Wing at Cannon Air Force Base, N.M.

During the AC-130J Ghostrider Dedication and Delivery Ceremony, Lt. Col. Joe Allen, Gunship Program manager and narrator for the event, briefly discussed the history of nose art and how it became a common way of depicting the name of an airplane. He also explained how pilots would stencil names or call signs on their aircraft, providing a sense of connection and further a feeling of pride for themselves and the crew that kept the airplane flying.

“Aircraft #31 is no different [than previous World War II aircraft] and is being named in honor of Mr. Stan ‘Sluggo’ Siefke who was instrumental in the developments of the precision strike package prior to cutting first metal on the MC-130W,” said Allen. “Sluggo’s impacts on Whiskey and Ghostrider have been nothing short of outstanding and we are honored to have him in attendance today.”

Lt. Gen. Jim Slife, AFSOC Commander, represented the command at the ceremony and spoke about his experience with acquiring and receiving the AC-130J.

Slife recalled that it had been “only a few years back,” when then Col. Slife working at the Pentagon for the Office of Secretary of Defense, began the messaging and formative language that initiated the program that he’s seeing come full circle.

“In the fall of 2009, the Secretary of Defense decided to recapitalize [the AC-130] with C-130Js to build the platforms we see behind us today,” said Slife.

He also spoke about seeing the first J model go into combat in the summer of 2019 while serving as the AFSOC commander.

“The airplane and its predecessors have exceeded all our expectations and kept more Americans alive than any other airplane on the battlefield,” said Slife.

“The future is going to be different than what we have experienced for the last 20 years, but one thing I’m certain of is this airplane will be relevant to whatever the future operating environment brings, so thank you all for delivering such a magnificent capability to today’s warfighters,” he said.

Capt. Katie Tiedemann, 73rd Special Operations Squadron Weapons Systems Officer, shared operational vignettes of the AC-130J during the event. She specifically shared her own experience deployed in Afghanistan when she supported Operation Allies Refuge.

“Over two weeks, my own crew, and two others, continued to employ our aircraft for countless hours, reopening the [Kabul] airport and evacuating 123,000 refugees,” said Tiedemann. “Much of the rest of the story you have seen and heard, but our two crews who flew during the evacuation will be recognized this fall with the MacKay trophy for accomplishing the most meritorious flight of the year.”

Following Capt. Tiedemann’s presentation, William Innes, Deputy Director for Acquisition, United States Special Operations Command, spoke about USSOCOM’s part in navigating the acquisitions process to get the weapons systems from industry to the warfighter.

“When we can see firsthand that it [the acquisition process] works, it delivers the best weapons system the nation can get, it is truly inspirational,” he said.

Vic Torla, Lockheed Martin Vice President of Special Operations Forces Global Logistics Support Services, expressed his gratitude for the partnership between Lockheed Martin and the Air Force.

“A great example of a government and industry partnership to stand up this facility,” said Torla. “A ten-year journey to deliver what is now 30 combat capable aircraft to Special Operations Command.”

At the conclusion of the ceremony, Gen. Slife along with aircrew stepped onto the new AC-130J and took off for Cannon Air Force Base, N.M., where the final AC-130J will become part of the 27th Special Operations Wing.

He concluded with his gratitude for all who contributed to making the AC-130J the success it is today.

“For the whole team today, for the team that maintained the airplane, that built the airplane, that acquired the airplane, that fly the airplane, that tested the airplane, thank you for what you’ve done.”

The AC-130J is a transport aircraft modified for special forces operations and has been used to support AFSOC in missions around the world. It is a fifth-generation gunship that can provide close air support, air interdiction and armed reconnaissance.

By Capt Alicia Premo

Air Force Special Operations Command

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

6th Special Operations Squadron is Reassigned, Provides New Support

Wednesday, November 2nd, 2022

CANNON AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. —

The 6th Special Operations Squadron, previously the 27th Special Operations Group Detachment 1, was officially reassigned here, Oct. 6, 2022.

The 6 SOS is an MC-130J Commando II aircraft flying unit that fulfills the 27th Special Operations Wing’s commitment to the Air Force Special Operations Command’s new deployment model.

“We stood up Det. 1 in an effort to get to the AFSOC we need,” said Lt. Col. Michael Roy, 6th Special Operations Squadron commander. “Now we’ve been reassigned, we’re able to work with the Force Generation and stay fully mission capable.”

The squadron’s mission focuses on utilizing the Commando II aircraft for a variety of low-level air refueling missions for special operations aircraft. It also supports infiltration, exfiltration and resupply of special operations forces.

As a newly reassigned and relocated squadron, the 6 SOS is ready to grow and become their own established unit.

“It’s extremely humbling,” said Roy. “Being asked to command a newly relocated squadron has been exciting. We have experienced people who know what they’re doing. They’re excited about the future of forming our own heritage and culture at the 27 SOW.”

The relocation of the squadron makes it the last step in fully completing the FORGEN model. As AFSOC turns to the FORGEN model, it seeks to provide Airmen and their families the deployment and training predictability to ensure readiness, continue to develop our force, and maintain resiliency.

“For the past two decades, our mission has required Airmen to endure frequent, often last-minute, deployments,” said U.S. Air Force Col. Terence Taylor, 27th Special Operations Wing commander. “The Force Generation model provides an opportunity to invest equally in Airmen professional development, be more deliberate with training, and improve individual resiliency.”

By Senior Airman Vernon R. Walter III, 27th Special Operations Wing Public Affairs

Posted in Air Force, Forces Focus, Guest Post, SOF | Comments Off on 6th Special Operations Squadron is Reassigned, Provides New Support

SOFWERX – Support Truck Prototype Virtual Assessment Event

Tuesday, November 1st, 2022

SOFWERX, in collaboration with USSOCOM, U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Chemical Biological Center (DEVCOM CBC), the United States Navy, and the Accelerator for Innovative Minds (AIM), will host a Virtual Assessment Event (AE) 03-05 January 2023, leveraging their hybrid accelerator model to develop a proof of concept for an advanced manufacturing mobile workstation. This event will provide opportunities for direct dialogue with Warfighters, and Government Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) to lower the barrier to working with the DoD and accelerate disruptive technologies and processing to the field.

The objective is to design, manufacture, and test three mobile workstations that facilitate the transportation of at least four personnel and six server storage racks (42 Rack Units 19”x32”), workbenches, alternate access into the workstation, and provide a climate-controlled workspace with the ability to store and consume meals within the mobile workstation.

The mobile workstation allows teams of four personnel to drive to mission areas with multiple racks of equipment and hardware. The 20’ mobile workstation provides the ability to fabricate and modify aluminum mounting foundations. Additionally, the mobile workstation must supply multiple internal and external 20A 120 VAC power receptacles to power tools and test equipment.

More info here.

To participate, submit NLT 28 November 2022 11:59 PM ET.

Posted in MRO, SOF | Comments Off on SOFWERX – Support Truck Prototype Virtual Assessment Event

SOFWERX x Joint Special Operations University Geopolitical Mapping & Social Network Analytics Collaboration Event

Monday, October 31st, 2022

Do you have expertise in geopolitical mapping and social network analysis?

SOFWERX, in collaboration with USSOCOM and the Joint Special Operations University (JSOU), will host a series of events in November to find solutions for a Geographic Information System (GIS) generated Geopolitical Toolkit and associated Social Network Analysis to help SOF professionals assess and visualize where geopolitical flashpoints might emerge.

Warfighters will interact with potential solution offerors and further communicate operational needs and desirements. The goal is develop GIS-generated Geopolitical Toolkit (or atlas) and social network analysis to help SOF professionals assess and visualize where geopolitical flashpoints might emerge. The prototype must be baselined on the Campaign Plan for Global SOF Operations (CP-GSO). The aim is a single operating picture that combines the GIS-generated Geopolitical Toolkit, leveraging data analytics to construct network models that inform SOF interventions.

Request to Attend NLT 16 November 2022 11:59 PM ET

More information at events.sofwerx.org/map.

Posted in ISR, SOF | Comments Off on SOFWERX x Joint Special Operations University Geopolitical Mapping & Social Network Analytics Collaboration Event

Explosive Ordnance Disposal Soldiers Sharpen Special Forces Support Skills in Danger Zone

Monday, October 24th, 2022

FORT CAMPBELL, Ky. – U.S. Army Explosive Ordnance Disposal technicians are sharpening their ability to operate with some of the nation’s most elite warriors in a bunker on Fort Campbell, Kentucky, called the Danger Zone Training Complex.

EOD Soldiers from the 52nd Ordnance Group (EOD) are leveraging the expertise of the training cadre at the specialized facility to prepare for deployments in support of U.S. Army Special Forces units and conventional ground forces.

The Fort Campbell, Kentucky-based 52nd EOD Group commands all Active-Duty U.S. Army EOD units east of the Mississippi River, including two EOD battalions and 14 EOD companies on Army installations in Kentucky, North Carolina, Georgia, Virginia and New York.

The 52nd EOD Group is part of the 20th Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, Explosives (CBRNE) Command, the U.S. military’s premier all hazards command. The 20th CBRNE Command is home to 75 percent of the Active-Duty U.S. Army’s EOD technicians and Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear (CBRN) specialists, as well as the 1st Area Medical Laboratory, CBRNE Analytical and Remediation Activity, five Weapons of Mass Destruction Coordination Teams and three Nuclear Disablement Teams.

American Soldiers and U.S. Army civilians from 20th CBRNE Command deploy from 19 bases in 16 states to confront and defeat the world’s most dangerous hazards in support of joint, interagency and allied operations.

Master Sgt. Brandon K. Barenie from the 52nd EOD Group Training Cell said the Danger Zone training cadre includes two senior Army EOD noncommissioned officers and civilian contractors who provide subject matter expertise.

“We operate within and take tasking from the 52nd EOD Group S3 Operations Section yet may work directly with battalions and companies when appropriate,” said Barenie.

According to Barenie, the support team provides training in EOD, chemical, nuclear, maneuver unit integration, Special Forces support operations, exercise design, counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems and sensitive site exploitation, as well as threat guidance research, scheduling and coordinating training evolutions and constructing and fabricating training aids.

As the U.S. Army’s explosive experts, EOD technicians are trained to take on everything from a hand grenade to a nuclear weapon while conducting explosive mitigation missions in support of military operations around the world and domestic authorities across the nation.

U.S. Army EOD units from 20th CBRNE Command deploy to the U.S. Central Command and U.S. Africa Command areas of operations while supporting U.S. Indo-Pacific Command exercises and Defense Support to Civil Authorities missions for U.S. Northern Command.

Army EOD Soldiers respond when military munitions are discovered, both on and off post. In 2021 alone, Army EOD technicians from 20th CBRNE Command EOD units participated in 1,415 explosive mitigation missions on military installations and 276 missions off base.

Today, Army EOD technicians are training and preparing to support ground forces during large-scale combat operations against a near-peer adversary.

U.S. Army EOD Soldiers also routinely support the U.S. Secret Service and Department of State during Very Important Person Protection Support Activity missions by helping to protect the president, first lady, vice president and foreign heads of states.

Previously a critical communications and security facility called The Voice, the Danger Zone provides a unique venue for the EOD techs to hone their lifesaving and mission-enabling skills. The facility also provides advanced marksmanship and combat skills training to keep EOD Soldiers on target.

“These training opportunities enhance our group’s ability to employ technically and tactically proficient Soldiers in support of any combatant commander,” said Barenie.

By Walter T. Ham IV

Posted in Army, EOD, Guest Post, SOF, Training | Comments Off on Explosive Ordnance Disposal Soldiers Sharpen Special Forces Support Skills in Danger Zone