In this video presented by the Center for Strategic & International Studies, Christopher Maier, Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special Operations and Low-Intensity Conflict, discusses Irregular Warfare (IW), the Special Operations Forces (SOF) enterprise, and how technology will impact SOF in the future with Dr Seth G. Jones, president of the CSIS Defense and Security Department.
This episode of “The Big Picture” depicts the Green Berets and features the legendary Larry Thorne (Lauri Törni).
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National Archives and Records Administration
TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO (AFNS) —
Mission Ready Airmen assigned to the 137th Special Operations Wingmission sustainment team, Oklahoma Air National Guard, strengthened critical self-sustaining skills and assessed their ability to operate in multiple expeditionary environments across the Caribbean during TRADEWINDS25, April 21-May 5.
The team conducted five total maneuvers during the exercise, establishing forward operating sites in Trinidad and Tobago, Antigua, Martinique and Puerto Rico. This is the first time the 137th SOW’s current MST Airmen conducted agile combat readiness in environments outside of the continental U.S. These rapid maneuvers tested their resiliency, adaptiveness and ability to integrate logistics with U.S. Air Force aircrews and multinational hosts.
“Being able to operate in environments where you don’t have the logistical footprint to move resupplies in is critical,” said Lt. Col. Morgan Mathis, mission sustainment team commander. “With each maneuver, we are dealing with different embassies, different security operations officers and different militaries to enable movement into those different countries. That is a big push for us this Tradewinds.”
Mission sustainment teams are employed in support of Air Force Special Operations Command assets. By exercising enhanced operational reach and sustainment through integrated logistics, pre-positioning of forces and shared infrastructure during TW25, the 137th SOW MST assessed their ability to ensure readiness and responsiveness for future exercises and operations.
The 40th iteration of Tradewinds, a U.S. Southern Command-sponsored, regionally oriented annual exercise with 26 participating nations, provided a platform for the 137th SOW MST to train in ground, air and cyber operations. Although the exercise was held in Trinidad and Tobago, the 137th SOW team’s various movements to neighboring islands offered a blueprint for what future iterations of the exercise could incorporate to further interoperability between Caribbean nations.
“This team is able to provide a proof of concept by moving around to different countries and seeing what standard operating procedures we can develop for next year so that we can expand that Agile Combat Employment all over the Caribbean and all over the U.S. Southern Command,” Mathis added.
The first iteration of the 137th SOW MST was established in 2021, aligning AFSOC forces with the U.S. Air Force’s shift toward ACE. ACE is a concept that allows Mission Ready Airmen to operate in expeditionary environments to maintain posture, command and control, movement and maneuver, protection and sustainment. This is reliant on their ability to rapidly execute operations from various locations with integrated capabilities and interoperability, as 137th SOW Mission Ready Airmen demonstrated in TW25, through technical training and by conducting multiple maneuvers across Caribbean islands.
In the 18 months leading up to TW25, Airmen assigned to the current 137th SOW MST were hand-picked to form a team centered around enabling rapid maneuvers around areas of responsibility, sustaining AFSOC forces, providing force and medical protection to those forces, and mission generation: being able to rearm, refuel, launch, land and recover aircraft.
TW25 is the fourth major field training exercise this team participated in, each with an emphasis on movement and maneuver, protection, mission generation or sustainment. While operating in the Caribbean, Airmen assigned to the 137th SOW MST focused on the movement and maneuver and the sustainment elements of their mission.
“This is a huge opportunity for our Airmen to learn, to grow, to be leaders and to make decisions,” Mathis said. “As we look toward the future, exercises are how our Airmen are going to learn how to do mission command and how to problem solve on the fly without oversight. These exercises are a huge part of enabling them to gain that experience that, in the past, Airmen would have gotten through multiple deployments, but now they are getting through named exercises like Tradewinds.”
A key element to self-sustainable operations and maneuvers for Mission Ready Airmen is tactical combat casualty care tier two. TCCC tier two equips Mission Ready Airmen with advanced lifesaving skills that are crucial for sustainment in expeditionary environments. Airmen assigned to the 137th SOW MST enhanced these critical skills through multiple hands-on scenarios during TW25 in Trinidad and Tobago.
“TCCC tier two is especially critical for Mission Ready Airmen to understand and be proficient in,” said a 137th SOW TCCC instructor that accompanied the MST for TW25. “It is battlefield-proven to reduce preventable deaths. When they are in austere environments, these Airmen may be the only medical care available to their wingmen.
Following their operations in Trinidad and Tobago, the team shifted focus toward bolstering mobile communications.
Throughout their maneuvers, 137th SOW Airmen were tasked to establish and test the effectiveness and reliability of Mobile Ad-hoc Network, or MANET, communication networks between dispersed 137th SOW Airmen across Caribbean-centric islands in multinational operations, increasing the survivability, security and sustainability of communications as ACE’s command and control element requires.
With each maneuver to a new island, 137th SOW Mission Ready Airmen would establish a near vertical incidence skywave antenna to bounce high-frequency radio waves off of internal mobile communications. Alongside the NVIS technology, the 137th SOW team utilized handheld AN/PRC-163 radios to extend their secure communications networks further as they tested line-of-sight communications on the island of Martinique, and satellite communications to Wingmen on other islands and to units stationed in North Carolina and New York.
This technical and hands-on training provided a foundation for 137th SOW MST Airmen to participate in a cross-functional mobile communications discussion with members of the French Navy while the team was operating in Martinique.
“Communications are a big part of MST,” Mathis shared. “Without communications, MST cannot operate. We want each of the members of the team to be proficient in not just basic communications but digital communications, line-of-sight and beyond.”
Similarly, the Mission Ready Airmen assigned to the 137th SOW MST conducted a knowledge exchange with the Antigua and Barbuda Defense Force where they compared combat casualty care methodologies and life-saving techniques, mission and command planning, supply transportations logistics and mobile communications while staying in Antigua.
By comparing mission essential strategies with multinational forces, the 137th SOW Mission Ready Airmen are able to reinforce their skillsets and expertise while enhancing foundational relations and interoperability for future exercises and operations.
Opportunities like TW25 allow for these Airmen to demonstrate their professionalism and proficiency as they continue to grow as leaders and Citizen Airmen. For many on the 137th SOW team, this was the first time they collaborated with a Caribbean nation.
“I was very appreciative of their hospitality,” an MST Airman noted. “This exercise has helped me expand my worldview in ways that will continue to help me grow as a person and as a Mission Ready Airman.”
As Guardsmen, the 137th SOW team has the advantage of retainability, allowing for TW25 multinational interoperability opportunities to serve as a cornerstone for continuity and lasting relations that will allow 137th SOW Mission Ready Airmen to better support Air Force Special Operations Command assets in future global operations.
The success of global operations relies on the ability of units like the 137th SOW MST to project, maneuver and sustain the joint force and is made stronger through continued relationships with allies and partners.
“Working with these host nations is everything,” Mathis said. “From initial planning and coordination to on the ground communication and logistics support, building that relationship with each of the countries is a big part of what we have been able to do in Tradewinds. We hope to continue that in the future as we practice working with partner nations to enable Agile Combat Employment for AFSOC.”
Collaboration with partners and participation in multinational operations and exercises, such as TW25, reinforces 137th SOW Mission Ready Airmen’s capabilities to operate in a high-intensity environment, improving readiness, responsiveness and interoperability in both peacetime and crisis.
By Senior Airman Erika Chapa
137th Special Operations Wing Public Affairs
SOFWERX, in collaboration with USSOCOM Program Executive Office Tactical Information Systems (PEO-TIS), will host a Drone in a Box (DIB) Assessment Event (AE) 16-18 July 2025, to identify production model solutions for a configurable multidomain system capable of performing a variety of missions related to uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) and uncrewed ground systems (UGV).
The Program Executive Office for Tactical Information Systems (PEO-TIS) is conducting a search for innovative solutions in a specific technology area, aiming to expand its knowledge and explore available capabilities that can support USSOCOM’s vision for a configurable uncrewed air/ground system. This system should enable the Warfighter to adapt and respond to evolving multidomain mission sets, providing a flexible and dynamic solution that can be tailored to meet the unique demands of modern warfare.
The “Drone in a Box” concept is a modular, adaptable, and scalable solution designed to provide Warfighters with a flexible and responsive Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) capability, utilizing both Uncrewed Ground Systems (UGS) and Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) with a desired maximum gross takeoff weight of 55 pounds. This innovative approach enables operators to rapidly reconfigure and tailor their systems to meet specific ISR mission requirements by swapping out interchangeable parts and components from an assembly package. The assembly package will include modular frames, propulsion systems, a sensor, and payload modules (such as electro-optical, infrared, and signals intelligence sensors), power and energy modules, control and navigation systems, and communication systems, allowing Warfighters to quickly adapt to changing mission requirements and conduct a variety of ISR tasks, such as area surveillance, target tracking, and battle damage assessment. The “Drone in a Box” system will support both Group 1 and Group 2 UAS, as well as small UGS, providing Warfighters with a comprehensive and flexible ISR capability to respond to emerging threats, gather critical information, and enhance their situational awareness in a variety of environments, including urban, rural, and austere terrain. The UGS component will enable Warfighters to conduct ISR missions in areas where UAS may be limited, such as in dense urban environments or under heavy tree cover. By leveraging the “Drone in a Box” concept, Warfighters will be able to rapidly deploy and reconfigure their ISR assets to meet the demands of dynamic and evolving mission sets, ultimately providing a decisive advantage on the battlefield. The “Drone in a Box” system is designed to deliver a modular, adaptable, and scalable ISR solution that meets the evolving needs of the Warfighter.
Submit NLT 10 June 2025 11:59 PM ET
For full details and new timeline, visit events.sofwerx.org/drone-in-a-box-dib.
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TAMPA, FLORIDA, UNITED STATES
U.S. Special Operations Command kicked off Special Operations Forces Week 2025 with an International Commander’s Forum. The forum was attended by 311 participants from 61 countries with 78 Special Operations Forces units represented.
The Forum was incorporated this year directly based on recommendations after the 2024 SOF Week. USSOCOM’s international division recognized that the most valuable part of the week was the interaction between command teams. Maintaining strong networks, and developing generational relationships is strength of special operations.
Building generational relationships takes commitment. While SOF Week is fast paced, with the displays, panels, keynote speakers, so it was a deliberate effort to start the week with this Forum to set the tone. Gen. Bryan Fenton, commander U.S. Special Operations Command often says, “relationships are our competitive advantage.”
USSOCOM has always recognized the significant role that international partnerships play in accomplishing the mission of special operations forces around the globe. To grow and develop generational partnerships, the Command hosted more than 60 countries from around the world.
The conference was attended by King of Jordan Abdullah II bin Al-Hussein along with Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and the Chairman of the Joints Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine and current and retired senior military leaders.
“In today’s contested world SOF does not go alone. They go first, but they also go with partners. SOF’s ability to work by, with and through international partners pays huge dividends on our border, in the Indo-Pacific and around the world,” said Hegseth. “Partners, as I see so many of our partners right here in the front, are central to how SOF works. They must believe that America is strong, that peace through strength is real, then they want to come into our orbit and be force multipliers. I’m talking about generational relationships that we have built with partner forces around the globe.”
“The fusion of what we have in this room — interagency, industry, academia, practitioners, and policymakers — is tied together and galvanized towards irregular and asymmetric options,” said Fenton. “We’re the scalpel, but when the time comes, we can bring the hammer too.”
A special operations officer from Japan reflected on his relationship with U.S. SOF.
“My relationship with U.S. SOF has been built on trust, mutual respect, and shared experiences in the field. We’ve trained, planned, and operated together—not as separate forces, but as one team with a common mission. That connection has only deepened over time. Generational partnerships ensure that knowledge, values, and strategic alignment are passed down and sustained. I was surprised and deeply moved when I discovered that my jump buddy from 1st SFG ten years ago was now serving as J3-I Director, USSOCOM as my counterpart. In today’s rapidly evolving threat environment, it’s not just about the mission at hand—it’s about building a legacy of trust and collaboration that empowers future operators and leaders,” he said. “I want to express my deepest gratitude to the SOCOM community. Your commitment, humility, and professionalism have inspired me throughout my journey. To my partners—let’s continue building something greater than ourselves. The mission continues, and so does our unbreakable bond.”
A Jordanian special operations officer emphasized the strategic value of long-lasting relationships between allies.
“Our relationship is strategic, productive, and collaborative. This is an historical, long-lasting relationship that we will always maintain. Relationships continue to grow in unprecedented ways with an increase in joint combat operations and UAS development for both Special Operations organizations. Generational partnerships are also extremely important. We continue to build on our partnerships to reach a level of trust that leads us to greater interoperability, seamless integration, and eventual interdependence to fight together as force multipliers,” he said.
SOF employs a partnership model around the world to build partner nation security force capacity and capability. The intangible power of generational partnerships comes from thoughtful, deliberate, and persistent interactions that lead to partnerships, and this intentional effort is irreplaceable for advancing and protecting U.S. national security interests.
Story by Michael Bottoms
U.S. Special Operations Command
Last fall, I mentioned a that US Army Special Operations Command was adapting to the evolving face of warfare by creating a new Military Occupational Specialty. In true SOF fashion, they attacked the problem asymmetrically by adapting a career management field they had control over and using authorities to recruit talent into the warrant officer force. Now, it’s open for applications. If you are into emerging warfighting capabilities, this is the job for you. I’m jealous something like this wasn’t available when I was in.
MOS 390A Robotics Technician
The result is MOS 390A Robotics Technician, intended to enable and provide robotic and autonomous system solutions to tactical problems across all warfighting functions and domains during competition, crisis, and combat operations. The 390A will be assigned to tactical formations at brigade/group-level and above. This new MOS will be the subject matter expert for planning robotics and autonomous systems operations, integrating those operations into broader plans, engineering and fabricating robotic and autonomous system solutions to tactical problems, managing attritable systems and their kinetic and sensor payloads, and delivering those capabilities and effects in support of Soldiers at the tactical edge.
Eligibility:
a. The MOS is open to all enlisted, officer, and warrant officer that are currently serving in Special Operations Forces Units. As there is no requirement for SFQC graduation, I hope to see some enablers applying.
i. Enlisted: Open to all MOS and grades/ranks.
ii. Warrant Officer: Applicants must be a graduate of the Warrant Officer Candidate School and a Warrant Officer Basic Course. Must be a Chief Warrant Officer Two (CW2) with a minimum of one-year time in grade or Chief Warrant Officer Three (CW3) with no more than one-year time in grade.
iii. Officer: Applicants open to all branches. Officers must be branch qualified.
b. Must meet Army physical fitness and Army Height / Weight standards.
c. Must possess a Secret clearance.
d. Have no derogatory information in their OMPF, a referred NCOER or OER, or pending adverse action.
e. Must be able to complete a 3-year tour following graduation from WOBC.
Packet Submission Deadline is Friday, 1 August 2025
For full information, visit recruiting.army.mil/In-Service-Opportunities/US-Army-Warrant-Officer-Recruiting/Do-I-Qualify/WO-MOS-Feeder-List/39A-Robotics-Technician
The video shows multiple RDAX experiments between U.S., Allies, and Industry Partners displaying their capability to fight effectively in Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) environments to deter battlefield use by adversaries.
These experiments show CBRN resilient forces- U.S, Allies, and partner forces are prepared to fight and win in the CBRN environment.
Courtesy Video
U.S. Special Operations Command
JACQUEVILLE, CôTE D’IVOIRE
Flintlock 2025, U.S. Africa Command’s annual, combined special operations exercise, kicked off in Côte d’Ivoire today. From April 24 – May 14, Flintlock 25 will bring together approximately 500 personnel from more than 30 nations to strengthen collective readiness in response to shared threats.
“Twenty years of Flintlock and our resolve is stronger than ever. Together, with our partners and allies, we are forging lethal forces ready to deter aggression and win on the battlefield,” said U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Michael Langley, Commander of U.S. Africa Command. “U.S. Africa Command is committed to countering threats to the United States and working alongside our African partners as they play a leading role in providing for their own defense.”
This iteration, hosted by Côte d’Ivoire, reflects the dedication by African partners to address regional challenges independently while still working with international partners for global peace. The exercise will consist of academics, then shift to a staff and command post exercise.
Exercise scenarios are designed to strengthen partner nations’ collective abilities to counter violent extremist organizations, collaborate across borders, provide security, respect human rights and build trust with civilian populations. The exercise also bolsters information sharing between African, U.S., and other partner nation military and law enforcement organizations through an interagency fusion cell.
“Flintlock demonstrates our long-term commitment to improve partner-nation operational independence,” said U.S. Army Maj. Patrick Temperato, Flintlock lead planner. “Integrated operations planned on a foundation of shared values and interests are critical to reinforcing an extended network of like-minded nations capable of decisively meeting the defense challenges of today and tomorrow.”
For more information, visit www.africom.mil/what-we-do/exercises/flintlock.
Story by Staff Sgt. Zachary Wright
Special Operations Command Africa
