Curated news, analysis, and commentary on special operations, intelligence, irregular warfare, national defense, and global conflicts.
Photo / Image: Video Dark Dune 18. AFSOC aircraft conduct aerial refueling of French helicopters during Exercise Dark Dune May 2018. DoD
Executive Summary
This weekly briefing summarizes the most significant events affecting special operations forces, irregular warfare, intelligence, and national security during the past week. The Iran-U.S. War continues with no resolution in sight. Many U.S. veterans who served in Afghanistan will note the five year anniversary of the fall of Afghanistan to the Taliban on August 15, 2021. Brian Petit comments on a better way for SOF to advise in Taiwan. The government is going after a journalist that wrote about a failed Navy SEAL mission off the coast of Korea.
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Key Developments
- SF general assumes command of SAG-U/NSATU
- Oman and Iran have possible Strait of Hormuz agreement
- U.S. strike and interceptor missile inventories are down
- USASOC Best Squad Competition ran this past week
- Pharmacy by mail for veterans is at stake in some states
- U.S. and partner nation SOF units participated in PANAMAX 2026
- Protecting special operator identities could be law
SOF News
SF Officer New Cdr of SAG – Ukraine. Lieutenant General Guillaume N. Beaurpere assumed command of the Security Assistance Group-Ukraine (SAG-U) and NATO Security Assistance & Training for Ukraine (NSATU) on August 3, 2026 in Wiesbaden, Germany. LTG Beaurpere arrives at Security Assistance Group-Ukraine having most recently served as the Chief of Staff of U.S. Special Operations Command. He previously served as the Commanding General of the John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School and Special Operations Center of Excellence at Fort Bragg. Throughout his career, LTG Beaurpere has commanded at every level of Special Operations. His command and staff assignments include tours with the 1st and 10th Special Forces Groups (Airborne) and commanding the Special Operations Joint Task Force INHERENT RESOLVE, alongside serving as the Deputy Commander of Support for the 4th Infantry Division and Deputy Commander for Special Operations Joint Task Force-Iraq. NSATU is assuming greater responsibility for coordinating Ukrainian training, equipment management and sustainment while European allies gradually take a larger leadership role.
U.S. SOF and Taiwan – A Better Way to Advise. Brian Petit, a retired Special Forces officer, argues that we need a different model for U.S. special operations forces advising in preparation for any future conflict between China and Taiwan. He states that the use of rotational military teams to train foreign partners is useful for specific tactical situations, but is poorly suited for the complex situation an armed conflict over Taiwan would present. Long-duration integrated advisory organizations can produce institutional change and strategic effects that rotational advisory models cannot. He uses the historical example of the Detachment A mission in Berlin during the Cold War in constructing a superior U.S. advisory mission tailored for Taiwan. “How Can U.S. Special Operations Forces Help Defeat China on Taiwan?”, War on the Rocks, August 7, 2026.
Protecting SOF Operator Identities. The identity of special operations troops could soon get the same legal protections as spies and other intelligence agents. The House version of the Fiscal Year 2027 National Defense Authorization Act would make intentionally exposing the identities of special operations personnel a federal crime. The provision within the NDAA amends the Intelligence Identities Protection Act (IIPA) to cover a new category. The provision applies criminal penalties when someone intentionally exposes an identity the government is actively working to conceal.
USASOC Best Squad Competition. The USASOC Best Squad Competition took place August 3-7, 2026. The event highlights the excellence of the Army’s Special Operations Forces as they demonstrated grit, determination and physical and mental resilience, as well as a mastery of warfighting fundamentals across a week of competition at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Events included the infamous “Nasty Nick” obstacle course, deadlift exercises, running, sled dragging, marksmanship, stress shoot event, rope climbing, swimming, and more. The winning squad moves along to compete against the Army’s best, during the U.S. Army Best Squad Competition.
Legislation That Impedes the Pharmacy Benefit Program for Veterans. Several states have passed or are considering the passage of legislation the impedes health care for veterans. Many veterans receive their medications through the VA’s Pharmacy Benefit Manager system or through TRICARE’s pharmacy benefit program managed commercially through Express Scripts under the Defense Health Agency. Both programs allow home delivery through the mail, providing a reduced cost benefit and eliminating long travel to receive medications. The legislation restricts the ability to deliver the medications through the mail. One of the states, Tennessee, has recently signed into law an act that restricts how veterans receive their prescriptions through The VA’s Community Care network or TRICARE. “Tennesse Veterans Deserve Uninterrupted Healthcare”, Special Operations Association of America (SOAA), August 3, 2026.
Assessing SOF 2040: Adaptive Performance. The authors argue future SOF assessment, selection, and qualification must prioritize adaptive performance—mental, stress, and interpersonal adaptability—alongside physical robustness. They recommend dynamic scenarios, multidimensional measures, longitudinal validation, and renewed human-performance research to select operators who make sound decisions amid ambiguity and technological complexity. “Assessing Special Operations Forces (SOF) 2040: Measuring What Matters – the Next Frontier in SOF Qualification”, Small Wars Journal, August 3, 2026.
Failed SEAL Mission in North Korea and Journalist in Trouble. A failed 2019 U.S. Navy SEAL clandestine intelligence operation – which resulted in the deaths of multiple North Korean fishermen – is the backdrop for a brewing legal fight between the U.S. government and the New York Times. Navy SEALs from SEAL Team 6 undertook a daring clandestine operation to plant a listening device along the coastline of North Korea to eavesdrop on the communications. The mission failed and in 2025 it was reported on in a story published in September 2025. Now the government wants to know how the reporter got the information about the mission. “Government Subpoenas Journalist Over Sensitive Navy SEAL – North Korea Operation”, SANDBOXX News, August 4, 2026.
International SOF
PANAMAX 2026. U.S. Army Special Forces soldiers trained with members of the Peruvian Navy’s Special Operations Force (FOE), Belize Coast Guard’s Coast Guard Special Operations Group (CSOG), Panamanian Servicio Nacional de Fronteras, and the Ecuadorian Marine Corps’ Grupo de Accion Rapida de la Infanteria de Marina (GAHRIM) during in Panama in early August 2026. PANAMAX 2026 scenarios help the defense and public security forces of participating nations improve interoperability, hone their skills during scenarios involving coalition and all-domain operations, forge strong cooperative partnerships, and demonstrate their collective capacity to respond to and deter threats to the region and its critical waterways.
Korean SOF Unit and 42 Commando Train Together. Members of the Republic of Korea Navy’s Special Warfare Group have trained in the United Kingdom for the first time, working alongside Royal Marines from 42 Commando on counter-terrorism and counter-narcotics skills. Training events included carrying out boarding drills, close quarters combat training, fast roping from helicopters, special reconnaissance missions, and raiding operations. The Royal Marines involved came from Special Operations Maritime Task Unit 10 and worked with the Republic of Korea Navy’s Special Warfare Group. “Korean special forces train with Royal Marines in UK first”, UK Defence Journal, August 7, 2026.
SOF History
On August 17-18, 1942, the 2nd Marine Raider Battalion conducted a raid on Matin Island in the central Pacific Ocean. They inserted by submarine, destroyed the Japanese installation and radio station, and then withdrew from the island. The force suffered 30 deaths but attained a morale boost for the U.S. military and American public. https://sof.news/history/raid-on-makin-island/
On August 10, 1944, Lt. John “Jack” Singlaub parachuted into German occupied France to work with the French Resistance fighters that had grown bigger in strength after the D-Day invasion. He was a highly decorated OSS officer and a founding member of the CIA. He retired as a Major General in the U.S. Army.
On August 17, 1955, the Civil Affairs / Military Government was established as an Army Reserve Branch. It was subsequently redesignated as the Civil Affairs Branch on October 1959. The expansion of Civil Affairs in the Regular Army led to Civil Affairs being established as a basic branch of the Army effective October 16, 2006 by Department of Army General Orders (AGO) No. 29, 12 January 2007.
On August 16, 2001, George W. Bush and the United States Congress created and designated this day, every year, as National Airborne Day to honor the nation’s airborne forces. The date also marks the anniversary of the first official Army parachute jump at Ft. Benning, Georgia. “The successful jump validated the innovative concept of inserting United States ground combat forces behind a battle line by parachute. These sky soldiers represent some of the most prestigious and effectively trained forces in the United States Army.”
National Security and Commentary
Former Air Force Secretary Stripped of Security Clearance. Former Secretary Kendall has lost his security clearance access based on supposed leaks from him about the new jet donated for President Trump’s travel. Kendall has responded:
“I’ve been extremely careful to not say anything that could be classified, and as far as I know I have not said anything classified.” He added, “So far no one has told me what I’m supposed to have revealed.”
Senior General in Europe Relieved. The U.S. Army has removed a top general overseeing forces in Europe from command close to two months before his role was to end. Lt. Gen. Charles Costanza was the commanding general of the Army’s V Corps forward deployed element in Poland. His removal comes as more than two dozen senior military officers have been removed or sidelined by the Pentagon.
CT in Africa and U.S. Airstrikes. The use of airpower, manned or unmanned aircraft, to hit terrorist and insurgent groups in Africa has been a long-standing counterterrorism tactic of the United States. Airstrikes have come to define U.S. CT efforts on the continent. While airstrikes alone will not defeat a terrorist group or insurgent movement they will contribute to the fight and enable achievements on the ground by partner nation forces. “Airstrikes Alone are not a Panacea Against Terrorist Groups in Sub-Saharan Africa”, Intelbrief, The Soufan Center, August 4, 2026.
CRS Report – China-Sub-Saharan Africa Ties and U.S. Policy, CRS R49080, August 6, 2026, PDF, 28 pages. China’s engagement with sub-Saharan Africa has expanded through trade, investment, infrastructure, lending, diplomacy, technology, education, and security cooperation. Beijing seeks resources, markets, influence, and strategic advantage, while African partners gain financing but face debt, labor, environmental, and sovereignty concerns. https://www.congress.gov/crs_external_products/R/PDF/R49080/R49080.2.pdf
Iran War and Operation Epic Fury
Vessel Traffic in the Strait of Hormuz. The week started out with slowing traffic through the Strait of Hormuz (SoH) due to Iranian tanker attacks. Some vessels are rerouting around Africa or switching off their tracking when following the U.S. coordinated southern route through the SoH. As of early August 2026, Iranian government leaders appear to view formalizing their asserted control over the entirety of the Strait as critical to their national interests. Iran evidently maintains enough military capability to continue to conduct attacks; those attacks have compelled most ships to either accede to Iranian demands or not transit the Strait.
CRS Report – The Strait of Hormuz: Security Developments and Impacts on Oil, Gas, and Other Commodities, CRS R45281, August 7, 2026, PDF, 21 pages. This report examines how the Iran conflict and Tehran’s disruption of Strait of Hormuz shipping threaten global energy and commodity markets. It highlights reduced maritime traffic, rising oil and gas prices, Iran’s military capabilities, and congressional considerations involving naval escorts, insurance, and federal emergency responses. https://www.congress.gov/crs-product/R45281
Depleted Munitions and the Pentagon Fix. The Department of Defense is encouraging the U.S. defense industry to step up production of specific weapons to replenish the stockpile of munitions depleted by the war with Iran. Deputy Defense Secretary Steve Feinberg wrote to industry leaders on Wednesday, August 5, giving them no more than 21 days to submit plans to “drive significantly faster, more aggressive delivery schedules and/or increased production for critical capabilities . . ” Key munitions that need rapid replacement include the Patriot and THAAD interceptors vital for air defense against Iranian ballistic missiles. “Pentagon pushes defense companies to boost weapons production after concerns of depleted stocks”, Associated Press, August 8, 2026.
Finding an Off-Ramp From the War. A recent CNN report states that over the last few weeks, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs Gen. Dan Caine has privately made clear to other top Trump advisers that the US needs to find an off-ramp from the war with Iran — because the military options on the table to escalate the conflict could backfire and airpower alone is unlikely to achieve President Donald Trump’s stated objectives. “Trump’s top general is ‘looking for an off-ramp’ from Iran war as US military options remain limited, sources say”, CNN, August 7, 2026.
The Future? U.S. ground operations along Iran’s coast or other military actions (to neutralize Iranian military capabilities and/or pressure Iranian leaders to cease attacks) could occur, a status quo of traded attacks across the Strait could persist, or the United States could choose to decrease its presence and activity in the Gulf region.
- 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
Turkey Sends Military Equipment. Ukraine will receive a significant weapons package from Turkey in the near future. The equipment will be critical items that Ukraine desperately needs. Disclosed via U.S. State Department notifications in August 2026, the transfer of these U.S.-origin systems requires Washington’s re-export approval. This includes 70 M39 ATACMS ballistic missiles and 12 M270 MLRS launchers. (The Kyiv Independent, August 8, 2026)
CRS Report – Russia’s War Against Ukraine: Diplomatic Talks and U.S. Policy. CRS IN12534 report by Andrew S. Bowen and Cory Welt was updated on July 7, 2026. A review of the history of diplomatic talks and prospects for future negotiations.
https://www.congress.gov/crs-product/IN12534
- 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
IW and Social Terrain. Information operations, political warfare, economic coercion, cyber campaigns, and institutional influence are frequently treated as distinct forms of competition. Increasingly, however, they represent different methods for shaping the same strategic objective. Although these approaches differ in emphasis, they share a common observation; contemporary competition targets the conditions that influence political decision-making, social cohesion, and collective behavior rather than relying on the destruction of military capability. This article argues that they seek to reshape social terrain. Just as physical terrain constrains military maneuver, social terrain constrains collective action. “Social Terrain: the Strategic Substrate of Irregular Competition”, by Brandt A. Smith, Irregular Warfare Center, August 3, 2026.
CRS Report – Artificial Intelligence and Biosecurity Issues. The Congressional Research Service has updated CRS IF13269, dated August 3, 2026. This publication states that AI can be used to enable research and development across multiple application areas and industries; to include biological design tools that can be used in nucleic acid sequences, producing DNA, design new chemical structures that can enable drug discovery, and other uses. There are also potential risks involved that present biosafety and biosecurity issues. Federal policies and oversight may not be sufficient. https://www.congress.gov/crs-product/IF13269
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.
Afghanistan
Podcast – Five Years After the Withdrawal: Insights from the Afghanistan War Commission. Security force assistance was central to the US war in Afghanistan. It was the presumed exit strategy: if Afghan forces could become capable enough, the United States could reduce or end its own combat role. Yet the collapse of Afghan security forces after the final US withdrawal raises hard questions about what the United States built, why it built it, and whether the desired end state was ever realistic. The guests discuss the work of the Afghanistan War Commission and what the commission has learned thus far about US efforts to build Afghan security forces. Irregular Warfare Initiative, July 28, 2026, one hour.
https://www.irregularwarfare.org/five-years-after-the-withdrawal-insights-from-the-afghanistan-war-commission/
Fall of Kabul and Institutional Corruption. An Afghan officer argues the Afghan army collapsed from entrenched corruption, patronage, and institutional failure—not cowardice. Western advisors tracked superficial readiness metrics while missing coercion and broken accountability, offering lessons for future partner-force development. Yaser Yarghal is a former Afghan Army Major and graduate of US Army Ranger School and Airborne School. He served in the Afghan National Army from initial officer commissioning through Special Forces company command. “The Afghan Army: What Advisors Couldn’t See and Officers Couldn’t Change”, by Yaser Yarghal, Irregular Warfare Initiative, August 7, 2026.
Afghan Commandos and the Fall of Afghanistan. Many U.S. special operations personnel trained and fought alongside the elite forces of Afghanistan. There were several Afghan Commando kandaks scattered across the country. These Commandos became the ‘go to’ force for the Afghan government. This was especially true as the country edge closer and closer to collapse; finally falling to the Taliban five years ago on August 15, 2021. Read an article about the Commandos is “The Men No One Came For”, The Farhad Files, August 6, 2026.
Veterans Corner
Predatory Trade Schools Cheat Veterans and Taxpayers. There are ‘vocational’ institutions that have defrauded Veterans Affairs while cheating thousands of veterans out of career training. Some of these ‘schools’ charge thousands of dollars to teach how to grow grass and make fake rocks. “How predatory trade schools drained $300 million from the GI Bill and cheated veterans”, The Washington Post, August 4, 2026.
TBI – Iran War Brings Renewed Interest in Toll on Troops. One of the sometimes ‘hidden’ injuries veterans are plagued with long after release from their military service is TBI. The damage inflicted on the brain from IEDs, rocket or missile explosions, or repeated exposure to blasts from firing heavy weapons or door breaching stays with the soldier long after his service is completed. “Iran war renews concerns about the lasting toll of traumatic brain injuries to US troops”, Associated Press, August 6, 2026.
Books, Podcasts, Videos, and Movies
Video – Five Year Anniversary of Afghanistan Withdrawal. Jon Singleton, a veteran whose work with Task Force Pineapple was instrumental in helping Afghans as their country fell to the Taliban, is interviewed on the five-year U.S. withdrawal anniversary from Afghanistan. He talks about the difficulties of processing this period, and return to the events of five years ago. Jon Singleton is a retired Naval Aviator who’s served in Bosnia, throughout the Middle East, in Afghanistan, and at the Pentagon. The host, Beth Bailey, worked in support of Afghanistan operations as a civilian intelligence analyst for the Department of the Army between 2010 and 2013. She has been a freelance contributor to Fox News Digital and the Washington Examiner. Afghanistan Project Podcast, August 3, 2026, one hour. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zB381nRvboI
Video – 19th Special Forces Group Highlight. From airborne operations to small-unit tactics, Servicemembers assigned to the 19th Special Forces Group (Airborne) continuously train to maintain the skills, discipline, and readiness required for Special Operations missions. 19th SFG (A) is headquartered in Camp Williams, Utah, with elements in 9 other states. They are an elite unit of the Army National Guard with the highest quality Special Forces Soldiers with both military and civilian backgrounds. 19th Special Forces Group (Airborne) stands ready, trained, and committed to answering the call whenever and wherever the mission demands. DVIDS, July 15, 2026, 2 minutes. https://www.dvidshub.net/video/1016139/19th-special-forces-group-highlight
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