Curated news, analysis, and commentary about special operations, national security, and conflicts around the world.
Photo / Image: 308th Rescue Squadron pararescuemen 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
SOF and Decapitation of North Korean Leadership. Dr. Ju Hyung Kim argues that there should be a sharpened focus on the U.S.-ROK joint decapitation capability executed by elite special forces. “Decapitation as Deterrence: Why U.S.-ROK Special Forces Must Be Ready for the Worst in North Korea”, Small Wars Journal, June 20, 2025.
Special Operations in an Isolationist Era. Maurice “Duc” DuClos, a career Special Forces officer and Guest Lecturer at NPS, argues that the U.S. engagement with advisors is “largely episodic and crisis-driven”. He believes that a “Global Advisor Program (GAP)” would provide a revolutionary approach to strategic presence by institutionalizing embedded U.S. military advisors with partner nation defense establishments. “Closing the GAP: Strategic Presence Through Embedded U.S. Military Advisors”, Strategy Central, June 26, 2025.
U.S. Covert Operations and the Future. Two former CIA officers present their views of how to organize for covert operations. Two different views are analyzed; one view is preserving the CIA’s lead in covert action – but with refinement and the second view is a major restructuring of the institutional architecture. “Covert Action: Evaluating the Future Leadership of US Strategic Cover Operations”, by Doug Wise and Philip Wasielewski, Foreign Policy Research Institute (FPRI), June 27, 2025.
CIA Spy Manual. In the 1950s the Central Intelligence Agency had an author write a “how to” book on espionage. Read about it in “Secrets from the CIA Spy Manual of Trickery and Deception”, Spyscape, June 2025.
New SOCAFRICA Commander. U.S. Special Operations Command Africa welcomed U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Claude Tudor as its new commander on June 3, 2025, in Stuttgart, Germany. Tudor, who has firsthand knowledge of the complex security landscape in Africa, will lead more than 1,900 U.S. military, interagency and international military personnel operating in 19 countries throughout Africa and Europe. He will continue to guide SOCAFRICA’s efforts to prioritize partner independence, emphasizing African-led solutions and maintaining a right-sized, agile footprint. “SOCAFRICA Welcomes New Commander”, DVIDS, June 3, 2025.
Mike Waltz. It appears that Waltz is going before Congress for his nomination for Ambassador to the United Nations. He is a former National Security Advisor to the current administration, former member of the U.S. House of Representatives, and a Special Forces officer (Col., Ret). Read the announcement by the Department of State.
https://www.state.gov/waltzmichaelg-unitedstatesmissiontotheunitednations-june2025
New 353rd SOF Wing Cdr. The 353d Special Operations Wing welcomed its new commander, Col. Stewart Parker, during a change of command ceremony held June 18, 2025, at Kadena Air Base, Japan. Parker assumed command from Col. Shawn Young. “353 SOW welcomes new commander”, AFSOC, June 23, 2025.
UK Commandos Conduct Aerial Water Insertions. Commandos drop into the water during maritime training exercise from a Commando Helicopter Force Merlin helicopter. UK Defense Journal, June 28, 2025.
Polish Frogmen. Grey Dynamics present an article about the history, training, weapons, equipment, and operations of the Jednostka Wojskowa Formoza by Edwin Taylor. (June 29, 2025)
https://greydynamics.com/jednostka-wojskowa-formoza-jw-formoza-the-polish-frogmen/
Special Wheels for SF. Read about a firm that builds purpose-built tactical vehicles for U.S. SOF. “This Off-Road Shop is Building War-Ready Rigs for US Special Forces”, Off-Road Extreme, June 23, 2025.
SOF History
On June 30, 1972, the 8th Special Forces Group (Airborne) was redesignated as the 3rd Bn 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne), in Panama.
On July 2, 1959, detachments of the 77th Special Forces Group began Project HOTFOOT in Laos. Special Forces personnel, wearing civilian clothes and assuming the role of contracted civilian technicians, trained Laotian Armed forces units on U.S. weapons and individual soldier skills. At the time, Laos was a Cold War ‘hot spot’ facing threats from the Communist Pathet Lao and North Vietnamese Army troops operating inside Laos. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Project_Hotfoot_(Laos)
On July 4, 1968, The Green Berets, a film loosely based on a book by Robin Moore, was released starring John Wayne as a Special Forces colonel in Vietnam and David Janssen as a newspaper correspondent who questioned the war’s wisdom. Much of the film was shot in the summer of 1967 (before the Tet Offensive).
Israel Iran Conflict and U.S. Attack
Status of Iran’s Nuclear Program – Post Attack. A U.S. intelligence report suggests that the nuclear program has been set back only a few months. The report was issued by the Defense Intelligence Agency last week and contradicts statements by the Trump administration. The attack did significant damage but did not totally destroy the three facilities. In addition, the intelligence report also suggests that some of Iran’s highly enriched uranium may have been moved before the U.S. strikes. “Early US intelligence report suggests US strikes only set back Iran’s nuclear program by months”, AP News, June 25, 2025.
Countering the DIA Report. The Department of Defense and Trump administration pushed back on this DIA report saying the sites were completely destroyed. The director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) issued a statement on June 25, 2025, saying that “a body of credible intelligence” indicates Iran’s nuclear program has been severely damaged by the recent, targeted strikes. Tulsi Gabbard, U.S. Director of National Intelligence, also rallied behind the president on this issue stating, “New intelligence confirms what President Trump has stated numerous times: Iran’s nuclear facilities have been destroyed.” Next up? Head of DIA to be replaced?
DOD Briefing on Midnight Hammer. On Thursday, June 26, 2025, the Department of Defense conducted a briefing on the attack on Iran’s nuclear facilities. “Historically Successful’ Strike on Iranian Nuclear Site Was 15 Years in the Making”, DOD, June 26, 2025.
Strait of Hormuz. One way of Iran retaliating could be the closure of the Strait of Hormuz that is the passageway for vessels traveling between the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman. Jennifer Parker of the Royal Australian Navy explores whether Iran can realistically close this chokepoint. “The Strait of Hormuz: what Iran sees as its trump card”, The Strategist, Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI), June 25, 2025.
What Next for Iran? “Iran will adjust its strategy, not its strategic objective. Its goals remain to acquire nuclear weapons, destroy Israel, and dominate the Middle East. That fight does not end with this round.”, “The Uncertainty in the Aftermath of the U.S. Bombing of Iran“, by Brian Michael Jenkins, RAND Corporation, June 25, 2025.
The Expensive B-2 Bomber. The plane’s operating costs are a $130,000 per hour—largely because of its unique and labor-intensive maintenance process. “Why is the Air Force’s B-2 Spirit So Expensive?”, The National Interest, June 11, 2025.
Iran Missile Production. Iran is shifting its missile production to Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen. This will increase the threat to global shipping in the Red Sea. The Houthi’s are one of the proxy forces that have not been diminished over the past two years.
Ukraine Conflict
Russian Summer Offensive. The Russians have made small advances in several locations over the past two weeks. On a broader scale, across the entire front, little real progress is being made despite horrendous daily losses. They are concentrating efforts in the Kharkiv and Sumy areas. The missile and drone offensive against civilian targets throughout Ukraine is continuing – especially large apartment buildings in city areas. Moscow is attempting to overwhelm Ukraine with mass drone attacks on civilian populations, tech support from China, and additional support from Iran and North Korea. “Russia is Ready to Begin Its Summer Offensive”, by David Kirichenko, National Interest, June 27, 2025.
Massive Russian Missile and Drone Attack. Early on Sunday morning, 29 June, Russia launched what some observers are calling the largest ever missile and drone attack of the war all across Ukraine. Over 450 missiles and drones were launched from ships, land, submarines, bomber aircraft.
OB of Ukrainian Armed Forces. A detailed organizational and structural overview of Ukraine’s military forces is presented by Hlib Parfonov and Rickard D. Hooker. Read “Special Report: Order of Battle of the Ukrainian Armed Forces”, Eurasia Daily Monitor, The Jamestown Foundation, June 27, 2025.
Operation Spiderweb. An analysis of the commando drone operation that took out numerous aircraft on distant airfields deep inside Russia. The operation was a year and a half in the making and involved secret cooperation between agents, drone operators, and technicians in the intelligence service. “Ukraine intelligence chief gives new details on Spiderweb drone operation”, by David Stern, The Washington Post, June 23, 2025. (subscription)
Ukrainian SOF Strike Again. According to multiple social media accounts the Security Service of Ukraine and Ukrainian SOF conducted an operation at the Marinova Airfield in the Volgograd region destroying tow Russian Su-34 fighter-bombers and damaging tow more.
North Korean Support. High level officials are periodically visiting Pyongyang to discuss military assistance that North Korea can provide for Russia’s fight in Ukraine. There are reports that the North Koreans will soon send mine clearance teams and construction engineers to assist Russia.
- 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
Commentary
Military Education and Adaptive Thinking. The military needs to shift its educational construct to adapt to the complex, rapidly changing environments that exist in the world today . . . and tomorrow. “Rewiring Readiness: Rethinking Military Learning for the Age of Uncertainty”, Over the Horizon Journal, June 26, 2025.
Civil-Military Tensions and Trump. Senior military leaders are faced with a central dilemma – choices may be made in the future between constitutional loyalty and presidential authority. Two retired Special Forces Lt. Col.’s provide their perspective. “Loyalty in Crisis: Civil-Military Tensions in the Second Trump Presidency”, Small Wars Journal, June 24, 2025.
Deception and IO in Modern Warfare. John Wirges, a U.S. Army Civil Affairs Officer, writes on how the U.S. Army’s information warfare capabilities will take on increasing importance in future wars. He believes that some standardization of information-related military career fields may help in the ability to field capable IO units. “The Utility of Military Deception and Information Operations in Modern Warfare”, Small Wars Journal, June 26, 2025.
Russian Mercenaries. The Wagner Group is the best-known Russian paramilitary group or private military company. Fading into the past, replaced by the Africa Corps and other entities, a study of the Wagner Group offers insight into how PMCs came about in Russia and elsewhere. “Russia’s Rogue Warriors: A Paramilitary Legacy”, Small Wars Journal, June 24, 2025.
IW in Indo-Pacific. Jeremiah “Lumpy” Lumbaca, a retired U.S. Army Green Beret, writes on the protracted, complex struggle in the Pacific region where the primary perpetrators are the Chinese Communist Party, Russia, Iran, North Korea and VEOs. These actors are destabilizing the international order with hostile intent. Lumbaca outlines a new Irregular Warfare (IW) framework designed to impede the efforts of these bad actors. “Imagining the Near-Future of American Irregular Warfare in the Indo-Pacific”, Small Wars Journal, June 18, 2025.
National Security
NATO Conference. President Trump attended the NATO conference in Europe and is coming away with some positive results. Europe is stepping up with more money for defense; so Trump gets a ‘win’. However, in the long run it may yield a more independent Europe and diminished U.S. role in world affairs. Read more by Ishaan Tharoor in “Trump gets a NATO victory lap, but U.S. leadership is on shaky ground”, The Washington Post, June 25, 2025. (subscription)
Proposed FY26 Defense Budget. Senior Defense Department and military leaders outlined the proposed $1 trillion national defense budget request for fiscal year 2026 during a media briefing on June 26, 2026. Read up on where the money is going. DOD News, June 26, 2026.
CRS Report NORTHCOM. The Congressional Research Service (CRS) has updated its “In Focus” publication on U.S. Northern Command. The document provides an overview of the mission, organization, components, the North American Aerospace Defense Command, budget, and more. “Defense Primer: U.S. Northern Command (USNORTHCOM)”, IF13044, updated June 25, 2025, PDF, 3 pages.
https://www.congress.gov/crs_external_products/IF/PDF/IF13044/IF13044.1.pdf
Finland Hardens Its Borders Against Russia. The invasion of Ukraine prompted the Nordic country of Finland to join NATO two years ago. Finland has a long border with Russia and has fought with Russia in the past. Now it is readying itself for any future attack from Russia. “Fearing war with Russia, Finland hardens NATO’s northern frontier”, Reuters, June 24, 2025.
NATO to Increase Defense Spending. Alliance members have agreed to increase their annual defense spending – bringing it up to 5% of their gross domestic product. “NATO Leaders Pledge to Increase Defense Spending”, DoD News, June 25, 2025. Saying the NATO countries will increase spending while President Trump is in attendance at the NATO conference is easily done; but time will tell if the words are put into action.
Trump to Slash ODNI. The President seems intent to proceed with plans to downsize the Office of the Director of National Intelligence. Tulsi Gabbard, the director of the ODNI, appears to be having a lesser role in the administration. The director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), John Ratcliffe, is becoming more prominent. The staff has already been reduced by 25%, possibly as a result of Elon Musk’s DOGE efforts. “Trump Eyes Staff Cuts to Top Spy Agency as he Sweeps Aside Iranian Intelligence”, Stars and Stripes, June 28, 2025.
VOA’s Reach Into North Korea – Gone. The U.S. strategic position on the Korean peninsular has been whittled away by the elimination of the Voice of America’s Korean service. Information starved North Koreans now have less access to independent news about what is happening in their country and around the world. “A Secret Program Allowed VOA to Broadcast Television into North Korea. Now It’s Gone”, Columbia Journalism Review, June 26, 2025.
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Afghanistan
Afghan Battle Buddies Program. Veteran advocacy groups like #AfghanEvac have launched a program to provide moral support to Afghans who served U.S. military forces in Afghanistan and are now facing deportation by the Trump administration. The Battle Buddies program will bring veterans into courthouse immigration hearings involving Afghan allies as a sign of support and reassurance for their roles in helping American military forces. Many of them have entered the United States and have Special Immigrant Visa applications pending. However, the Trump administration has ended temporary protected status for these individuals and they now face deportation back to Afghanistan where they could be killed by the Taliban for the help they offered the U.S. military as interpreters as well as in other roles. “Advocates recruit vets to attend Afghan allies immigration hearings”, Military Times, June 25, 2025.
Afghan War Commission Public Hearing. A ‘Who’s Who’ of the Afghan War participated in hearings hosted by the Afghanistan War Commission. This was the third hearing by the commission; the topic this go-around was the surge years. Read the press release, statements of testimony, and watch the proceedings on YouTube. (June 23, 2025)
https://www.afghanistanwarcommission.senate.gov/hearing-content3/
Africa
“Operation Rough Rider”. In March 2025, the United States launched an offensive against the Houthis in Yemen that would hopefully restore freedom of movement in the Red Sea for commercial vessels. After 50 plus days the bombing offensive ended following an agreement that the Houthis would no longer target U.S. military or commercial shipping. Learn who and what was attacked, how much it cost, how the Houthis have recovered, and what is in store for the future. “An Assessment of Operation Rough Rider”, CTC Sentinel, June 2025.
JNIM and West Africa. Jamaat Nusratul Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), a West African al-Qaeda, has increased its territorial expansion from Mali into Burkina Faso. “Foreseeing Inroads to Instability: JNIM’s Expansion in West Africa”, by Christiane Thompson, Joint Special Operations University (JSOU), June 12, 2025.
AFRICOM Should Stay. Joel Richardson is a U.S. Army Field Artillery officer with experience in the CENTCOM and AFRICOM areas of responsibility. He writes on the importance of keeping Africa Command intact. “Why AFRICOM Should Remain Independent: Preserving Strategic Agility Through Dedicated Theater Command”, Small Wars Journal, June 10, 2025.
Books, Reports, Podcasts, and Videos
CTC Sentinel. The June 2025 issue by the Combating Terrorism Center at West Point has been published online. Lots of good reading about terrorism, counterterrorism, the U.S. battle against the Houthis, and regional terrorism in the Middle East the past two years.
https://ctc.westpoint.edu/june-2025/
Report – SOF Role in a Multi Domain Response to Maritime Counter Terrorism. This 38 page report (PDF) is provided by the NATO Centre of Excellence Defence Against Terrorism. (May 2025).
Book Review – Putin’s Sledgehammer: The Wagner Group and Russia’s Collapse into Mercenary Chaos. Published in 2025, Putin’s Sledgehammer, by Candace Rondeaux, is one of the most recent and most comprehensive works to address the phenomenon that was Yevgeny Prigozhin’s Wagner Group and the impact it ultimately had on the Russian way of war.
https://smallwarsjournal.com/2025/06/23/putins-sledgehammer-candace-rondeaux-review/
Report on Polish Armed Forces. RAND Corporation has published a research paper entitled “Polish Armed Forces Modernization: A New Cornerstone of European Security?”, May 29, 2025, PDF, 76 pages.
https://www.rand.org/pubs/research_reports/RRA2971-1.html
SOFCast. The United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) broadcasts a program on YouTube where they present a variety of interesting topics for viewing.
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOKusf0MeUZHFje7GqtX-kU-KJcE43MfE
SOF News Book Shop
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