Curated news, analysis, and commentary about special operations, national security, and conflicts around the world.
Photo / Image: 308th Rescue Squadron pararescumen climb into the back of a 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment MH-47G Chinook helicopter into Banana River, Florida, Feb. 15, 2023, during combat search and rescue training. The 160th SOAR’s mission is to organize, equip, train, resource and employ Army special operations aviation forces worldwide in support of contingency missions and combatant commanders. (Staff Sgt. Darius Sostre-Miroir)
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SOF News
Skyraider II Planes. An L3Harris executive states that US Special Operations Command could request more of the prop planes than orginally planned. Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) has already received five of the OA-1K Skyraider II close air support planes. Breaking Defense, May 9, 2025.
JTF-Micronesia and a Navy SEAL. A new commander for Joint Task Force-Micronesia has taken charge of a unit that oversees U.S. military operations across the southwestern Pacific Ocean. Rear Adm. Joshu Lasky took command of the unit that was founded last year with the mission of coordinating defense and humanitarian missions in the region. Lasky completed Basic Underwater Demolition / SEAL training with Class 223 in June 1999. He has served in several SEAL units as well as in higher commands. “Navy SEAL takes command of year-old Joint Task Force-Micronesia”, by Alex Wilson, Stars and Stripes, May 15, 2025.
International SOF Commander’s Forum. During Special Operations Forces Week 2025 in Tampa, Florida a forum was held with 311 participants from 61 countries that was designed to foster generational relationships within the global SOF community. (DVIDS, May 12, 2025).
Next USSOCOM Commander? A Navy SEAL and current commander of the Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC) may soon be the commander of United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM). Vice Admiral Frank “Mitch” Bradley is being considered for the job by the White House. Prior to leading JSOC Bradley was the commander of Naval Special Warfare Development Group (SEAL Team Six). “JSOC commander likely to be SOCOM pick, sources say”, by Patrick Tucker, Defense One, May 13, 2025.
Preparing Advisors for Conflict. Maj. Robert G. Rose, U.S. Army, uses the experiences of advisors from the Korean Military Advisory Group (KMAG) during the Korean War as well as other conflicts in a discussion on how to prepare advisors for their training and advising missions. “Awake Before the Sound of the guns: Preparing Advisors for Conflict”, Military Review, May-June 2025.
Article on JSOC. Jordan Smith has penned an article that traces the history, purpose, organization, and past operations of the Joint Special Operations Command. Read it at “JSOC: America’s Joint Special Operations Command”, Grey Dynamics, May 16, 2025.
Nominee for ASD SO/LIC Withdrawn. The White House has withdrawn the nomination of Michael Jensen to be the next Assistantant Secretary of Defense for Special Operations and Low Intensity Conflict (SO/LIC). Retired Air Force Lt. Col. Michael Jensen served in leadership positions in the SOF community during his military career. He was a Special Warfare officer in the U.S. Air Force. “Trump withdraws nomination of Air Force veteran to oversee special operations forces”, Defensescoop, May 16, 2025.
International SOF
NK SOF and Japan. In the event of a large scale conflict on the Korean peninsular there is the possibility that North Korean special operations forces could be inserted into Japan to attack strategic targets. Dr. Ju Hyung Kim, CEO at the Security Management Institute, explains in “Deploying North Korean Special Forces to Japan: A Potential Game Changer in the Korean Crisis”, Small Wars Journal, May 12, 2025.
Fuerzas Especiales (FES). The Mexican Navy’s special mission unit was officially established in 2001. The FES is part of the Mexican Naval Special Warfare Command. Read more in this article published by Grey Dynamics, May 15, 2025.
SOF History
On May 19, 1935, T.E. Lawrence died. He was one of the first practitioners of modern unconventional warfare during World War I and is referred to in the history books as ‘Lawrence of Arabia’. He was a British archaeologist, diplomat, writer, and military officer. He played a crucial role as a liaison during the Sinai and Palestine Campaign and Arab Revolt against the Ottoman Empire during World War I.
On May 17, 1944, the Battle of Myitkyina began. In the spring of 1944 the Allies were on the offensive in the liberation of Burma. The 5307th Composite Unit, a reinforced U.S. Army regiment known as “Merrills Marauders”, had circled and began attacking Myitkyina. The Japanese defenders were caught completely by surprise.
On May 20, 1960, the 7th Special Forces Group was activated. It was reorganized from the 77th Special Forces Group at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.
On May 19, 2002, 50 Green Berets from the 10th Group, commanded by Lt. Col. Robert M. Waltemeyer, landed at Tbilisi, Georgia, a former Soviet republic. The SF Soldiers trained 2,000 elite Georgian troops as part of a counterterrorism effort that sent thousands of allied and partner nation troops to Afghanistan.
OSS OGs – Operational Group – Percy Red. This OG, comprised of 18 men, was the first one to be air dropped into France in the summer of 1944. Its mission was to act as a highly-trained military cadre for the French Marquis and assist them in conducting attacks on the Germans in occupied-France. Article in the May 2025 issue of Sentinel.
https://www.specialforces78.com/oss-ogs/
Ukraine Conflict
Post-War Ukraine? More and More Drones. No matter what type of concessions Ukraine will be forced to make for a ceasefire and truce to happen and last; one thing is a certainty. Ukraine will rely heavily in investing in drones (articles of drones in Ukraine conflict) of all types to deter even further Russian agression in the future. Ukraine will need to continue its comparative advantage in drone warfare. Read more in “Fewer Soldiers, More Drones: What Ukraine’s Military Will Look Like After the War”, by Benjamin Jensen, Center for Strategic & International Studies (CSIS), April 28, 2025.
Sea of Azov. Until 2014, Ukraine had access to the Sea of Azov and ships on the Ukrainian coast could transit the Kerch Strait with little problem. That is, until Russia invaded Crimea. With peace talks possibly on the horizon one question that seemingly has not been addressed has been the Sea of Azov. “Carving up Ukraine: What About the Azov Sea?”, by Martin Fink, Articles of War, May 13, 2025.
U.S. Ambassador Resignation. The former U.S. ambassador to Ukraine, who resigned from the role in April, has said that she quit the post because she disagreed with President Donald Trump’s foreign policy. Ambassador Bridget Brink, who served as ambassador to Ukraine from May 2022 until her departure last month published her reasons in an OP-ED. Reuters, May 16, 2025.
- References:
- Interactive Map. Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine by the Insitute for the Study of War and Critical Threats. On storymaps.arcgis.com See also https://www.national-security.info/ukraine/maps.html
- U.S. Security Assistance to Ukraine, Congressional Research Service, CRSIF12040, periodically updated, PDF, 3 pages. https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/IF/IF12040
- Ukraine Conflict, National Security Info. https://www.national-security.info/ukraine-conflict.html
Sudan Conflict
The Sudan conflict, over two years old now, is continuing. The conflict between the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Force (RSF) has caused a huge humanitarian crisis. Each of the combatants have received external support. The primary supporter of the RSF is the United Arab Emirates (UAE); providing various weapons systems to include advanced munitions from China. The SAF receives assistance in the form of money, advanced weaponry, and more from Turkey, Russia, Egypt, and Iran. Both sides are receiving drones and using them to great effect.
National Security and Commentary
‘Golden Come’ Missile Threat Assessment. The Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) has released an infographic that depicts threats a sophisticated missile defense system for the United States would defend against. Follow the link within the article for the infographic. “DIA releases ‘Golden Dome’ missile threat assessment”, DIA.mil, May 13, 2025.
Army’s Birthday Parade. On the occasion of the Army’s 250 anniversary there will be a massive military parade that will involve thousands of soldiers from across the country. Some service members will be housed in the Agriculture Department and General Services Administration buildings for days. “Price tag for Trump’s military festival could reach $45 million”, The Washington Post, May 15, 2025.
Bring Back the OSS? J.R. Seeger, a former CIA intelligence officer, argues that establishing a new organization similar to the Office of Strategic Services (OSS) – a World War II era organization – is not needed. Over the past 80 years the idea of an OSS-like organization could be the answer to serving as a instrument of policy during the Cold War – and now in Cold War 2. Seeger says that the current construct of USSOCOM and the CIA is perfectly suited to the task. The two organizations just need to work a little more closely together. “A New Office of Strategic Services?”, Center for Intelligence and Nontraditional Warfare, Foreign Policy Research Institute (FPRI), May 1, 2025.
DOD Guidance on Gender Dysphoria. The Department of Defense issued guidance to military leaders on how to proceed with separating, voluntarily or involuntarily, service members with a diagnosis or history exhibiting symptoms consistent with gender dysphoria. “DOD Issues Implementation Guidance on Separation of Service Members With Gender Dysphoria”, DOD News, May 16, 2025.
Information Operations
1st Information Operations Command Deactivated. The Army is trying to consolidate capabilities and has deactivated its only active-duty information operations command. In its place will be three Theater Information Advantage Detachments; each composed of 65 personnel focused on synchronizing information capabilities at the theater level. Read more in “Army officially deactivates only information operations command”, DefenseScoop, May 9, 2025.
VOA Gutted. The layoffs of personnel from the Voice of America amounted to over a third of the media organization’s staff. This has happened as the VOA federal building is being put up for sale. The ability of the United States to advanced its narrative to counter the disinformation campaigns of our adveraries is being severely diminished. Read more in “Trump Adiminstration Fires Hundreds of Voice of America Employees”, The New York Times, May 15, 2025.
DoD Leaders Warn on Cyber Threats. High ranking officers testified before Congress on the sophisticated cyber threats that face the nation. China, Russia, Iran, and North Korean are all posing significant danger to U.S. infrastructure – both structural and digital. The nation is engaged in cyberwarfare every day – defending the nation and security DOD networks. “DOD Leaders Urge Congress to Bolster Cyberdefenses”, DOD News, May 16, 2025.
U.S. Fighting Disinformation? Not So Much. Foreign information manipulation is a refined art that Russia and China have mastered. Both are continuing their targeted malign information operations in the United States as well as around the world. However, despite the growth of disinformation operations by our adversaries, the U.S. continues to dismantle U.S. government assets that have been dealing with the problem. “Is the U.S. Abandoning the Fight Against Foreign Information Operations?”, by Ambassador Daniel Fried, Just Security, May 13, 2025.
Afghanistan
TPS for Afghans Ends. Temporary Protective Status (TPS) was introduced by the Biden administration in March 2022 to help the more than 70,000 Afghans who had entered the U.S. as part of the U.S. government’s “Operation Allies Welcome”, after the Taliban’s capture of Kabul. The Afghans had flown to the United States during the Kabul airlift of August 2021. Thousands of Afghans were flown on U.S. military transport aircraft to Middle East “lily pads” where they were vetted for security and medical issues. They were then flown by U.S. government chartered aircraft to U.S. military bases in the U.S. where they underwent a further vetting process sometimes lasting several months in Operation Allied Refuge (OAR). Now their “protective status” is ending as the Trump administration has decided to terminate the Temporary Protective Status for Afghans. This means thousands of Afghans who had left Afghanistan to escape retaliation by the Taliban for working with the U.S. military may soon be repatriated by the U.S. back to Afghanistan. “US Homeland Security Department ends protected status for Afghans”, Jurist News, May 13, 2025.
Strategic Competition
GPC and Trump. In the mid-2010s a new era of competition took place in the international arena. Russia and China became more competitive and at the same time more agressive. The U.S. in 2017 under the first Trump admnistration released its updated National Security Strategy which outlined how the U.S. would move from a CT/COIN focus to one of matching up against “Great Powers” such as Russia and China. This focus was labeled “Great Power Competition”; however, it is now known as “Strategic Competition”. Now the second Trump administration is redefining the international landscape. Read more in “The Rise and Fall of Great-Power Competition”, by Stacie E. Goddad, Foreign Affairs, April 22, 2025 (subscription).
Security Force Assistance and Strategic Competition. Maj. Erin Lessons, PdD, U.S. Army and Maj. Ben Jeb, U.S. Army write on how Security Force Assistance (SFA) has been an indirect tool of competition that has often been used during periods of heightened strategic rivalry throughout history. They describe the goals of SFA, how it is a tool of influence, and different approaches to SFA. Read more in “Security Force Assistance as a Tool of Strategic Competition”, Military Review, May-June 2025.
CIA Recruitment Videos. A few years back the agency put out some videos aimed a trying to get Russians to spy for the CIA. Now there are a couple of CIA videos aimed at recruiting Chinese sources. Read more in “The CIA is opening calling on Chinese officials to spy for the U.S. Will they listen?”, CBC.CA News, May 18, 2025.
Cutting SFABs. The Army has announced that two Security Force Assistance Brigades (SFABs) may soon go away. The SFABs field advisor teams to train, advise, and mentor foreign forces. They were instrumental in the advisory effort during the Iraq and Afghan conflicts and in later years as well. Some critics of the cuts say that it will adversely affect our partnerships around the world; others say that it will help bring the combat formations to a higher personnel level of fill. (Task & Purpose, May 13, 2025).
SOF News welcomes the submission of articles for publication. If it is related to special operations, current conflicts, national security, or defense then we are interested.
Latin America – Caribbean
Need for a Regional Security Force? Ana Janaina Nelson and Benjamin Gedan argue that Latin America and the Caribbean need to develop a regional response to the organized criminal groups that are increasingly overwhelming local authorities and out-maneuvering national governments. Criminal violence is now a regional crisis. “To Fight Organized Crime, Latin America Needs a Regional Security Force”, Americas Quarterly, May 6, 2025.
Is Haiti Doomed? The country’s security situation grows more serious with every passing week. To defeat anarchy action must be taken on weapons trafficking and illicit finances. The capital, Port-au-Prince, and other major cities are not controlled by powerful gang coalitions. The country’s government is floundering with constant infighting and corruption. “Flows of Guns and Money Are Dooming Haiti”, by Robert Muggah, Americas Quarterly, May 12, 2025.
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Africa
CRS Report – Burkina Faso. The Congressional Research Service (CRS) has updated a report entitled “Burkina Faso: Conflict and Military Rule”, IF 10434, by Alexis Arieff, May 15, 2025. Topics include the history of military rule, terrorism and insurgency problems plaguing the country, shifting international relations, humanitarian issues, U.S. policy and aid, and more.
https://www.congress.gov/crs-product/IF10434
Exercise African Lion. U.S. and Royal Moroccan Armed forces officially began the Morocco portion of African Lion 25, the largest annual joint military exercise on the African continent, with training events beginning this week across multiple regions of the Kingdom of Morocco. (AFRICOM, May 12, 2025).
Paper – Russian Mercenary and Paramilitary Groups in Africa. “Russian mercenaries serve as an important mechanism by which Moscow seeks to reduce its growing international economic and political isolation. Mercenaries help accomplish this by expanding Russia’s global footprint and influence at a relatively low cost.” RAND Corporation, May 1, 2025, PDF, 62 pages.
https://www.rand.org/pubs/research_reports/RRA2613-1.html
CRS Report – Sudan. The war in Sudan has past the two-year mark with no sign of resolution between the two warring parties and no indication that either side will win over the other. The conflict has feuled the world’s largest humanitarian crisis. Read more in “The War and Humanitarian Crisis in Sudan”, by Lauren Ploch Blanchard, Congressional Research Service (CRS), IF 12816, May 16, 2025, PDF, 3 pages.
https://www.congress.gov/crs-product/IF12816
Publications
Sentinel. The May 2025 issue is now posted online. Topics on Agent Orange Legacy Project, 2025 SFA Convention, IMO of Major Clyde Sincere, OSS OGs, book reviews, and more. (PDF, 24 pages)
https://www.specialforces78.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/0525-Sentinel-News.pdf
“Commando Comics”. A behind the scenes look at the Commando comic book series. “Creating Commando Comics: ‘For You the War is Over’ – a Writer’s Commentary”, downthetubes.net, May 10, 2025.
Miltary Review. The May-June 2025 issue is now available online.
https://www.armyupress.army.mil/journals/military-review/english-edition-archives/may-june-2025/
Upcoming Events
August 19-21, 2025
Indo-Pacific Irregular Warfare Symposium
Bangkok, Thailand
October 7-9, 2025
Global SOF Europe
Athens, Greece
October 13-16, 2025
Special Operations Association Reunion (SOAR)
Las Vegas, Nevada
October 14-17, 2025
Special Forces Association Conference
Las Vegas, Nevada
November 17-20, 2025
2025 Modern Warfare Week – Fort Bragg
Global SOF Foundation
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