Special operations forces attract a special breed of soldier. The true SOF hopeful is precisely focused, tirelessly motivated, and fully committed to their goal. Whether trying to secure Navy SEAL Hell Week, make it through Army Q Course, or push through the lengthy Air Force “Superman School,” the SOF candidate is defined by an urge More »
Military
SOFREP’s Navy Highlight: The Path of Special Warfare Combatant Crewman Nick O’Sullivan
In the fast and flashy world of bustling America, we sometimes forget how our homegrown heroes live their lives. Today, we’ll show you the inspiring dedication of Navy’s Nick O’Sullivan. “I always push myself to try and learn something new every day.” This is how Nick wakes up every morning – with purpose and passion. When More »
A Very Crazy Special Forces Thanksgiving in Bolivia
During Thanksgiving, we all give thanks for spending time with our families, friends, and loved ones. We enjoy food, football, and spend time reminiscing. Early this Thanksgiving morning, I spent some time reading some excellent posts on Thanksgiving experiences and what the holiday means. We had a conversation at our home over morning coffee sitting More »
Never Be Light: Integrity and leadership lessons in Special Operations, the Hard Way
Well, there I was, attending the Special Operations Combat Medic Course (SOCM), the Army’s elite combat medic course in Fort Bragg, NC. I had recently graduated SWCC training and I thought I was hot shit thinking that all of the Special Forces students at SOCM had just begun their training pipeline. The SOCM course was More »
Injuries Without Scars: How Special Operations Medics Treat Brain Injuries
Since the start of the United States’ armed engagement in Iraq and Afghanistan, many military members have fallen victim to Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and other explosive blasts. As most people know, IEDs have been a major contributing factor to the death toll of Americans in the Middle East. A lot of servicemembers have survived More »
‘Brothers of the Cloth’ by George Hand IV – A Fantastic Account of Life in Delta Force
George Hand IV, better known as “Geo,” is among the rare breed of special operators who have served at the very tip of the spear in the United States military. Geo’s book Brothers of the Cloth gives an inside look at life in a Special Mission Unit (SMU), the Army’s Delta Force. Yet, the book isn’t More »
So, You Want to Be a Part-Time Navy SEAL? There’s a Way
Believe it or not, being in special operations can be a part-time endeavor. The Army, Navy, and Air Force all have reserve and/or national guard special operations units at their disposal. These “part-time” units give people the unique opportunity to serve in America’s elite forces while still being able to maintain their civilian careers and More »
Melvin Morris Exemplified What It Means to Leave No Man Behind
Melvin Morris was a Green Beret in the 5th Special Forces Group who was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions against Communist forces in Vietnam on September 17, 1969. Originally awarded a Distinguished Service Cross, the Defense Authorization Act mandated that the military look at the actions of African-Americans, Jewish-Americans, Hispanic-Americans, and other More »
A Cigar Humidor – The Perfect Gift for the Traveling Cigar Smoker?
Cigars have become much more popular among special operations troops. This is especially true for veterans who enjoy a good stick when getting together with old teammates and friends along with a nice libation or three. But when traveling, either for pleasure or on a work-related trip, many cigar smokers face the quandary of keeping More »
Two Dead in Venezuela as the Army Quells a Coup
Violence in Venezuela has taken the lives of two people in an attack on a government military base in the city of Valencia. Venezuelan authorities loyal to President Nicholas Maduro claim that they have stymied the attack by armed civilians and other soldiers in the latest escalation of violence that has crippled the country. Government More »