Curated news, analysis, and commentary on special operations, intelligence, irregular warfare, national defense, and global conflicts.
Photo / Image: U.S. Marines with 3rd Battalion, 2d Marine Regiment (3/2), 2d Marine Division, provide security during Exercise Raven 2-21 in Nashville, Tenn., May 22, 2021. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Patrick King)
Executive Summary
This weekly briefing summarizes the most significant events affecting special operations forces, irregular warfare, intelligence, and national security during the past week. China is continuing its aggressive posture claiming sovereignty over rocks, reefs, and other geographic features in the South China Sea. This August current and former service members who served in Afghanistan and members of the #AfghanEvac community observed the 5th anniversary of the fall of Kabul to the Taliban. The director of the CIA flew to Moscow to meet with counterparts to deliver a message. For the first time in weeks U.S. forces struck Iranian rocket launchers.
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Key Developments
- CIA Director flies to Moscow
- Indiana Rangers receive Presidential Unit Citation
- U.S. SF in Ecuador
- 82nd Airborne Division elements extended in Middle East
- Silent Warrior 2026 in Morocco
- Fuerzas Commando 2026 took place in Paraguay
SOF News
U.S. SF in Ecuador. Ecuadorian officials say American soldiers are helping fight cartels and two U.S. warships are arriving to bolster military campaigns. Members of 7th Special Forces Group have been in Ecuador in recent months. Ecuador has been a major part of the Trump administration’s military escalations in Latin America. President Daniel Noboa has been a close ally, agreeing to grant Department of Defense personnel visa-free entry into the country for up to 180 days per year. “Ecuador official says US Special Forces are operating inside the country”, Task & Purpose, August 25, 2026.
Northern Viking 2026. Air Force crews trained to resupply troops on the ground with cargo gliders, which can be dropped from the rear of MC-130J cargo planes and then fly themselves to a waiting team. According to manufacturer DZYNE, the Grasshopper and its long-range variant (which has an onboard turboprop) are both meant to accurately deliver a payload using a cheap and expendable frame and can each carry 500 pounds of cargo. “In Iceland, Air Force special ops crews test gliders for resupply”, Task & Purpose, August 28, 2026.
SOCPAC Cdr on Next Conflict. Army Brig. Gen. Michael Rose provided his vision of how a conflict in the Pacific would take place. “A Pacific conflict may not look like conventional war, SOCPAC commander says”, Defense One, August 28, 2026.
Silent Warrior 2026. SOCAFRICA and the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces SOF will co-host Special Operations Command Africa’s premier annual SOF Symposium and defense industry exhibition in Rabat, Morocco, December 7-11, 2026. The event is designed to showcase innovative technologies, advance security collaboration, and build enduring public-private partnerships to address global security challenges in Africa.
SOCSOUTH – 40 Years. On August 4, Special Operations Command South observed its 40th birthday. SOCSOUTH was established in 1986.
SOF and Force Design. Siamak Tundra Naficy, A senior lecturer at the Naval Postgraduate School, provides his thoughts on the current debate over the past and future of Special Forces. He argues it is a debate about how military organizations evolve under sustained strategic demand and whether institutions can remain faithful to enduring purposes while adapting to changing strategic realities. He states that force design should begin not with nostalgia, but with strategy. Everything else follows from that choice. “Meaning, Myth, and Force Design in U.S. Special Operations”, Irregular Warfare Initiative, August 28, 2026.
Five Years Later – No One Left Behind. As the five-year anniversary of the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan approaches, a number of organizations around the country are still working to support our Afghan allies, whether they are stranded overseas amidst shutdowns of programs meant to bring them to safety, or facing uncertainty domestically as protections have eroded. Since 2013, nonprofit No One Left Behind (NOLB) has been supporting Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) applicants from Iraq and Afghanistan whose service by or on behalf of the U.S. government placed them at risk. “Five Years Later, No One Left Behind is Still Fighting for America’s Afghan Allies”, by Beth Bailey, SOAA, August 27, 2026.
CSM Fields Selected as CSEL NGA. U.S. Army Command Sergeant Major Steven W. Fields has been selected to replace U.S. Navy Command Master Chief Jason Reynolds as the Command Senior Enlisted Leader, National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency. Command Sgt. Maj. Fields was serving as the Command Senior Enlisted Leader, Special Operations Command Europe and previously served as the Command Sergeant Major for Combined Special Operations Joint Task Force-Levant.
10th SFG(A) WO Honored. Chief Warrant Officer 2 Kayla Davis, the Group Mobility Warrant Officer assigned to 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne), won the Transportation Warrant Officer of the Year award for 2026. This award is an annual honor given by the Transportation Corps to recognize an individual who has demonstrated exceptional technical expertise, leadership, impact and dedication to the Transportation Corps mission. (DVIDS, August 27, 2026)
Big Bonus for Some SEAL Officers. The Navy, in an administrative message posted on Wednesday, said chief warrant officers with between four and 16 years of commissioned service as SEALs and crewmen aboard special warfare combatant-craft could qualify for the new bonus. The maximum $100,000 corresponds to a five-year agreement. “$100,000 Bonuses Offered to Navy SEALs to Keep Senior Officers in Service”, Military.com, August 2026.
New PSYWAR Course. The Psychological Operations Qualification Course at the U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School marks a significant milestone in Army transformation. The new integrated training model ensures that Army psychological operations and information operations professionals across the Total Army share a common baseline of skills and strategic understanding required to counter these evolving nonkinetic threats on the battlefield. (U.S. Army, August 27, 2026)
USMC’s Ground Combat Element 2040. The Marine Corps released Ground Combat Element 2040 Fiscal Year 2026 strategic framework, outlining the service’s vision to ensure ground forces remain lethal and adaptable against peer adversaries. This update nests under the Marine Corps Force Design initiatives, transitioning from the initial GCE 2040 baseline vision to actionable implementation priorities for modular, multi-domain forces designed to seize, hold, and defend contested littoral terrain. “Ground Combat Element 2040”, Soldier Systems, August 26, 2026.
Indiana Rangers Receive Presidential Unit Citation. Company D (Ranger), 151st Infantry Regiment of the Indiana Army National Guard was recognized by dignitaries in a recent ceremony for their service during the Vietnam War. Company D was a ground maneuver unit that served intact in Vietnam. The unit was deployed to South Vietnam from December 1968 to November 1969. They conducted long-range reconnaissance patrols (LRRPs) in enemy territory. Members of the unit were awarded 19 Silver Stars, 175 Bronze Stars, and over 100 Purple Hearts. Six members of the unit were killed in action. Surviving members of the unit gathered together on August 29, 2026, for a ceremony to receive the Presidential Unit Citation. (Painting by Mort Kunstler was commissioned by the National Guard Bureau.)
Jonny Kim Leaving NASA, Going Navy. Navy Lt. Cmdr. Jonny Kim left NASA in late August 2026. He is returning to Navy duties, where he will be involved with naval flight training. Jonny Kim is a Navy SEAL, astronaut, graduate of Harvard Medical School, flight surgeon, and recipient of the Silver Star.
Cognitive Advantage and SOF. Bill Wall, Accrete AI Government CEO, discusses the need for the special operations community to understand and identify the narrative messages U.S. adversaries are using against us. He talks about ways the U.S. military can achieve information dominance, how artificial intelligence enables a cognitive advantage, and more. (Military Embedded Systems, August 10, 2026)
International SOF
This year’s Balikatan exercises in the Philippines, held this past spring, marked the first time the Canadian Armed Forces | Forces Armées Canadiennes actively participated. Among the units included in the exercise was the Canadian Special Operations Regiment (CSOR). They trained with the Armed Forces of the Philippines Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC).
Fuerzas Comando 2026 is an annual multinational special operations forces competition and senior-leader seminar sponsored by U.S. Southern Command. This year’s event—the 20th iteration—was held in Asunción, Paraguay, from August 24–28, 2026. It was executed by Special Operations Command South in cooperation with Paraguay’s Joint Special Forces Battalion. Special operations teams from 17 countries participated: Argentina, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Jamaica, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, and the United States.
SOF History
MACV-SOG. One of the more storied special operations units during the Vietnam War was Military Assistance Command, Vietnam – Studies and Observations Group. MACV-SOG was a highly classified, multi-service United States special operations unit which conducted covert unconventional warfare, reconnaissance, intelligence, and other missions and operations during the Vietnam War. Read more at https://sogsite.com/
On September 10, 2000, 1 PARA, the RAF, and the SAS conducted Operation Barras to free five British soldiers held captive in the war-torn West African country of Sierra Leone. They were held by the West Side Boys. Lynx, Chinook, and Hind helicopters took part in the successful operation. https://www.nam.ac.uk/explore/operation-barras
On September 7, 2004, the Special Operations Combat Diver Device was approved for issue and wear. On September 14, 2004, the Scuba Diver Badge was discontinued in lieu of a new Special Operations Diver Badge. In addition, the Special Operations Diving Supervisors Badge was authorized.
National Security and Commentary
China’s Arctic Shipping Route. Vessels carrying containers are now using the northern shipping lane of the Arctic (map NSI) to push products to European markets. The Arctic route (map NSI) can cut transit times in half but is very dependent on weather and limited infrastructure.
CIA Director Flies to Moscow. Last week social media reported that a U.S. Air Force transport landed in Moscow. It was later revealed that the Director of the Central Intelligence Agency, John Ratcliffe, was on board. He visited his Russian intelligence counterparts. There is speculation that he warned against attacks on NATO members.
Army Unit Deployments. The 3rd Cavalry Regiment is heading to RoK and the 2nd BCT, 1st ID is heading to Europe as part of the regular rotation of forces. “Army Announces Upcoming Unit Deployments”, U.S. Army, August 24, 2026.
Iran War and Operation Epic Fury
New U.S. Strikes. For the first time in a month CENTCOM forces struck Iranian targets, the action taking place on Sunday, August 30, 2026, against tow launchers on Larak Island. According to an official, the Revolutionary Guard Corps were observed preparing to launch rockets with sea mines into the Strait of Hormuz. U.S. officials recently announced that the Strait of Hormuz was cleared of sea mines. In retaliation, Iranian misisle attacks took place toward U.S. forces in Jordan. Jordan’s military stated it intercepted eight Iranian missiles that were likely aimed for Muwaffaq Salti Air Base (map)
Is the Strait Open? Not So Much. U.S. officials continue to say that the Strait of Hormuz is open. However, the numbers passing through the strait are a fraction that passed through the waterway on a daily basis in the pre-war period (130 vessels a day).
Stronger Economic Measures. The Trump administration has announced new economic sanctions are being applied to Iran and to nations that trade with Iran.
USS Abraham Lincoln Returning to States. The aircraft carrier was on an extended assignment in the CENTCOM AOR supporting Operation Epic Fury and the Iran War. Numerous reports of poor food quality and bad morale hit the news over the past month. Now the carrier is on the way home for some much-needed refitting and rest for its crew. On the way home it will make a stop in Thailand in early September for a few days.
Patriots. This U.S. Army air defense system, the Patriot (NSI), has been used frequently in the U.S. Iran conflict. The stockpiles of the defensive missile have been diminished. The conflicts in Iran and Ukraine have heightened congressional concern about Patriot interceptor availability and production capacity. Read about the Patriot in the latest update from the Congressional Research Service in CRS IF 13299 dated August 27, 2026. https://www.congress.gov/crs-product/IF13299
82nd Division Elements Extended. Operational requirements in the Middle East will keep the Division Headquarters and elements of DIVARTY, ADSB, 3-4 AD, and an engineer battalion deployed for up to twelve months. Paratroopers of the 1st BCT and CAB will likely serve forward for twelve months as well.
- References for Epic Fury:
- Past SOF News posts on Epic Fury
- NSI Resources: Epic Fury Timeline, Iran Country Profile, Strait of Hormuz, Kharq Island, maps, OEFU Casualties
- Congressional Research Service (CRS) reports
- Institute of the Study of War interactive map
- See also a map utility – Maritime Attacks in the MENA Region (since 2017) by the Washington Institute
Ukraine Conflict
Negotiations remain stalled, with the Kremlin describing a “deep pause” and continuing to demand Donbas concessions. This week, Ukrainian forces made localized gains near Dobropillya and reportedly Kostyantynivka, while Russian offensives continued.
Russia employed prolonged drone-and-missile attacks to exhaust defenses, alongside jet-powered and FPV-carrying drones. Ukraine continued striking Russian refineries, logistics facilities, and air defenses; mounting fuel shortages prompted Moscow to extend export restrictions.
The EU is financing Ukraine’s military and government through a €90 billion loan for 2026–2027. On August 24, it approved €6.1 billion in defense procurement as part of the existing loan program, including air defenses, missiles, ammunition, and radars. Britain and France are enabling Ukrainian production of Storm Shadow cruise missiles through technology licensing. France also pledged faster interceptor deliveries, while Britain urged additional sanctions to constrain Russia’s war funding.
- References:
- Weapons of Ukraine, Study of War Daily Report, Euromaidan 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.
Strategic Competition
China and the South China Sea. Multiple Asian governments assert sovereignty over rocks, reefs, and other geographic features in the heavily trafficked South China Sea (map), with the People’s Republic of China (PRC or China) arguably making the most assertive claims. China (map) uses coercion and intimidation to increase its control over the SCS. Read more in “China Primer: South China Sea Disputes”, Congressional Research Service, CRS IF10607, August 25, 2026.
https://www.congress.gov/crs-product/IF10607
China and the Supply Chain. China’s commercial coercion has followed a consistent pattern for decades: probe with market access pressure, escalate to supply chain weaponization, formalize the tools, and tighten the screws. Each step has been telegraphed and each warning has been ignored until the crisis arrives. Nowhere is this more apparent than in the supply chain for critical minerals. The author argues that corporations and countries need to shift to a China-free supply chain. “Overcoming China’s Supply Chain Leverage“, American Affairs Journal, August 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.
Veterans Corner
Video – Are Veterans Disability Benefits Being Cut? Secretary of Veterans Affairs Doug Collins directly addresses the rumors surrounding proposed changes to the VA disability claims process and makes clear that veterans who already have a disability rating will not lose their benefits. The proposed changes were intended to apply to future claims for sleep apnea and PTSD. He does admit that poor communication created confusion and panic across the veteran community, and the VA pulled the proposal within days. Secretary Collins takes responsibility for how the situation was handled and confirms that the VA disability evaluation and claims process remains unchanged. He also explains how the Department of Veterans Affairs is exploring ways to streamline future claims by better using existing military medical records and potentially reducing unnecessary C&P exams. He explains all this in “Secretary Tells us Existing Veteran Benefits Are NOT Being Cut”, The Jedburgh Podcast, August 29, 2026, 7 minutes. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OrPtj6aDM2E
Books, Podcasts, Videos, and Movies
Podcast – So Others May Live: Inside the Combat Search and Rescue Mission. A discussion about CSAR missions with Col. Michael “Mongo” Kingry and the rescue of two F-15E aircrew shot down deep inside Iran during Operation Epic Fury. Aerospace Advantage, Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies, August 22, 2026, 52 minutes.
https://www.mitchellaerospacepower.org/podcast/inside-the-csar-mission/
Video – Col (Ret) Justin Sapp – CIA Team Alpha Member. Justin Sapp was a Special Forces captain detailed to the CIA shortly after the 9/11 attacks. He infiltrated Northern Afghanistan with CIA’s Team Alpha and was the first soldier to go behind Taliban lines in 2001. Justin was responsible for reconnoitering helicopter landing zones for the CIA and Special Forces teams that would infiltrate central Afghanistan to support the Hazara leaders fighting the Taliban. The Reconnaissance Cast, YouTube, August 27, 2026, one hour. https://www.youtube.com/live/esQ4Ly7Nv7w
Video – Temporary Protected Status, The Afghanistan Podcast, August 24, 2026. Beth Bailey hosts Sonia Norton of No One Left Behind and Daniel Salazar of Global Refuge. They discuss Congressional efforts to restore Temporary Protected Status for our Afghan allies, recent legal decisions that impact processing halts for Afghans, and what both No One Left Behind and Global Refuge are doing as the five-year anniversary of the Afghanistan withdrawal falls.
YouTube, one hour. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3rLp_jP4tTY
Video – Russian Intelligence, Europe, and Putin’s Secret War, Irregular Warfare Initiative, August 29, 2026, 36 minutes. Sean Wiswesser, a former senior CIA operations officer, is hosted by Dr. John A. Pennell and Dr. Olga R. Chiriac of the IWI. They discuss how Russian intelligence operations enable or complement the Kremlin’s broader forms of irregular warfare and strategic competition. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H_UDVeATMpM
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