Map depicting Kurdish inhabited areas of Middle East and Iraq. (CIA map 1992).

Kurdistan Update – 20161108

November 8, 2016 SOF News 0

Kurdistan Update for 20161108 – The Kurds are finding themselves in a favorable position with the eventual capture of Mosul looming and degrading of the Islamic State forces in northern Iraq. Kurds and Mosul. Kenneth M. Pollack, of the Brookings […]

Map of Southern Africa (derived from CIA map)

History – South African Para Raid on SWAPO

November 8, 2016 SOF News 0

In 1978 the South African government conducted a South African para raid against a South-West Africa People’s Organization (SWAPO) base in southern Angola. The base was a training and staging area for SWAPO to conduct military operations into Namibia (at […]

U.S. Army Captain advises Nigerien Army. (Oct 2015, Photo U.S. Army)

U.S. Military Engaging in Foreign Aid?

November 7, 2016 SOF News 0

U.S. military engaging in foreign aid is a troublesome idea to civilians of the U.S. government and to international aid, humanitarian, and development organizations. The United States recent experience in the counterinsurgency (COIIN) efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan has shown […]

Map of Middle East - Middle East News Update

Middle East Conflict Update

November 5, 2016 SOF News 0

The Middle East is still ablaze. Russia is confronting the U.S. in Syria, Assad’s regime is hanging on and actually surviving, Turkey is now engaged in northern Syria and northern Iraq, and Iraqi government forces (assisted by the Peshmerga, militias, […]

MC 130J Commando II Loadmaster (USAF photo by 1LT Chris Sullivan)

MC-130J Commando II – Loadmaster Profile

November 3, 2016 SOF News 0

A MC 130J Commando II Loadmaster has a difficult and interesting job. The Air Force has several MC-130J Commando II aircraft based at Royal Air Force Midenhall, England. These aircraft (and their crews) perform a variety of special operations missions […]

General Thomas - USSOCOM

Security Challenges – According to USSOCOM Commander

October 31, 2016 SOF News 0

Security challenges that the United States faces today are many. General Thomas, Commander of the United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) talks about these challenges at a university forum. He recently spent time at the International Security Studies Program (ISSP) […]

Map Ukraine (credit CIA)

SOF News Update for 20161030

October 30, 2016 SOF News 0

SOF News Update for 20161030 – Ukrainian Special Forces, Journal of Special Operations Medicine, mercenaries, fallen Navy CPO takes final voyage home, Malaysian SOF, new deadlier technologies for MARSOC, and more. Ukrainian Special Forces. The conflict in the Ukraine continues […]

U.S. Army Chinook transporting equipment container in Afghanistan (photo from DVIDS video Oct 2016)

Video – Sling Load Operations in Afghanistan

October 28, 2016 SOF News 0

How do you move large equipment containers over rough terrain and roads controlled by insurgents to remote locations in Afghanistan. Sling loading the containers underneath Chinook helicopters is one way. Watch a video by U.S. Forces Afghanistan (October 2016). www.dvidshub.net/video/489674/1cd-rssb-sling-load