Exclusive
Policy
JSOC commander likely to be SOCOM pick, sources say
The White House “loves" Vice Adm. Mitch Bradley, but final decisions are not yet in.
Defense Systems
Make big things small and small things big: SOCOM’s gear wishlist
As special operations forces prepare to take on a wider set of missions, their tech needs are growing more ambitious.
Science & Tech
Air Force Special Operations wants to fire cruise missiles from Reaper drones
The demand for AFSOC forces is increasing, creating new pressure to re-imagine current tools.
Ideas
Forging a new national security alliance
The commander of U.S. Special Operations Command wants to knit traditional and non-traditional government, industry, and academic partners.
Ideas
Add special operators to the Joint Simulation Environment
The X-Men have the right idea: training needs to include the whole team.
Policy
In Pentagon shakeup, some see bid for more secret actions, less oversight
Trump's unconventional pick for Joint Chiefs chair brings deep special-warfare experience.
Science & Tech
SPRINT contractors add details about their fast, runway-independent aircraft
DARPA-SOCOM program managers aim to review the technology-demonstrator designs in April.
Policy
How Trump may shake up DOD: an insider’s view
An interview with Christopher Miller, the acting SecDef-turned-Project 2025 co-author.
Exclusive
Science & Tech
New small cruise missile slated for SOCOM gunship test
Digital engineering is helping smaller companies make big leaps in missile design.
Science & Tech
AFSOC still wants 75 light attack aircraft despite Congress’ doubts
“The world's changed a little bit,” the top Air Force special operator says.
Science & Tech
Special operators hope AI can reduce civilian deaths in combat
Automation could eventually turn “trigger-pullers into the experts that can do this,” one official said.
Threats
INDOPACOM wants more special operators in the Pacific
“SOF’s greatest power is early leverage” in deterring conflict, Adm. Sam Paparo said.
Defense Systems
Ultrasecure comms could give special operators a leg up
U.S., Norwegian commands team up to test a quantum-communications prototype.
Science & Tech
The US is still falling behind on electronic warfare, special operators warn
New space and low-power solutions are needed to operate against modern jamming.
Science & Tech
AI, new tech are creating a special-operations ‘renaissance’
U.S. SOCOM wants to use new tools to give small teams a big punch.
Ideas