special operations forces Archives

U.S. East coast-based Naval Special Warfare Operators (SEALs) conduct dive operations to increase maritime lethality during training off the coast of Key Largo, Florida, Feb. 18, 2025. Naval Special Warfare Group TWO produces, supports, and deploys the world’s most lethal maritime special operation forces to ensure the United States will deter and win wars. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Katie Cox)

SOCOM highlights 6 focus areas for naval capabilities modernization

Officials released a source-sought notice for the ANCHOR initiative.

2 days ago By Jon Harper

A U.S. Air Force crew chief guides in a F-35A Lightning II following actions in Venezuela in support of Operation Absolute Resolve, Jan. 3, 2026. (U.S. Air Force Photo)

Special Forces soldier charged with using classified information to profit off online prediction market released on $250K bond

The DOJ accused 38-year-old Master Sgt. Gannon Ken Van Dyke of using classified information to place tens of thousands of dollars worth of bets on Polymarket in…

5 days ago By Drew F. Lawrence

Screenshot from a video of U.S. Marines with Expeditionary Operations Training Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force testing Marine-Build drones off the coast of Naval Base White Beach, Okinawa, Japan, March 22, 2026. The training was part of the EOTG Unmanned Systems Branch, which seeks to teach Marines in basic drone operations, capabilities, and assembly. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Cpl. Giovanni Navarrette)

A first, Marines launch FPV drone at unmanned vessel while aboard naval craft

Marines with III Expeditionary Operations Training Group out of Okinawa, Japan, designed the unmanned surface vessel themselves, officials said, then blew it up with a drone.

Apr 8, 2026 By Drew F. Lawrence

East-Coast-based U.S. Naval Special Warfare Operators (SEALs) participate in a special operations forces exercise off the coast of Fort Walton Beach, Florida, Nov. 3, 2022. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Bailey Wyman)

CIA, SOCOM gearing up for rapid capability assessment with an eye toward ‘field-forward’ ops

Focus areas include advanced analytics, mapping building infrastructure, novel energy sources, data communications and exfiltration, and edge device optimization.

Feb 10, 2026 By Jon Harper

An Operator assigned to 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne) peers down a hallway scanning for hostile targets in Las Vegas June 2, 2023 . The training was conducted to allow Green berets to hone their ability to adapt to adverse conditions in unfamiliar terrain. (U.S. Army Photo by SPC. Steven Alger)

SOCOM exploring how AI can make it easier to survey key overseas facilities

Over the next several months, SOCOM is inviting industry, academia and national laboratory groups to participate in a series of events intended to explore how AI can…

Feb 5, 2026 By Drew F. Lawrence

A Marine assigned to U.S. Marine Forces Special Operations Command (MARSOC) conducts training at Camp Guernsey Joint Training Center, Wyoming, on April 14, 2025. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Cesar Rivas)

MARSOC wants intel specialists amid high demand, limited personnel pool

“These positions are a challenge to fill due to the specialized nature of the skills required and the high-level of proficiency necessary to accomplish the tasks,” a…

Jan 23, 2026 By Drew F. Lawrence

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Jose Sanchez reenlists during Warrior Shield 24, Republic of Korea, March 28, 2024. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Davin Tenbusch)

Some Marines could receive $50K retention bonus ‘kickers’ if they reenlist and switch their MOS

The Marine Corps announced plans for the fiscal 2027 SRB program.

Jan 23, 2026 By Jon Harper

A drone detonates an inflatable tank at Camp Blanding, Florida on Jan. 8, 2026 during a military drone swarm demonstration. (Screenshot from Pentagon video).

U.S. military says it conducted the first kinetic drone swarm on American soil during a recent exercise

The U.S. military and tech companies have demonstrated drone swarms before, but officials are touting this latest exercise as the first time they’ve attacked simulated targets, armed…

Jan 15, 2026 By Drew F. Lawrence

(Photo posted by Derrick Anderson on his X social media account)

Derrick Anderson steps into SO/LIC role amid high demand for special operations forces, new tech

The new assistant secretary of defense for special operations and low-intensity conflict comes into the job as SOF are busy conducting high-profile ops and pursuing new capabilities.

Jan 8, 2026 By Jon Harper

Derrick M. Anderson, nominee to be assistant secretary of defense for special operations and low-Intensity conflict, arrives for his Senate Armed Services Committee confirmation hearing in Dirksen building on Thursday, September 18, 2025. (Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call via Getty Images)

American special operations forces get new civilian overseer

Derrick Anderson was confirmed as ASD for SO/LIC.

Dec 18, 2025 By Jon Harper