Science & Tech
If We Were Really Going to Invade Iran, We Would Have Used This
The future of covert sea operations looks nothing like what just happened in Iran.
Ideas
America’s Not Ready for Today’s Gray Wars
To defeat terrorists, we need to overhaul our military and other levers of government to tackle complex and shifting threats.
Business
Special Ops Survey Showed 85% Opposed Serving With Women
If integration of women is going to work, special operations leaders will have to convince the rank-and-file.
Threats
Dozens Killed in Hotel Siege; Many More Rescued By Mali, French, US Special Forces
170 people were taken hostage in an attack jointly claimed by al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb and the African jihadist group, al Mourabitoun.
Business
Eyes On Target ‘Not Required’ For Airstrikes Like the One On Kunduz Hospital
Military gunships are loaded with expensive sensors to hit targets. But that’s not the same as knowing what to hit.
Threats
What the Syrian Train-and-Equip Effort Could Learn from US Ops in Africa
The commander of U.S. special operators in Africa also says African warlord Joseph Kony is on the run — but he needs more authority from Congress to broaden the U.S. military’s mission in Africa.
Threats
Bye-Bye ‘No Boots on the Ground’: US to Send Special Ops Troops to Syria
After months of looking at new options, the White House will send in ground forces.
Ideas
5 Reasons Obama’s Afghan Withdrawal Delay is Necessary But Not Sufficient
A former Green Beret and White House policy advisor ticks off the missing elements of success.
Business
As New Book Arrives, Pentagon Warns Special Operators Against Leaks
Defense secretary, SOCOM remind troops to keep secrets as new details of bin Laden raid and other missions emerge.
Threats
Inside the Pentagon’s Manhunting Machine
A brief history of Joint Special Operations Command, from Panama to the war on terror
Ideas
How JSOC Harnessed Networks To Take on Terrorists
A former SEAL and McChrystal aide outlines the cultural shifts that helped fight AQI — and are needed against ISIS.
Business
Meet the Women Who Survived Army's Ranger School (Navy SEALs Are Next)
Shortly after two women earned their Army Ranger tabs, the Navy's top admiral said SEALs will give women their shot.
Business
Tabbed! Female Rangers Lead the Way, but Now What?
Two women have completed the U.S. Army’s grueling Ranger School. What comes next is up to a new cadre of Army leaders.
Business
In Swamp Phase, Women Ranger Candidates Blend Right In
Everyone in the last phase of the Army's elite school looks the same: sweat-soaked and exhausted. And the Ranger Association says everyone who graduates can be a member.
Threats
Army Holds Massive Drill To Show Off Its Lethality
After spending 14 years fighting insurgents in Afghanistan and Iraq, the U.S. Army is preparing for a hybrid war.
Business
Two Women Advance To Final Phase of Army Ranger School
Of the three women still vying to graduate from the first gender-integrated course for the Army’s elite, two moved on to the swamp stage. One gets another shot.
Threats
Former Pentagon Intel Chief Says Military’s Clandestine Service Is Growing
The original vision for the Defense Clandestine Service was scaled back, but Michael Vickers says the new agency is still building up.
Business
Three Women Advance to Next Phase of Army Ranger School
The last of the 19 women who began the first gender-integrated course for the Army’s elite Rangers will move on to the mountain stage.
Ideas
The US Military Should 'Go Small' to Defeat ISIS
Static, fortified bases cede the initiative to the enemy. Unconventional and light is the better approach—even if it carries a higher degree of tactical risk.
Business