Ideas
ISIS and Al-Qaeda’s Sub-Saharan Affiliates Are Poised for Growth in 2021
A rundown on jihadi groups’ expansion in the Sahel and Nigeria, the Horn of Africa, and the continent’s southeastern Swahili coast.
Business
New Plane Key to Special Ops Vision for Africa, General Says
Air Force Special Operations Command is planning flight demonstrations in coming months.
Science & Tech
AI Is Reshaping the US Approach to Gray-Zone Ops
Artificial intelligence and machine learning tools aren’t just for big hot wars, but also for places where the battle lines aren’t clear.
Ideas
There's No Easy Fix For Australia's Special Forces Culture
A blistering war crimes report is forcing us to take stock of what the Australian Defence Force asks of its soldiers.
Ideas
As Spotlight Fades, What Next for Special Operators?
Under Trump, the Pentagon's ‘service secretary’ in charge of SOF has changed hands eight times between seven people.
Ideas
Look at Great Power Competition Through a Special Operations Lens
Most of this competition is far short of combat, which makes the principles and expertise of SOF keenly relevant.
Science & Tech
How AI Will Soon Change Special Operations
A new SOCOM office is pursuing tools to understand and influence populations, clear rooms with robots, and spot new forms of jamming.
Science & Tech
Here’s What Special Operators Want From Their New Light Attack Plane
In short: something they can start flying right now.
Science & Tech
Special Operations Command Made a Mind-Reading Kit For Elite Troops
The experimental tool is among several that aim to combine sensors and AI to give U.S. operators a new edge.
Science & Tech
US Is Moving Too Slowly to Harness Drones and AI, Former SOCOM Commander Says
Tony Thomas says he wishes he’d spent less time growing his command and more time pushing it to embrace new technology.
Ideas
Betraying The Kurds Makes Things Harder for US Operators Everywhere
It will henceforth be much more difficult for U.S. combat forces and advisors to get help from local partners around the world.
Ideas
‘Silent Warriors’ Speak Out Against Trump’s Syria Turnaround
America’s elite special operators are breaking their wall of silence like never before, 'betrayed' by Trump’s decision to pull back in Syria and erase years of hard work. But are they too late?
Science & Tech
The US Military Is Chopping Up Its Iron Man Suit For Parts
SOCOM’s much-anticipated super suit won’t be here for Christmas.
Science & Tech
Russia’s Special Operators Are Getting Futuristic Mini-Subs
Originally designed for oil exploration, the six bathyspheres are to arrive by 2022.
Ideas
Mind The Gender Capability Gap
It's a strategic blind spot for the Pentagon, but gender and warfare are inextricably intertwined. Let’s train our forces to face that.
Ideas
Ep. 8: The Atlantic's Uri Friedman; Battle for Hodeida; New Special Ops gear, weapons and more.
Welcome to our podcast about the news, strategy, tech, and business trends defining the future of national security.
Science & Tech
Special Operations Command Takes Aim At Enemies Hiding Files Inside Seized Electronics
Terror groups are using new techniques to reduce the intel value of seized laptops and cellphones.
Science & Tech
Special Operations Forces Are Changing Combat Medicine With Jury-Rigged Hospitals and Freeze-Dried Blood
Fighting that takes place far from friendly hospitals is driving experimental techniques that may one day see wide adoption by the Pentagon.
Policy
No Joke: Top Special Ops Commander Says No Offense Intended, Lauds Press
‘I don’t condone that kind of violence’ Gen. Raymond 'Tony' Thomas said in an exclusive interview, one day after joking about pretending to shoot at the press.
Ideas
Ep. 3: Bye-bye, Iran deal; Hello, North Korea; Future of special ops in Niger and more.
Welcome to episode three of our weekly podcast about the news, strategy, tech, and business trends defining the future of national security.
Almost There!
Help us tailor content specifically for you: