Curated news, analysis, and commentary on special operations, intelligence, irregular warfare, national defense, and global conflicts.
Photo / Image: Soldiers with 3rd Battalion 20th Special Forces Group, Florida National Guard, participate in a helocast training exercise at Camp Blanding Joint Training Center Saturday, September 19, 2026. (Florida National Guard Photo by Mr. Orion Oettel)
Executive Summary
This week’s SOF Weekly Brief highlights significant developments affecting U.S. special operations forces and the broader national security environment. Ukraine conducted one of its largest drone attacks against Russia while Ukrainian forces continued counteroffensive operations near Lyman. In the Middle East, Houthi advances and attacks are increasing pressure on Saudi Arabia and maritime traffic near the Bab al-Mandab. The United States and Denmark announced a new Greenland security agreement, while Washington approved major defense sales to Ukraine and Saudi Arabia. Other developments include U.S.-China diplomacy, continued strains on U.S. air-defense interceptor inventories, and updates on SOF personnel, training, history, and veterans.
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Key Developments
- William J. Donovan Awards Dinner by the OSS Society
- SF recruiting is up
- DoD guidance on testosterone testing
- Trump to meet with Chinese leader
- Saudi Arabia security crisis
- AFSOC’s new missile
SOF News
William J. Donovan Awards Dinner. The OSS Society will be hosting the William J. Donovan Awards Dinner on October 17, 2026, in Washington, D.C. This is a preeminent annual gathering of the U.S. Intelligence and Special Operations Communities. Registration is online.
SF Recruiting is Up. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth announced on Twitter (Friday, Sep 18, 2026) that Special Forces recruiters achieved their mission of 2,940 candidates.
CoR Ceremony 1st SF Command. The 1st Special Forces Command (Airborne) hosted a change of responsibility ceremony Sept. 17, marking the transition of the unit’s senior enlisted leader. Command Sgt. Maj. Lionel Strong relinquished responsibility as the senior enlisted leader of 1st Special Forces Command (Airborne) to incoming Command Sgt. Maj. Joshua King. “1st Special Forces Command (Airborne) 2026 Change of Responsibility Ceremony”, DVIDS, September 17, 2026.
The Utility of SOF Across Epochs. This paper offers an examination of why special operations forces consistently emerge as a preferred instrument of power when conventional military capabilities prove inadequate for the strategic environment. The author, Lt. Col. Paul de Jager of the Royal Dutch Army, analyzes SOF development and deployment across three different eras to identify the enduring conditions that create demand for SOF. “Echoes in the Void: Finding Universal Patterns in the Utility of SOF Across Epochs”, Joint Special Operations University Press (JSOU), September 17, 2026, PDF, 80 pages.
U.S. SOF and Japan SDF Conference. U.S. service members assigned to Air Force Special Operations Command and U.S. Special Operations Command Pacific, alongside the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, conducted a bilateral engagement at Camp Kisarazu, Japan, Aug. 24-28, 2026, reinforcing the enduring alliance between the U.S. and Japan. The five-day event centered on interoperability and collaborative capabilities. It consisted of briefings, discussions and working groups focused on air-to-ground integration and humanitarian assistance and disaster response in a joint environment. (Soldier Systems, September 16, 2026)
AFSOC’s AGM-190 Havoc Spear. U.S. Air Force special operators confirmed on Sept. 14 that a new low-cost cruise missile launched from a Lockheed Martin AC-130J met operational requirements during a recent test staged during a real combat operation in Africa. The live firings of two Leidos AGM-190 Havoc Spear missiles confirmed that the 400-nm-range, air-launched weapon is “accurate and effective” in the test configuration, Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) said in a news release. The test involved firings on stationary targets. Further details of the combat operation were not released. “AFSOC Tests Cruise Missiles in Recent Combat Operation”, Aviation Week, September 14, 2026. See also “AFSOC proves HAVOC SPEAR precise and effective“, DVIDS, September 14, 2026. Watch a video of a launch of the HAVOC SPEAR (DVIDS).
Army Col. Sean P. Coakley has been nominated for appointment to the grade of brigadier general. Coakley is currently serving at Joint Special Operations Command, Fort Bragg, North Carolina.
Army Col. Justin D. Hufnagel has been nominated for appointment to the grade of brigadier general. Hufnagel is currently serving as deputy commander, U.S. Army Special Warfare Center and School, Fort Bragg, North Carolina.
SOF History
On Sept. 24, 1943, the 7th Amphibious Force Special Service Unit #1, a top-secret scout unit in the Pacific made up of American and Australian military personnel and indigenous personnel from Papua New Guinea and other Pacific islands, began the reconnaissance of Cape Gloucester.
On September 21, 1961, the 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne) was officially activated at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.
https://www.specialforceshistory.info/groups/5sfga.html
On September 23, 1961, Special Forces Operational Detachment – Korea was formed. “Det-K” began with a series of TDY assignments from 1st SFG(A) in Okinawa. By November 1961 they became “FA 40th Detachment”, under the operational control of the Korea Military Assistance Group. It was redesignated on October 16, 2005 as the 39th Special Forces Operational Detachment (Airborne).
On September 25, 1961, Department of Army Message 578636 designated the Green Beret as the official and exclusive headgear of the Army Special Forces.
On September 26, 1972, GSG 9 of the German Federal Police was founded.
On September 28, 2018, Maj. Gen. (Ret) Sidney Shachnow died at age 83. He served 39 years in the U.S. Army; much of it in Special Forces. https://www.specialforceshistory.info/bios/sidney-shachnow.html
National Security and Commentary
DoD Guidance on Testosterone Testing. The Department of Defense on Thursday released clinical guidelines for testing and treating low testosterone in male service members. The initiative, first announced in a July memo by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, is part of the agency’s Warfighter Performance Optimization program, which Hegseth announced in May. “Pentagon updates guidance on low testosterone testing for males”, Army Times, September 18, 2026. Read a DoD press release on the same topic. (September 17, 2026)
Greenland in the News. President Trump announced that the U.S., Denmark, and Greenland have come to an agreement on the U.S. posture on Greenland. The Trump administration has stressed that a new arrangement was needed in recognition of the strategic importance of Greenland. This new agreement seems very similar to the current agreement negotiated in 1951 and subsequent agreements. The 1951 agreement gave the U.S. access to 17 bases for as long as NATO exists. Since that time we have closed all but one of those 17 bases. The newly announced agreement does not appear to involve major changes to the existing U.S.-Danish defense relationship, although its final terms and implementation remain subject to formal approval. This agreement will bolster U.S. military presence there but keep the island under Danish control, after months of threats by the U.S. president to use military force to seize the semi-autonomous territory of a NATO ally.
Opinions on Greenland Deal. Read the opinions of four national security observers on what the “new” deal means. “What the Greenland deal means for the new transatlantic alliance”, The Atlantic Council, September 19, 2026.
Iran War and Operation Epic Fury
Video – 60 Minutes Interview of Downed Crewman. In an extended interview with 60 Minutes correspondent Norah O’Donnell, Bravo, an Air Force colonel, provided new details about his fight to survive behind enemy lines in Iran, and the rescue operation that brought him and crewmate Alpha back home on April 4, 2026. (30 minutes) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KNhO1Umj1so
CRS Report – U.S. Conflict with Iran. The Congressional Research Service has updated CRS R48887. The report covers a historical summary of the conflict, potential scenarios in the future, major developments since February 2026, U.S. objectives, regional nations, Iranian strategy and objectives, international perspectives, and issues for Congress. PDF, 16 pages.
https://www.congress.gov/crs-product/R48887
Quarterly Report to Congress – Operation Epic Fury. This report describes the activities of the U.S. Government in support of OEF as well as the work of the Department of War, the Department of State, and other U.S. Government agencies to further the U.S. Government’s policy goals with respect to Iran. It also discusses the planned, ongoing, and completed oversight work conducted by the Lead IG agencies and our partner oversight agencies. This report covers the period through June 30, 2026. State Department Office of Inspector General, September 2026, PDF, 44 pages.
Drones Have Impact on MEDEVACs. The introduction of drones into the modern battlefield has had an impact on the U.S. military’s medical evacuation procedure. Helicopters are not always used to evacuate patients as they are vulnerable to drones if forward based; in many cases ground transport is instead used for MEDEVAC or CASEVAC. The “Iran strikes exposed gaps in medical evacuation ops across Middle East: IG”, Defense One, September 15, 2026.
Fixing the Air Defense Problem. The use of cheap drones and cruise missiles in mass quantities by Iran has reduced the U.S. inventories of THAAD (NSI) and Patriot (NSI) interceptors across the globe. The number of Patriot battalions (15) is insufficient to meet the worldwide needs of the U.S. Read more in “Army Air Defense has a Problem, and It’s More Than Magazine Depth”, by Peter Mitchell, September 9, 2026.
- 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
Ukraine launched its largest-ever drone strike against Russia, firing over 1,000 drones overnight. The historic barrage hit a critical oil refinery in Moscow and residential buildings, killing at least three people. The attack coincided with the final day of Russia’s three-day parliamentary elections, prompting Russian officials to accuse Ukraine of attempting to disrupt the vote.
Russia retaliated with massive aerial bombardments across Ukraine, deploying over 2,000 drones, 1,700 bombs, and 19 missiles this week. Meanwhile, the U.S. approved a $2.68 billion possible Foreign Military Sale for Kyiv. President Trump also signed sweeping new sanctions legislation targeting Russia’s energy, financial, and defense sectors.
Ukraine’s 3rd Army Corps has launched “Operation Vivaldi,” a ground counteroffensive in northern Donetsk. Striking the Lyman sector, Ukrainian forces liberated multiple settlements—including Shandryholove and Derylove—recapturing over 85 square kilometers.
- 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’s Military Base in Djibouti. Not very far from the U.S. military base of Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti (map) is a People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Support Base. This installation provides the ability of China to conduct “far seas” operations well beyond China’s shores. Its intelligence-gathering capabilities have recently been enhanced. Opened in 2017, it supports PLAN Naval Escort Task Force operations in the Gulf of Aden and in the Bab al-Mandeb Strait. “Extended Range: China Upgrades its Military Base in Djibouti”, Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), September 17, 2026.
AI, Trump, and Xi. Apocalyptic warnings about the danger of uncontrolled artificial intelligence are adding new urgency to talks between President Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping set for next week. President Trump has dismissed the warnings members of the AI community and others have voiced – calling it a “hoax”. It is possible that conversations about AI safeguards and regulations may take place; but unlikely. The two leaders meet in Washington, D.C., on September 24, 2026. “AI fears burst onto Trump-Xi agenda, but challenges abound”, The Hill, September 20, 2026.
U.S. and China Seeking Strategic Stability? The United States and China are nuclear powers with enormous military forces, global economic relationships and overlapping interests. Neither should want accidental escalation, uncontrolled crisis or war. The upcoming meeting in Washington, D.C. will likely address many of the issues associated with attaining strategic stability. But the term could have a different meaning by the two parties. “Constructive strategic stability or strategic accommodation?”, by Dave Maxwell, UPI, September 14, 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
Houthis Gain Ground in Yemen. The Houthis are continuing their offensive against government forces in their sweep south along the Yemen coast. This will extend their control over parts of the Red Sea and the Bab e-Mandeb Strait. The strait is a major global chokepoint where much of the world’s commerce transits – to include oil tankers.
A Regional Battlefield. The renewed Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia are taking place alongside a much broader change in the security environment around the Middle East and Horn of Africa. This is a complicated region with competing factions. Irina Tsukerman examines the region in a detailed report entitled “How the Houthis Turned Saudi Arabia’s Flanks into a Regional Battlefield”, The Washington Outsider, September 16, 2026.
Map of Yemen and Red Sea (Derived from CIA map)
Controlling the Red Sea Coast. American officials have been meeting with a Houthi delegation in Oman to discuss the latest events in the Red Sea adjacent to Yemen and the Houthi’s advance southward along the Red Sea coast of Yemen. The Houthis are targeting Saudi Arabian shipping and oil infrastructure in Saudi Arabia. It is unlikely that the Houthis will agree to any U.S. overtures. “Letting the Houthis Control the Red Sea Would be a Gift to Tehran”, by Bridget Toomey, Foundation for Defense of Democracies, September 18, 2026.
Saudi Arabia Security Crisis. Irina Tsukerman explains in a long essay the current crisis that Saudi Arabia faces from the Houthis. Cheap drones and missiles launched from Yemen can strike critical targets in Saudi Arabia. Riyadh has a limited number of defensive air defense missiles as the six-month long conflict with Iran has depleted the inventory. Saudi Arabia has asked Washington and other nations for help; but thus far no real intervention against the Houthis has taken place. China has stepped in with a diplomatic effort to engage Iran; but that has not resulted in much progress. Read more in “Riyadh Under Fire: How Iran and the Houthis Turned Saudi Arabia’s Security Crisis Against It”, The Washington Outsider, September 19, 2026.
Fighter Jets to Saudi Arabia. The U.S. State Department has approved a possible $24 billion sale of 48 F-35A fighters to Saudi Arabia. This along with training, weapons support, and related equipment. A Department of State media release says that “This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of a major non-NATO ally that is a force for political stability and economic progress in the Gulf region.” “Kingdom of Saudi Arabia – F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter”, U.S. Department of State, September 17, 2026.
U.S. Military Needs an African Shore. Jonah Brody and Maj Gen Robert Sofge argue that the U.S. needs access to ports and airfields in Somaliland and Puntland (map) to be positioned to address challenges to the freedom of navigation on the Gulf os Aden, Red Sea, and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. “The Red Sea Fight Needs an African Shore”, Small Wars Journal, September 15, 2026.
Afghanistan’s FTP, CSTs, and Hope for a New Life in America. Read how American veterans are assisting former Afghan members of the Female Tactical Platoon stay in the United States after fleeing the Taliban in Afghanistan. Five years after the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan the FTP members are still in a legal limbo. “Afghan Women Fought With America, Now They’re Fighting to Stay”, Special Operations Association of America (SOAA), September 16, 2026.
Texts From August 2021 – Afghanistan. For two decades, we asked Afghans to stay beside us. Doing so placed their and their families’ lives within reach of retaliation by the Taliban. “I Still Have Hundreds of Texts From the Fall of Kabul. They Remind Me of the Promises We Broke”, by Tamara Geyer, The War Horse, September 17, 2026.
Veterans Corner
Paper on Veteran Population and Services. Katherine Kuziminski provides a detailed examination of the veteran population of America and the level of services available to veterans in different locations across the country. This is especially important for those attempting to determine how the veteran level of care was affected with the elimination of 30,000 positions within the Department of Veterans Affairs in 2025. “Redrawing the Map: Assessing the Military- and Veteran-Serving Nonprofit Sector”, Center for a New American Security (CNAS), September 15, 2026, PDF, 28 pages.
Books, Podcasts, Videos, and Movies
Video – The Lamia Afghan Foundation. Beth Bailey interviews Lt. Gen. John Bradley about how the Lamia Afghan Foundation sent needed items to Afghans overseas prior to the fall of the Kabul regime in August 2021. He talks about how the organization grew and what it continues to do in present-day Afghanistan. The Afghanistan Project Podcast, YouTube, September 14, 2026, one hour. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rs4o3OR-Lmw
Video – Open-Source Intelligence with ExTrac. Open-source intelligence has moved from a secondary discipline to a core one, and the advantage now goes to whoever can turn public data into a decision fastest. The catch is that it has to be the right data, because bad data plus faster systems only produces faster bad decisions. That is the argument Charlie Winter and Stephanie Rotolo make in this video. Irregular Warfare Initiative, YouTube, September 7, 2026, one hour. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B53m7Dr6Nnw
Video – 20th Special Forces Group Highlight. DVIDS, August 28, 2026, 2 minutes.
https://www.dvidshub.net/video/1022844/20th-special-forces-group-highlight
Podcast – The Stay Behinds: Sweden’s Cold War Guardians. Beginning in 1949, officially non-aligned Sweden did something it kept secret for half a century: in close cooperation with the CIA and MI6, it built a clandestine civilian resistance network meant to outlast a Soviet occupation and fight on from within. Its members were ordinary people, farmers, sales staff, gamekeepers, organized into cells that never met. In this episode, Johan Wennström of the Swedish Defence University, whose book The Stay Behinds: Sweden’s Cold War Guardians is the first in-depth English account of the network — details the tradecraft, the human cost, and why it suddenly speaks to a Europe at war and a Sweden newly inside NATO during the alliance’s most uncertain moment in a generation. Secrets & Spies, September 19, 2026, 1 1/2 hours. https://secretsandspiespodcast.com/episode/the-stay-behinds-swedens-cold-war-guardians-johan-wennstrom
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