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First Special Warfare Airmen Graduate Initial Apprentice Course for Special Reconnaissance

Wednesday, June 23rd, 2021

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-CHAPMAN TRAINING ANNEX, Texas –The 352nd Special Warfare Training Squadron graduates the first wave of students from the new Special Reconnaissance Apprentice Course, June 17, 2021 at Pope Army Airfield, North Carolina.

Formerly branded as Special Operations Weather Teams (SOWTs), the SR career field recently underwent a major restructuring. While short term weather forecasting will remain in the SR’s skillset, it will no longer dominate SR’s training and mission focus.

“Today’s SR graduates are better equipped with unique training to conduct multi-domain reconnaissance and surveillance with an eye towards gaps identified in the Department of Defense’s long range reconnaissance and force projection capabilities,” said Maj. Spencer Reed, 352nd SWTS commander. “This ceremony not only celebrates the first organically trained SR Airmen in our wing, but in the U.S. Air Force. I’m incredibly proud.”

Special Reconnaissance Airmen are among the most highly trained personnel in the U.S. military. Airmen receive training in surveillance and reconnaissance, multi-domain electronic warfare, long-range precision engagement and target interdiction, small unmanned aircraft systems, preparation of the environment, personnel recovery, and advanced special tactics skills.

“The first SR Apprentice Course graduation signifies the first tangible step towards the Air Force building an increased capability,” said Senior Master Sgt.Trenton Seegmiller, Air Education and Training Command’s special reconnaissance functional manager. “It is one of many steps in a never-ending process to maintain our edge over near-peer competitors.”

The course curriculum includes collecting meteorological and environmental data- a holdover requirement from the SOWT career field, yet significantly reduced in scope. New skills added are demolition, communication and signaling, human intelligence gathering, operational preparation of the environment and tactical cyber applications.

“Previous iterations of training required multiple courses and training locations, totaling around 215 training days,” Reed said. “This new 86-day course provides an updated training syllabus with a 60% reduction in training time.”

SR Airmen train to provide global battlespace awareness and access by translating information into actionable intelligence. In the battlespace, SR Airmen are part of Special Tactics teams in sensitive, forward operating locations, focused on global strike, global access and recovery missions.

Members of the Special Warfare Training Wing provide initial training for all U.S. Air Force Special Warfare training AFSCs, to include, Combat Controllers, Pararescue, Special Reconnaissance, and Tactical Air Control Party Airmen.

To learn more about SR Airmen or other U.S. Air Force Special Warfare career opportunities, go to: www.airforce.com/careers/in-demand-careers/special-warfare.

Story by Nicholas J. De La Pena, Special Warfare Training Wing

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

USSOCOM Selects Nightforce for Ranging – Variable Power Scope Program to Equip Semi-Automatic Sniper Weapon Systems

Thursday, June 10th, 2021

Nightforce Optics is proud to announce that another variant of the ATACR product line has been selected to fill the Ranging – Variable Power Scope (R-VPS) component of the Miniature Aiming Systems – Day Optic (MAS-D) Program. The MIL-SPEC ATACR™ 4-20×50 F1 will be integrated as the Mid-Range and the Designated Marksman solutions for US Special Operations Command’s current and future anticipated Semi-Automatic Sniper Weapon Systems. The R-VPS will round out a complete family of Variable Power Scopes awarded to Nightforce Optics within the MAS-D Program.

As part of a life cycle replacement program and capabilities enhancement, the Nightforce MIL-SPEC ATACR 4-20 is optimized to provide improved target detection and identification, as well as hit probability, for engagements out to 1200m.

“We are both proud and humbled to realize another Nightforce ATACR model selection within the VPS family of scopes for USSOCOM. While a new benchmark for us, the real benefit is the continuity it brings to the end user. Now, regardless of weapon system, they will have commonality in adjustment features and ancillary components ”, said Nightforce’s MIL-GOV-LE Business Development Manager, Tod Litt.

The Nightforce MIL-SPEC ATACR 4-20 offers excellent performance in intermediate range target detection as well as reliable mechanical adjustment. The optic feature Nightforce’s exceptional ED glass, 0.1 Mil-Radian adjustment value for both windage and elevation, the Horus Vision TREMOR3 reticle, and a tan, hardcoat anodized finish. Like the previous VPS Program solutions the R-VPS is provided as a system, utilizing a purpose-built Nightforce scope mount and laser range finder integration platform. When employed as a complete solution, the SOF end-user’s ability to detect, range, and receive a firing solution correlates well with the semi-automatic weapon capability it is intended to enhance.

The new optics are to augment multiple systems in the SOCOM inventory and are intended to support the MRGG (Mid-Range Gas Gun) once it is fielded.

For more information on Nightforce Optics, please visit www.nightforceoptics.com, or for more details on military contracts, email Glenn Lass, MIL-GOV-LE Program Manager at glass@nightforceoptics.com.

Posted in Advertiser, Contracts, Optics, Press Release, SOF | Comments Off on USSOCOM Selects Nightforce for Ranging – Variable Power Scope Program to Equip Semi-Automatic Sniper Weapon Systems

SIG SAUER Commemorates U.S. Army’s Birthday with Army Ranger Series Videos

Wednesday, June 9th, 2021

NEWINGTON, N.H., (June 9, 2021) – SIG SAUER, Inc. is proud to present a new four-part video series to commemorate the upcoming birthday of the U.S. Army on Monday, June 14th, and honor the prestigious U.S. Army Rangers with an inside look at the 2021 Best Ranger Competition.

“This year SIG SAUER was afforded the incredible opportunity to present custom M17 pistols as the official trophy pistols of the prestigious Best Ranger Competition,” said Jason St. John, Director, Government Products, SIG SAUER, Inc., and Sergeant First Class (Retired), U.S. Army Ranger. “Through this video series we recognize the U.S. Army and the incredible service and sacrifice of the entire U.S. Army Ranger regiment to our country.”

The SIG SAUER Best Ranger Video Series includes the following episodes:

• Episode 1: Rangers Lead the Way: the already released video review of the history and foundation of the U.S. Army Rangers.

• Episode 2: Honor: the newly released video reviews the inception of the famed Best Ranger Competition.

• Episode 3: 2021 Best Ranger Competition: an inside look at the grueling 3-day Best Ranger Competition to be released on the birthday of the U.S. Army, June 14th.

• Episode 4: Prestige: an interview with the 2021 Best Ranger Competition winners to be released on Friday, June 18th.

The U.S. Army Best Ranger Competition is a grueling competition that identifies the best, two-man U.S. Army Ranger team on a course that is designed to place extreme demand on each team’s physical, mental, technical and tactical skills and was held in Fort Benning, Georgia, April 16-18, 2021.

Learn more about the SIG Custom Works, U.S. Army Best Ranger Competition M17 Trophy Pistols.

Posted in Advertiser, Army, History, Press Release, SOF | Comments Off on SIG SAUER Commemorates U.S. Army’s Birthday with Army Ranger Series Videos

Special Tactics Community Welcomes New Wing Commander

Monday, June 7th, 2021

HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. – Families, friends and members of the Hurlburt Field and Special Tactics community gathered to welcome the new commander of the 24th Special Operations Wing during a change of command ceremony June 4, 2021 at Hurlburt Field, Florida.

Lt. Gen. Jim Slife, commander of Air Force Special Operations Command, recognized outgoing commander, Col. Matt Allen and introduced Col. Jason Daniels as the newest and sixth wing commander of the sole Special Tactics wing in the Air Force.

Before relinquishing command, Allen was presented the Legion of Merit for his time as the wing commander. During his tenure Special Tactics Airmen conducted 2,200 combat missions, surveyed 22 airfields, controlled over a thousand aircraft and eliminated thousands of enemy personnel from the battlefield resulting in the wing being accredited with several valor awards, Air Force and AFSOC level recognitions, all with the backdrop of a global pandemic.

“No wing in our [major command], in fact in our entire United States Air Force for that matter, has either required or produced better tactical and operational leaders for the last two decades than the 24th SOW,” said Slife. “No community has better exemplified the finest of AFSOC or born a greater burden than our Special Tactics community.”

As the new commander of the 24th SOW and roughly 2,500 Airmen, Daniels is responsible for preparing Special Tactics forces to conduct global air, space, and cyber-enabled special operations across the spectrum of conflict to prepare for, fight, and win our nation’s wars.

“No leadership team is better prepared to propel the 24th SOW into the very different yet very exciting future which lies ahead than Jason and [his wife],” said Slife. “A career Special Tactics Officer with broad leadership experience, deep intellect and unflinching moral courage, Col. Daniels is the perfect officer to take the guidon from Col. Allen.”

Prior to assuming command of the 24th SOW, Daniels was assigned to AFSOC Headquarters and previously served as the wing’s vice commander.

Daniels, a Wilson, North Carolina native and 1998 U.S. Air Force Academy graduate, has served in five Special Tactics Squadrons as a Flight Commander, Director of Operations, and Commander. Daniels led joint forces in support of Operations ENDURING FREEDOM, ENDURING FREEDOM-Philippines, ENDURING FREEDOM-Trans Sahara, INHERENT RESOLVE, IRAQI FREEDOM and more, earning him two Bronze Star Medals with Valor and several additional military honors.

“To the Airmen of the 24th SOW, I’m both humbled and honored to serve with you again,” said Daniels. “We’ll continue to take the fight to violent extremists and other adversaries that threaten our nation’s interests.”

Air Force Special Tactics is AFSOC and U.S. Special Operations Command’s air-ground integration force, delivering global access, precision strike, personnel recovery and battlefield surgery capabilities to the joint force. Special Tactics is the most highly decorated community in the Air Force since the end of the Vietnam War and has received one Medal of Honor, 12 Air Force Crosses, 50 Silver Stars, roughly 650 Bronze Star medals.

“Thanks for the blood, sweat and tears you’ve given for our country and the foundation you set for AFSOC’s Special Tactics force that exists today,” said Daniels. “It is my goal, intent and desire to honor those sacrifices and efforts as we continue to transform to meet the security challenges of tomorrow.”

By 24th Special Operations Wing Public Affairs

Posted in AFSW, Air Force, Guest Post, SOF | 3 Comments »

2021 Frogman Down Memorial Broadcast

Saturday, May 29th, 2021

This year, Frogman Down is honoring the 10th Anniversary of the loss of Extortion 17 and the SEAL K9’s who we have lost in combat.

The broadcast begins at 1500 PDT / 1800 EDT on May 30th on the website.

frogmandown.org

Posted in Charity, Memorial, SOF | Comments Off on 2021 Frogman Down Memorial Broadcast

Task Force Dagger Special Operations Foundation’s The SOF Online Auction & Raffle

Friday, May 21st, 2021

Task Force Dagger Special Operation Foundation (TFDSOF) will be the beneficiary of the SOF Online Auction & Raffle presented by Cubic, closes today, May 21 at 5PM EDT.

Auction items include an OMEGA “James Bond” watch, Langdon Tactical Experience, Richard Childress Racing VIP NASCAR Experience, Filmed hunt by SPYPOINT, Conflict Forge Dagger by Rustick Knives, Tickets to 2022 PGA Championship, Firearms, Firearm Accessories & Optics, Ammunition, Knives, Patriotic Themed items, Clothing, Tools, Sunglasses, and much more. We truly have something for everyone!

Funds raised though the auction will directly impact families of the Special Operations Community and 100% of the proceeds will be applied to TFDSOF’s three core programs: Immediate Needs, Rehabilitative Events, and the SOF Health Initiatives Program.

To bid on an item or learn more about this fundraising event, please visit: tfdf.cbo.io

Posted in Charity, Fundraising, Press Release, SOF | Comments Off on Task Force Dagger Special Operations Foundation’s The SOF Online Auction & Raffle

Interested In Doing Business With USSOCOM? Try Engage SOF

Thursday, May 20th, 2021

This week the United States Special Operations Command launched Engage SOF (eSOF) a new one-stop-shop for companies interested in doing business with the command.

This new effort replaces SOCOM’s Technology & Industry Liaison Office (TILO) which many of you may know. But with developing eSOF, the Command took a look at how they’ve been engaging industry partners during the COVID-19 pandemic and created a website that allows companies to submit ideas that may be of interest and provide regular feedback throughout the process to determine if it’s something they can use and which procurement program is the right one for the idea. Submissions can be accomplished in as little as 10 minutes and a decision is expected on how SOCOM wants to proceed in 30-45 days.

The Command also states that intellectual property will be protected throughout the process. This is particularly of concern to companies who are just starting to do business with the military.

Visit www.socom.mil/SOF-ATL/Pages/eSOF-main to get started.

Posted in SOF | 1 Comment »

USSOCOM Small Arms Update

Thursday, May 20th, 2021

During this week’s Special Operations Forces Industry Conference hosted by NDIA, LTC John M. (Tosh) Lancaster, USA, serves as Program Manager SOF Lethality, but the update on SOF small arms and ammunition programs was provided by his boss, PEO – SOF Warrior, COL Joel Babbitt, USA, as part of the entire portfolio.

Weapons

While there are multiple efforts underway to enhance the lethality of SOF, two primary capabilities were briefed which offer overmatch to our forces who have faced enemy small arms with longer ranges, by increasing their operational envelope.

The first is the Mid-Range Gas Gun (MRGG and pronounced like “Margie”). Chambered in 6.5 Creedmoor, this gas operated rifle will be offered in two variants: Assault and Sniper Support. Consequently, you will see the variants referred to as MRGG-A and MRGG-S respectively. USSOCOM adopted 6.5 CM in 2018 which replaces 7.62mm NATO for Sniper Support Weapons.

The second effort is the Lightweight Machine Gun – Medium (LMG-M) in 338 Norma Mag, a true game changer which offers accurate fire at ranges approaching that of an M2 .50 HMG, but at a dry weapon weight below the M240.

Weapons Timeline

USSOCOM plans to procure both of these weapons using Middle Tier Acquisition.

Mid-Range Gas Gun

A Military User Assessment was conducted in 2019 for MRGG to inform this requirement with COL Babbitt mentioning that SOCOM has, “conquered the intellectual high ground,” on how to best use 6.5 CM. According to industry sources, while numerous companies participated in that event at Camp Atterbury, only Larue and LMT were down selected for further evaluation. Finally, it’s important to note that this requirement is limited to Naval Special Warfare.

Lightweight Machine Gun – Medium

LMG-M promises engagement of both point and area targets out to 2500 meters. MARSOC has already conducted a Combat Evaluation of SIG SAUER’s Light Machine Gun to inform this requirement. According to PEO SOF Warrior, one point of feedback was that Operators were impressed that they were hitting the target with the first round. A fire control system will also be procured via its own program.

Ammunition

Since both of these weapons fire SOF unique calibers (based on use within DoD), SOCOM also has to develop and procure the ammunition. This requires developing cartridges and soliciting industry for their manufacture, just like any other commodity.

Ammo Timeline

While limited amounts of both 6.5 CM and 338 NM ammunition has been procured via OTA, full production will be accomplished via a full and open competitive contract opportunity.

Since it’s in the slide, we’ll also mention that the Lightweight Cased Ammunition program has had some great success with .50 but there are still issues being worked through on the 7.62mm NATO rounds. COL Babbitt related that, “the smaller the caliber, the more difficult to achieve lighter weight.” This is because the case isn’t as large and that’s where the weight reduction is being realized, by transitioning from brass to polymer.

6.5 Creedmoor

COTS ammunition was utilized for the 2018 effort to decide between 260 Remington and 6.5 CM as an intermediary caliber for SOF. Now, a government specified projectile and load have been developed and are being procured.

338 Norma Mag

The 338 NM caliber is also part of the new Mk22 Advanced Sniper Rifle which has been adopted by all the Army and Marine Corps as well as USSOCOM. However, cartridges for use by Machine Guns will be different than those used by snipers. Additionally, MG ammunition requires a link which is a government controlled design. While the sniper round will become service common, the MG round will remain SOF peculiar, at least until the services adopt a 338 NM MG.

Posted in SOF, SOFIC, weapons | 20 Comments »