Curated news, analysis, and commentary on special operations, intelligence, irregular warfare, national defense, and global conflicts.
Photo / Image: U.S. service members assigned to Naval Special Warfare Command conduct Special Purpose Insertion/Extraction training from a CH-47 Chinook helicopter assigned to the 25th Combat Aviation Brigade at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, July 25, 2019. U.S. Navy SEALs engage in a continuous training cycle to improve and further specialize skills needed during deployments across the globe. SEALs are the maritime component of U.S. Special Forces and are trained to conduct missions from sea, air, and land. (U.S. Army photo by 1st Lt. Ryan DeBooy)
Executive Summary
This weekly briefing summarizes developments in special operations forces (SOF), global conflicts, intelligence, and national security from the past week. The White House announced that a “historic” peace agreement had been reached with Iran. Israel continues its attacks against Hezbollah targets in Lebanon, possible endangering the proposed ceasefire agreement. The U.S. military continues its operations in South America; most recently killing the leader of the Tren de Aragua drug gang in Venezuela. MARSOC changes out commanders. The conflict in Urkaine drags on; Russia can’t mount an effective offensive and Ukraine is hitting logistical routes in Russian forces rear echelon.
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Key Takeaways
- White House announces historic peace agreement with Iran
- Will China outpace the U.S. in AI?
- Countering the financing of terrorism programs
- Telsi Gabbard pushed out early
- Taking Khaq Island
- New approach to PSYOP
- GAO Report on SOF
- Ukraine continues expanding long-range drone strikes
- Counterterrorism operations remain active in East Africa
- SOF-focused autonomy and AI initiatives continue to mature
SOF News
Army’s New PSYOP Approach. The Army announced a major transformation of the Information Forces: consolidating the Psychological Operations (CMF 37) and Information Operations (FA30) communities into a single branch. The HQDA EXORD 083-26, titled “Information Warfare (IWAR) Initiatives,” directs the consolidation of proponents under the U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School, also known as the Special Operations Center of Excellence (SOCoE). This officially designates SOCoE as the lead for modernizing Psychological Operations, which includes developing the curriculum, executing pilot courses, and overseeing the force modernization effort. “The U.S. Army’s Bold New Approach to Psychological Operations and Cognitive Warfare”, by Major George Wasickanin, Special Warfare Journal, May 29, 2026.
MARSOC Changes out Commanders. On June 12, 2026, Maj. Gen. Peter D. Huntley relinquished command of Marine Forces, Special Operations Command to Maj. Gen. Michael A. Brooks.
Blast Exposure and SOF. A recent study published in the journal Radiology determined the prevalence of structural brain MRI abnormalities in Special Operations Forces personnel and examined their association with cumulative blast exposure. This was quantified using the generalized blast exposure value. Read more in “Repeated Blast Exposure Appears to Increase Brain Aneurysms in U.S. Special Operations Forces”, by LaTina Emerson, U.S. Medicine, June 10, 2026.
SOF and the Assumptions of Success. Dr. Chris Phillips provides his thoughts on how successful organizations and leaders alike can adapt continuously while becoming increasingly optimized for conditions that are themselves changing. He examines the SOF community, Special Forces especially, in this context. “The Assumptions of Success”, Small Wars Journal, June 15, 2026.
Cognitive Warfare and Special Forces. William F. Lyons, Jr., Vice President for Distance Education at Norwich University, weighs in on the recent debate about the future of Special Forces. He believes that SF should be recognized as a force that can provide the nation with the intellectual means to win in an era of cognitive warfare. But first, the Professional Military Education system needs to revising. “Reforge the Beret: Special Forces and the Education Cognitive Warfare Demands”, Small Wars Journal, June 12, 2026.
Campbell University Offers Medical Training to SOF. An agreement outlines the terms of cooperation between the two organizations, the MOU says, which operate with a shared vision of improved pathways for veterans to enter medicine and improved healthcare throughout the U.S. Special Operations Forces. “Med school reaches agreement with Special Operations Forces to School of Medicine”, campbell.edu, June 11, 2026.
92nd CA Bn CoC. Lt. Col. Bradley W. Roush relinquished command of the 92nd Civil Affairs Battalion (Airborne) to Lt. Col. Kyle J. Robinson during the battalion’s change of command ceremony on May 29, 2026 at Fort Bragg, N.C.
Space-SOF-Cyber Designs. This article presents a theory of NEXUS, an experimental framework that synthesizes space, special operations forces, and cyber capabilities into a form of strategic harmonization that exceeds existing military and agency authorities. “NEXUS Experimentation: A Case for Space-SOF-Cyber Designs in Trans-Regional, Multi-Domain, Dynamic Security Contests”, by Ben Zweibelson, Inter Populum Journal, June 11, 2026.
20 Years of MARSOC. Read about the history of the current Marine Raiders – from the early beginnings over 20 years ago to today’s USMC contribution to U.S. Special Operations Command. “Looking Back: 20 Years of MARSOC”, Special Operations Association of America (SOAA), June 12, 2026.
Air Commandos Graduate from Argentine Mountain School. Two Airmen have successfully completed the rigorous mountain warfare course at the Escuela Militar de Montaña in Bariloche, Argentina. The graduation of members from the 492nd Special Operations Wing and the 919th Special Operations Wing marks a major milestone, representing the first time in 20 years that any U.S. military personnel have completed the prestigious school. “Air Commandos Make History: 492nd, 919th SOW Airmen Graduate Argentine Mountain School”, Soldier Systems, June 13, 2026.
Moroccan SOF. Members of the Moroccan Groupement des Forces Speciale trained with U.S. Special Forces during a Joint Combined Exchange Training (JCET) exercise at Tifnit Training Base, Morocco during May 2026.
GAO Report on SOF. The Government Accountability Office has published a report that expresses concerns about the relationship between ASD SO/LIC and USSOCOM:
“ASD(SO/LIC) cannot effectively conduct program oversight, in part, because DOD policy has not fully enabled it to perform its acquisition-related responsibilities. For example, GAO found disagreement between ASD(SO/LIC) and SOCOM officials regarding the former’s access to some programs’ information and meetings. This resulted in ASD(SO/LIC) not getting information to help perform its responsibilities. Collaboration between ASD(SO/LIC) and SOCOM to document clear protocols for the former’s access to this information could enhance its ability to monitor acquisitions and fulfill its statutory role.”
Read more in “Special Operations Forces: Actions Needed to Improve Monitoring of Acquisitions”, GAO-26-108036, June 12, 2026. https://www.gao.gov/products/gao-26-108036
SOF History
On June 19, 1942, the 1/75th was established in World War II.
On June 19, 1952, the 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne) was activated at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.
https://www.specialforceshistory.info/groups/10sfga.html
On June 22, 1955, the first authorized appearance of the Green Beret took place.
On June 17, 1983, the Department of the Army authorized a Special Forces tab for wear by qualified soldiers. The tab bore the same colors as those used for Special Forces Shoulder Sleeve Insignia. The Special Forces Tab is one of four permanent individual skill/marksmanship tabs authorized for wear by the U.S. Army.
National Security and Commentary
More Defense Dollars. The Trump Administration and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth are attempting to convince Republican lawmakers on approving a massive funding injection for the Pentagon’s budget. They are asking for another $350 billion in defense funding as part of a third reconciliation bill. Some Senate Republicans and almost all Democrats are not in the mood for spending more money on defense amid strong public disapproval of the war with Iran. “Trump, Hegseth lean on GOP to move defense dollars”, by Ellen Mitchell, The Hill, June 14, 2026.
Strike Against Venezuelan Drug Gang Leader. The U.S. conducted an air strike killing the leader of the Tren de Aragua drug gang in Venezuela. The announcement by the U.S. was made on Friday, June 12, 2026. Hector Rusthenford Guerro was killed on his compound in rural Venezuela. His gang reached into communities across the United States and has been linked to extortion rackets, drug trafficking, and illegal migration. The strike had the cooperation of the Venezuelan government.
Countering Terrorism Financing. Elaine K. Dezenski and Daniel Swift argue that changes need to be made to current rules and regulations to prevent America’s adversaries – Russia, Iran, China, terror organizations, and others are prevented from exploiting the U.S. financial system. “Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Programs”, Foundation for Defense of Democracies, June 8, 2026.
Iran War and Operation Epic Fury
White House Announces “Historic” Peace Agreement. President Trump made the announcement on Truth Social on Sunday evening:
“The Deal with the Islamic Republic of Iran is now complete. Congratulations to all! I hereby fully authorize the toll free opening of the Strait of Hormuz, and, simultaneously herewith, authorize the immediate removal of the United States Naval blockade. Ships of the World, start your engines. Let the oil flow! President DONALD J. TRUMP.”
An official signing ceremony will take place on Friday, June 19th in Switzerland. The terms of the agreement are slowly coming out; neither side winning everything they wanted. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has yet to be released, so it is difficult to make a full assessment of the agreement.
Iran is claiming that the U.S. has agreed to a draft framework recognizing Iranian and Omani authority over navigation services in the Strait of Hormuz, with transit fees to begin after a 60-day waiver period. (Fars News) Iran and the U.S. are in completion in shaping the narrative of the conclusion of the three-month long conflict. The Trump Administration is stating that the agreement prevents Iran from developing a nuclear weapon and that it is stricter than the previous 2015 nuclear agreement with Iran.
Israel is claiming that it will not withdraw from southern Lebanon or the security zones in Syria and Gaza; although Lebanon appears to be part of the overall agreement. Spokesmen from Israel believe that the deal is not a good one for Israel.
The first ship to pass through the Strait of Hormuz was the “Disha”. It flies the Malta flag and is carrying a load of liquid gas. Reopening the Strait is an important aspect of the agreement; as the closure has inflicted a devastating cost on the world economy. Of course, the agreement was reopening a waterway that was only closed due to that war; and now it appears Iran (according to Iranian statements) may have gained some international authority over the strait that it did not have before.
Some U.S. officials have indicated that a mechanism will be established that will give Iran access to some of its frozen funds in Qatar to purchase humanitarian goods.
CRS Report, Effects of Iran Conflict on Natural Gas Prices, by Michael Ratner, Congressional Research Service, CRS IN12696, June 11, 2026.
Some History – 1953 Government Overthrow. In 1953, the Central Intelligence Agency working with the British MI6 orchestrated a coup to remove Iran’s prime minister. He was an anti-imperialist who moved to nationalize the British-controlled Iranian oil industry. The U.S.-friendly Shah was restored to power. Read more in “TPAJAX: The 1953 CIA-MI6 Overthrow of Iran’s Government“, by Ivy Shields, Grey Dynamics, June 10, 2026.
Taking Kharg Island. About a week ago, President Trump threatened to take Kharg Island in the Persian Gulf. This island, located about 15 miles from the Iranian coast, processes about 90% of Iran’s crude oil exports. This may initially seem like an easy task for the U.S. military; however, there are some considerable risks. Once in, the U.S. forces would require support, including air cover, logistics, engineering, and medical evacuation. In addition, there are the 8,000 or so residents of the island as well that might need some monitoring. The MEU and 82nd Airborne Division have the ability to take the island . . . and hold it. “The US would need at least 1,200 troops to take Kharq Island, experts say”, by Jeff Schogol, Task & Purpose, June 11, 2026.
- References for Epic Fury:
- Past SOF News posts on Epic Fury, Epic Fury Timeline, Iran Country Profile, Strait of Hormuz, Kharq Island, maps, ISW interactive map, OEFU Casualties, and CRS reports.
Ukraine Conflict
Over the past five days, the Russia-Ukraine war has continued to evolve into a long-range strike and logistics campaign, with Ukrainian forces conducting a series of drone and missile attacks against Russian military infrastructure, oil facilities, manufacturing plants, and transportation nodes deep inside Russia and occupied Crimea.
Ukrainian officials report that attacks against key crossings, energy sites, and military logistics networks supporting Russian forces in Crimea are intended to isolate the peninsula and complicate Russian sustainment operations, while Russian advances along much of the front remain limited and costly. Kyiv has also emphasized a growing focus on disrupting Russian supply lines rather than pursuing large-scale frontal assaults, a strategy that appears to be yielding localized territorial gains and operational advantages.
On the diplomatic front, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held discussions with President Trump ahead of the G7 Summit, with Ukraine continuing to push for additional air defense systems and renewed momentum in peace negotiations. Meanwhile, Ukraine received a significant political boost as it formally entered the first phase of European Union accession negotiations, underscoring continued Western support despite the ongoing conflict.
- References:
- Weapons of Ukraine, Study of War Daily Report, Euromaiden Press Daily Report, Ukraine NGO Coordination Network (UNCN).
- Maps: Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine by the Institute for the Study of War and Critical Threats, Ukraine Maps by National Security Info, War in Ukraine by Scribble Maps.
Intel, IO, Cyber, AI, IW, Technology
China, AI, and Africa. African coders and developers are turning to Chinese platforms – like DeepSeek, Qwen, and Kimi – to build artificial intelligence models in their own languages. Chinese platforms are faster and cheaper to train, as well as open-source. This is an attractive combination for developers. “China is Providing AI That’s Literate in Africa’s Languages”, by Sam Peters, Foreign Policy, June 8, 2026.
Tulsi Gabbard Pushed Out Early. Gabbard had resigned due to her husbands significant health issues, the last day of June was to be her final day. That final day came early when her replacement, Bill Pulte, called her and told her “Today is your last day.” Pulte will be the acting DNI. He doesn’t have a security clearance and has never worked in a national security capacity. “Pulte sought Gabbard’s early removal as intel czar”, Axios, June 11, 2026.
DNI Musical Chairs. The dust hasn’t even settled on the announcement that Tulsi Gabbard’s replacement would be Bill Pulte, head of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, as acting director – when a new nominee has been announced. US Attorney Jay Clayton will be the likely nominee to be the national intelligence director. President Trump faced a lot of push-back from Republicans and Democrats on the choice of Bill Pulte. He had no national security experience to be in the position of overseeing the coordination of 18 intelligence agencies. While Clayton’s national security experience may be limited, in his role as a US Attorney he does handle cases relating to espionage and terrorism. “Trump nominates US Attorney Jay Clayton to be director of national intelligence”, Associated Press, June 22, 2026.
Strategic Competition
CRS Report: Rare Earth Elements and U.S. Supply Chains. The Congressional Research Service has published a report about how rare earth elements (REE) are vital for civilian and defence purposes. The report provides a description of REEs, U.S. applications, the dominance of the People’s Republic of China, REE mining and processing, REE resources, and initiatives for resilient REE U.S. supply chains. CRS IF12171, by Linda R. Rowan, June 12, 2026.
CRS Report: China’s Role in the International Financial Institutions, by Rebecca M. Nelson, Congressional Research Service, CRS R48983, June 11, 2026, PDF, 18 pages. https://www.congress.gov/crs-product/R48983
CRS Report: Russian Military Activities in Asia: Combined Military Exercises and Patrols, by Andrew S. Bowen, Congressional Research Service, CRS R48977, June 9, 2026, PDF, 20 pages. https://www.congress.gov/crs-product/R48977
Veteran’s Corner
CRS Report: Arlington National Cemetery, by Clayton M. Levy, Congressional Research Service, CRS IF11362, June 9, 2026. https://www.congress.gov/crs-product/IF11362
Cuts to VA Disability Benefits? The Disabled American Veterans (DAV) organization warns about a new congressional proposal that could cut benefits for up to 1.5 million veterans and reduce disability compensation payments to them by as much as $57 billion in just the next 10 years. The proposal would effectively stop compensating veterans for the impact of service-connected tinnitus and dramatically reduce compensation for most disabled veterans suffering from sleep apnea if they use a medical device (CPAP) while sleeping. These changes would apply to all new claims as well as any reassessments or reevaluations of existing claims. “DAV Condemns Congressional Proposal to Cut Disability Benefits fo 1.5 Million Veterans”, DAV, June 10, 2026.
GWOT Memorial Design Under Fire. The initial design for the Global War on Terrorism Memorial has prompted some to veterans to question whether the monument accurately captures that era. The memorial will feature a grass-covered archway and plaza; but has few direct ties to a battlefield. Some comments reflect the feeling that it is a unique landscaping design but seems unrelated to what a war memorial would look like. “Iraq and Afghanistan veterans say memorial design is disconnected from the experience”, Task & Purpose, June 12, 2026.
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