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Modern AFE Capabilities Coming to Cannon DRACO Fleet

Sunday, April 27th, 2025

CANNON AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. —

The Steadfast Line continues to adapt for relevancy, most recently with the U-28A Draco fleet adopting new aircrew flight equipment (AFE) in the near future at Cannon Air Force Base, New Mexico.

The M69 Joint Service Aircrew Mask (JSAM) replaces the Mask Breath Unit-19P Aircrew Eye and Respiratory Protection assembly and is designed to provide ocular and respiratory protection from Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear hazards.

“This new mask allows improved mobility and enhanced protection,” said an AFE specialist assigned to the 27th Special Operation Wing. “The reliability of this new equipment will be critical for our U-28A crews if they find themselves operating in a contested environment.”

The JSAM is already in service on other non-ejection seat, fixed-wing aircraft, including the MC-130J Commando II and AC-130J Ghostrider fleets at Cannon AFB. Once approved for use on the U-28A, the JSAM will join the growing ensemble of next-generation AFE available to the Draco community. This includes the Viking Suit, which improves survivability of aircrew members if they ever are forced to egress in maritime environments, and the Skull Mounting System, which aligns headgear with night vision goggles and other accessories.

“This new protective equipment will enable our U-28 crews to be prepared for tomorrow, adapting for relevancy,” said Col. Robert Johnston, 27th Special Operations Wing commander. “We must maintain our competitive advantage, and this new mask is one more way we are staying ready.”

Air Commandos lead the way in delivering innovation – it’s in our DNA.

Posted in Air Force, Aviation, CBRNE, Guest Post, SOF | Comments Off on Modern AFE Capabilities Coming to Cannon DRACO Fleet

45th Anniversary of Operation Eagle Claw

Friday, April 25th, 2025

America woke up on the morning of 25 April, 1980 to hear President Carter announced to a stunned world that overnight our nation had undertaken an ambitious raid into Iran to liberate 52 American hostages held illegally at our Embassy compound in Tehran. The assault force of what was known as “Operation Eagle Claw” can be seen here, loading C141s on their way to an Intermediate Staging Base in preparation for the operation.

Unfortunately, the plan was complicated and the task force was made was made up of forces which hadn’t trained together long. The weather was problematic as well, and as the task force began to organize a withdrawal from Iranian territory after one-too-many helicopter failures, disaster struck.

We lost eight American servicemen in a horrible aircraft ground collision during refueling operations where a hovering SH53 helicopter turned into a C130 full of fuel bladders.

However, their deaths were not in vain. The hostages were eventually repatriated and the accident was the watershed event that created, over the next several decades, the world’s preeminent Special Operations capability; USSOCOM and its components. Forty-five years later, we wouldn’t be where we are without the determination of that fledgling task force.

Join me in remembering those who had the guts to try; legends to a man.

Posted in History, SOF | Comments Off on 45th Anniversary of Operation Eagle Claw

JFK’s Legacy Endures with Induction as Distinguished Member of the Special Forces Regiment

Wednesday, April 23rd, 2025

In an honorable and dignified ceremony marked by historical significance, former President John F. Kennedy was officially inducted as a Distinguished Member of the Special Forces Regiment in Pinehurst, North Carolina, April 11.

The U.S. Army Regimental Honors program recognizes individuals who have significantly contributed to the welfare, strength, and legacy of a regiment. The ceremony honored Kennedy posthumously, recognizing his visionary support for Special Forces and his enduring influence on modern warfare.

Jack B. Kennedy Schlossberg, Kennedy’s grandson, accepted the official acknowledgement of Kennedy’s induction into the regiment from Maj. Gen. Jason C. Slider, commanding general of the U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School, the Special Operations Center of Excellence (SOCoE).

“Today, I’ll never forget it,” Schlossberg said, who accepted the distinction on his family’s behalf. “I can’t think of a better way to honor President Kennedy by teaching new generation to live by the values that he did and to hold them to the same high standard that history holds them to. The Special Warfare School is a living tribute to all that my grandfather stood for.”

In addition to Kennedy’s contribution to Special Forces history stood the former schoolhouse commander at the time, Lt. Gen. William P. Yarborough, whose determination parallelled the vision in establishing what would become the next generation of lethal warfighters, the Special Forces Soldier.

“Yarborough was a warfighter,” Slider said. “He fought and commanded in World War II with the 82nd Airborne Division. He was a leader of men, and he cared for them. He created the silver wings many of us are wearing tonight. He also designed the paratrooper jump boots. He was an infantryman, but his legacy is “the father of the modern Green Berets.”

Michael Yarborough, Lt. Gen. Yarborough’s grandson, attended the ceremony on his family’s behalf.

“This letter marked the milestone in the transformation to the Army as it responded to a wide variety of new and emerging threats that included unconventional warfare in faraway places like Vietnam,” said Yarborough, during his remarks at the induction ceremony. “Six months before he penned that letter, Kennedy visited Fort Bragg and my grandfather at the Special Warfare School […] I’m confident that President Kennedy, if he visited Bragg today, would look to Special Forces to bring any capabilities and moral character the Army needs as it continues to defend our country.”

The significance of the ceremony reflected a milestone in Special Forces history, the 63rd anniversary of Kennedy signing the memo that authorized the wearing of the Green Beret on April 11, 1962.

Because of Kennedy and Yarborough’s deep-rooted legacy in paving the path for Army special operations forces, the U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School stands as a living legacy of their contributions and a pillar of excellence in the world of special operations military training and force generation.

Kennedy’s military history traces back during his time as a lieutenant in the U.S. Navy during World War II. Kennedy’s actions spoke to his character when he commanded a PT boat in the Pacific. In 1943, his boat, PT-109, was rammed and sunk by a Japanese destroyer. Despite his own injuries, Kennedy led his crew to safety. After World War II, Kennedy would go on to be elected as a democratic congressman for Massachusetts, serving three terms, and eventually becoming the 35th President of the United States of America in 1960.

During his presidency, in October 1961, after watching a demonstration of Special Forces capabilities at McKellar’s Lodge, Kennedy approved the Green Beret as the official headgear of Army Special Forces during his visit to Fort Bragg.

Following his visit on April 11, 1962, Kennedy penned an official White House Memorandum stating, “The Green Beret is again becoming a symbol of excellence, a badge of courage, a mark of distinction in the fight for freedom.”

Shortly after Kennedy’s assassination, as a tribute to his support, Yarborough added Kennedy’s name to the U.S. Army Center for Special Warfare, the previous name of the SOCoE. Named in his honor, the institution reflects Kennedy’s unwavering belief and executive sponsorship of unconventional warfare. His contribution to the fabric of Special Forces history was filled with many accomplishments and honorable service in the military, leading to his induction into the regiment.

While the induction falls on the anniversary of the signing of the memo, the induction references an action taken when Kennedy was first interred into Arlington.

At that time, moments after the assassinated president’s casket descended into the ground, boughs of pines were laid on the mound, and his 47-man Special Forces contingent that supported his internment was leaving, former Command Sgt. Maj. Francis Ruddy, the U.S. Army Center for Special Warfare command sergeant major, overcome by emotion, laid his beret down on the grave site.

“It was pretty much a reflex,” Ruddy said 14 months later with a New York Times reporter. “I stood there with a feeling of complete helplessness. I felt we lost a truly great person.”

When Robert F. Kennedy and Jackie returned to Arlington at midnight, they found Ruddy’s beret among the pine boughs that laid on top of the piled dirt. Ruddy explained to the Associated Press days after the funeral that “we considered it appropriate that it be given back to him.”

“President Kennedy’s confidence in our formation, his investment in our force, and his understanding of unconventional warfare leads us to stand as ready to respond to our nation today as we did 60 years ag,” said Lt. Gen. Jonathan P. Braga, commanding general of the U.S. Army Special Operations Command, during the induction ceremony. “As past Green Berets were able to stand guard over President Kennedy and honor his leadership in his family’s time of need; today, we Green Berets codify his legacy as one strongly intertwined with our own.”

During the ceremony, Schlossberg presented Gen. Bryan P. Fenton, commanding general of the U.S. Special Operations Command, with a page of Kennedy’s famous West Point speech in 1962 that included President Kennedy’s notes and edits from over six decades ago.

“On behalf of all of us, we formally welcome you to the Special Forces family,” Fenton said, during closing remarks.

Kennedy remains the only American president officially inducted into the Special Forces Regimental Hall of Fame as a Distinguished Member of the Regiment. His image, depicted in Special Forces halls and classrooms, continues to inspire generations of warriors. The ceremony not only honored his past contributions but also reaffirmed that his ideals remain firmly embedded in the heart of special operations.

To read President John F. Kennedy’s biography from the ceremony, visit www.swcs.mil/Portals/111/DMOR_2025_SF_JFK

By Elvia Kelly, U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School

Posted in Army, Guest Post, History, SOF | Comments Off on JFK’s Legacy Endures with Induction as Distinguished Member of the Special Forces Regiment

Pixels on Target Awarded Contract to Produce MAS-N Squad

Tuesday, April 22nd, 2025

Pixels on Target LLC (“Pixels), Sunrise, Florida has been awarded a 10-year indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract with a maximum ceiling of $92,527,353 for Miniature Aiming System Night-Squad kits, spare parts and accessories, repairs, new equipment training, and engineering change proposals in support of US Special Operations Command (USSOCOM). The work will be performed in Sunrise, Florida, and the last day to order under the contract is March 12, 2035. USSOCOM, MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, is the contracting activity.

“The MAS-N Squad is a significant upgrade in thermal target acquisition and brings game-changing capabilities to our Special Operators,” said Sumeet Suri, President and Co-Founder of Pixels on Target. “We are proud to provide systems to USSOCOM that increase their readiness, lethality and mission effectiveness.”

MAS-N Squad is a SOF-Specific variant of the Pixels on Target VooDoo-S Multi-Mission Thermal Sight, of which Pixels has built and delivered over 6,000 systems to US and Allied forces since 2019. MAS-N Squad and VooDoo-S share a high percentage of common components, which enables Pixels to fully utilize its already-established production capabilities and supply chain to deliver maximum value to USSOCOM.

About Pixels on Target: Pixels on Target LLC designs, builds, and delivers the Next Generation of Thermal Optics for the world’s most elite tactical users. Located in Sunrise, Florida, Pixels has assembled a team of the best product developers, engineers, subject matter experts, and supply chain partners. Pixels on Target is a privately held, US-owned and operated company.

MAS-N Squad Mounted on Rifle with Day Optic

Posted in Contracts, Optics, Press Release, SOF | 3 Comments »

Mehler Systems Presents Full-Spectrum Tactical Solutions at SOFINS 2025

Wednesday, April 16th, 2025

FULDA, GERMANY (10.04.2025)

Mehler Systems, together with its brands MehlerProtection, UF PRO, and Lindnerhof, successfully participated in SOFINS 2025—the premier European exhibition for Special Operations Forces. Held from April 1 to 3 at the military base in Martignas-sur-Jalle, France, the event brought together elite tactical units, defense industry leaders, and cutting-edge solution providers to engage in dialogue and present the next generation of mission-ready equipment.

Throughout the exhibition, Mehler Systems showcased an integrated portfolio designed to meet the complex requirements of modern mission profiles. Mehler Protection presented a range of ballistic protection systems developed for high-threat environments. Among them was the ExoM Up-Armoured Exoskeleton, offering full-body protection up to VPAM 8 while maintaining operator mobility. The M.U.S.T. System demonstrated the flexibility of modular body armour platforms, and the Omega Helmet Line delivered lightweight head protection. The brand also displayed a comprehensive array of ballistic panels, vests, and plate carriers tailored for the specific needs of special operations forces.

UF PRO introduced a selection of tactical garments engineered for performance across diverse climates and terrains. The Striker TT Combat Shirt and Pants offered breathable, durable solutions for hot and humid conditions, while the Monsoon XT Gen.2 Jacket and Pants provided dependable weather resistance in harsh, wet environments. For cold-weather operations, the AcEGen.2 Winter Combat Shirt delivered a balance of insulation and moisture regulation. The Striker X Gen.2 Combat Pants, designed for rugged terrain, completed the lineup with enhanced durability and mobility.

Lindnerhof featured its latest innovations in modular load-carrying systems and tactical gear. Visitors explored plate carriers, chest rigs, pouches, and belts—each developed for high adaptability, streamlined usability, and lightweight construction. A highlight of the exhibit was The Beast, Lindnerhof’s heavy load-carrying system built to manage extreme weight while maintaining comfort and stability during prolonged missions.

SOFINS 2025 once again proved to be a key engagement opportunity for Mehler Systems to connect directly with international defense professionals and reinforce its role as a trusted provider of integrated protective and tactical systems. The event underscored the group’s continued commitment to supporting those who serve with mission-focused solutions built on performance, protection, and operational reliability.

For more information about upcoming events, visit: mehler-systems.com/events

Posted in Advertiser, International, Press Release, SOF, Tradeshow | Comments Off on Mehler Systems Presents Full-Spectrum Tactical Solutions at SOFINS 2025

Did AFSOC Field A New Helmet? Well, Sort Of….

Saturday, April 12th, 2025

A buddy recently sent me this photo and asked me about this new helmet being worn by AFSOC, inquiring what it was.

I hadn’t seen it before and was intrigued. I put out some feelers and then I tracked the photo down to the Air Force Special Operations Command website, showcasing the Special Operations Forces Medical Skills Development program last October at Hurlburt Field, Florida. There was a whole photo story with these helmets peppered throughout.

It didn’t look like any helmet I had ever seen. Here I am thinking it might be some Air Force Research Lab project, but the truth, it would turn out, reminds me of that old Eddie Murphy comedy sketch, “We’ve got McDonald’s at home.*”

After further investigation, I found that this airsoft helmet (yes, I said airsoft) costs around $150 and goes by several names online, but seems to be manufactured by Avengers Airsoft. Avengers calls it the “Ark” Helmet w/ Integrated Cooling System & Headset. Granted, once you look at more of the photos you realize that they are training with paintball guns and that’s likely why they were purchased. They sort of look like issue helmets and are meant for airsoft. Even the website claims that the helmet is “Designed for Foam Blaster, Nerf, Gel Blaster, Battle Blaster, and low power Airsoft Gaming. ANSI rated full face mask recommended for close quarter / high power Airsoft Gaming.”

However, not only is this helmet not safety certified or approved for use as a ballistic, or even bump helmet, it’s also not Berry compliant. Sure, you can hide behind the micro-purchase exemption for Berry but I’d only use that defense if it were some uber cool European ballistic helmet like the NFM Hjelm, not some ABS bucket. What’s more, they aren’t using the face mask, despite using paintball guns, which kind of defeats the purpose of buying these helmets.

I’m not going to cast aspersions on the person who actually bought these things. I am sure they were well intended and bought what they were told to buy. They look sort of like an approved high cut helmet, but not much. Manufacturers Galvion, Gentex, and Team Wendy all make both ballistic and bump helmet models which are approved for wear and have been procured by the Air Force, and they can be used for sim training and have the appropriate mandibles.

Hopefully, AFSOC will procure some proper helmets for these Airmen soon which are actually certified for sim training. These toys should be crushed and put in the dumpster.

As for the rest of you, this is a cautionary tale. If you’re tasking a GPC holder to buy something for you, be very specific about what you want, even down to manufacturer and model preferences. Include specifications in order to further avoid confusion. If you don’t know, I suggest you have your GPC holder, or supply, get ahold of one of the Special Operations TLS vendors like Darley or Noble. There are several contract holders and they have in-house experts who can go over options. You can also do some research each here on SSD.

AFSOC Photos by Airman 1st Class Raul Mercado.

*Language warning, it’s Eddie after all…

Posted in Advertiser, Air Force, Caveat Emptor, Helmets, SOF, WTF? | 10 Comments »

USSOCOM: Changing Operational Demands Require Acquisition Changes

Friday, April 11th, 2025

Worldwide threats put the U.S. at risk and sometimes demand attention from U.S. Special Operations Command. To best meet those challenges, U.S. military acquisition needs to change, said Army Gen. Bryan P. Fenton, Socom commander.

“The character of war is changing faster than we’ve ever seen,” he said today before the House Armed Services Committee’s intelligence and special operations subcommittee.

“The innovation cycle now turns in days and weeks, not months and years. Our adversaries use $10,000 one-way drones that we shoot down with $2 million missiles — that cost-benefit curve is upside down,” he said.

Fenton noted that this is the most complex asymmetric and hybrid threat security environment he has seen during his 38 years of service. Contending with these challenges demands more from special operations forces.

“[It] requires tough choices, forcing trade-offs, as we strive to balance an increase in operations readiness and the need for modernization,” he said.

Fenton explained that over the past two years, for example, demand for SOCOM capabilities by combatant commands has increased by more than 35%, while at the same time, SOCOM has dealt with years of flat budgets.

To meet the demands of increased mission requirements and increasingly complex missions, he said SOCOM needs to improve its acquisition process.

“Our current acquisition procurement system … I would just offer, it’s outdated,” he said. “It’s glacial. I think it works in years and decades.”

He added that the lessons learned from the conflict in Ukraine made it clear how the U.S. military acquisition process can be changed for the better.

“What we’re seeing through the lens of Ukraine needs to be an acquisition … and procurement system that is hyper-speed, supersonic,” he said. “Because over there, we’re watching the changes in minutes, hours and days, and that is a very stark contrast” to what the U.S. does.

Fenton said changes to the requirements process, including simplifying it, as well as changes to authorities, could help SOCOM quickly get what it needs.

“If I could say it so bluntly, take more people out of that system, get less hands on the requirements process,” he told lawmakers. “Go from operator to commander and then acquisition.”

Fenton also suggested how changes in funding could benefit acquisition within Socom.

Funding for systems comes in the form of operations and maintenance funds; research, development, testing and engineering funds; and procurement funds. The Defense Department can’t easily move money between those budget lines, and that could be simplified, he said.

“I think there’s a way to take a lot of that off, compress the multiple lines to just a couple, and really modernize there,” Fenton said.

The general also asked for greater flexibility in how the department contracts new systems, particularly the option to increase the length of multiyear procurements.

“Give us an opportunity to think through multiyear processes,” he said. “Two years might seem multiyear, I think, to all of us. Multiyear probably needs to be five to 10 years so we can move at the speed and evolution of what we’re seeing out on the battlefield.”

By C. Todd Lopez, DOD News

Posted in Congress, Guest Post, SOF | 1 Comment »

98-year-old Pilot Sees Skyraider Legacy Live on in AFSOC’s OA-1K Skyraider II

Thursday, April 10th, 2025

HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. —

At 98 years old, retired U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Bill Buice never imagined he’d see another Skyraider take flight.

Looking ahead, he smiled as the hum of the aircraft’s turboprop engine deepened as it drew closer.

Joined by his family and members of Air Force Special Operations Command, Buice watched as the first missionized OA-1K Skyraider II arrived at Hurlburt Field, Florida, April 3, 2025.

As the OA-1K Skyraider II taxied, Buice said the moment brought back a wave of memories. To him, this was more than a new aircraft—it was a tribute to the original A-1 Skyraider, the plane he piloted during the Vietnam War until the day he was shot down nearly 60 years ago.

***

Rolling in for a pass to inspect the area below, Buice heard a sudden explosion.

It was July 9, 1968, and Buice, call sign “Firefly 16,” and his wingman, “Firefly 17,” were providing cover for a formation of American helicopters flying in northern Laos, near the Vietnam border.

Looking through the canopy of his A-1 Skyraider, he spotted a fire on the left wing of his aircraft.

Buice dumped the hydraulic system pressure to extinguish the flames. It worked, but the wing had a gaping hole, and the magnesium casting continued to burn.

He pulled the aircraft into a climbing turn, looking for a place to land. His teammates warned him over the radio.

“Not in the valley, whatever you do,” they urged, warning the enemy could be there.

Knowing he would soon lose complete control of the aircraft, he reversed his rudder controls, forcing the A-1 into a faster roll. Inverting the plane, he pulled the ejection handle as soon as he could see the sky through the canopy.

“The canopy disappeared with a bang,” Buice recalled. “Then nothing.”

He saw the jungle rushing up. His airspeed increased and altitude dropped. He pulled the handle again.

The rocket fired, pulling him from the cockpit. His parachute deployed, slowing his descent. He crashed through the jungle, hitting a tree and injuring his shoulder and quickly realized he couldn’t move his right arm.

Hearing noise nearby, he used his left hand to reach for his pistol and call for help with his radio.

Moments later, an Air America helicopter arrived. Owned and operated by the CIA, Air America was a cargo and passenger airline that provided air support for the U.S. and its allies during the Vietnam War.

A pilot came down to help Buice onto the lift, but as they ascended, the weight was too much.

“I insisted that he join me for the trip up, but it was too heavy,” Buice recalled. “So I gave him my radio and pistol, and he stayed behind, hoping another chopper would get to him before the bad guys did.”

Buice was airlifted to Udorn Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand for urgent medical treatment. Ultimately, his shoulder injury would end his 20-year Air Force career.

For decades, Buice often thought about the man who had rescued him, wondering if he made it out alive.

***

Sitting beside Buice at the OA-1K delivery ceremony was Phillip Jennings, a retired Air America helicopter pilot—the very man who had saved him that day. Over the years, the two had reunited only a handful of times, making this moment even more special, Jennings noted.

“I knew from the moment I watched him get shot down that we would have to go get him,” Jennings said. “I’m elated to be able to be here to see him be recognized and honored. He was the real hero that day, saving the Air America helicopters from landing in the deadly gunfire that shot his A-1 down.”

Though the crash ended his flying career, Buice said he has always felt a connection to the A-1 Skyraider.

As a pilot, Buice liked the A-1 for it’s ability to fly for an extended period while also being able to carry a large payload of ammunition.

The OA-1K Skyraider II now carries on that role, equipped with advanced weapons systems for light attack and reconnaissance missions for AFSOC.

Taking a moment to look at the new aircraft, Buice reflected on what it meant for the next generation of Skyraider pilots.

“I hope they embrace the challenges, the accomplishments—even the fear and the adrenaline,” he said. “There will be a day when they can no longer do this. Today is not that day.”

Today, Buice lives at the Hawthorne House, an assisted living neighborhood in the Air Force Enlisted Village in nearby Shalimar, Florida. The Air Force Enlisted Village is a community for retired enlisted military members and their surviving spouses.

By SSgt Natalie Fiorilli, Air Force Special Operations Command Public Affairs

Posted in Air Force, Aviation, Guest Post, History, SOF, Veterans | Comments Off on 98-year-old Pilot Sees Skyraider Legacy Live on in AFSOC’s OA-1K Skyraider II