The names of two U.S. Special Forces soldiers killed August 21 in Afghanistan have been released. Master Sgt. Luis F. Deleon-Figueroa, 31, and Master Sgt. Jose J. Gonzalez, 35 were both assigned to the 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne), or 7th SFG (A), stationed out of Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. Both were posthumously promoted to Master Sergeant. Deleon-Figueroa was ... Read More »
“I’m just one guy that got injured. A lot of guys got killed,” Bailey said. “But the big thing is that they honor the families — because that’s who really goes through hell.” Bailey said he was grateful to the Yankees for the opportunity to recognize the families of the wounded, those who don’t sign up to go to war ... Read More »
The latest casualties came a day after U.S. special envoy to Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad announced he would be returning to the Qatari capital of Doha to resume peace talks with the Taliban aimed at ending the longest war in U.S. history. The diplomat raised hopes last week that a deal may have been reached following the eighth and latest round ... Read More »
In the drill, advanced and varied capabilities of the unit were displayed, including taking over a vessel by parachuting from a plane, climbing, rappelling, sniping, and medical evacuation. In addition, the use of advanced weaponry and vessels was demonstrated. According to the senior officer in Shayetet 13, the purpose of the drill was to “deepen cooperation and professional discourse” between ... Read More »
Advancements in technology are spurring Special Operations Command to examine how it can improve its artificial intelligence capabilities on a data-driven battlefield. “We really wanted to focus on growing the discipline,” David Spirk Jr., the organization’s chief data officer, said during a speech at the Special Operations Forces Industry Conference hosted by the National Defense Industrial Association. This “applies to ... Read More »
If special operations leaders are serious about ending a troubling trend of bad behavior in the ranks, they must be transparent about the ongoing ethics review and allow troops a break from their never-ending deployment cycles, operators and those who study the command say. Army Gen. Richard Clarke, head of U.S. Special Operations Command, last week called for a sweeping ... Read More »
A former Blackwater security contractor was sentenced Wednesday to life in prison for his role in the 2007 shooting of unarmed civilians in Iraq that left 14 people dead. Federal judge Royce Lamberth issued the sentence after a succession of friends and relatives requested leniency for Nicholas Slatten, who was found guilty of first-degree murder by a jury in December. ... Read More »
SOFWERX was honored to support the veteran and active duty service members who showcased their incredible grit and determination in the Warrior Games this past June. Individuals such as Stuart DiPaolo are an inspiration to us all. Through his example, we are convicted to do more in the support of our Nation’s heroes. Source: A wounded Marine’s incredible journey to ... Read More »
Ralph Mayville, veteran of the First Special Service Force during World War II, has died. Mayville, born August 21, 1921, grew up in Amherstburg, Ont. and later lived in Windsor. According to records from the Windsor Public Library, Mayville became a member of the Essex Scottish Regiment in 1940, but quickly joined the Royal Canadian Regiment. In 1944, Mayville was ... Read More »
The Pentagon identified the American service member killed Saturday in northern Iraq as a decorated veteran Marine from an elite unit and father of two who was lauded for helping to defeat ISIS. Gunnery Sgt. Scott A. Koppenhafer, 35, of Mancos, Colorado, who was advising Iraqi security forces conducting combat operations in Nineveh province, died from enemy small arms fire, ... Read More »
SOFX The Crossroads of Special Operations