SOF News Weekly Brief – June 1, 2026

AC-130 Gunship

Curated news, analysis, and commentary on special operations, intelligence, irregular warfare, national defense, and global conflicts.

Photo / Image: AC-130 Gunship DoD Photo.

Executive Summary

This weekly briefing summarizes developments in special operations forces (SOF), global conflicts, intelligence, and national security from the past week. Several articles below focus on SOF Week 2026, one of the premier annual gatherings of the global special operations community held in May 2026.

It appears that negotiations may be moving toward a temporary agreement regarding the Iran conflict. Not all the details are known. As usual, the supporters and detractors of the deal have jumped in with their opinions of the proposed agreement. It will not likely achieve all of the objectives of the Trump administration, but could bring a halt to the conflict and ‘open’ up the Strait of Hormuz relieving the pressure on the global economy.

The tide could be turning to Ukraine’s favor in the more than four-year conflict due to Ukraine’s ability to out-class the Russians in drone warfare. The Special Forces Association is holding their annual conference in Fort Walton Beach in early June. Turkey continues to expand its influence in the Horn of Africa, assisting Somalia with its armed forces training. An ex-CIA official was arrested for having about $40 million in gold bars in his house that belonged to the CIA.


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Key Outlooks

  • U.S.-Iranian agreement in the works and in ‘final stages’
  • SOF Week 2026 recorded its largest attendance to date.
  • Ukraine continues leveraging drone warfare to offset Russian advantages.
  • Security conditions in Mali remain unstable amid jihadist and rebel activity
  • Missile expenditures during Operation Epic Fury are raising concerns about U.S. munition inventories
  • U.S. conducts ‘self-defense’ strikes in Iran
  • Ebola outbreak in Africa
  • U.S. Embassy in Bamako, Mali issues security alert
  • Five U.S. personnel injured at Kuwait air base during Iranian attack

SOF Week 2026 News Coverage

SOF Week 2026 by the Numbers. Held in Tampa, Florida from May 18-21, SOF Week 2026 saw its largest attendance ever. Over 73 countries had official representation, 30,000 people registered, there were over 800 exhibitors, and 180 speakers. Below are some interesting news articles that came out of the event.

SOCOM Seeking New Weapons. U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) is looking for deadlier weapons and ammunition that are lighter to carry and have greater accuracy. Lt. Col. Alan Wood, SOCOM’s Program Manager for Special Operations Forces Lethality, was interviewed by Howard Altman during SOF Week 2026 about SOCOM’s quest for the newest weapons programs. “Inside SOCOM’s Search for New Machine Guns, Rifles and Ammo”, The War Zone, May 21, 2026.

SOF Week and “Peace Through Strength”. Dr. Isaiah Wilson III, a former president of the Joint Special Operations University (JSOU) in Tampa, Florida, comments on SOF Week 2026, the professionalism of today’s special operations forces, and the moral burden borne by the leaders of this nation in the use of that force. “Tampa, SOF Week, and the Moral Burden of “Peace Through Strength”, Small Wars Journal, May 27, 2026.

AI Agents for SOF. Artificial intelligence ‘agents’ are coming to a special operations mission near you – if they can fit in the pack. During SOF Week 2026 Col. Robert Oliver, PEO of SOCOM’s SOF Warrior program, put forth the need for the integration of artificial intelligence products that serve the warrior at the tactical level. “Smaller, easier, smarter: what special operators want from AI”, Defense One, May 24, 2026.

“Geeks with Guns”. Admiral Frank Bradley, commander of U.S. Special Operations Command, addressed the SOF Week 2026 attendees during SOF Week 2026 in Tampa, Florida in May and stated that U.S. special operations forces needs to recruit more tech-savvy troops for the age of drones and autonomous warfare. “Special ops wants “geeks with guns” bringing both grit and tech skills into combat”, by Kelsey Baker, Business Insider, May 27, 2026.

Noori: A Documentary about Afghan Commandos Now in the U.S. After August 2021, at the conclusion of the Kabul non-combatant evacuation operation (NEO), hundreds of Afghan commandos found themselves in a new home – the United States of America. A documentary is in the works to highlight how these Afghan commandos who fought side-by-side with American special operators are adjusting to their new life in the U.S. The documentary was previewed at SOF Week 2026 in Tampa, Florida. Read about it in “An Afghan SOF veteran explores American and the universal bonds of special operators in ‘Noori’“, We Are the Mighty, May 29, 2026.



SOF News

SFACON 2026. The annual Special Forces Association Convention will take place at Fort Walton Beach, Florida on 7-11 June 2026. A lot of interesting activities are planned on the Emerald Coast. Golf, motorcycle ride, visits to Camp Rudder (Ranger Camp), visits to Camp “Bull” Simons (home of 7th SFG), meetings, banquet, and much more.

Onward Ops Supporting Veterans. The most vulnerable period for a veteran is the first twelve months following separation from the military. This is known as the “deadly gap”, a period when veterans face increased risk of suicide as they adjust to life outside the uniform. A non-profit organization, Onwards Ops, is helping alleviate this problem of veteran suicide as well as assisting veterans in the transition to civilian life. Learn more in “Onward Ops Supports Veterans During Transition Process”, Special Operations Association of America (SOAA), May 18, 2026.

SOF Targeting Authorities. Kendall McElwee, argues that the current U.S. Special Operations Forces (SOF) targeting policy achieves tactical success but lacks strategic alignment, prioritizing rapid kinetic operations over long-term political and operational coherence. The article recommends a theater-prioritized, effects-based targeting framework to better align tactical actions with broader strategic objectives while maintaining operational effectiveness. “Reforming SOF Targeting Authorities to Restore Strategic Coherence and Risk Discipline”, Small Wars Journal, June 1, 2026.

CoR Ceremony – 10th SFG(A). On June 4, 2026, the 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne) will conduct a Change of Responsibility Ceremony where CSM George A Graham will relinquish responsibility to CSM Robert J. Hammons.

AC-130J Gunship Fitted with AGM190A SCM. Work is underway for equipping AFSOC’s gunship with the AGM-190A Small Cruise Missile (SCM). This will help the AC-130J engage targets at longer ranges; something important to survivability in a high-end fight with near peer adversaries. “AC-130J Gunship With Mini Cruise Missiles Paired with AESA Radar to Undergo Tests”, The War Zone, May 19, 2026.

Stennis Space Center for SOF Training. The U.S. Special Operations Command’s Joint Acquisition Task Force and the SOFWERX innovation hub will be using NASA’s Stennis Space Center in Mississippi for special operations training related to autonomous systems. “SOCOM seeks autonomous warfare proving ground“, Defense Scoop, May 27, 2026.

Navy SEAL Swim Across Hudson. On August 15, the New York City SEAL Swim will take place across the Hudson River. The endurance challenge will bring together active-duty Navy SEALs, veterans, first responders, athletes, and others. The swim is a call to action to support veterans and emergency responders. “Navy SEALs to Swim Across Hudson River to Support 300 Military ‘Brothers'”, Military.com, May 28, 2026.

‘Line of Departure’ App. A new application for a mobile devices is now available that will provide instant access to all Army branch journals through the new ‘Line of Departure’ application. The app can deliver more than 1,200 professional military articles to the field. The Army University Press launched the app on May 12, 2026. Readers can receive article alerts, build custom bookshelves, and share content with others. Learn more in “New Line of Departure App Puts Lessons Learned, Tactical Insights in Soldier’s Pockets”, Soldier Systems, May 30, 2026.

Project Valkyrie. A group of passionate practioners of medicine and innovation have combined forces to change special operations forces (SOF) veterans lives. They have built Project Valkyrie, a transition program that promotes health optimization while preparing veterans for careers in civilian life. “Project Valkyrie Combines Health Optimization & Venture Accelerator Efforts”, Special Operations Association (SOAA), May 27, 2026.

F.S.S.F.A. Reunion. The First Special Service Force Association will hold its 79th F.S.S.F.A. Reunion in Oshawa, ON, Canada on August 19-22, 2026. Registration is at the following link: https://reunion-2026.raiselysite.com/

Turkey Assists Somalia’s Elite Gorgor Commandos. A Turkish military training program is expanding with the incorporation of heavy armor and main battle tanks for an elite Somalian military unit. This heavy weaponry provides a lethal punch to the “Eagle” Brigade. Turkey has emerged as one of Mogadishu’s primary security partners. “Turkey provides tanks and training to Somalia’s elite Gorgor Commandos”, Africa Report, May 24, 2026.

Estonian Intel Service. The Estonian Foreign Intelligence Service (EFIS) is Tallinn’s external intelligence agency. It is tasked with the collection of information concerning foreign interests, activities, and personnel. “Valisluureament: The Estonian Foreign Intelligence Service (EFIS)”, Grey Dynamics, May 25, 2026.

Commentary on U.S. Army Special Forces Role and Mission

The Old SF and the New Environment. A retired Special Forces Colonel provides his vision on how Special Forces needs to change to support the joint force and yet be able to conduct its unconventional missions of the past. His argument is presented in two articles: “The Last A-Team: Special Forces Aren’t Special Anymore” (May 18, 2026) and “A New Vision for Special Forces” (May 20, 2026). Irregular Warfare Initiative.

Special Forces and Decentralization. Maurice “Duc” DuClos explores the role and value of U.S. Army Special Forces (SF) in this new world environment of high population density, megacities, ubiquitous surveillance, drones, and artificial intelligence. A long and interesting read on the future role of SF. “Operationally Detached: Why Decentralization, Not Consolidation, Is the Future of U.S. Army Special Forces”, Irregular Warfare Initiative, May 28, 2026.

Failure of Perception. Maurice “Duc” DuClos continues his commentary on SF by examining the regiment’s continued inability to recognize the value of the work it is already doing. He argues that SF suffers from misconception which runs through the SF institution. “Visible vs. Valuable: Why Restructuring U.S. Special Forces Won’t Fix a Failure of Perception”, Small Wars Journal, June 1, 2026.


SOF History Banner


SOF History

On June 4, 1944, Jedburgh teams jumped into France to link up with French resistance. Lucien Stervinou was one of them –  a Frenchman who fled to England to join the French preparing for war against the Germans. https://sof.news/history/lucien-stervinou/

On June 6, 1944, the allies conducted D-day – the storming of the beaches of Normandy, France to establish beachheads from which to attack into the interior of France.

On June 1, 1983, the US Army Institute for Military Assistance was renamed the US Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School.

On June 7, 2006, Abu Musab al-Zarqaw was killed in coalition air strike. Special operations forces, commanded by Lt. Gen. Stan McChrystal, led the hunt ending in the death of Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, the leader of al-Qaeda in Iraq. Zarqawi (Aḥmad Faḍīl an-Nazāl al-Ḫalāyla), was a Jordanian jihadist who ran a paramilitary training camp in Afghanistan and who later went to Iraq taking part in an insurgency against US troops and contributing to the start of the Shiia-Sunni war.


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National Security and Commentary

NDA for all Federal Workers. A new rule proposed by the Trump administration proposes that non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) be signed by all federal workers. This is an attempt to crack down on leaks to media organizations. The government-wide NDAs would limit the information that federal employees can provide to the media and other non-governmental organizations. “Trump administration proposes NDAs for all federal workers”, The Washington Post, May 26, 2026. (subscription)

Ebola Outbreak. An Ebola outbreak in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo has expanded into neighboring Uganda. The United States is restricting entry from the DRC, Uganda, and South Sudan.

Mali Security Alert. The U.S. Embassy in Bamako, Mali has issued a security alert. The alert warned U.S. citizens about heightened security risks following increased militant activity in parts of Mali.
https://ml.usembassy.gov/security-alert-u-s-embassy-bamako-mali-may-29-2026/

M111 Offensive Hand Grenade (OHG). The Army’s Close Combat Systems Program Office has partnered with Battelle for the Full Material Release (FMR) of the new M111 hand grenade. The is the first new offensive hand grenade since 1968. This new systems provides soldiers with a safer alternative to th eM67 fragmenting grenade by utilizing a blast over pressure effect and removing fragmenting effects. Battelle and the Army worked closely together over multiple years to refine the technical processes required to improve the grenades’ safety and performance for the warfighter.


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Iran War and Operation Epic Fury

Proposed Agreement. The U.S. and Iran appear to be closer than ever before in some sort of temporary agreement that will halt the military conflict and re-open the Strait of Hormuz. The full details of the agreement are not quite revealed. Initial indications are that all of the U.S. war objectives will not be met. President Trump has stated that the two sides were moving close to a deal. Iranian officials have acknowledge the talks, have said there is some progress, but also suggest there are some major sticking points that could prevent a deal from being reached. Some details of the proposed agreement have been released and critics were quick to comment on the ‘deal’. In one new development, President Trump has now said that Gulf and Arab nations must sign on to the Abraham Accords as part of the Iran peace deal (The Hill, May 29, 2026)

Five U.S. Personnel Wounded. Iranian ballistic missiles were intercepted during an attack at Ali Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait. The missiles were intercepted but falling debris destroyed one MQ-9 Reaper and damaged another. The injuries were minor, a mix of service members and contractors. The incident highlights the continuing vulnerability of regional U.S. installations despite layered missile defense systems. (Bloomberg)

‘Self-Defense’ Strikes. The U.S. carried out ‘self-defense’ strikes against Iranian targets this past (last week) Monday and Wednesday. On Monday, the U.S. attacked two Iranian small boats attempting to lay sea mines. In response, Iran launched anti-air missiles. The U.S. conducted strikes against the sites from which the missiles were launched. On Wednesday, U.S. forces targeted a site around the Strait of Hormuz that posed a threat to U.S. forces and commercial traffic. The U.S. also intercepted drones being launched from Iran. On Friday, Iran fired a ballistic missile at a U.S. air base in Kuwait in retaliation for bombing of an Iranian launch site.

Maritime Traffic. A Gambia-flagged maritime vessel was disabled by U.S. forces after it attempted to sail toward an Iranian port on May 29. (CENTCOM) The United States is quietly guiding commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz. It has assisted around 70 vessels in the last three weeks. Most ships turned off their transponders while passing through the narrow waterway. (New York Times)

Depleted Missile Inventory. The bombing campaign and air defense campaign during Operation Epic Fury has put a huge dent in the inventory of key U.S. munitions stockpiles. The depleted inventories have created a window of vulnerability for a potential conflict in the Indo-Pacific. It will take months, and in some cases years, to rebuild the inventories. Some of the stores depleted include the THAAD, Patriot, TLAM, and PrSM. Defense planners remain concerned that prolonged consumption of precision munitions in the Middle East could affect readiness for a potential contingency involving China. Read a detailed report in “Rebuilding U.S. Missile Inventory: A Multiyear Project”, Center for Strategic & International Studies (CSIS), May 27, 2026.

Lebanon. Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon continue. Israel recently hit the Beirut area for the first time in a month. No end in sight for the conflict between the IDF and Hezbollah.

Video – U.S. Special Forces in Iran. A little bit of history about when U.S. Green Berets, as part of a Military Assistance Advisory Group, were sent to be advisors in the training of the Iranian Imperial Army Forces Forces Group. Video is one of a series of documentaries entitled The Big Picture. It was likely produced in the mid-1960s during the Cold War by the Department of Defense. This period predates the 1979 Iranian Revolution and takes place during a period when the United States and Iran were close military partners. U.S. Army Special Forces were heavily involved in training Iranian airborne, ranger, and unconventional warfare units. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pg48e9LWWwA


Ukraine Russia Conflict
Ukraine


Ukraine Conflict

On Saturday, May 23, 2026, Ukraine suffered one of the most devastating missile and drone attacks launched by Russia. Dozens were killed in the overnight attack. On May 29, a Russian drone struck an apartment building in the city of Galati, Romania. The Romania government closed the Russian consulate in Constanta following this drone incident. An additional Russian drone was found near a small village in Romania.

CRS Report – Russia’s War Against Ukraine: Diplomatic Talks and U.S. Policy. The Congressional Research Service has published a document that provides an update on the United States participation in peace talks between Russia and Ukraine. CRS IN12534, updated 22 May 2026. https://www.congress.gov/crs-product/IN12534

Dating Apps and Intelligence Gathering. Both Ukraine and Russia are using dating apps to gather information and recruit soldiers and others for exploitation – either for gaining information of military value or to conduct irregular operations. “Tough love: Spies, dating apps and the dark side of online intimacy”, EUvsDiSiNFO, May 27, 2026.

Ukraine – The Tide Turns. Ukraine appears to be gaining momentum on the battlefield in its grinding war with Russia. Its mastery of drone warfare is making the difference. Neither side has been able to make a significant dent along the 700-mile front line. Ukraine’s drones have extended the kill zone more than 10 miles on either side of the front line. This is preventing the Russians from accumulating the kind of mass and armor needed for a breakthrough. “How Ukraine turned the tide against Russia”, The Hill, May 30, 2026.


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Intel, IO, Cyber, AI, IW, Technology

Ex-CIA Official Arrested. David Rush was arrested after authorities found $40 million of gold, $2 million in cash, plus over 30 Rolex luxury watches in his Virginia home. There are also questions about his academic background and military credentials. The former senior employee has been accused of stealing more 303 gold bars from the spy agency. He also received $77,000 in military leave pay he wasn’t entitled to. He was an employee of the CIA’s Directorate of Science and Technology. He joined the CIA around 2009. “Prosecutors say ex-CIA official stole $40 million in gold bars from agency”, The Washington Post, May 27, 2026. (subscription)

AI and Intelligence. Artificial intelligence is certainly revamping how intelligence is analyzed and targeting processes are employed. However, there is concern that the ‘human factor’ will be left out of the decision-making loop. “Rethinking Artificial Intelligence at the Strategic Frontier”, by Myke C. Cohen, Small Wars Journal, May 22, 2026.

U.S. Losing in Disinformation War. America is letting foreign disinformation run rampant. Russian, Chinese, and Iranian disinformation operations are out-pacing the United States. Collectively, our adversaries are spending billions of dollars attempting to shape perceptions around the world. At the same time, the U.S. has dismantled the mechanisms to fight the disinformation war. For instance, the Global Engagement Center has been shut down. Voice of America has been gutted and is operating on a skeleton staff. Jim Geraghty explains: “In the disinformation war, the U.S. unilaterally , disarmed”, The Washington Post, May 26, 2026. (subscription)


Great Power Competition GPC


Strategic Competition

AI: U.S. and China in Competition. Staying ahead of China requires pioneering technology – and stopping Chinese AI from conquering the world. The next great-power clash – perhaps a showdown between the United States and China in the Taiwan Strait – could be decided by which side better integrates AI into its military arsenal and way of war. The future may very well see AI that can enable devastating cyberattacks. There are five key challenges ahead in the AI competition. “How America can remain the world’s AI superpower”, The Washington Times, May 29, 2026. (subscription required)

Political Warfare. The United States defense establishment has increased its capacity for conventional war – building its Army, Navy, and Air Force capabilities with the intent of making it more lethal. However, our adversaries – China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea – are operating in a separate space. They are using the political, informational, psychological, economic, cyber, and diplomatic spectrums; in addition to the military spectrum. Taiwan’s National Defense University College of Political Warfare has the mission to educate modern political warfare officers with the skills needed for political warfare, counseling, propaganda, psychological operations, civil affairs, and more. The institution has transformed into a center focused on resilience, strategic communications, cognitive warfare defense, and other related endeavors. David Maxwell, a retired Special Forces officer, provides the details in “Learn from Taiwan: The U.S. should have a College of Political Warfare”, UPI, May 26, 2026.


Guest Writers for SOF News

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

SecDef Hegseth in Singapore. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth was in Singapore addressing the delegates of the Shangri-la Dialogue. During his speech he laid out the U.S. strategy for the Indo-Pacific region. Read more in “Hegseth Outlines U.S. Vision for Indo-Pacific at Annual Asia Defense Summit”, U.S. Department of Defense, May 29, 2026. See also “Remarks by Secretary of War Pete Hegseth at the 2026 Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore”, U.S. Department of Defense, May 30, 2026.

AUKUS Agreement. During the Singapore conference, representatives from the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia met to re-affirm their commitment to delivering the AUKUS partnership. One of the pillars of the agreement was to confirm that the organization remains on track to support Australia’s acquisition of a conventionally-armed, nuclear-powered submarine capability. Another discussion point was the further implementation of uncrewed undersea vehicles program. Read the joint statement and a fact sheet on the UUVs.


Blacksmith Publishing

Troubles in the Sahel. A journalist and student of jihadism in the Sahel, Wassim Nasr, is interviewed by the staff of the Counter Terrorism Center at West Point about the recent offensive by JNIM and Tuareg rebels in Mali (SOF News) in late April. This interview is probably one of the more detailed and comprehensive studies of the JNIM and Tuareg alliance in Mali. A must read for those following the Sahel. “Developments in the Sahel”, CTC Sentinel, May 2026.

Mali and Mercenary Forces. Russia’s Africa Corps are unable to stop the advance of terrorists and FLA rebel group in northern and central parts of the country. The Russian mercenaries were invited by the Malian government into Mali in 2021 to help subdue the northern Tuareg rebels and jihadists. The heavy hand of the Malian military and Russians have most likely led to more recruits for the rebels. “Mali’s Overreliance on Mercenary Forces Leads to Failure”, African Defense Forum Magazine, May 19, 2026.


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Books, Podcasts, Videos, and Movies

Video – The Station Foundation. This SOF support organization supports the members and families of the SOF community. It has several SOF spouse programs. One of them is found at Base Camp Jimmy in Montana where SOF spouses can connect, heal, and find strength in nature. The Station Foundation recognizes that the SOF lifestyle makes it extremely difficult to preserve the health, wellness and readiness of SOF members and their families. Watch a video about one of the SOF spouse programs provided by The Station Foundation. YouTube, 11 minutes. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zJKLyrR58og

CTC Sentinel. The May 2026 issue by the Combating Terrorism Center at West Point is now posted online. Some interesting articles about the Sahel, AI and terrorism, IRGC-QF and Iraqi proxy groups, and more. https://ctc.westpoint.edu/ctc-sentinel/

Book Review – America’s Favorite Warlord. A new book is out that describes one of the most important figures of the Afghan conflict, Abdul Raziq Achakzai. He was a central figure for coalition operations in southern Afghanistan. Raziq’s forces provided intelligence, recruited fighters, and provided access to tribal networks that assisted coalition units in one of the most dangerous parts of Afghanistan. He was an important figure in the Pashtun community. In October 2018 a Taliban infiltrator, working as a provincial bodyguard, killed him and other senior officials following a security meeting at the Kandahar governor’s compound. Read a review: “New Book Reveals Why US Forces Relied on Kandahar Warlord Abdul Raziq”, Military.com, May 30, 2026.

Video – Balikatan 2026. Green Berets take part in an exercise with Philippine troops. Balikatan is a longstanding annual exercise between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and U.S. military that represents the strength of our alliance, improves our capable combined force, and demonstrates our commitment to regional peace and prosperity. (U.S. Army video by Sgt. John Bae) DVIDS, May 19, 2026, 2 minutes long. https://www.dvidshub.net/video/1007487/balikatan-2026-green-berets-conduct-combined-training-philippines


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Upcoming Events

June 6-7, 2026
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June 9, 2026
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June 18, 2026
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Paris, France

June 18-19, 2026
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About John Friberg 242 Articles
John Friberg is the Editor and Publisher of SOF News. He is a retired Command Chief Warrant Officer (CW5 180A) with 40 years service in the U.S. Army Special Forces with active duty and reserve components. Since retirement from the Army he has worked as a contractor both domestically and overseas.