June 29, 2026

Perspective from the Force: SOF Sustainment for Denied Area Operations in LSCO

Denied-area operations in large-scale combat operations (LSCO) require Green Berets to provide their own sustainment. For this article, the focus is only on food procurement, as the saying often attributed to Napoleon goes, “An army marches on its stomach.” In 20 years within the special operations community, I have never practiced or trained on sustainment operations during pre-mission training, especially for deployments in support of the Global War on Terrorism (GWOT). We have always prioritized tactical training, and rightfully so. The GWOT Era rarely required sustainment training as we had staging bases throughout the area of operation.

May 7, 2026

The Relentless Pursuit of an Exceptional Experience

The most meaningful similarity between my time as a collegiate baseball coach and my time as an Army officer is not the presence of hierarchy, discipline, or standards—it is the responsibility to cultivate an exceptional experience for the people entrusted to me. In both professions, performance is inseparable from experience. Leaders who pursue experience deliberately and relentlessly are rewarded not only with better outcomes but with stronger teams, deeper trust, and organizations capable of sustaining success over time.

Jan. 22, 2026

Modern Warfare and Risk

To maintain its decisive edge, the Army must shift its culture from a constraint-based mindset to one that strategically embraces prudent risk in decision-making. This recalibration is especially true for Special Forces commanders at lower echelons, who often operate with limited support and high autonomy. The Global War on Terror (GWOT) created a risk-averse culture and a lack of empowered leadership at lower echelons, which will limit the effectiveness of United States Special Operations Forces (SOF) support to conventional forces during future large-scale combat operations (LSCO). This article provides historical context for SOF risk tolerance, examines the challenges and benefits of high-risk operations, and identifies ways to develop risk-tolerant leaders.

Jan. 15, 2026

The Lethality of Relationships: Understanding Culture is a Necessary Skill

The article emphasizes the critical importance of cultural understanding and relationship-building in irregular warfare and other complex operational environments. It argues that technology alone cannot guarantee victory; understanding local populations, their values, and socio-political dynamics is essential for establishing trust and effective partnerships. The authors also highlight the role of specialized training programs, like the 1st Special Forces Command’s Regional Expertise and Culture Program, which combines interdisciplinary education and real-world experience to enhance soldiers’ intercultural competencies.

Dec. 11, 2025

A Team Room Discussion on the SOF-Space-Cyber Triad

The SOF-Space-Cyber Triad marks a critical evolution in how U.S. Army Special Operations Forces (ARSOF) prepare for strategic competition, crisis, and conflict. It is a practical concept that weaves space-based capabilities, cyber effects, and deep-sensing platforms into Detachment-level operations. The emphasis is not on developing bespoke technology for its own sake, but to extend the operational reach, survivability, and decision-making agility of forward Detachments.

Oct. 15, 2025

Perspectives: Realigning Joint Combined Exchange Training within the ARSOF Readiness Model

The Joint Combined Exchange Training (JCET) program, a longstanding cornerstone of U.S. special operations forces (USSOF) training, has faced tensions between the force provider components and the theater special operations commands (TSOCs). Per U.S. Code Title 10, Section 322, the primary purpose of JCETs is to train special operations forces. While JCETs can supplement TSOC theater campaign plans, they are often used as a convenient solution to achieve objectives outside the scope of training authorities. Therefore, the current sourcing and execution of JCETs are misaligned with the Army special operations forces’ readiness model.

Oct. 9, 2025

Perspectives: Special Operations Forces Value Proposition to the Conventional Force in Large Scale Combat Operations

To avoid fighting “the last war,” strategic planners have tried to characterize the next fight, particularly as it relates to optimizing conventional forces and special operations forces (SOF) to be adept at large-scale combat operations (LSCO). However, a clearly articulated vision or guidance on how to evolve has not been consistently communicated.

Oct. 2, 2025

Perspectives from the Force: No More Hot-Dogging

Integrity, esprit de corps, and disciplined conduct will be necessary to ensure the Army’s readiness, cohesion, and ability to face threats effectively in future large-scale combat operations. Sometimes, in our drive to anticipate and prepare for this future, we overlook the invaluable lessons of the past. Some of those lessons were earned in blood; others were instilled in us due to the impact of transformational leaders. Within the Army special operations community, one such leader was Col. Charles Fry, a pioneer and legend within Special Forces. Col. Fry instilled a spirit of quiet professionalism in a generation of Green Berets. As our army anticipates the future battlefield and undergoes a period of transformation to prepare for the challenges ahead, Col. Fry’s words echo through time reminding us of our duty to the profession and to each other.

Sept. 30, 2025

Pursuing Higher Education: New Degree Pathways for Civil Affairs Special Operations Combat Medics

The role of special operations combat medics continues to evolve alongside rapid advancements in military medicine. Special operations medics are specially selected Soldiers tasked with the delivery of critical care in complex environments, while also individually embracing opportunities to enhance their medical expertise through higher education. This article details the unique journey of the special operations combat medics enrolled in the Special Operations Civil Affairs Medical Sergeants (SOCAMS) Course, which is offered at the Joint Special Operations Medical Training Center (JSOMTC) at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.

Sept. 25, 2025

Who We Are, What We Do: Framing the Special Forces Identity Debate

“Our nation will require answers without even knowing the questions—but answer you will.” -Command Sgt. Maj. Dave Waldo, addressing a graduating Special Forces Regimental First Formation in 20241 Over the past year, a public debate has emerged over the Special Forces Regiment’s identity: who Green Berets are, what missions define us, and how we remain relevant in great-power competition. The conversation is occurring beyond official channels in LinkedIn® posts, podcasts, and professional journals—an indicator that the community is wrestling with foundational questions.