Curated news, analysis, and commentary on special operations, intelligence, irregular warfare, national defense, and global conflicts.
Photo / Image: A Navy CMV-22B Osprey prepares for takeoff on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS George Washington in the Philippine Sea, May 30, 2026 (Credit: Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Nicolas Quezada)
Executive Summary
This weekly briefing highlights significant developments in special operations, intelligence, irregular warfare, global conflicts, and national security during the past week. The House Intelligence and Special Operations subcommittee has submitted its markup to the 2027 NDAA. A couple of articles on the roles and mission of Special Forces. Strikes against nacro-traffickers in the SOUTHCOM region continue. Iranian conflict heats up a notch. Ukraine could be turning the corner against Russia.
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Key Outlooks
- More strikes in SOUTHCOM against narco-vessels
- Video of 24-year-old appointee to SO/LIC during Jan 6th
- House passes war powers resolution
- SOF’s Cultural Support Teams (CSTs)
- Continuing debate on the role and strategic utility of Special Forces
- NATO adds more security to the “High North”
- Iran strikes Israel, Trump holds Israel back
SOF News
House Intel and SO Subcommittee and NDAA. The House Armed Services Committee’s Intelligence and Special Operations Subcommittee has released its portion of the Fiscal Year 2027 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), outlining priorities for U.S. intelligence agencies and special operations forces. The measure emphasizes strengthening the readiness, modernization, and global effectiveness of the U.S. Special Operations Command while improving oversight of intelligence activities and emerging threats. It also includes provisions aimed at enhancing technological innovation, cyber capabilities, and support for servicemembers and their families. The subcommittee’s recommendations will be incorporated into the full NDAA, which serves as Congress’s primary annual defense policy and authorization legislation. See a statement on this topic by the House Armed Services Committee, June 4, 2026.
JSOTF-SOM Seeks Cultural/Political Advisors. The U.S. special operations task force in Somalia is looking for contractors to advise troops on Somali politics, culture and tribal dynamics. The Joint Special Operations Task Force – Somalia (JSOTF-SOM) calls for three cultural and political advisors to work with the country’s government and tribes. “US military seeks cultural advisors in Somalia amid regional strikes”, by Eve Sampson, Defense News, June 1, 2026.
SOCOM Seeks Next-Gen Tech for Combat Divers. U.S. Special Operations Command is looking for industry to provide next-generation technology for its combat divers. They are looking for products in six capability areas: better underwater propulsion, more advanced navigation, covert communications, life support systems, environmental protection, and signature management. “U.S. Special Forces wants to make its combat divers harder to detect”, Defence-Blog, June 1, 2026.
Questions about A Navy SEAL’s Death. Commander Job Price’s death in Afghanistan in 2012 was ruled a suicide but the family fought the conclusion of the Navy’s investigation of the death. They appealed to members of the Trump family and Pete Hegseth before either were involved in politics. The family has been disappointed. “Why a Navy SEAL’s family is angry with Hegseth, Trump’s son over death investigation”, The Washington Post, June 6, 2026. (subscription)
ASD SO/LIC Visits 10th SFG(A). Derrick M. Anderson, Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special Operations and Low-Intensity Conflict visited 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne) at Fort Carson, Colorado in late May. The group took the opportunity to showcase its readiness, close-quarters battle proficiency, and ability to execute special operations missions in complex environments.
Role of SF. There has been a slew of articles lately on the roles and missions of U.S. Army Special Forces. Here is another one which argues the point that SF should spend less time “deploying” and more time “forward deployed full-time”. “Special Forces were Never Special”, Mind of Things, May 19, 2026.
Strategic Utility of SF. In this article Hy Rothstein, an author on national security topics and retired faculty of the NPS, addresses the ‘blind spot’ that stands in the way of Special Forces ‘strategic utility’. He cites ‘institutional constraints’ as well as the ‘concept of strategic utility’ and ‘tactical utility’. “Taking Off the Blinders Regarding Special Forces Strategic Utility”, Small Wars Journal, June 1, 2026.
AFSOC’s Sky Raider. Once deployed, the OA-1K Skyraider II will provide much-needed support to U.S. special operations forces in austere environments. The aircraft is part of the U.S. Special Operations Command’s Armed Overwatch program. A contract has been issued for 53 of the aircraft. The U.S. Air Force intends to field the aircraft around the first quarter of FY2028. “The Skyraider is Back: AFSOC’s New Light Attack Aircraft Explained”, Simple Flying, June 4, 2026.
USSOCOM’s C-130J Autonomy Program. Merlin has successfully completed the Critical Design Review (CDR) for its C-130J autonomy program with U.S. Special Operations Command, validating the system’s design and allowing the project to move into aircraft integration and formal testing. The company’s AI-powered autonomy system is intended to reduce aircrew workload throughout all phases of flight and eventually demonstrate autonomous operations from takeoff to touchdown aboard the C-130J Super Hercules. The milestone is part of a USSOCOM contract valued at more than $100 million and could lead to future applications on other military and commercial aircraft platforms. Read a press release by Merlin dated June 4, 2026.
SOF’s CSTs. The women who served in the Cultural Support Teams (CSTs) attached to special operations teams had to fight to prove their combat service and receive proper medical care for injuries sustained during their service to the nation. Read about the unique and invaluable role these members of the CSTs had and the difficulties in receiving post-service medical care. “Women in Special Operations Forces: Voices from Cultural Support Teams”, Special Operations Association of America (SOAA), June 1, 2026.
International SOF
Join the CSOR. The Canadian Special Operations Regiment (CSOR) is looking for people who are ready to take on new challenges. Based in Petawawa, Ontario, CSOR offers its members a professional, rewarding, and fast-paced work environment. Learn about the core tasks of CSOR and the history of CSOR. “For Those Who Dare: Join the Canadian Special Operations Regiment”, Government of Canada, June 5, 2026.
First Woman in IDF Elite Unit. The Israeli Defense Force announced that a female soldier completed the elite Sayeret Matkal course. She was part of a pilot program for women to join elite units in general that began in December 2024 and involved over 18 months of training. Women in the past have entered the Sayeret Matkal training but eventually washed out during the 18-month training course. There are few females in the IDF’s elite units. “In first, women completes IDF Sayeret Matkal course, set to join operational service”, The Jerusalem Post, June 4, 2026.
SOF History
The Army’s birthday is celebrated on June 14th. The U.S. Army was founded on June 14, 1775, when the Continental Congress authorized enlistment of expert riflemen to serve the United Colonies for one year.
On June 13, 1942, the Office of Strategic Services (OSS) replaced the COI. It was placed under the Joint Chiefs of staff (JCS). The Office of the Coordinator of Information was an intelligence and propaganda agency of the United States government founded on July 11, 1941 by President Roosevelt.
On June 17, 1983, The Department of the Army authorized a Special Forces tab for wear by qualified soldiers. The tab bore the same colors as those used for Special Forces Shoulder Sleeve Insignia. The Special Forces Tab is one of four permanent individual skill/marksmanship tabs authorized for wear by the U.S. Army.
June 7, 2006, Abu Musab al-Zarqaw was killed in coalition airstrike. 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 U.S. troops and contributing to the start of the Shiia – Sunni war.
National Security and Commentary
Pentagon Press Office Now ‘Classified’ Space. The Pentagon has put up a new barrier to reporters. The Defense Department has designated its press office a classified space and journalists are banned from accessing it to meet with PAOs. According to the DoD the Pentagon Press Office has been redesignated as a Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility. “Pentagon bans journalists from press office, designating it a classified space”, The Washington Post, June 1, 2026. (subscription)
Casualties in Iraq. A U.S. Army soldier died during a ‘military training accident’ at Erbil Air Base in Kurdistan, Iraq on May 31st. The training was conducted with British Army troops who also lost a soldier. The incident is under investigation.
More Strikes in SOUTHCOM Against Narco-Vessels. On June 3, Joint Task Force Southern Spear conducted a lethal kinetic strike on a vessel operated by narcotic traffickers. Intelligence confirmed the vessel was transiting along known narco-trafficking routes in the Eastern Pacific. Two male narco-terrorists were killed during this action. No U.S. military forces were harmed. See video posted by U.S. Southern Command.
Iran War and Operation Epic Fury
CENTCOM Update. According to U.S. Central Command, U.S. forces have redirected 132 commercial vessels and disabled 6 more in support of the U.S. naval blockade of Iran as of Sunday, June 7, 2026. Central Command announced that U.S. forces shot down two Iranian one-way attack drones that threatened international maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz early on June 7th.
Iran Launches Missiles Against Israel. Iranian forces launched missiles at Israel for the first time since a ceasefire started in April. The Iranian attack followed Israeli strikes against Hezbollah in the southern suburbs of Beirut, Lebanon. Initial reports indicated that President Trump has asked Israel to not respond with strikes. However, the news broke late Sunday night that Israel launched strikes on Iran. This exchange will likely further complicate efforts to broker a peace deal aimed at ending the war.
The U.S. House of Representatives passed a war powers resolution that will put limits on President Trump’s authority to conduct military operations against Iran. Last month the Senate passed its own version of the resolution. Even if the Senate passes an updated war powers resolution, there is doubt that it will actually constrain the Trump administration.
CRS Report – Possible Changes in U.S. Military Aid to Israel: Considerations for Congress. Congressional Research Service report CRS IN12695 by Jeremy M. Sharp was published on June 4, 2026. (PDF 3 pages) The Trump Administration and Israel government are reportedly negotiating a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on U.S. foreign assistance to Israel. MOUs are not legally binding agreements like treaties and do not require Senate ratification. Lawmakers’ appropriations power does subject foreign assistance levels delineated in MOUs to congressional approval. There are a number of issues associated with U.S. foreign assistance to Israel mentioned in this CRS report. https://www.congress.gov/crs-product/IN12695
Is Time on the Side of the U.S.? Condoleezza Rice argues that the U.S. is in a stronger position than Iran after three months of conflict. Iran’s air force and navy are severely degraded, its economy is suffering, its proxies degraded, and political alignments in the Gulf now favor the United States. She says that the remaining goal of dealing with Iran’s nuclear material may take time. And, of course, there is the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. “What the U.S. Has Accomplished in Iran”, Wall Street Journal, June 3, 2026. (subscription)
- 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.
U.S. Ignoring Ukraine’s Drone Success. A major drone deal between the United States and Ukraine has yet to be signed. The deal would provide U.S. artificial intelligence to Ukraine and would receive the latest in technology, tactics, and techniques learned on the battlefield from Ukraine. This would be of immense benefit to the U.S. armed forces that have to contend with near-peer competitors (Russia and China) as well as threats from Iran’s drone fleet. “Trump drags feet on drone deal with Ukraine, mystifying experts”, by Ellen Mitchell, The Hill, June 7, 2026.
- 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
Spy Becomes Author. Some of the best espionage fiction books are written by former members of the intelligence community. David McCloskey left the Central Intelligence Agency after working for the intelligence organization for eight years. His first novel was Damascus Station. Read “David McCloskey ’08: Agent to Author”, Wheaton.edu, Winter 2022.
CRS Report – Artificial Intelligence (AI): Implications for Size and Composition of the U.S. Armed Forces. The Congressional Research Service published CRS IF13241.1 by Kristy N. Kamarck and Ebrima M’Bai on June 4, 2026. AI adoption may alter force size requirements, how work is performed, and the skills required to perform it.
IW and Diplomacy. Dr. John A. Pennell provides his viewpoint on why diplomacy is one of the ways that the United States competes for power and legitimacy below the threshold of conventional war. These diplomatic activities help align irregular warfare activities. The article highlights lessons from recent conflicts, particularly in Ukraine, showing that coalition-building, sanctions, information campaigns, logistics, and economic resilience are often as important as battlefield operations. The article concludes that effective diplomacy can shape the strategic environment, strengthen partner nations, and achieve U.S. objectives below the threshold of conventional war. “U.S. Diplomacy Plays Critical Role in Irregular Warfare”, Irregular Warfare Center, June 4, 2026.
Video of SO/LIC Appointee on Jan 6th. The Trump administration recently appointed a 24-year-old to a sensitive position within the DoD’s Special Operations / Low Intensity Conflict (SO/LIC). Elias Irizarry has been convicted in participating in the January 6th takeover of the U.S. Capitol building. The Washington Post has obtained a video that it claims shows Irizarry moving through restricted grounds and entering the U.S. Capitol building through a broken window carrying a metal pole. “Video shows Pentagon counterterrorism hire clambering into Capitol on Jan. 6”, The Washington Post, June 4, 2026. (subscription)
CIA Officer with the Gold Bars. David J. Rush worked on highly secretive intelligence programs and is alleged to have taken millions of dollars for personal use via a fraudulent contract. When the FBI raided his house on May 18 it found 303 gold bars, $2 million in cash, and 35 luxury watches. There are questions arising about his academic background. He claims to have a bachelor’s degree from Clemson University and a master’s from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. However, the FBI has found no record of Rush ever attending either institution. “CIA officer who had millions in gold bars accused of creating a fake spy program”, The Washington Post, June 5, 2026. (subscription)
CRS Report – Defense Primer: Defense and Intelligence Unfunded Priorities. DOD officials are required by law to submit reports to Congress describing defense and intelligence-related priorities that were not included in the President’s annual budget request. Some members of Congress describe these as “wish lists” that reduce budget discipline and increase unnecessary spending. Other members of Congress call them “risk lists” that identify items intended to support strategic objectives. In FY2026 DoD submitted over $53.7 billion in unfunded priorities. Read more about this in a Congressional Research Service report: CRS IF11964, June 2, 2026.
Strategic Competition
CRS Report – Russia’s Nuclear Weapons. According to the Pentagon’s 2026 National Defense Strategy, Russia “possesses the world’s largest nuclear arsenal, which it continues to modernize and diversify, as well as undersea, space, and cyber capabilities that it could employ against the U.S. Homeland.” Read about the force structure, doctrine, employment plans, coercive signaling (Ukraine), arms control, risk reduction, and more in CRS OF12672, updated May 27, 2026.
Forward Land Forces Finland. The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) has a new multinational force. FLF Finland has been officially established, with Sweden as the Framework Nation, and Finland as the Host Nation. The multinational staff will be based in Rovaniemi, Finland and will constitute a NATO multinational battlegroup. The new organization will contribute to an enhanced security environment in the Arctic and High North to counter possible Russian aggression. Read a NATO press release dated June 6, 2026.
PTO and the Tyrannical Trinity. The “Angry Staff Officer” has provided us a thoughtful essay on fighting a major war in the Pacific Theater of Operations (PTO). He stresses the importance of the “Tyrannical Trinity”: distance, time, and terrain; drawing on the experiences of war in the Pacific during World War II. “The U.S. Army’s Dangerous Obsession with WWII Europe”, by The Angry Staff Officer, June 7, 2026.
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
Fighting in Mogadishu Subsides. A tense calm has returned to Somalia. Armed forces loyal to former President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed and former Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire have clashed with government security forces over President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud remaining in office after his mandate expired and over disputed constitutional and electoral changes. The violence erupted ahead of planned anti-government demonstrations, raising fears of a repeat of Somalia’s 2021 political crisis while al-Shabaab remains active.
Afghanistan’s Borderlands. The return of refugees from Iran and Pakistan has made a bad humanitarian crisis within Afghanistan even worse. In addition, the slashing of aid to Afghanistan poses a security as well as a humanitarian risk. This is enabling groups like the Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP) to grow within Afghanistan. “The Counterterrorism Challenge in Afghanistan’s Borderlands”, by Liya Khan and Andrew Mines, Lawfare Media, June 7, 2026.
The Future of the U.S. and ROK Alliance. David Maxwell, a former Special Forces officer, provides his perspective on how the United States and Republic of Korea’s alliance needs to move forward to face tomorrow’s challenges. He cites troubling developments such as the growing North Korean nuclear arsenal, Chinese expansion of its military power and political influence, and the increasingly dangerous strategic partnership of Russia and North Korea. In addition, space operations, info ops, cyber, AI, and more are transforming the nature of the conflict on the Korean peninsular. “Raising the ROK/U.S. Alliance to the Next Level”, UPI, June 6, 2026.
Veterans Corner
CRS Report: Department of Veterans Affairs FY2026 Appropriations. The Congressional Research Service published CRS R48968.3 on June 3, 2026. This report provides an overview of the FY2026 President’s budget request for VA (generally, Title II of the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies [MILCON-VA] appropriations bill) and subsequent congressional action. PDF, 59 pages.
Ketamine and Veterans. There are a number of psychedelic treatments that could provide health benefits to veterans. One of these possible treatment options is the therapeutic use of Ketamine. Read more in “What is Ketamine, and How Can it Help Veterans?”, Special Operations Association of America (SOAA), June 4, 2026.
VA Home Loans Underutilized. According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, approximately 36 percent of eligible veterans had used their VA home loan benefit as of 2022, leaving a significant portion of the veteran population who may not fully understand the homeownership resources available to them. Some lending institutions are launching educational initiatives to inform veterans on VA home loan benefits. Soldier Systems, June 7, 2026.
Books, Podcasts, Videos, and Movies
Video – USASAC Change of Command. The U.S. Army Security Assistance Command held a change of command ceremony bidding farewell to Brig. Gen. Allen Pepper and welcoming Brig. Gen. Jason Jefferis. DVIDS, June 1, 2026, 50 minutes.
https://www.dvidshub.net/video/1008768/usasac-change-command
Sentinel. The June 2026 issue of Chapter 78, Special Forces Association’s monthly journal is now online. Some interesting articles on a monument dedicated to SF veterans in the Jacksonville National Cemetery, an excerpt from On the Ground: The Secret War in Vietnam, and an interview with MSG Jerry Michael Schriver of MACV-SOG, and a SOG recon into Cambodia. https://www.specialforces78.com/chapter-78-newsletter-for-june-2026/
Book Review – Fire in the Jungle. This book is an informative and insightful study of the Philippine resistance movement during the Japanese occupation of World War II. It provides insight into how organized resistance developed on the island of Mindanao, using guerrilla forces, intelligence networks, coastal watchers, and radio communications. This resistance denied Japan full control of the island and preserved operational conditions for the eventual return of U.S. forces. “Fire in the Jungle: A Study of One of America’s Most Successful Unconventional Warfare Campaigns”, Small Wars Journal, June 5, 2026. See also Book Review – Fire in the Jungle, by John Friberg, SOF News, July 16, 2020.
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Upcoming Events
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