Special Operations Forces

Lockheed Martin Unveils New Special Operations “Raider” Helicopter

The ‘the next big thing in Army aviation’ may be a new Special Operations little bird with much-improved capabilities and performance.

Lockheed Martin’s S-97 Raider is a light tactical prototype helicopter capable of carrying six troops and external weapons while reaching speeds in excess of 220 knots. This new little bird has a co-axial rotor blade with a push propeller in the rear, based on the Sikorsky Collier X2 technology.

Because the X2 Technology is at the heart of RAIDER, it can carry out a variety of military missions including light assault, light attack, armed reconnaissance, close-air support, combat search and rescue, and unmanned applications.
This machine is said to be a game changer for the military, as it can reach speeds that are double that of conventional helicopters.
It is also designed for ‘high and hot’ operations and is capable of reaching altitudes of 10,000 feet in 95 degrees Fahrenheit heat.
Sikorsky updated the craft with improved hovering capabilities and an internal aux fuel tank for extended range to 34 miles for increased endurance, New Atlas reported.
And RAIDER is designed to refuel while in the air.
The helicopter boasts a low acoustic signature, agility for close air support and fly-by-wire controls.
But its weapons are what makes it the ultimate war machine.
Strapped to the sides are hellfire missiles and rockets, RAIDER also packs a .50 caliber gun with 500 rounds and a 7.62 mm gun.

The company is also working on the next generation replacement for the Blackhawk helicopter called the “Defiant” which also will feature the co-axial rotor blades and the push propeller which will greatly aid stability for the pilots.

Besides drastically reduced acoustic signature, the Defiant at 250 knots and hover at altitudes of 6,000 feet. This is more than a hundred miles an hour faster than the UH-60M Blackhawk transport, as it maxes out at 183 miles an hour.

To read the entire article from the Daily Mail click here:

Photo courtesy Lockheed Martin

Special Operations Gear Review – Merrell Sawtooth: Perfect Desert Boot

We’re always looking for an edge. That’s what Special Forces guys do, anything that will make your job easier, or yourself a little more comfortable, that’s the ticket, right? And having a piece of equipment that works, is tough, comfortable and the troops like is like nirvana.

Like I said in an earlier piece, in Special Operations, your boots and your feet are your lifelines. Depending on where I’m going and what I’m doing, will have a lot to do with what boots I’ll be wearing. About 10 years ago, while working in Morocco, I had a follow-on job elsewhere in the desert-type area and I knew I’d be doing a lot of walking on rockier, rugged terrain.

One of my buds there recommended the Merrell Sawtooth and it was a good,… no great piece of advice. As soon as my job was done over there, I came home and ordered a second pair, which remains with me today.

Although these are discontinued, they can still be found here and there on-line, so while they’re dying off, they aren’t dead yet.

I’ve taken these hiking over rocky terrain from “Purgatory” here in Central Massachusetts to the White Mountains and Appalachian Trails of New Hampshire and in the desert rocky environments of the Middle East as well as Mexico. They are good in a woodland type environment, in the mud, see the pic of rucking on a rainy, muddy day below but are at their best in a desert, dry, rough environment.

Another point in selection criteria was the fact that these can blend in well in an urban casual environment and didn’t stand out as a military type boot. While that may not be a big point for many guys, sometimes when trying to be as low-key as possible, wearing military boots isn’t the preferred method.

The construction of them and the specs from Merrell are:

UPPER/LINING

Strobel construction offers flexibility and comfort
• Nubuck leather and mesh upper
• Nubuck/Ballisticore Bellows tongue keeps debris out
• Breathable Mesh Lining maintains foot comfort by ventilating
• EVA removable footbed

MIDSOLE/OUTSOLE

Grade 7 Nylon Insole for trekking
• Compression-molded EVA foot frame provides cushioning
• Merrell® Air Cushion in the heel absorbs shock and adds stability
• 5.5mm Sole lug depth
• Vibram® Chisel Sole/Trek Rubber
• Weight: 2 lbs 14 ozs.

These are some really tough boots and they can take a lickin’ and keep on tickin’. They’re constructed with the military type of guys in mind and are built to last. They have the rounded, protected toe cap and its held up remarkably well thru the years.

The tread is thick, wide and has incredible gripping power when traveling over rocky, uneven terrain. And after years of abuse, they look like brand new. They have outstanding ankle support, with it coming right in the spot you need it most.

As with most of Merrell’s boots, I’ve found that the sizing is about a ½ size too small, order up a half size and you’ll be good to go. These boots, unlike the MOAB require a break-in period. They’re stiff for the first 10-20 miles or so, especially right behind the toe, however, mine were worn going for a couple of hour hike with no blisters. Once they were broken in, they’re extremely comfortable.

One issue with the boots is they’re prone to leak a bit when in a wet environment. I put some waterproofing on them and although it interferes with the breathing of them, in the northeast, it isn’t as big of a deal with the cooler temps and the water has stayed out.

I’m still up in the air over the footbeds provided by Merrell. Many people have complained about them having much too little cushioning. I’ve found that it wasn’t a problem for me, however, like I do with many other boots, I’ve added a heel cushion pad in them and never have a problem.

I’ve seen several complaints from guys who’ve had trouble with the eyelets and those coming off and getting ripped out when lacing the boots tightly. Again, I’ve never had that problem with both pairs I’ve owned. I’m not saying those problems don’t exist, but just that I haven’t experienced them.

Overall, I think these Merrell Sawtooths are outstanding boots. They’re the perfect blend of combat and hiking boots and will still give you the low-key look to blend into any casual environment. I wish Merrell would recommence manufacturing them although as I said, with a little digging they can still be found on-line in a few spots.

Since today is a rucking day with our SOFREP PT preparation program, it is almost time to strap them on, grab the ruck and head out in the rain this morning. Anyone up to going to “Purgatory”? Let’s roll…

SOF Selection PT Preparation 4.20.2017

A quick start of the day in the gym with some preparation for the UBRR, followed by a ruck march of 5-miles. Pick a route over varied terrain and remember to keep hydrated. Mark down your times in your workout log book

Training:

More Preparation for the UBRR:

3 x 12 Bench Press

3 x 20 Pushups

3 x 10 Kip Ups

3 x 20 Sit ups

3 x 20 Crunches

3 x 20 Dips or until muscle failure

5-mile rucksack march (45-pound minimum) over varied terrain, note your time

Stretch well after completion

SOF Selection PT Preparation 4.19.2017

Shoulders and back day in the gym before heading off to the pool for a swim which is an event you can’t neglect. Get used to swimming in fatigues and boots as this is a pre-requisite for the Selection PT test.

Training:

More Preparation for the UBRR:

3 x 12 Lat Pulldowns, behind the neck (go as heavy as possible)

3 x 12 Lat Pulldowns, front

3 x 10 Dumbbell Side Raises

3 x 10 Dumbbell Front Raises

3 x 10 Dumbbell Arnold Press

3 x 8 Shoulder Shrugs

300-meter swim in fatigues and boots

Stretch well after completion

US, Philippine Forces To Hold Annual Drill Despite Duerte

The military of the Philippines announced this week that the annual “Balikatan” military exercise with the United States will take place. There have been questions over whether the exercises will continue due to President Rodrigo Duerte, who has been critical of the US and wants to distance himself from the American government while courting the Chinese.

Although Manilla and Washington have been allies for over 70 years, Duerte has called for the end of the drill and for the withdrawal of all US troops.

The annual military exercises, known as Balikatan (Shoulder-to-Shoulder), will now go ahead in May, focusing on counter-terrorism and disaster response as the Philippines battles Islamic militants in their lawless southern strongholds.
“It will be scenario-based like (preparing for) a big storm hitting the Philippines or the possibility of terrorism,” Balikatan spokesman Major Celeste Frank Sayson told AFP.
“We are safe to say there will be no more live-fire exercises. We (will) focus on humanitarian and civil assistance.”
In previous years Balikatan had evolved from counter-terrorism maneuvers against Islamic militants to simulations of protecting or retaking territory, as a dispute with Beijing over islands in the South China Sea escalated.

With terrorism, still, a concern for the country, Philippines Defense Minister Delfin Lorenzana has said that terrorism will be one of the focuses of the drill this year.

The Filipino military continues to battle Islamic militants, who have pledged allegiance to the ISIS terrorists in Iraq and Syria as well as pirates in the southern part of the country where the fighting has been the heaviest.

Last week the Abu Sayyaf terrorist group clashed with Filipino security forces on a popular resort island, the first attack on a key Philippine tourist destination in recent years. Abu Sayyaf which roughly translates to “Father of the Sword”, is a Jihadist terror group that has been active for 40 years. They’ve been involved with bombings, executions, and kidnap-for-ransom.

To read the entire article from Philippine Star.com click here:

Photo courtesy AFP

Helicopter Crash on Maryland Golf Course Kills One Crewmember

A crash of a US Army helicopter on a suburban Maryland golf course has killed one crew member and seriously injured two others on Monday afternoon.

According to the Military District of Washington, an Army UH-60 Blackhawk assigned to Ft. Belvoir, VA crashed just after 1:30 p.m. on Monday afternoon at the Breton Bay Golf Course in Leonardtown, Maryland.

The crash has killed one crewmember while injuring two others. One was reported in serious condition and the other in critical condition at the University of Maryland R. Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center in Baltimore.

“We are deeply saddened by this loss within our community,” Maj. Gen. Bradley A. Becker, commanding general for Joint Force Headquarters-National Capital Region and the U.S. Army Military District of Washington, said in the statement. “Our condolences go out to the families and friends affected by this tragedy, and our team is focused on supporting them during this difficult time.”
The cause of the crash was under investigation.
Earlier Monday, a U.S. military official told NBC News the helicopter had “suffered a hard landing” near Leonardtown, and that at least one was medically evacuated to a local hospital.
A woman who lives near the golf course said she saw helicopters flying overhead. Then, one appeared to lose control.
“One of them just started to lower, and it started to spiral down, and it disappeared below the trees. It looked like it had flipped over, upside-down, and then we heard a big explosion sound,” Bianca Melton said.
Dorothy Harper, who lives across the street from the golf course, said she saw the helicopter just before it crashed.
“I was outside in my front yard when I saw the helicopter come over right across the street from my house. I saw pieces actually falling off the helicopter,” she said.
Harper said she didn’t see smoke or flames, “just pieces falling out of the sky.”

The UH-60 Black Hawk is from the 12th Aviation Battalion, stationed at Davison Airfield, Fort Belvoir, Virginia. It was the second crash in Maryland in the past two weeks.

In the other incident, a fighter jet on a routine training mission crashed in a wooded area near Joint Base Andrews in Maryland. The F-16C fighter plane was destroyed but the pilot was able to safely eject from the stricken aircraft. No one was injured either in the air or on the ground in the earlier accident.

To read the entire article from NBC News, click here:

Photo courtesy The Bay Net

SOF Selection PT Preparation 4.18.2017

Always a good day to for Leg Day at the gym, the lighter weight in the squats but higher reps helps with endurance. Weighted sled push builds up some explosion. Continue to prep for the UBRR.

Training:

3 x Pullups 10 reps

3 x Front Squat 20-15-12 reps (lighter weight)

3 x Goblet Squats 20-15-12 reps (lighter weight)

4 x Sled push heavier weight

3 x 10 reps Dumbbell lunges

3 x 20 Side planks

3 x 25 Crunches

4-mile run

Stretch well after completion

USSOCOM Turns 30, Command’s Impact Continues to Grow

Thirty years ago, a small headquarters opened its doors for the first time. The United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) was originally formed out of the debacle of the failed Iranian hostage rescue mission, Operation Eagle Claw in 1980.

From small beginnings in April 1987 at MacDill AFB, FL the Special Operations Command now encompasses 70,000 troops and a $10 billion-dollar budget. Special Operations Forces currently operate in over 100 countries being sent to all the hot spots in the world today.

Seeing the success of U.S. special operations, representatives from foreign militaries are traveling to Tampa to see how they can recreate such a powerful force. One that offers great bang for the buck — SOCom makes up just 2 percent of the U.S. defense budget.
The symbol of commando success is the 2011 Navy SEAL raid that killed Osama bin Laden. Yet every day, in ways unknown outside their secretive world, commando teams perform missions like building partner capacity and training foreign troops, hostage rescue attempts, humanitarian relief, tracking jihadi financing and coordinating efforts to counter weapons of mass destruction.
Unlike any other military combatant commands, SOCom has the authority to spend billions of dollars each year on equipment and services tailored for commandos — the SEALs, Army Delta Force, Green Berets and Rangers, and Air Force and Marine teams. To help speed things along, the command created SOFWerx, a research and development effort in Ybor City.
To help educate the force, SOCOm created the Joint Special Operations University, which opens a new building at MacDill next week.

Despite their many successes, the command is feeling the pinch of its own success. The force is being used so much that the operational tempo has become an issue. With so many deployments one of the former commanders worried that the force was “fraying around the edges.”

But the command will continue to expand its influence on 100 different stages in 100 different countries. The Special Operations forces of the US have the unique capability to synchronize US and Allied global counter-terrorism efforts, building allied forces capacity in the training and equipping of foreign forces, and to evolve as the situations change around the world.

To read the entire article from Tampa Bay Times, click here:

Photo courtesy DOD

SOF Selection PT Preparation 4.17.2017

Happy Patriots Day which is always the day for the Boston Marathon up this way. Don’t worry, there won’t be a 26-mile run today. Instead, we’ll focus on the shuttle runs and work on some speed.

Training:

More preparation for the UBRR

2 x 1-minute Pushups

2 x 1-minute Sit-ups

2 x 1 minute, Crunches

2 x 1 minute, V-ups

2 x Dips as many as possible to muscle failure

10 x 40-meter shuttle run

Stretch well after completion

SOF Selection PT Preparation 4.16.2017

Happy Easter. We hope everyone has a great day filled with family and happiness. A warm up of pushups and planks followed by a good ruck march with a 45-pound minimum to start the day right. Remember to stay hydrated throughout the ruck march and to ensure that you have at least two pairs of boots broken in for the course.

Training:

Warm up

2 x 20 Pushups

2 x 20 Side Planks

6-mile rucksack march over varied terrain. Try to keep your pace better than the standard. And mark your times in your workout log book.

Stretch well after completion