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MARSOC Multi-Discipline Logistics Operations Course

Thursday, July 27th, 2023

CAMP LEJEUNE, North Carolina —

Marine Forces Special Operations Command held a Multi-Discipline Logistics Operations Course, March 6-31, 2023, to certify a new class of special operations capability specialists in the logistics (SOCS-L), maintenance (SOCS-M), and ordnance (SOCS-O) fields.

MDLOC is the final aspect of an 11 to 12-week training pipeline designed to create multi-disciplined logisticians able to provide expertise and support unique to the special operations forces operating environment. Each SOCS training pipeline includes Special Operations Forces Fundamentals; Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape; and a culminating military occupational specialty specific course.

“The Multi-Discipline Logistics Operations Course is tailored for logistics enablers at MARSOC,” said the MDLOC lead instructor. “Marines from multiple different MOSs can come to MDLOC and get further trained on their occupational specialties and enhance their capabilities, broadening the spectrum of things that they would learn from one platform or technical background to multiple different technical backgrounds to better enable small teams in austere environments with limited logistical support to accomplish their mission.”

MDLOC is open to all Marines within the logistician communities who are interested in advancing their skills and potentially serving at MARSOC later in their careers.

“We are looking for Marines that have been recommended by command, that have a lot of experience, that they’re proficient in their MOS, and have capacity for more,” continued the lead instructor. “Not only should they have interest in MDLOC and in expanding their knowledge, their technical background, and their technical specialty, but they should also be coming here eager to learn.”

The logistics and sustainment track of MDLOC focuses on mobility, supply, and procurement catered to the special operations logistics architecture.

“Being at MARSOC and being a logistician will make you more effective when you go back to the fleet because you are now seeing the bigger picture of logistics,” explained a supply chief with MARSOC. “SOCS-L is now incorporating all the functions of logistics and supply and how to transport and support the teams and units you’re deploying with. In the fleet, you’re only seeing that one function of logistics or supply that you’re attached to, whether that be embark, supply or ammo. Understanding the overall picture of all the functions of supply and how they work together will make you a more efficient Marine going back to the fleet.”

The maintenance Marines receive commercial training on diagnosing and repairing a wide variety of combustion engines with limited access to parts and tools.

“I did benefit from MDLOC,” said a motor transport maintenance chief with MARSOC. “In my experience, the technical side of my MOS is very important to help support the [Marine Special Operations Team’s] mission down range. Focusing on the fundamental theories of electrical, engine, powertrain, and troubleshooting, helps the Marine understand how the components work and how they can apply mechanical theory to all the gear sets they may fall in on down range.”

The ordnance curriculum cross-trains Marines in a wide variety of weapons systems and optics, including SOF-peculiar and foreign weapons.

“I benefited from this course due to the [number] of weapons we were able to get our hands on during this course that generally I don’t have time to work with,” said an electro optical ordnance repairer with MARSOC. “The main difference with this course is it’s specificity to MARSOC weapons and foreign weapons that MARSOC uses that isn’t implemented in the Fleet Marine Force.”

The MARSOC graduates of MDLOC will go on to be assigned to Marine Raider Support Teams with the unique skills needed to support and sustain Marine Special Operation Companies.

By Sgt Jesula Jeanlouis, Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command

Posted in Guest Post, SOF, Training, USMC | 1 Comment »

Blast From The Past – Follow Through Consulting: Weapon Grip For Rapid Movement

Saturday, July 15th, 2023

Recently, I saw someone on Instagram bring up Buck Doyle’s technique for carrying a carbine in combat. As I had written something in this back in 2016, I thought it was worth sharing again.

This week I got to spend some time out in Utah with Buck Doyle, owner of Follow Through Consulting. Buck is very well known and respected in the Marine Reconnaissance and MARSOC communities, as well as industry. I expected to learn a lot from him and he did not disappoint.

One quick takeaway I picked up during the scoped carbine course he presented for hosts Proof Research, Erathr3, Leupold and Surefire, was this weapon grip for fast movement. I thought it was a great, quick share because anyone can easily adopt it on their own.

In the Army, I was taught to carry my rifle in a modified port arms by wrapping the fingers of my firing hand around the pistol grip with my trigger finger extended along the lower receiver above the trigger. Alternatively, I’ve seen guys extend their finger across the trigger with their fingertip resting on the magwell, as seen above. Additionally, I was taught to position my support hand under the forearm with my finger and thumb holding it securely.

Buck was taught the same thing in the Marine Corps. But the realities of combat taught him to modify this grip. Twice, he injured his trigger finger during falls in combat while rushing from one position to another. The first time he dislocated his finger and on the second, he sprained it. He said the sprain was worse because it took longer to heal. Once Buck started wrapping all of his fingers around the pistol grip, he didn’t injure it again.

I told Buck, “That makes sense for the firing hand, but what gives with the upside down grip on the support hand?” He told me that this method of carry served two functions. First, it serves the four rules of firearms safery quite well. It forces the muzzle down in a safe direction during movements. If you stumble, you won’t bring your muzzle up in the air like you would with the more tradtional port-style carry. Second, you can more naturally pull the weapon down into yourself in a full fall.

An important note. Buck adopted this technique for moving rapidly (ie running) while in combat. He fully acknowledges that you will have to transition your grip to shoot your weapon.

One of the things I find most refreshing about Buck Doyle is that there’s no BS. I talked to him about the grip and asked him what he called it. Unlike many tactical trainers, he didn’t have some fancy, trademarked name for it. For Buck, this wasn’t some theory-based technique he had dreamed up, but was based on years of actual combat as a Marine. It’s just an adaptation of a long-standing technique for use in certain circumstances. That’s the kind of thing you take away.

For those curious, the rifle is by Erathr3 with a PROOF Research barrel. The scope is Leupold and furniture by Magpul. More on all of that soon, but yes, I was hitting steel at 1164 meters with this 5.56mm package.

If you’re interested in learning more about Follow Through Consulting, visit www.followthroughconsulting.com.

Posted in Training | 12 Comments »

Warrior East 23 – IR-Tools

Friday, July 7th, 2023

IR.Tools showed us their Thermal Targets. This is the NRA Approved B29 Upright Powered Thermal Target. It relies on rubberized heat technology which provides thermal contrast. It runs for 13 hours on a BA5590 at 10 deg C temperature differential or for 2.5 hours on a BA5590 at 25 deg C temperature differential.

Units and agencies can procure products seen at Warrior East by contacting ADS, Inc.

Posted in Advertiser, Training, Warrior Expo | Comments Off on Warrior East 23 – IR-Tools

US Special Forces Partner with Bosnian SIPA for Joint Combined Exchange Training

Tuesday, July 4th, 2023

SARAJEVO, Bosnia-Herzegovina — Forty miles southwest of Sarajevo, enemies are holed up in an underground government facility built inside a mountain during the Cold War to protect a former Yugoslav president against nuclear attack.

From a Sarajevo compound, U.S. Army Green Berets assigned to the Critical Threats Advisory Company, or CTAC, take off to raid the 70,000-square-foot protective bunker alongside Bosnia-Herzegovina State Investigation and Protection Agency, known as SIPA, officials May 8, 2023.

Three nondescript houses disguise each entrance to the facility. Through the houses and inside the labyrinthine structure, intermittent volleys of gunfire with the enemy reverberate through tunnel corridors. Room by room, the combined force of assaulters systematically clear the protective bunker.

This raid was the culmination exercise of a six-week-long joint combined exchange training focused on close-quarters battle and small unit tactics.

“It was a time-sensitive target, so the planning cycle was condensed,” said the troop leader assigned to CTAC, 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne) — a highly lethal force capable of collaborating with elite special operations forces elements worldwide. “The bunker has small hallways and small rooms … I wanted to raid the bunker to see how the team would react; to see how I would command and control.”

The 100-room structure was selected as a target to test the force’s methods due to its complexity and extensive size.

Providing solutions for the most sensitive problems and succeeding is paramount, said the special support unit executive officer, a SIPA official with over thirty years of police experience. The mission’s challenging location, time constraints and finite resources presented a nightmare scenario that compelled partners to combine efforts, overcome adversity and get results.

The mission succeeded, shortfalls and gaps were identified, and both sides provided recommendations for future reference, said the special support unit executive officer. Experience and lessons learned from the CTAC are valuable resources that will align the special support unit in solving complex problems.

“I do truly believe that the systems were tested that day,” said the CTAC troop leader. “We definitely learned lessons working with a new partner force which is key in refining troop standards. It’s the Green Beret way.”

By SSG Anthony Bryant

Posted in Army, Guest Post, International, SOF, Training | 3 Comments »

MDM 23 – Marathon Targets

Wednesday, June 28th, 2023

It’s been quite awhile since we’ve mentioned Marathon’s autonomous targets. In addition to their individual robots, they’ve also introduced a vehicle.

Shaped like a light pickup, it can be engaged with small arms fire to stop the vehicle.

Posted in MDM, Training | 1 Comment »

AK Manuals, AK Targets and Aiming Offset Chart Stickers from VSS

Monday, June 26th, 2023

AK User Guide

Practical Guide to the Operational Use of the AK-47/AKM & AK-74. This manual will enable the reader to competently use and maintain the weapon system. Key topics include background and specifications, operating instructions, disassembly and assembly, proper firing procedures, malfunction/misfire procedures and operator level maintenance.

AK Handbook

Written for instructors and student and contain all necessary information to operate, maintain and effectively employ AK pattern rifles. The 4”x6” size was specifically chosen to make it amenable to carry during range training, kept in a gun bag or thrown in a deployment box. The methodology used reinforces clear, concise, and simple answers to the most common questions students ask.

AK Zero Targets

The VSS 14 Meter Zero Target for AK-47/AKM Rifles includes overlayed windage drum illustrations for simple zeroing adjustments. The targets also include AK-47/AKM specific info for those not familiar with the correct process for sighting in your weapon. 20 targets per pack.

AK Aiming Offset Chart Stickers

The AK Aiming Offset Charts are made to assist with target engagement at varying distances without adjusting your sights/optics once the rifle is zeroed (14m zero for 7.62 AK rifles and 21m zero for 5.45 AK rifles). Place it on your buttstock for easy reference. They contain a column of data for the distance you are shooting and a column for the hold offset at that distance. Options for centimeters or inches, 7.62x39mm or 5.45x39mm, and color choices of brown, black or white.

These items are available at the VSS web store – shop.vig-sec.com/product-category/publications/ak-specific

VSS also provides non-standard weapons training for military units. For more information visit foreignweapons.com or vig-sec.com.

Vigilant Security Services® (VSS) provides training, security consulting and products to the US military/government and the defense industry. VSS was founded in 2005 by US Army Special Forces veteran, Erik Lawrence and is located in Las Vegas, NV.

Posted in Press Release, Training | Comments Off on AK Manuals, AK Targets and Aiming Offset Chart Stickers from VSS

Sons of Liberty Gun Works Supports In Extremis Performance, Empowering Human Potential

Monday, June 19th, 2023

19 June 2023 – San Antonio TX – Sons of Liberty Gun Works (SOLGW), a leading AR-15 manufacturer of hard use blasters, is pleased to partner up with In Extremis Performance (IEP), a human performance company led by Jake Labhart. IEP are leaders in assessing performance and equipping agencies with the knowledge, tools, and expertise to take their teams to the next level.

“SOLGW has played a pivotal role in bolstering IEP by offering various forms of assistance. They have provided classroom seats, bestowed prizes upon top achievers, extended financial support to SWAT organizations, and equipped instructors with some of the finest firearms available in the industry. This comprehensive support enables us to excel in our performance, while also ensuring that officers have the opportunity to familiarize themselves with top-tier rifles that would guarantee their safety in real-life situations.”

– Jake Labhart

Building on the three pillars of Performance, Readiness, and Longevity, IEP can enhance the abilities of each individual operator and every team as whole. Where other companies try to provide a “one size fits all” approach, IEP brings customized solutions to meet the needs of each unit they work with.

Why choose In Extremis Performance? With personal, professional, and educational experience; they are subject matter experts in optimizing performance in the tactical community. They have not only piloted the programs with special operations units at the federal, state, and local levels, but have success with their data proven process.

To learn more about IEP, visit their website at www.inextremis.us

To view their upcoming courses, visit their schedule at www.inextremis.us/shop/human-performance-courses/2

www.SOLGW.com

Posted in Advertiser, Industry, Press Release, Training | Comments Off on Sons of Liberty Gun Works Supports In Extremis Performance, Empowering Human Potential

ACE Course Prepares Airmen for Strategic Engagements in Indo-Pacific

Sunday, June 18th, 2023

MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. (AFNS) —

The National Defense Strategy and the U.S. Indo-Pacific Strategy identify the Indo-Pacific as a priority theater vital to the nation’s security and prosperity.

The Air Force Culture and Language Center has partnered with the Air Force Special Operations School and the Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center on an innovative agile combat employment course. The most recent course focused on U.S. Indo-Pacific Command and taught in the Tagalog language, to demonstrate U.S. long-term commitment to strengthening partner autonomy and options throughout this region.

Eight Tagalog-speaking scholars in the Air Force’s Language Enabled Airman Program with a wide range of operational backgrounds — from medical and cyber operations to logistics and bioenvironmental engineering—were competitively selected to participate in this three-week course, held May 8-26, at Hurlburt Field, Florida.

The course is designed to build on the language and cultural skills they’ve gained throughout their LEAP experience to prepare them for Agile Combat Employment and their role in advancing a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

“There’s a sense of urgency in seamlessly working with partners and allies for integrated deterrence, especially in the INDOPACOM region,” said Howard Ward, AFCLC director. “Our force must understand culture to work with our counterparts and be highly skilled in the languages to get tempo and speed to build capacity and operating capability for ACE to be a credible deterrent.”

The program consists of one week of the special operations school’s “Intercultural Skills for Engagement,” or ENGAGE, course followed by two weeks of operationally focused advanced Tagalog language and cultural studies taught by a DLIFLC professor.

During the two weeks of operationally focused language studies in Tagalog, students gained knowledge and enhanced language proficiency on strategic topics relevant to the INDOPACOM theater, such as the state of Philippine and U.S. relations, Philippine and China relations related to economy, current events, and humanitarian aid and recovery efforts.

“This course connects Airmen to the operational environment in the safety of the classroom while still offering sufficient authenticity and operational relevance,” said Dr. Aleksandra Churinov, site director for the DLIFLC Hurlburt Field Language Training Detachment.

The students also took a deep dive into the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement to lead in-depth discussions on U.S. basing scenarios in the Philippines. This educational model prepared LEAP Scholars to use their language, regional expertise, and culture skills to facilitate future strategic conversations among senior leaders of U.S. military, partners, and allies in the Indo-Pacific while effectively bridging cultural barriers to enable ACE.

“There have been several announcements recently on basing and access agreements with the Philippines that are extremely important,” Ward said. “These students are being prepared in a unique way to have the conversation on how we, both the U.S. and the Philippines, can build our capacity together to move as one seamless team in deterring aggression from our adversaries.”

The ENGAGE course included lessons to help students enhance cultural competencies for military operations in areas such as modern information warfare, conflict de-escalation, negotiation strategies for military effectiveness, and key leader engagements. LEAP Scholars also integrated with air commando students during the course, providing a deeper cultural context to each lesson.

“It was incredible to have the Filipino students in this course to provide accurate and insightful cultural context to all the lessons we covered,” said Maj. Krista Schaeffer, a non-standard aviation pilot enrolled in the ENGAGE course. “I felt lucky to have this opportunity. I think this collaboration is a win-win, and I am excited about the future iterations.”

Scholars put the knowledge gained through classroom activities and discussion into practice in realistic scenarios conducted completely in the Tagalog language on operational tactics such as establishing operations centers, developing airfield suitability assessments, and conducting virtual planning conferences. These scenarios equipped students with the skills needed to determine the interest of the Philippines and the U.S. to increase strategic joint capacity.

“We create complex scenarios that students must navigate in the target language to demonstrate their cultural knowledge and understanding. When our Tagalog group can go to the Philippines and serve as liaisons between the Philippine military, the Filipino population, and the U.S. military personnel, they can bring a greater level of understanding and integration to facilitate a strategic partnership,” said Lt. Col. Jared Cordell, special operations school’s chief of faculty development.

Master Sgt. Ramchand Francisco, one of the Tagalog LEAP Scholars who participated in the course, recently supported bilateral cooperation in the Philippines with the Philippine marine corps and U.S. counterparts through LEAP. From his experience during that mission and this course, he said he saw the need to build rapport in the Philippines as one of the most critical factors for seamless integration in the Indo-Pacific region.

“The U.S. is very transactional and wants to get the job done in bilateral relations with the Philippines, but the Philippines will not agree without trust and a mutually beneficial bilateral connection. Our cultural skills as LEAP Scholars are essential to facilitate that strategic relationship,” he explained.

Upon completion of the course, these multi-capable Airmen will be postured to support advancing a “free and open Indo-Pacific” by modernizing long-standing alliances and strengthening emerging partnerships through expertise in the Tagalog language and the Philippine culture. They will also leave the course with integrated capabilities and interoperability across core functions, a vital component of the ACE framework.

By Mikala McCurry, Air Force Cultural Language Center Outreach Team

Posted in Air Force, Guest Post, Training | Comments Off on ACE Course Prepares Airmen for Strategic Engagements in Indo-Pacific