Curated news, analysis, and commentary on special operations, intelligence, irregular warfare, national defense, and global conflicts.
Photo / Image: The guided-missile destroyer USS Chafee (DDG 90) launches a Block V Tomahawk. (U.S. Navy photo by Ensign Sean Ianno, 30 Nov 2020).
Executive Summary
This weekly briefing summarizes developments in special operations forces (SOF), global conflicts, intelligence, and national security from the past week. SOCAFRICA Flintlock exercise ends. One soldier missing and one deceased as AFRICOM’s African Lion exercise comes to a close. The Iran war appears to be in a stalemate, with U.S. strategic objectives still illusive. Artificial intelligence (AI) is making significant headway in the U.S. military. British paratroopers deliver critical medical support to Tristan da Cunha, a remote island with one suspected case of Hantavirus.
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Key Outlooks
- Two U.S. Army soldiers went missing from African Lion exercise, one found deceased
- Changes to Reconnaissance Marines training
- Russia presence in Madagascar increases
- U.S. SOF participates in Exercise Balikatan 2025 in Philippines
- U.S. allies sending maritime assets to Middle East
- Dutch intelligence estimates Russian permanent losses exceed 1.2 million
SOF News
Changes to Reconnaissance Marine Training. Prospective Marines who will serve as scouts or reconnaissance team members will no longer attend the 12-week Basic Recon Course. In its place is attendance at two new courses: the Ground Reconnaissance Course and Amphibious Reconnaissance Course. Marines must now go through the Infantry Rifleman Course in place of the Marine Combat Training Course before trying out for Recon. Follow-on courses to the new training program include the Army’s Basic Airborne Course, freefall parachuting, and SERE. “The Marine Corps is overhauling its Recon training”, by Nicholas Slayton and Jeff Schogol, Task & Purpose, May 1, 2026.
British Paratroopers Respond to Hantavirus Threat. An Army specialist team has parachuted onto Tristan da Cunha to deliver critical medical support after it was confirmed that one British national on the island was suspected of contracting Hantavirus. The team parachuted in from an RAF A400M onto the island with medical personnel in-tandem and oxygen supplies and medical equipment. The remote island, with a population of 221, is located deep in the South Atlantic, has no airstrip, and is normally only accessible by boat. The team deployed to the island after the UK Health Secrity Agency confirmed one suspected case of Hantavirus involving a British national on the island. The team of six paratroopers and two military clinicians were from the 16 Air Assault Brigade. “Military conducts daring parachute drop to deliver critical medical support to Tristan da Cunha”, Gov.uk, May 10, 2026.
Manhunt for Green Beret Ends Tragically. An Army veteran who was involved in a domestic dispute disappeared into the woods of Tennessee. A massive manhunt ensued for the former SF soldier who was considered armed and dangerous. A local county Sheriff’s office in Tennessee said initial indications show that Craig Berry died due to a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Berry previously served as an infantryman and later as a Special Forces medical sergeant. He had deployed to Iraq four times between 2003 and 2014. SF-focused Facebook page posts had many reflections of Berry as an excellent soldier and good friend. “Special Forces vet accused of trying to kill wife found dead, ending massive Tennessee manhunt”, Fox News, May 6, 2026.
Flintlock 2026. Special Operations Command Africa held its annual Flintlock exercise recently. The special operations exercise focused on building partner capacity, interoperability, and counterterrorism effectiveness across Africa. “Special Operations Exercise Holds Promise for Increasing Security, Stability: Flintlock 2026”, Special Operations Association of America (SOAA), May 8, 2026.
ISTC Sniper Course. Members of the U.S. Army 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne) took part in training at the NATO International Special Training Center’s night sniper course at Grafenwoehr, Germany in April 2026.
M/V Ocean Trader Arrives at Diego Garcia. The U.S. Special Operations support ship MV Ocean Trader has arrived at Diego Garcia as Washington expands military pressure across the Arabian Sea and Persian Gulf, placing a covert maritime staging platform within operational reach of Iran and the Red Sea corridor. (Army Recognition, May 10, 2026)
AFSOC and SF Trained in Philippines. Members of U.S. Air Force Special Operations Command conducted military freefall training from AFSOC MC-130J Commando IIs during Exercise Balikatan 2026 in Cerab, Philippines, April 29, 2026. U.S. Army Green Berets assigned to 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne) also participated in the Balikatan exercise; they trained on Tiguar drones at Laoag, Philippines, April 20-24, 2026; testing the Tiguar’s long-range communications capability. Balikatan is a longstanding annual exercise between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and U.S. military.
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 “Merrill’s Marauders”, had circled and began attacking Myitkyina. The Japanese defenders were caught completely by surprise. While GALAHAD’s 3d BN feinted toward the north, the 1st Bn seized the Irrawaddy ferry terminal at Pamati on the right, a Chinese regiment overran the airstrip and probed toward Myitkyina itself, but was repulsed.
On May 19, 2002, 50 Green Berets from the 10th Group, commanded by Lt. Col. Robert M. Waltemeyer, land 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.
National Security and Commentary
One Soldier Still Missing, One Deceased. On Sunday, May 3, 2026, the U.S. military reported that search operations were underway for two missing U.S. Army soldiers who were participating in the African Lion exercise. “Search underway for 2 U.S. service members missing amid training exercise in Morocco”, CBS News, May 3, 2026. As of Sunday, May 10, 2026, one soldier is still missing near an oceanside cliff at a training area. The soldiers were off duty at the time they went missing. The remains of one soldier, First Lieutenant Lamont Key Jr. has been found. “US troops remain in Morocco as search continues for missing soldiers”, Stars and Stripes, May 9, 2026. See U.S. Africa Command statement (May 10, 2026).
SFA in Latin America. The 2025 National Security Strategy (White House, PDF, 33 pages) points to the Western Hemisphere as a geographic region of ever increasing importance. The authors of a recent RAND publication argues that by employing security force assistance (SFA) the United States can advance U.S. interests in Latin America. They outline potential ways to include the use of the Army Security Cooperation Group – South, special operations forces, and the National Guard State Partnership Program. Read “Force Multipliers in the Americas”, RAND, 2026, PDF, 49 pages.
Lessons for Modern SOF. Lieutenant General James A. Fleet was a veteran officer of World War I and World War II. At the end of his career he was posted to Greece in 1948. Van Fleet oversaw the recruiting, organizing, and training of the National Defense Corps Battalions and advised and assisting the Greek Army against communist guerrillas. He later served during the Korean War in a similar role. Both of these assignments were similar to the role that special operations leaders play in modern times. “General James Van Fleet: Lessons for Modern Special Operations Soldiers”, Special Warfare Journal, May 1, 2026.
Iran War and Operation Epic Fury
Iran and the U.S. appear to be in a stalemate. Iran can still deter commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and the U.S. naval blockade is preventing Iran from shipping oil to China and other markets. A 30-day ceasefire agreement attempt begun last week has not provided any results. As of Saturday, Central Command stated that during the U.S. blockade 58 vessels have been redirected and four have been disabled – the latest on Friday.
Negotiating an End to the War. Although the U.S. and Israeli campaign achieved tactical and operational successes, several strategic objectives remain unmet. The enriched uranium and nuclear weapons program was the ‘big target’; however, Iran seems determined to keep its enriched uranium and measures to ensure that the nuclear weapons program will be halted seem fleeting. However, what has emerged as an issue just as important is the closure of the Strait of Hormuz by Iran. This vexing problem may very well be unsolvable to the U.S’s satisfaction. Prior to February 28th the world enjoyed freedom of navigation through the strait unencumbered by Iran. One possible postwar outcome could see Iran exercising greater de facto influence over commercial transit through the strait. “Trump’s Iran Strategy Collides with Hormuz Reality”, gCaptain, May 8, 2026.
Iran responded to the latest U.S. proposal for a 30-day ceasefire. In their response they maintain that the Strait of Hormuz should remain under Iran’s control. It is likely that the Iranian leadership believes it survived the war and still has leverage. President Trump responded on Truth Social:
“I have just read the response from Iran’s so-called “Representatives.” I don’t like it – TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE! Thank you for your attention to this matter. President DONALD J. TRUMP.”
How Long can Iran Last? A confidential intelligence community assessment delivered to the White House finds that Iran retains a substantial missile and drone arsenal and can outlast the blockade for three to four months. The assessment says that Iran retains 75 percent of its prewar inventories of mobile launchers and 70% of its prewar stockpiles of missiles. It also has thousands of one-way attack drones like the Shahed 136; easily manufactured in small factories. “U.S. Intelligence says Iran can outlast Trump’s Hormuz blockade for months”, The Washington Post, May 7, 2026.
Kurds of Iran. Several weeks ago the Trump administration teased out that the Iranian Kurds could be used to help topple the Islamic regime in Iran. This did not get much traction and the idea faded away. However, the topic still garners attention. “The Kurds of Iran as a Strategic Factor in Western Approaches to a Changing Islamic Republic”, by Cudi Zerey, Irregular Warfare Center, April 28, 2026.
Secret Israeli Airbase in Iraq? According to a report by Reuters Israel set up a secret military base in the Iraqi desert just prior to the opening of the air campaign against Iran. The base served as a logistical hub for the Israeli Air Force and included search and rescue teams positioned to assist any downed Israeli pilots. “Israel built and defended a secret base in Iraq for Iran war, WSJ reports”, Reuters, May 9, 2026.
The Royal Navy is deploying the HMS Dragon to the Middle East. The destroyer will be part of a potential multinational mission to protect international shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. “Britain to deploy air defense warship to Hormuz”, UK Defence Journal, May 9, 2026.
South Korean Destroyer to Gulf of Aden. South Korea’s Navy will deploy the destroyer Wang Geon to the Gulf of Aden next week with newly upgraded anti-drone defense systems, following heightened security concerns after an explosion aboard a South Korean-operated vessel near the Strait of Hormuz. “S. Korean destroyer to deploy with anti-drone upgrades amid Hormuz tensions”, UPI, May 8, 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
A Dutch military intelligence estimate on Ukraine war casualties since 2022 indicates that Russia has suffered over 1.2 million total casualties (including more than 500,000 dead). Ukraine has had about 500,000 permanent losses. Russia has an immense manpower pool (about 143 million) compared to Ukraine (about 25 to 40 million).
- 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
DoD’s GenAI.mil. The Department of Defense recently announced that it has entered into agreements with major artificial intelligence (AI) providers to supply their products on classified military networks. This will complement the DoD’s GenAI.mil – a suite of AI tools that has over 1.3 million civilian and military member users. Read more on this topic in “Despite Early Missteps, GenAI.mil Could be a Force Multiplier for the Dept. of War”, Special Operations Association of America, May 4, 2026.
Russia and Cognitive Warfare. Russia is producing content through an industrialized system that targets soldiers, civilians, and the public. It isn’t a campaign – something that has a beginning and endpoint. It is a production system with three distinct assembly lines. China is not that far behind. The United States is playing catch-up. Read more in “The Last Undefended Perimeter”, The CIPHER Brief, May 6, 2026.
IW in Indo-Pacific Region. Maj Prabhat Mishra, an Indian Army officer currently attending the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College, argues that the decisive contest in the Pacific region could be decided before conflict breaks out. “A Battle of Wits, Not Metal: How Irregular Warfare is Preempting Convergence in the Indo-Pacific”, Small Wars Journal, May 8, 2026.
Facial Recognition. The Congressional Research Service has published Facial Recognition Technology: Definitions, Applications, and Policy Considerations for Congress, CRS R48935, May 4, 2026, PDF, 19 pages.
https://www.congress.gov/crs-product/R48935
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.
Around the World
Russia in Madagascar. Africa Corps instructors are in Madagascar (map) training the Malagasy Army, complementing deliveries of Russian drones and armored vehicles to that African country. The ties between the two countries are deepening. This renewed relationship began in December 2025. Reportedly, over 140 Russian instructors are in Madagascar providing training ranging from military engineering, sniping, reconnaissance, and attack-drone operations. Read more in “Arms deliveries and Africa Corps training: How Russia is bolstering its presence in Madagascar”, france24.com, May 6, 2026.
Click here for a larger image of physiography, transportation, or location maps of Madagascar.
Balochistan – Lots of Minerals but Troubles as Well. There are some very ambitious US-linked commercial and strategic initiatives centered in Balochistan, a province in Pakistan with a long-running violent separatist insurgency. Many Baloch people are found in southeast Iran as well as southern Afghanistan. Read more in “Why Pakistan’s Once Little-Known Baloch Insurgency Now Matters in Washington”, by Kiyya Baloch, Small Wars Journal, April 14, 2026.
Conflict between ISKP and Baloch Nationalist Groups. There is a growing confrontation taking place in Balochistan between the Islamic State of Khorasan Province (ISKP) and the Baloch nationalist groups. Read more in “Analysis: ISKP’s Exploitation of the Af-Pak Border War”, by Uma Miskinyar, Small Wars Journal, May 4, 2026.
Books, Podcasts, Videos, and Movies
Pub – Naval War College Review. The U.S. Naval War College has published its Spring 2026 issue. Lots of interesting articles to read. Volume 799, Number 2, Spring 2026, PDF, 181 pages.
Video – “SHORAD: The Old is New Again – The Return of Short Range Air Defense“, Army University Press, April 17, 2026, YouTube, 32 minutes. The increased use of drones on the battlefield has brought back interest in the Army’s short range air defense systems. Looking into the usable past for lessons on how to deal with aerial threats, this documentary educates a new generation of air defenders. With a range of experiences during the Cold War and War on Terror, four SHORAD veterans explain how the U.S. Army understands short range air defense within the context of its maneuver forces.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cGNodU7NdwQ
Video – “The Role of Private Sector Intelligence in a Divided World”, Dr. Louise Marie Hurel and Lewis Sage-Passant discuss how private actors are collecting and analyzing strategic information for corporate use. Royal United Services Institute (RUSI), May 6, 2026, 19 minutes.
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Upcoming Events
May 15, 2026
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May 16, 2026
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May 21, 2026
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May 21, 2026
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