Curated news, analysis, and commentary about special operations, national security, and conflicts around the world.
Photo / Image: A combat rubber raiding craft (CRRC) prepares to deploy from the well deck of the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7). U.S. military forces are deployed to the Caribbean in support of the U.S. Southern Command mission, Department of War-directed operations, and the president’s priorities. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Logan Goins)
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SOF News
U.S. SOF Staged Near Venezuela. The United States military presence in the Caribbean has increased over the past several weeks. This includes elements of U.S. special operations forces. Venezuela is accusing the U.S. of staging the U.S. SOF units in preparation for strikes against its civilian infrastructure and to conduct targeted assassinations. “U.S. Reportedly Moves Special Ops, Helicopters Close to Venezuela”, The Latin Times, October 9, 2025. See also “Hegseth announces task force to ‘crush’ drug cartels in Caribbean Sea”, The Hill, October 10, 2025.
New Cdr for 1 SOW. U.S. Air Force Col. Mark L. Hamilton assumed command of the 1st Special Operations Wing from Col. Patrick T. Dierig during a change of command ceremony at Hurlburt Field, Florida, Oct. 6, 2025. The 1 SOW is responsible for preparing special operations forces for worldwide missions in support of joint and coalition objectives. The 1 SOW at Hurlburt Field is one of six Air Force active duty special operations wings which fall under AFSOC. Hurlburt Field employs more than 7,600 military and approximately 1,700 civilian personnel. Previously, Col. Hamilton served as the 1 SOW’s Deputy Commander of Operations, where he was responsible for employing manned and remotely piloted fixed-wing aircraft, including the AC-130J Ghostrider, MC-130J Commando II and MQ-9 Reaper. (DVIDS, 6 Oct 2025)
VSO/ALP in Afghanistan. United States Special Forces entered Afghanistan initially on an unconventional warfare (UW) mission. It quickly evolved into foreign internal defense (FID) and contingency operation employing irregular Afghan security forces to improve the security situation. From 2002 to 2009 there were several programs along these lines but it wasn’t until the Village Stability Operations (VSO) and Afghan Local Police (ALP) programs began that real progress was being made on a large scale. Read more in an article by Donald Bolduc and Chris Hensley in “Special Operations Forces and Afghan Local Police Programs”, SOFREP, October 2, 2025.
U.S. SOF in the High North. U.S. Special Operations Forces and NATO Allies will unite in the High North for Exercise Adamant Serpent 26 on 12-29 October. Conducted since 2021 and led by U.S. Special Operations Command Europe, this annual exercise is designed to enhance readiness and interoperability with Allied special operations forces. This year’s exercise will focus on U.S. SOF and NATO Allies applying modern tactical warfighting techniques throughout Norway and Sweden. Nearly 400 U.S., Danish, Norwegian and Swedish forces will participate, demonstrating advanced operational integration to rapidly deploy units to arctic and subarctic environments. “U.S. Special Operations Forces and NATO Allies Prepare for Arctic Exercise Adamant Serpent 26”, SOCEUR, October 9, 2025.
SOCAFRICA in Libya. Special Operations Command Africa Civil Affairs (91st CA BN) joined forces with Libyan Security Forces, local medical providers, and the Director of the Department of Health in Zliten to execute a Medical Civic Action Program (MEDCAP). The MEDCAP initiative brought together 10 local medical providers, including two female practitioners, alongside U.S. and Libyan forces, to address healthcare challenges and build emergency response readiness. “U.S.-Libya Partnership Strengthened Through Collaborative Medical Civic Action Program in Zliten”, DVIDS, October 1, 2025.
U.S. Army SOF Prepares for War with Russia. SF operators specialize in unconventional warfare and foreign internal defense. They are uniquely qualified to work with European special operations units in preparation for a conflict with Russia. More than 30 years after the end of the Cold War, the 10th Special Forces Group is still preparing for Russia. “Army Special Forces Are Preparing for the Next War with Russia”, by Stavros Atlamazoglou, National Interest, October 8, 2025.
Former SOF General now with Reach Power. The firm announced the appointment of U.S. Army Major General (Ret.) Patrick B. Roberson to its Government Advisory Board. Roberson most recently served as Deputy Commanding General, U.S. Army Special Operations Command (USASOC) and has over 34 years of service. (Business Wire, 8 Oct 2025)
IW Online Course for Homeland Defense. The DoD Irregular Warfare Center has announced that its newest online course is now available. Entitled “IW Approaches for Homeland Security and Defense“, it is designed for security professionals who work in the homeland security. (DVIDS, 22 Sep; 2025)
SOCOM Testing New Ammo and Weapons. One thing that United States Special Operations Command does well is testing for new weapons and systems to field to its special operators. This includes testing and fielding new weapons for its ‘ground’ SOF. “The military’s irregular warfare researchers are testing a new round, rifle, and machine gun”, We Are the Mighty, October 10, 2025.
SOF History
On October 10, 1951, the Ranger Course was conceived during the Korean War and was known as Ranger Training Command. “The Ranger Training Command was inactivated on this day in 1951 and became the Ranger Department, a branch of the Infantry School at Fort Benning, Ga. Its purpose was, and still is, to develop combat skills of selected officers and enlisted men by requiring them to perform effectively as small unit leaders in a realistic tactical environment, under mental and physical stress approaching that found in actual combat.”
On October 12, 1961, Brigadier General William P. Yarborough, as commander of the Special Warfare Center, Fort Bragg, NC, met with President Kennedy to visit Fort Bragg. The meeting resulted in increased funding for Special Forces and the authorization of the Green Beret for wear as the official headgear of Special Forces. The President further showed his unfailing support for Special Forces in publishing an official White House Memorandum to the US Army dated April 11, 1962, which stated in part that “The Green Beret is again becoming a symbol of excellence, a badge of courage, a mark of distinction in the fight for freedom.”
On October 12, 1966, the 46th Special Forces Company was activated in Thailand.
On October 9, 1967, Che Guevara was executed in Bolivia. 8th SFG(A) trained the counter-guerrilla force that tracked down Che’s small guerrilla group.
https://nsarchive.gwu.edu/briefing-book/cuba-intelligence/2020-10-09/che-guevara-cia-mountains-bolivia
On October 12, 1981, the 160th Special Operations Air Regiment (SOAR) was established.
On October 15, 1984, the 1st Battalion, 1st Special Forces Group was activated on Torii Station, Okinawa, Japan, under the command of Lt. Col. James L. Estep. 1st SFG(A) had previously been stationed on the island from 1957 until being inactivated in 1974 as part of an Army reduction in Special Forces strength.
On October 16, 1991, 2nd Battalion, 3rd SFGA was activated with HQs company, 2 SF companies, and a forward support company.
On October 16, 2006, the Psychological Operations branch was established.
National Security and Commentary
PMCs and Escalation Management. This paper assesses how Private Military Companies shape escalation management, deterrence, and WMD risks. “Mercenaries in the Battlespace”, Stimson Center, September 2025, PDF, 12 pages. https://www.stimson.org/2025/mercenaries-in-the-battlespace/
“The Enemy Within” or Handing Small Victories to Russia and China. David Maxwell, a retired SF 06, provides his perspective on a trend that points to the erosion of the nations democratic norms and institutions. He cites the rising public tolerance for political violence, political leader’s calls to use military force at home, and the institutionalization of irregular-warfare concepts for the homeland. We could be delivering a strategic gift to our authoritarian adversaries. “America’s Attack on the Enemy Within: Victory for the Dark Quad’s Political Warfare Strategy”, Small Wars Journal, October 8, 2025.
IW and Commercial Aviation. With its extensive passenger operations, global cargo networks, and huge daily movements, aviation is subject to use by irregular warfare practitioners. Learn more in “Flying the Not so Friendly Skies: Aviation as the New Irregular Warfare Battlefield”, Homeland Security Today, October 9, 2025.
IO, Intelligence, and Cyber
Collection on Propaganda & Psychological Warfare. The Hoover Institution has an unrivaled collection of posters and literature of propaganda from the Communist and Cold War eras. https://www.hoover.org/library-archives/collections/propaganda-psychological-warfare
WWII Museum and Intelligence. A podcast by the National World War II Museum will delve into the wartime tales of espionage and intrigue – highlighting the contributions of the Office of Strategic Services (OSS), the forerunner to the present-day Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). “WWII Museum podcast explores legacy of America’s first intel agency”, Military Times, October 9, 2025.
Hezbollah’s IO Campaign. Since the October 7 Hamas attack and the breakout of hostilities in Gaza, Hezbollah has reshaped its information warfare doctrine. The terrorist group is now leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) to modernize its information operations (IO) activities. Read more in an article by Pierre-Yves Baillet in “Hezbollah’s Information Warfare in Post-October 7 Era”, Irregular Warfare Initiative, October 10, 29025.
CT Infrastructure Diminished. Terrorism and violent extremism remains a constant threat in the United Stations. It has grown over the past several years, not decreased. Technology has made the threat of terrorism even greater requiring more assets to counter the threats. Yet in the past year our national security infrastructure that has existed for years to counter these threats have been diminished. “Dismantling counterterrorism infrastructure makes America less safe”, The Hill, October 8, 2025.
Intelligence Aids Proper Acquisition Programs. Specific intelligence on the opponents machines and weapons systems can help commanders fight in a war. Intelligence used to guide the acquisition process prior to conflict can contribute to victory during a war. “Beyond Decision Superiority: The Role of Intelligence in Innovation & Adaptation”, by Michael Borja, War on the Rocks, October 7, 2025.
Vetting of OSS. The U.S. defense community hs been using open source software (OSS) from unvetted foreign contributors. One glaring example was Microsoft’s use of China-based engineers to support its cloud systems. Without security, accountability, and support, using OSS is a ticking time bomb. Commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) software solutions need to be layered with rigorous enterprise security. Nicolas Chaillan, the former chief software officer for the Air Force and Space Force, provides the details in “The Right Way to Use Open Source in Defense”, Defensescoop, October 7, 2025.
Cyber Performance Enhancement. Members of the 179th Cyberspace Wing (CW) recently took part in the ANG Cyber High Performance Training in June 2025. The event was designed to give the cyber operators a competitive edge – improving human performance and team optimization. “Air National Guard members participate in Cyber High Performance Training”, by Master Sgt. Joseph Harwood, DVIDS, October 8, 2025.
Top CIA Legal Official Dismissed. Deputy Central Intelligence Agency Director Michael Ellis has replaced the agency’s general counsel with himself, the New York Times reported Monday citing people familiar with the matter. Fox guarding the hen house?
Ukraine Conflict
Turning the Tables on Russia. The ‘three day special military operation’ has lasted a lot longer than three days. Russia then settled down into a ‘war of attrition’ after having failed to achieve its objectives using tanks and armored vehicles in maneuver warfare. Ukraine’s continued update in strategy and tactics is keeping Russia from attaining victory on the battlefield. Read more by Robert F. Worth in “How Ukraine Turned the Tables on Russia”, The Atlantic, October 7, 2025. (subscription)
Russian Advances in Warfare. A comprehensive study on how Russia is making advancements in drone warfare. “Russian Force Generation & Technological Adaptations Update”, Institute for the Study of War, October 9, 2025.
Russian Offensive Halted. Howard Altman interviews a Ukrainian field commander about how the latest Russian summer offensive was stopped. “Inside the Fight to Stop Russia’s Biggest Battlefield Advance in a Year”, The War Zone, October 9, 2025.
LL of Ukraine War. Sam Scanlon writes on how the U.S. needs to look beyond the significant changes that first person view drones have brought to land warfare in Ukraine. He argues that there other more important lessons to be learned – to include other innovations across air , land, and sea that the United States can adapt for defense modernization. “Beyond FPVs: Learning the Lessons of the Ukraine War – All of Them”, Modern War Institute at West Point, October 8, 2025.
- References:
- Interactive Map. Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine by the Institute 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
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.
Asia
Taiwan, IW, and the Mountains. Major Paul Rogers is a Special Forces Officer currently assigned to the Naval Postgraduate School where he is pursuing a Master’s Degree in Defense Analysis. He has provided an excellent analysis of how mountain warfare by a guerrilla force could aid Taiwan in resisting PRC’s possible occupation of Taiwan. About 70% of Taiwan is covered by steep and densely forested mountains as high as 13,000 feet, which create numerous opportunities for irregular warfare. Read more in “The Answers are in the Mountains: Countering Chinese Aggression with Irregular Warfare”, Small Wars Journal, August 29, 2025.
Lessons from Operation Spider’s Web. Drone warfare has certainly changed how nations think about national security and defense. China, with its immense industrial base and autocratic rule, is uniquely poised to learn the lessons from the Ukraine-Russia war and apply them to their national defense strategy. The U.S. should take not and adapt as well in order to meet the increased threats (and opportunities) that this change in warfare. “Imposing Costs in the Indo-Pacific: Lessons from Operation Spider Web”, Irregular Warfare Initiative, October 6, 2025.
Thinking Like Beijing. “In August 2025, 25 international experts gathered at Syracuse University to do something unusual: plan China’s invasion of Taiwan. For two days, academics, policy analysts, and current and former U.S. officials abandoned their typical defensive postures and attempted to inhabit Beijing’s offensive strategic mindset in a wargame. They debated not how America should respond to Chinese aggression, but how China might overcome the obstacles that have so far kept it from attacking the island nation.” The wargame, looked at from the side of the adversary, suggests that China may very likely adopt an alternative pathway to reunification that differs from the massive use of force. “A Wargame to Take Taiwan, from China’s perspective”, War on the Rocks, October 7, 2025.
Pakistan Bombs Kabul. An attempt to eliminate the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) chief who was located in Afghanistan has presumably failed. In response, the TTP have launched an operation against Pakistan soldiers and policemen. The TTP is a jihadist Pashtun nationalist militant group that operates along the Afghan-Pakistan border. It is an internationally designated terrorist group. The conflict has continued for several days with border posts attacked by both sides. The Taliban have asked for a ceasefire but Pakistan says no; they want to continue to eliminate TTP leadership.
Paragliders in Burma. A motorized paraglider flew over a crowd gathered for a Buddhist celebration and protest against the military and dropped some bombs onto the crowd. At least 26 people died as a result of the 7-minute long attack. Paragliders have become a fixture in the Myanmar’s military to defeat armed resistance groups. “Paragliders: The army’s lethal new weapon in Myanmar’s civil war”, BBC, October 10, 2025.
Thailand’s Southern Insurgency. The insurgency continues in the south of Thailand and the army is changing up its command structure to resolve the situation. “Army Chief reshuffles forces to tackle ‘Southern insurgency'”, The Nation, October 8, 2025.
Afghanistan, Middle East, and Africa
U.S. Hits al Qaeda-Affiliated Target. United States Central Command (CENTCOM) announced that its forces conducted a strike in Syria on October 2nd that killed a member of Ansar al-Islam, an al Qaeda affiliated terrorist group. The U.S. began withdrawing hundreds of military personnel in April 2025.
CAR’s Choice of Mercenaries. Moscow is attempting to phase out the Wagner Group in the Central African Republic and replace them with the Africa Corps. CAR is resisting. “Minerals, Mercenaries, and State Power: CAR’s Choice Between Wagner and Africa Corps”, Lansing Institute, October 7, 2025.
Yemen’s Civil War – No Winners. The civil war in Yemen has lasted over a decade and neither side in the conflict is emerging victorious. Both sides – the Houthi government and the internationally recognized government in Aden are facing huge challenges – economic, political, and military in nature. “Who’s Winning Yemen’s War? No One”, by Joshua Yaphe, National Interest, October 7, 2025.
Mali Gas Shortage. The rebels have made some strides into the interior of Mali. Over the past several days the rebels have set up roadblocks stopping fuel trucks from reaching the capital city. This has resulted in severe gas shortages at filling stations across the country.
Books, Podcasts, Videos, and Movies
Video – Emerald Warrior. U.S. Air Force Air Commandos assigned to Air Force Special Operations Command, Czech Air Force Service members and Royal Air Force service members participated in Emerald Warrior 25.2, Arizona, Nevada and, California, July 21-Aug. 11, 2025. (U.S. Air Force video by Airman 1st Class Luke Hirsch) Posted by DVIDS on 8 October 2025, 2 minutes. (slick video, nice production)
https://www.dvidshub.net/video/984060/emerald-warrior-252
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Upcoming Events
October 13-15, 2025
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Washington, D.C.
October 13-16, 2025
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October 14-17, 2025
Special Forces Association Conference
Las Vegas, Nevada
October 18, 2025
William J. Donovan Award
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November 16, 2025
Inaugural Charleston Trident Swim
Charleston, South Carolina
November 17-20, 2025
2025 Modern Warfare Week – Fort Bragg
Global SOF Foundation
December 2-4, 2025
2025 Irregular Warfare Forum – Andrews AFB, MD
December 10-11, 2025
SOF & Irregular Warfare Symposium – Tampa, Florida
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