Special Operations Forces

SFAS Getting Yourself Ready: Land Nav Primer (Part 3)

So, you’ve volunteered to be in Special Forces and you’re getting ready to go to SFAS. This is the time to prepare yourself for the grind that is to come. There are certain tips, such as the PT program which will help you attain the level of physical fitness that you’ll need to not just pass the course but to excel where the course isn’t as tough as you’ll see other people struggling.

In the first two segments, we talked about the fitting of your boots, socks and dealing with hotspots and blisters. Taking care of your feet is paramount in Special Forces and once you get it down, everything will be a little less hard.

Now, we get to the elephant in the room, the Land Navigation course and many students fail at either SFAS or the SFQC because they failed the land navigation course. The course is tough, it is the toughest individual land navigation course you’ll find in the US military.

But the course if far from impassable, thousands of soldiers have passed it and thousands more will continue to get a first time go….the magic word everyone wants to hear. It just takes some hard work, patience and the ability to keep a cool head once you experience the draws and lack of terrain features in lovely Hoffman, NC.

But before we get into the tips and some experiences that many of us have come across, the first thing a candidate MUST do is to come to SFAS prepared. I know, I know, “how many times have we heard that?” But it’s true.

This is another area where the better prepared you are the odds of you passing the Land Navigation course increase tenfold. It begins with Map Reading; become an expert in this necessary skill before you show up at Ft. Bragg. There are plenty of manuals, study guides, and civilian orienteering clubs out there that will get you to where reading a map is a snap and a second nature to you.

This was always my block of instruction at Camp Mackall and at that time is wasn’t overly detailed. It was more of a refresher for skills you were already supposed to know. Those who came from Light Infantry or Ranger Bn. backgrounds were already well-versed in it and if you have any of those type guys in your unit before selection, seek them out and have them help you.

Know map reading to the point that you could teach a class on it before you arrive at SFAS because all of those skills will be tested. Some of (but not all) of the skills you should be intimately familiar with include:

Contour Lines- what are they, the 3 types and how they appear on the different terrain features. Also know how to find and identify the contour interval.
Terrain Features- How many are there and be able to identify each
Declination diagram- Be able to identify it on the map and know how it works.
Back azimuth- Identify what it is and be able to calculate it
Orienting a Map- How many methods are there to do it and be able to do it using each way
Intersection- What is it and how is it determined
Resection- What is it and be able to do it easily
Dead Reckoning- What is it and know the steps that entail it (hint…many candidates use this exclusively but not all accurately)
Field Expedient Direction- How many ways are there and be able to perform each one
Azimuth- What is it and what are the two ways it can be measured
8-digit Grid Coordinate- How close will that take you to a point on the ground
6-digit Grid Coordinate- How close will that take you to a point on the ground
Colors on the Map- How many are there and what do they denote
Mils to degrees- How many mils equal one degree?
Circle- How many mils? How many degrees?

These are just some of the skills you need. If you look at these above-listed skills and aren’t a whiz at everyone (these are just the basics) then you aren’t ready for SFAS and the Land Nav course in Hoffman.

Next up, so you are a map reading whiz now and can whip out a map and be ready to plot yourself and where are you going to. You’re going to need a couple of items that seem trivial but are extremely important.

Invest a nice map case, one that will keep your maps dry and allow you to make some marks on the clear portion with a grease pencil to make any notes to help you along. And…I can’t stress this enough, secure your map case to your body. It sounds stupid and infantile, but far too many candidates fail land navigation because they lose their map in a draw and the Hoffman draws are legendary for stealing maps.

My favorite map case had a built-in loop that I kept inside my shirt snapped to a D-ring on my shoulder. It was easily accessible and kept it away from those nasty thickets that would tear it away from my thigh pocket. But that is just a personal preference.

And since you aren’t tactical, be smart. Fold your map with the area that you are working in, right on top and easily found. Nothing wastes more time than fumbling with a map under a poncho with a red lens flashlight.

And while you’re at it, dummy cord your weapon to your body as well, ditto for the maps. Every class, some tired candidate will stop to do a map check and walk off with his weapon, oops. C-ya guy, better luck next time!

Invest in those Ranger beads that allow you to keep your distance locked down. Or you can tie one on your own using 550 cord. Those little things come in handy and when you get tired, it is easy to forget the distance traveled.

In our next segment, we’ll get down to the nuts and bolts of Land Nav.

Photo courtesy of DOD

Worlds’ Special Operations Commanders Meet in US For Global Symposium

Tampa Bay was recently the host of many of the world’s Special Operations commanders as they visited the headquarters of the US Special Operations Command (SOCOM). They were there to share ideas and coordination, as they want to emulate the success the US has had in the Special Operations field.

The Global Special Operations Symposium was created by retired LTC Stu Bradin and he put together the meeting and the organization in Tampa that integrates the Special Ops units from the US with our allies.

Bradin, a former 7^th Special Forces Group officer worked directly under former SOCOM commander and Navy SEAL Admiral William McRaven. McRaven launched a hub for all Special Operations forces called J3I which integrated all foreign and US operators in a single hub. The goal was to ensure that regional issues don’t snowball into larger ones.

Romanian Col. Claudio “CD” Dobocan, his nation’s representative to the J3I for 18 months, explained the value.
“Sometimes the distance between Rome and Madrid is shorter here than in Europe,” he said.
Being ensconced inside SOCom headquarters gives Romania’s commando force access to Thomas and to leaders at U.S. Central Command, which also has its headquarters at MacDill, while allowing for increased Romanian input, Dobocan said.
“We contribute to forward planning,” he said. Representation in J3I also provides a “tool for rapid reaction in case of a crisis.”

The meeting between the commanders on allies and US SOCOM is invaluable. They can share ideas and training. They can work out coordination in advance of sensitive operations that will cut down on any potential problems the operators would face.

And most importantly, the commanders may share their thoughts on potential hotspots and problem areas in the world. The increasing Russian aggressiveness in the world in the past few years was not lost on the attendees.

“The next fight, which is staring us right in the face . . . is Russia,” said Army Maj. Gen. William Hix, the Army’s director of strategy, plans and policy, speaking at the symposium about a range of potential challenges.
“They study our playbook,” said Hix, adding that the Russians have made investments “to challenge us in a number of areas. Look at Ukraine and actions in Syria. We see harbingers of future war there in the speed of violence and lethality they bring to the battlefield.”

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

Photo courtesy DOD

Free Pineland! Next Robin Sage Takes Place 11-24 March

In just a few days, Special Forces candidates will descend upon 15 North Carolina counties to take part in “Robin Sage”, the final test of the Special Forces Qualification Course.

Special Forces candidates will attempt to free the fictional country of Pineland by entering the area of operations, linking up with a guerrilla force and helping them conduct UW operations and overthrow the government.

Ft. Bragg soldiers will take part playing the part of opposing forces as well as friendly guerrilla freedom fighters also known as the Pineland resistance movement.

The exercise’s fictional country of Pineland spans Rowan, Alamance, Anson, Cabarrus, Chatham, Davidson, Guilford, Hoke, Montgomery, Moore, Randolph, Richmond, Scotland, Stanly, and Union counties.
Throughout the exercise, Special Forces candidates and Robin Sage role players not only conduct training missions such as controlled assaults and key-leader engagements but also live, eat and sleep in civilian areas.
All Robin Sage movements have been coordinated with public safety officials in the towns and counties hosting the training. Residents may hear blank gunfire and see occasional flares. Controls are in place to ensure no risk to people or property.
Residents with concerns should contact local law enforcement officials, who will then contact exercise control officials.

Robin Sage is the final rite of passage for Green Berets and has been since 1974. Civilians from the area take an active role in the operations and act as role players throughout the exercise. Many know the area of operations and can navigate without the use of a map across large areas in the exercise. Their dedication and assistance is invaluable to the Special Forces candidates and provides a valuable lesson for future SF operators.

Upon the successful completion of Robin Sage, soldiers will graduate the Special Forces Qualification Course, don their Green Berets for the first time and move on to their initial assignments in the Special Forces Regiment.

To read the entire article from Salisbury Post, click here:

Photo courtesy DOD

SOCSOUTH Honors Fallen Special Operators In Latin America

Remember Your Regiment! Special Operations Command South (SOCSOUTH) honored the men who died in the line of duty in Latin America and the Caribbean since 1963. The 142 names are etched on a memorial in front of the command’s HQs.

The memorial commemorates shows the true joint nature of the command and lists U.S. Army, Navy, Marines, and Air Force Special Operations Forces members killed during combat operations or while conducting training in U.S. Southern Command’s area of responsibility.

“[These fallen warriors] paid the ultimate sacrifice as they trained for and participated in combat operations during a critical period in our nations’ history,” said presiding officer and SOCSOUTH Commander Navy Rear Adm. Collin P. Green.

Stones were laid next to the four service flagpoles to honor the operators that were killed in action during four major combat operations: Operation Urgent Fury in Grenada, the EL Salvadoran civil war, Operation Just Cause in Panama, and Operation Uphold Democracy in Haiti.

During the ceremony, a SOCSOUTH member from each service read off the names of all 142 members who paid the ultimate sacrifice while a bell was tolled for each. The idea of the memorial was brought to the command by former SOCSOUTH Deputy Director of Operations Pat Lenaghan. He worked behind the scenes to ensure that he saw this thru.

Lenaghan formerly served in the 1^st Bn, 7^th SFG (A) at Ft. Bragg and in Panama during Just Cause. The guest speaker was retired BG Hector Pagan, former Commander of SOCSOUTH and who also served in 7^th Special Forces Group in Panama.

“These great Americans were every bit like you and me,” said retired Army Brig. Gen. Hector Pagan, guest speaker at the ceremony and SOCSOUTH’s 11th commander. “Heroes as they were, I’m sure they would never acknowledge anything they did as special; but also like you and me, what set them apart was they loved being in Special Operations, they loved our country, and loved the work they did.”
“And to our SOCSOUTH command, use today and the rest of our time here as will I, to know and respect the many chapters of SOCSOUTH’s history and pay tribute to those that have gone before us,” added Green. “Learn how they led and bled before us and built the culture and legacy we enjoy today.”
“We will not forget because as long as we remember they will be with us,” said Pagan.

To read the entire article from SOCSOUTH, click here:

Photo courtesy SOCSOUTH

SFAS Getting Yourself Ready (Part 2)

Read Part One HERE

In the last segment, we talked about getting your boots fitted correctly, ensuring your socks are placed properly and toughening up your feet for the many miles which are to come to prevent blisters.

Well, now we deal with the unfortunate and very case of what happens despite your best intentions. Everyone at one time or another is going to get either hotspots or blisters and probably both. During your train-up prior to selection is the best time to get those and learn how to prevent them in the future.

Hotspots: As you progress in the rucking during your training, you are going to feel contact points on your feet that will begin to burn or ache….these are hotspots. These are the first onset of blisters forming on your feet.

Stop immediately and remove your boots and socks. A good rule of rucking during your train-up phase should be to stop every hour. And not just catch your breath. Take off your boots and socks and examine your feet. If everything is good to go, then you can change your socks if need be and re-powder your feet and drive on.

However, if your feet are developing hotspots, they have to be treated asap. If you need moleskin, this is the time to put it on. Dry and powder your feet and then put your socks and boots back on and continue. If you choose to ignore the hotspots then you’ll end up with something more painful.

Blisters: The bane of any light infantryman and especially to those who are going thru SFAS. Blisters are pockets of fluid between the layers of the skin where a lot of friction occurs. Everyone invariably gets them at one time or another. If they happen in the train-up to selection, all the better since the feet will toughen up after some time under the ruck.

What to do when a blister occurs? If it hasn’t popped, then leave it be, place moleskin over the blister, ensuring that you leave some room around the blister to properly cushion it. Those are the easiest to care for. However, if it is too big and painful or the skin is already torn around it, then further action must be taken.

If the blister is large and not broken, you can drain it by gently sticking it with a needle Be sure the needle is sterilized and don’t get too aggressive with it. Once the fluid is drained out of the blister, apply moleskin and cushion it the best that you can.

If the skin is torn badly, cut it away carefully, clean the wound as best you can and cushion it with moleskin. If the skin flap isn’t cut too badly, an old trick I learned from an EMT is to apply some Superglue to the cut and it will bond it right back together. And be prepared for it to burn like hell. Superglue works wonders if you have a clean slice of a cut elsewhere on your body. Again, it will burn like all creation but it will seal up the cut and allow you to drive on.

During my time out at selection, the medics used to treat the candidates’ feet with tincture of benzoin. And it was some stinky, painful stuff there. Trust me you don’t want to go through that treatment.

Treat blisters immediately. If blisters are not taken care of properly and quickly, you’ll automatically compensate for the pain in your feet and it will change your gait. And once you change the way you walk, it opens up an entirely different can of worms. Other injuries can occur, including shin splints, stress fractures, tendinitis in your Achilles and hip and back pain.

It is much easier to just treat the blisters as they occur and let your feet toughen up gradually. A properly treated blister will allow you to continue your training without missing any time. Let it linger and you will lose days possibly weeks of valuable prep time.

After that, it is simply strapping on your boots and ruck and ruck and ruck some more. Once you get into a rhythm with it, it gets easier and the miles will get eaten up like a bowl of ice cream on a warm summer day.

Proper fitting boots and socks and the correct preventative maintenance of your feet will allow you to ruck on for miles with no worries. Back during my time in Panama, we had back-to-back long rucks during our certification. One night we moved 20 miles and after training all the next day, we moved 16 more miles that night. We stopped occasionally to change socks because even at 2 a.m. in Panama it is hot. We’d dry out our feet, and even changed uniforms as they were soaked.

After approximately 40 miles between the rucks and training during the day, no one on the team had a blister. Were our feet sore? You bet. But no one was any worse for wear.

In our next segment for SFAS, we’ll hit the big elephant in the room….Land Navigation.

Photo courtesy of USAF

Special Forces Hunt for Warlord Kony In Central Africa

Special Forces missions are as varied as the men who conduct them. Right now, in the Central African Republic, US Special Forces and Ugandan soldiers are conducting operations to “apprehend or remove” one of the most wanted terrorist warlords in Africa.

Joseph Kony is a self-proclaimed Christian prophet and he’s been charged with a number of crimes including murder, rape, kidnapping and torture by the International Criminal Court.

There is a $5 million price on his head for information leading to his capture. The US government considers him a specially designated global terrorist and has put up the bounty money.

Green Berets are leading Ugandan troops searching for Kony and his “Lord’s Resistance Army” (LRA) in an area the size of California. Kony and his followers have been operating in four different countries and thus far has eluded capture.

As the Trump administration shifts its focus to counterterrorism, the Green Berets’ mission to find Kony may be axed as early as this month with the warlord still at large.
Dubbed Operation Observant Compass, America is a relative newcomer to this fight. Uganda is not.
The Ugandan People’s Defense Force (UPDF), has been fighting the LRA for almost 30 years.
At the height of its power, the LRA counted as many as 3,000 fighters among its ranks.
It preyed upon villages of northern Uganda, kidnapping young boys and forcing them to commit atrocities against their neighbors and families.

There is talk of ending the US involvement in the mission from AFRICOM, the US command in Africa due to the exorbitant cost of continuing to fund the operations. Although Kony’s forces are rumored to be defeated and on the run, the operation will not be complete until he’s either killed or captured.

To read the entire article from NBC, click here:

Photo courtesy DOD

US Special Forces and Russians Working Too Close for Comfort

Reports were coming out of Syria that US-backed coalition units and Russian troops were operating in very close proximity to one another. In neighboring villages, they each tried to calm rival factions that are both fighting ISIS

The Telegraph is reporting that the two superpowers have each sent troops into the area of the northern town of Manbij to slow the tensions and stop the fighting between Turkish soldiers and Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).

The SDF which is led by 500 US Special Forces advisors is leading an attack against ISIS’ de facto capital in Syria at Raqqa. As of March 6, they had advanced within 5 miles of the capital city.

Several US armored vehicles flying the stars and stripes were seen patrolling Manbij and the surrounding countryside over the weekend, in what the Pentagon called an effort to “reassure” allies.
“Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve has taken this deliberate action to reassure Coalition members & partner forces, deter aggression and keep focus on defeating Isil,” Col. John Dorrian, a spokesman for Operation Inherent Resolve, said on Twitter.
The Manbij military council earlier asked Russian and Syrian troops to form a buffer zone between Manbij and Turkish forces in al-Bab, 25 miles to the southwest.
Col Gen Sergei Rudskoi, a spokesman for the Russian general staff, confirmed on Friday that its commanders in Syria had negotiated an agreement for troops loyal to Damascus to take over several Kurdish-controlled villages.

The Turks consider the SDF an extension of the Kurdish insurgency inside Turkey. With the Russians and US troops in very close proximity to one another, this is the kind of slippery slope that much care must be taken to avoid a confrontation.

To read the Telegraph’s entire article click here:

Photo courtesy DOD

SFAS Getting Yourself Ready Pt. 1

We’ll break this up into different parts and the first and most important is your feet. You’ll hear this 100 times from 100 different people and although you may get different advice, this much is true: Your feet are your lifeline in Special Forces. Take care of them and they’ll take care of you. Next to your brain, your feet are the most important part of your body when taking on the grind of SFAS, the SFQC and your career in the Regiment.

For troops who are coming from a light infantry, airborne or the Ranger Regiment, they’ll already know all these tips and if you have any of those guys in your unit, seek them out for advice.

Boots: This area is self-explanatory, boots are very important. Forget about the high-speed Merrells, Vasques, et al until you get to an A-team. Find two pair of boots that were issued to you via CIF and break them in like you would a baseball glove. You probably won’t be allowed to wear them anyway. Walk everywhere in them until they feel like an extension of your leg.

Why two pairs? There’s nothing worse than having a well-worn pair of boots blow out just before you have a long-range movement or a ruck march for time. Then you’re stuck between a rock and a hard place. Especially if your feet are getting wet daily. At least you can change them out daily, stuff the wet ones with newspaper or paper towels and allow them to dry out.

During one February class when I worked at SFAS, we had heavy rain for nearly the entire course. The students’ feet looked like hamburger because they were wet all the time and still having to deal with the various runs, ruck marches, and movements during the course.

The key for proper fitting boots is ensuring that the boot’s heel sits tightly to the rear of the foot, while giving the toes some wiggle room up front. If your foot is sliding around too much, either front to back or side to side, you’ll have friction, which leads to blisters. If your boots are too tight, your toes will be curled up inside and that is a blister waiting to happen. Some people advise buying boots a half-size too large because your feet will swell on a long-range ruck march. I wouldn’t recommend that at all.

Prepping the Dogs: Some guys spray their feet with antiperspirant which is supposed to stop the sweating which is the cause of blisters. I was never a big believer in this. However, if your feet sweat profusely, then by all means, try it during your prep phase to see if it works for you.

Other guys, I’ve seen use Vaseline or some type of oil or cream to reduce friction. Again, it isn’t something I’d recommend.

The best way is to use just a small amount of Gold Bond powder on your feet and in your socks before going on a ruck march. Not too much, like anything else if you put half a tin in your socks, it will clump up and create just as many problems.

It cuts down on friction which creates blisters. I’d recommend putting some around your crotch as well. If you get rubbed raw “down south” it isn’t pleasant walking for miles that way.

Socks: The best way to approach this is, is to know what cause blisters. Heat, friction, and moisture. Initially, get a good pair of tightly fit synthetic socks that will wick the moisture away from your feet. Turn them inside out so that the stitching inside won’t rub your toes and create hot spots.

The thick issue Army wool socks go over the inner layer of socks and again inside out to prevent the stitching from creating hot spots. The second sock reduces the friction and absorbs the moisture from the inner sock while cushioning your foot inside the boot.

This was explained to me once by someone smarter than me that the friction will occur between the layers of socks rather than between the socks and your feet.

Start Slowly: So, you’ve got your boots and socks on, work your way up to a speed march and distance gradually. Start by just wearing them around the house or your unit and getting used to your own system.

One other thing about wearing your boots and socks for distance rucking. Some guys lace their boots in different ways. Whenever we had a 20 miler to do in Group, I always skipped the eyelet right smack in the middle of my favorite jungle boots. That was where the bend in the top of the foot was and always seemed to be a sore spot. You’ll probably find something similar….whatever works.

Start with small distances and gradually increase the distance and speed in which you walk. Take the time during your prep work to note where you feel hot spots and/or blisters. Once you figure out what works for you, you’ll be ready to start putting some miles on your feet, hopefully, pain-free.

Next time…blisters, everyone gets them and we’ll look at the best ways of treating them.

Photo courtesy of US AF

Legion of Brothers Documentary Debuts at Sundance Film Festival

Veil is Finally Lifted on first SF Post 9/11 Missions

Just weeks after the Twin Towers fell in New York City, US Army Special Forces A-teams were deployed to Afghanistan to make contact with the anti-Taliban Northern Alliance military forces and capture a series of strategic towns in the northern area of the country.

One of those A-teams, (ODA 595) commanded by CPT Mark Nutsch with Northern Alliance troops captured the key town of Mazur-e-Sharif while conducting the first horse-mounted attack in the US military in over 100 years.

The other A-team, (ODA-574) commanded by CPT Jason Amerine deployed on November 3. Infiltrating key points in the south, they made contact with future Afghan President Hamid Karzai and moved toward Kandahar.

Now their story is finally being told, brought to the big screen by filmmaker Greg Barker who has put together the documentary “Legion of Brothers” in concert with CNN Films.

Immediately after the September 11 attacks, the United States government initiated a secret war in Afghanistan. Fewer than a hundred Special Forces soldiers, building a coalition with the rebels of the Northern Alliance, faced off against the Taliban and succeeded in driving them out of power by the end of the year—with minimal coalition casualties and without conventional, large-scale military operations. Despite this victory, the U.S. and its allies soon became mired in a seemingly never-ending war.
Acclaimed filmmaker Greg Barker (Manhunt, 2013 Sundance Film Festival) expertly reveals this unexplored story, drawing on unprecedented access to several of the Green Berets who played pivotal roles in these covert missions. Driven by a sense of justice, these soldiers left family members in the dark as they set off to serve as Afghanistan’s liberators, only to confront the tragic realities of war. Reflecting on their experiences—and on the brothers-in-arms they lost—these elite soldiers offer at once a riveting celebration of valor and a sobering, cautionary tale.

For more on the film check out Sundance’s website, or read a review from Variety here:

The film shows how the lessons learned from decades of Special Forces missions and training were put to good use and how the US military with no massive conventional force was able to topple the government of the Taliban.

Featured photo: US Special Operations Command

Female officers in Special Forces will face additional challenges

When Defense Secretary Ashton Carter opened combat occupation roles for women in the military, it also allowed women to volunteer for the various Special Operations units. These units in the military that are not only difficult to get into but even more so to complete the grueling courses. Carter admitted that the differences in the sexes will have some occupational specialties difficult for women to fill. But they will face additional challenges.

Not only will women have to complete the SFAS (Assessment and Selection) course and the SFQC (Special Forces Qualification Courses) which are very difficult in their own right, but they’ll frequently have to battle cultural prejudices that exist in many hotspots around the globe where women warriors are not a common sight. And the bias among the soldiers already assigned to SF units that women can’t handle the task.

The Special Operations Command first allowed women on operations with the Cultural Support Teams (CSTs) and those have proven successful. But now real heavy lifting begins when female officers will have the opportunity to command A-teams if they pass the Q-course.

Officers in the Army can apply for Special Forces assignments once a year. In April of 2016, the Army received 860 packets for consideration to the Special Forces, PSYOPS, and Civil Affairs Regiments. 71 women applied for Special Forces duty, of which 65 were considered and two were accepted.

Col. Nestor A. Sadler, the commandant of the Special Forces Regiment at the U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center School at Fort Bragg, confirmed that the two female candidates had accepted invitations for the SFAS class.
“Two females met the requirements for SFAS and were nominated by the ARSOF [Army Special Operations Forces selection] panel to attend SFAS. One candidate declined her invitation and withdrew from the process. Special Forces Branch asked why. On the last day to accept or decline the invitation, she changed her mind and accepted the invitation to attend SFAS,” Col. Sadler said.
At a recent Special Forces Association conference in Jacksonville, Col. Sadler said that the Army selection panel had reviewed the application packets of seven female officers. Of those, two were approved for the SFAS class, he said.
Maj. Faulkenberry said that the two female officers and 338 male officers aiming to join Special Forces first must complete the grueling, weeding-out process of Special Forces Assessment and Selection (SFA), which last 21 days.
“It’s a challenging and scientifically based process that allows the regiment to predict a candidate’s ability to succeed in the intensive training that’ll follow, as well as operate in a team environment,” the major said.- Washington Times

To read the entire article click here:

This will be an interesting development to monitor as it goes forward. Two women passed the US Army Ranger School program last year. However, none have been assigned to the Ranger Regiment yet. The Special Forces program carries with it a new MOS so they’ll be assigned to an SF unit upon successful completion. But that won’t be the end of the story but just the beginning.

Featured image: US Army photo