We mustn’t repeat the boom-and-bust cycle that has left the U.S. underprepared for irregular warfare in both larger- and smaller-scale conflicts.
Afghanistan
Operation Neptune Spear: Today, 11 years ago, Navy SEALs killed Osama bin Laden
On DutyToday, eleven years ago, Navy SEALs killed Osama bin Laden during a covert operation in Pakistan. Operation Neptune Spear avenged the thousands of innocent people who were killed on 9/11. On the early morning hours of May 2, 2011, a hand-picked force of Navy SEALs from Naval Special Warfare Development Group’s (DEVGRU) Red Squadron raided […]
Exclusive: Spec Ops Vets on why we must save Afghan Interpreters
FeaturedAs the U.S. military is almost out of Afghanistan, and the Afghan government seems unable to fend off the Taliban onslaught, the fate of thousands of locals who fought alongside and helped American and Coalition forces looks dire. The Pentagon and State Department have launched Operation Allies Refuge, an attempt to evacuate the approximately 18,000 […]
Air Force honors heroic Special Tactics officer Captain Matthew Roland
On DutyIn May, Air Commandos gathered to honor the late Captain Matthew Roland, a Special Tactics Officer, whose leadership saved a lot of lives during an insider attack in Afghanistan. In a ceremony, the 24th Special Operations Wing dedicated one of its Special Tactics Training Squadron facilities to Cpt. Roland’s memory. The facility is used in […]
Air Commando recognized for bravery during ‘apocalyptic’ explosion in Afghanistan
Military AffairsStaff Sergeant Michael Rogers, an Air Commando, has been recognized for his actions during a hellish mass-casualty event in Afghanistan. Assigned to the 57th Rescue Squadron (RSQ), Rogers, a Pararescueman, received the 2021 Pitsenbarger Award from the U.S. Air Forces Europe and Air Forces Africa Sergeants Association for his life-saving actions during a nighttime operation […]
Air Force troops receive Bronze Star for fighting COVID-19 in Afghanistan
Off DutyThree Airmen received the Bronze Star for their actions in curbing a COVID-19 outbreak in the NATO headquarters in Afghanistan. During a deployment in Afghanistan last year, the three Air Force troops (two doctors and a medic) were key in first stalling and then stopping the outbreak. The three recipients are Captain Kathleen Schurr, […]
Waivers clear a path for 4 Soldiers to receive the Medal of Honor
FeaturedAmong the myriads of pages of the 2021 Defense Budget are waivers that clear the path for four service members to receive the Medal of Honor, America’s highest and most prestigious military award. The Pentagon had to get a waiver for the four Soldiers (Colonel Ralph Puckett, Specialist Dwight Birdwell, Sergeant Earl Plumlee, and Sergeant […]
Army Rangers have been deployed to combat for 7,000 days straight
FeaturedDecember saw the 75th Ranger Regiment achieving an astounding feat. On December 17, the U.S. Army Rangers passed the 7,000-days mark of unbroken combat operations. After the terrorist attacks of 9/11, Rangers were on the first units to deploy against al-Qaeda and the Taliban, who harbored the terrorist organization, as part of the Global War […]
Commando to get Air Force Cross for actions in firefight
FeaturedAn Air Commando will be receiving the Air Force Cross for his actions during a desperate firefight in Afghanistan. Staff Sergeant Alaxey Germanovich, a Combat Controller with the 26th Special Tactics Squadron, will receive the Air Force Cross, which is second only to the Medal of Honor, in a ceremony on Thursday, December 10. […]
The Special Forces roots of Acting SECDEF Christopher Miller
On DutyAs of Monday, Christopher Miller is the new (acting) Secretary of Defense. He is now responsible for the entire US military behemoth. A tough proposition, despite his experience navigating bureaucracy as the Director of the National Counterterrorism Center and as Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special Operations and Low Intensity Conflict. But Miller has a […]
