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USSOCOM’s Joint Special Operations University to Conduct GPT – AI Platform Assessment Event

Wednesday, July 3rd, 2024

SOFWERX, in collaboration with USSOCOM’s Joint Special Operations University, will host a series of events to develop a custom Generative Pre-trained Transformer (GPT) model tailored to the university’s commercial “.edu” domain for the academic and administrative needs of students, faculty, and staff members. The GPT model will be trained on relevant datasets to enhance its understanding and generation capabilities in domains pertinent to the university’s academic and administrative functions.

The primary objective of this project is to develop a GPT model that can assist students, faculty, and staff members in various academic and administrative tasks, including but not limited to research, writing, and tutoring.

1. Develop a customized GPT model architecture optimized for academic and administrative tasks.
2. Collect and preprocess relevant datasets including academic papers, administrative documents, and institutional knowledge.
3. Train the GPT model on the collected datasets to improve its understanding and generation capabilities.
4. Evaluate the performance of the trained model through rigorous testing and validation procedures.
5. Deploy the GPT model within the university’s infrastructure for practical applications and integration with existing systems.

If you’re interested in participating, visit events.sofwerx.org/jsou-gpt-ai-platform.

Posted in AI / ML, SOF | Comments Off on USSOCOM’s Joint Special Operations University to Conduct GPT – AI Platform Assessment Event

Register Today for Commando LEAD Virtual Symposium

Saturday, June 29th, 2024

HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. —

Register today for the Commando LEAD Symposium 2024, which will be held virtually on July 15. AFSOC is focused on developing Air Commandos to maximize their potential and this symposium is for any member within the command. Register at forms.osi.apps.mil/r/csGEz3j8c5 or use the QR code in the above image.

The Commando LEAD Symposium will have an array of AFSOC speakers, civilian to military, from all ranks and AFSCs. This will sharpen the Air Commando mindset and provide the tools needed to cultivate a professional workplace, nurture workforce talent, and promote an inclusive environment. When we foster an environment of inclusion, our force becomes more engaged, effective, and lethal.

LEAD stands for Leadership, Equity, Advocacy and Development.

By Air Force Special Operations Command Public Affairs

Posted in Air Force, Guest Post, Profession of Arms, SOF | Comments Off on Register Today for Commando LEAD Virtual Symposium

Support the Courser Racing SF Team for The World’s Toughest Row – Pacific

Tuesday, June 25th, 2024

Four Special Forces Veterans vie to row 2800 miles across the Pacific Ocean from Monterey, California to Hanalei on Kaua’i, Hawaii to raise awareness and funds for their worthy cause.

The team is participating in The World’s Toughest Row – Pacific starts in June each year with teams participating from around the World.

Founded by Special Operations Veterans in 2023, Courser Racing is a 501(c)(3) Charleston, SC-based non-profit organization that places Veterans, Law Enforcement, and Firefighters on Ocean Rowing Expeditions to support their transition to the civilian workforce.

Courser Racing provides support to these communities through a team-based robust maritime training regimen (simulating the rigor of a deployment cycle or emergency response preparation), by leveraging a professional business mentor network for job placement, and providing business experience through organic non-profit activities including fundraising, P+L management, recruiting, marketing, donor relations, and sponsorship contract negotiations.

They chose Ocean Rowing as a vehicle for transition support because it is relatively low cost (the ocean is free) and it mirrors the rigors of service required of Special Operations Veterans, Law Enforcement, and Firefighter/ EMS personnel.

To learn more, visit courserracing.com

Posted in Charity, Fundraising, SOF, Veterans | Comments Off on Support the Courser Racing SF Team for The World’s Toughest Row – Pacific

10th Special Forces Group Takes First As Best Combat Divers Across Special Operations Forces

Tuesday, June 25th, 2024

KEY WEST, Fla. – “To build the best skilled maritime operators for such dangerous missions, the training these Soldiers undergo is inherently dangerous,” said Chief Warrant Officer 3 Jim Dougherty, Special Forces Underwater Operations (SFUWO) chief warrant officer. “Until now, no memorial existed to honor the memory of the brave Soldiers who took their last breath.”

Dougherty’s opening remarks echoed across the Special Forces Underwater Operations compound during a memorial unveiling ceremony honoring the legacy of eight fallen combat divers since 1964 before kicking off the 2024 USASOC Best Combat Diver Competition at Naval Air Station Key West, Florida, June 10-12.

This year marks the 60th anniversary since the inception of Special Forces Underwater Operations. Under the U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School footprint, this is the second year the Special Forces Underwater Operations school hosts the competition at Fleming Key, Key West’s northern point.

“The purpose of the United States Army Special Operations Command Best Combat Diver Competition is to foster camaraderie amongst the joint special operators who combat dive,” said Maj. Alexander Pombar, commander of the Special Forces Underwater Operations school. “The competition tests a number of key attributes of a combat diver.”

The competitors were challenged on academic rigor, physical toughness, mental agility, and adaptability while executing high-risk waterborne operations. The competition included rigorous tactical underwater events, boat movements, and airborne insertion related to real-world combat dive operations.

Twelve two-man teams from across U.S. Army Special Forces, U.S. Marine Forces Special Operations, and U.S. Air Force Special Operations competed in a ten event, multiple day, and night competition to demonstrate skill and capability through performance.

Day one events encompassed a combat dive physical fitness test, safety round robin, and equipment validations.

Day two officially kicked off the competition with a memorial unveiling ceremony straight into a helo-cast kayak race at the SGM Jerry D. Patton Water Drop Zone in Fleming Key. Competitors then performed a subsurface swim, cache race, and neuro-crossover subsurface activities in the pool.

Day three started with a target contour dive in Mole Harbor, where dive teams had to test their navigation skills to tag multiple targets. They went on to conduct an Over-the-Beach dive then shuttle race on Patio Beach and return to the ocean for exfiltration. The final event was a helo-cast, followed by a one kilometer surface swim, and a five kilometer run.

Following the conclusion of the competition, the winners were announced during an award ceremony.

This year’s winner of the USASOC Best Combat Diver Competition is the combat diver team from the 10th Special Forces Group.

The 1st Marine Raider Battalion took second place followed by the USASOC team in third.

CW2 Dante from 3rd Special Forces Group scored highest in the physical training event.

The Special Forces Underwater Operations School is the premier institution in generating the expert special operator in underwater and maritime operations. Combat dive operations reflects one of many advanced capabilities of the special operator in unconventional warfare, integrated deterrence, and irregular warfare.

For more information about the U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School, visit www.swcs.mil.

The names of the fallen combat divers are the following:

• 2nd Lt. William Koscher, 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne), 15 Aug. 1969

• Spc. 4 John A. James, 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne), 15 Aug. 1969

• Sgt 1st Class Kevin L. Devorak, 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne), 18 Oct. 1990

• Staff Sgt. Bruce L. Miller, 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne), 14 Sept. 1991

• Sgt. Charles L. Glenn, 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), 15 May 2007

• Staff Sgt. Mark M. Maierson, 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne), 13 March 2009

• Staff Sgt. David J. Whitcher, 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne), 2 Nov. 2016

• Staff Sgt. Micha E. Walker, 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne), 27 July 2021

By Steve Morningstar

Posted in Army, Guest Post, Maritime, SOF | Comments Off on 10th Special Forces Group Takes First As Best Combat Divers Across Special Operations Forces

Air Force Special Operations Command Demonstrates Ability to Support Joint Force Readiness and Resilience Through Real-Time Onboard Data Collection

Saturday, June 22nd, 2024

AFSOC Public Affairs

HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. —

Air Force Special Operations Command gathered members of Special Operations Forces Acquisition, Technology, and Logis tics, AFSOC Staff, Cyber Mission Defense Teams (MDTs), and maintenance personnel here to demonstrate its latest capability to collect and analyze onboard data from an operational MC-130 aircraft, detect cybersecurity and maintenance anomalies in real-time, and stream data and anomalies into a Department of Defense cloud environment. This demonstrated AFSOC’s ability to support joint force readiness and resilience through real-time onboard data collection, detection, and alerting capabilities from the tactical edge.

The demonstration utilized commercial off the shelf observability platform which collected and analyzed aircraft data as it was generated during flight, revealing a set of simulated operational and cybersecurity anomalies which were streamed to the MDT ground station. Once received, the MDT streamed the alerts and corresponding data into a joint cloud instance in real-time for further analysis, enabling cybersecurity, maintenance, and intelligence analysis use across the joint force.

“To evolve and outpace the adversary, AFSOC must embrace change that will enable technical overmatch during high-end conflict and long-term strategic competition. Gaining real-time or near real-time observability into operational aircraft gives us the ability to develop countermeasures to overcome enemy cyber-attacks, generate force readiness, and improve mission capable rates,” said Col Alfredo Corbett, AFSOC Director, Cyber & C4 Systems.

AFSOC currently leverages equipment to gain observability into the onboard operational technology generated by the MC-130 aircraft. Hardware captures, analyzes, detects, and alerts on anomalies at the edge, enabling real-time maintenance and cybersecurity monitoring, insights and intelligence, and the ability to build and deploy new detections. By integrating the alerts and data into the DoD cloud environment, AFSOC demonstrates its ability to support DoD modernization efforts, enabling it to improve the readiness, survivability, and lethality of vehicles fleet wide.

Posted in Air Force, Cyber, Guest Post, SOF | Comments Off on Air Force Special Operations Command Demonstrates Ability to Support Joint Force Readiness and Resilience Through Real-Time Onboard Data Collection

USSOCOM Announces Innovation Foundry (IF16) – Contested Logistics in Future SOF Operations

Monday, June 10th, 2024

SOFWERX, in collaboration with USSOCOM’s Directorate of Science and Technology (S&T), will host the sixteenth Innovation Foundry Event (IF16), 20-22 August 2024, in either Lexington KY, or at SOFWERX in Tampa, FL, (final determination will be made by the end of June), which intends to bring together Special Operations Forces (SOF), industry, academia, national labs, government, and futurists in an exploration, design thinking, facilitated event to assist USSOCOM in decomposing future scenarios and missions.

The theme of IF16, ‘Contested Logistics in Future SOF Operations’ will explore the challenges of resourcing parts, components, and supplies at the point of need for the untethered SOF operator.

The future of warfare demands innovation in supply and sustainment capability to keep pace with large-scale, multidomain combat against peer adversaries. The intensity of future conflicts may lead to rapid depletion of stockpiles and resources, and deployments to remote locations far from established supply hubs will necessitate unconventional solutions for resupply, local procurement, and point-of-need production. This presents new challenges and opportunities for SOF in addressing strategic-to-tactical distribution and supply gaps for the untethered operator. Predictive logistics, real-time needs assessment, advanced manufacturing, energy independence, maneuverability, standardization, safety, and quality assurance will all require novel approaches. The confluence of domains and environments – and the speed and precision demanded of SOF operations – further amplify these challenges.

To tackle these problems SOF and SOF Supporting Activities will need to further study:
•    A vision for the future challenges posed by contested logistics.
•    Understand and mitigate the risks and vulnerabilities of contested logistics.
•    Plans and policies to enable operational advantage and exploit dual-use capabilities in a contested logistics environment.
•    Capabilities to understand and characterize adversarial actions in contested logistics.
•    New concepts of operation to operate in a range of heavily constrained contested logistics scenarios.
•    Recruit and train for the skillsets required to operate in future contested logistics environments.

In this effort, S&T is working with the Program Executive Office for Special Operations Forces Support Activity (PEO-SOFSA) and the Expeditionary Support Program Office.

S&T has developed and refined a unique process, the Innovation Cycle, to engage technology pioneers and leaders, and to discover and develop high risk, innovative, and disruptive technologies for future on-boarding. The Innovation Foundry is the first event in the Innovation Cycle and is the idea generation phase. It will be followed by a Rapid Capability Assessment (RCA) to develop capabilities, and Integrated Technology Sprints (ITS) to demonstrate proofs of concept.

If you are an expert in any of the following areas of interest or in related fields, please consider participating in IF16:

• Advanced energy systems

• Advanced materials

• Additive manufacturing

• Artificial intelligence

• Autonomous systems

• Electrical engineering

• Hybrid manufacturing

• Industrial engineering

• Infrastructure

• Inventory management

• Large-scale, multi-material, and smart 3D printing

• Logistics

• Machine learning

• Machine operations

• Manufacturing

• Material science and engineering

• Mechanical engineering

• Modeling and simulation

• Precision manufacturing

• Production engineering

• Prototyping

• Robotics

• SOF operations

• Supply chain management

• Sustainment

• Textiles

• Welding

Deliverables for the IF16 event will include preliminary capability concepts targeting the defined problem areas which may impact SOF forces and operations in the 2030 timeframe. These preliminary capability concepts will be developed further in a follow-on RCA event.

Submit NLT 05 July 2024 11:59 PM ET.

Further details here.

Posted in Logistics, SOF | Comments Off on USSOCOM Announces Innovation Foundry (IF16) – Contested Logistics in Future SOF Operations

US Government Secures $73 Million Contract with UVision and Mistral for Hero-120SF Loitering Munitions

Wednesday, June 5th, 2024

Contract with U.S. Special Operations Command Expected to be Completed by May 2029

June 05, 2024 – UVision Inc., a global leader in aerial loitering systems, and Mistral Inc., a distinguished player in the US defense industry, have secured a $73,552,208 contract with the U.S. Government to supply Hero-120SF Loitering Munitions for the U.S. Special Operations Command. The contract includes munitions, spare parts, engineering change proposals, new equipment training, and conversion from organic precision fires-mounted to medium-range precision strike systems.

The Hero-120SF Loitering Munition System is a state-of-the-art, mid-range, anti-tank system designed specifically for heavy strikes against armored targets like tanks, vehicles, and other hard targets on the modern battlefield. With its ability to cause minimal collateral damage and equipped with a range of multi-purpose warheads, the Hero-120SF provides operational users with an unparalleled effective engagement solution.

Tailored for Special Forces operations, the Hero-120SF includes enhancements such as improved payload capacity, advanced guidance systems, and increased flexibility for deployment from various platforms.

Major General (Ret.) Avi Mizrachi, Chairman of the Board of Directors of UVision USA, stated, “This significant contract with the U.S. Special Operations Command, a uniquely important entity, supported by our strong partnership with Mistral, underscores the commitment of both UVision and Mistral to provide cutting-edge technology and operational expertise to safeguard US national security.”

Production of the Hero-120SF will take place at UVision USA’s facilities in Virginia and at the new SAIC plant that opened in March. Mistral Inc, the exclusive representative of UVision in the USA, and the prime contractor of this contract, offering the Hero series to meet the discerning needs of the United States military will oversee the industrial and commercial aspects of the contract.

The work under this contract is expected to be completed by 2029.

Posted in Contracts, Munitions, Press Release, SOF | Comments Off on US Government Secures $73 Million Contract with UVision and Mistral for Hero-120SF Loitering Munitions

US, NATO Forces Showcase Tactics, Integration During Astral Knight 2024

Wednesday, May 29th, 2024

GDYNIA, Poland (AFNS) —

NATO’s exercise Astral Knight 2024 concluded May 18 in Gdynia, demonstrating joint force interoperability and strategic readiness between U.S. forces and NATO allies. The exercise allowed the incorporation of the Special Warfare Teaming Concept, involving the 2nd Air Support Operations Squadron from Vilseck, Germany; the 57th Rescue Squadron from Aviano, Italy; and members of Polish special forces.

The exercise emphasized United States Air Forces in Europe – Air Forces Africa’s commitment to agile combat employment strategies, integrating advanced sensor technology and refining multinational tactical operations designed to enhance movement, maneuverability and security across NATO territories.

Throughout the training in Gdynia, the special warfare teams, comprising of tactical air control party members and pararescuemen, demonstrated the effectiveness of their combined operations. These operations are aimed at ensuring aircrews and Airmen are well prepared to deliver lethal combat power and conduct precise recovery operations in contested environments.

“Our presence here at Astral Knight 24 aimed to refine and test the Special Warfare Teaming strategy,” said U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Phonchai Hansen, 2 ASOS flight chief of Alpha Flight. “By combining our TACP capabilities with the expert medical and recovery skills of the PJs, we’ve created a dynamic force capable of addressing multifaceted threat scenarios effectively.”

The exercise featured simulated, dynamic targeting missions and personnel recovery drills, during which TACPs and PJs executed coordinated responses to simulated threats. One of the scenarios included a pilot emergency ejection from an F-16 Fighting Falcon and required immediate extraction from a hostile environment, testing the cohesion and interoperability of the newly formed teams.

“The integration of TACPs and PJs into a cohesive unit allows us to leverage our respective strengths,” said U.S. Air Force Capt. John Miller, 2 ASOS flight commander of Alpha Flight. “This exercise effectively assessed the current state of Air Force Special Warfare Teaming, allowing us to inform the development of the special warfare enterprise.”

This year’s Astral Knight also focused on testing and improving joint operational tactics, involving not only U.S. forces but also enhancing cooperation with Polish military units and other NATO partners. The seamless collaboration forged stronger alliances and demonstrated NATO’s capability to defend its members against any threat.

The Special Warfare Teaming Concept not only showcased tactical abilities but also strategic foresight in preparing NATO forces for future challenges.

“The gives us the ability to operate with our NATO allies in some pretty complex scenarios,” said a PJ participant. “This greatly improves our collective security and ensures we are always ready to respond to threats swiftly and efficiently.”

The lessons learned and relationships built in Gdynia will help future NATO exercises and operations. Furthering the success of the Special Warfare Teaming Concept — marking a pivotal advancement in military operations, enhanced cooperative capabilities and strategic deployment readiness across NATO.

By Capt Jacob Murray, 86th Airlift Wing

Posted in AFSW, Air Force, Guest Post, International, SOF | 2 Comments »