I first met Kap when I was a Team Leader in 1st Platoon, A/co, 3rd Ranger Battalion, and truth be told, I thought he was a pretty abrasive dude at first. What I gradually came to realize was that he was standoffish because he didn't know me and rightly didn't trust me yet. I was the new guy and untested in his eyes as a Squad Leader. Deploying to Iraq, I found a new respect for … [Read more...] about Sergeant Joe Kapacziewski, Back in the Fight
Jack Murphy Articles
Eeben Barlow Speaks Out (Pt. 1): PMC and Nigerian Strike Force Devastates Boko Haram
Reports have emerged from Nigeria that South African military contractors are on the ground helping the Nigerian military deal some devastating blows to the terrorist organization known as Boko Haram. "The campaign gathered good momentum and wrested much of the initiative from the enemy," says Eeben Barlow, the chairman of STTEP, a private military company (PMC) on the ground … [Read more...] about Eeben Barlow Speaks Out (Pt. 1): PMC and Nigerian Strike Force Devastates Boko Haram
WATCH: How to pass Special Forces Assessment and Selection
The journey to becoming a Special Forces soldier won't be easy. Special Forces training is rigorous and highly selective, but the courage and strength you will gain as a candidate will stay with you your entire life. In addition to Basic Combat Training, soldiers must have completed Advanced Individual Training and U.S. Army Airborne School to be eligible for Special Forces … [Read more...] about WATCH: How to pass Special Forces Assessment and Selection
Special Operations reading list: A few of my favorite hidden gems
I love reading about Special Operations history. It's amazing what information can be found in published sources if you're prepared to dig around. There's a whole hidden history that can only be compiled by doing some deep research and really looking for sources. Thankfully, some former operators penned books that are well worth tracking down. Here are four of my favorites … [Read more...] about Special Operations reading list: A few of my favorite hidden gems
WATCH: How to pass Special Forces Assessment and Selection
The journey to becoming a Special Forces soldier won't be easy. Special Forces training is rigorous and highly selective, but the courage and strength you will gain as a candidate will stay with you your entire life. In addition to Basic Combat Training, soldiers must have completed Advanced Individual Training and U.S. Army Airborne School to be eligible for Special Forces … [Read more...] about WATCH: How to pass Special Forces Assessment and Selection
WATCH: American YPG volunteer describes joining up with the Kurdish militia
Ever wonder how people join up with groups such as the YPG? A former Marine and volunteer with the Kurdish YPG militia answers questions about how it is done. In this Q&A he even talks about how the food is, ranging from nothing but bread to quality rations. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TD-JlhESPg4 … [Read more...] about WATCH: American YPG volunteer describes joining up with the Kurdish militia
‘El Chapo’ drug lord sentenced to life in prison plus 30 years
Notorious Mexican drug lord Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzmán was sentenced Wednesday in a New York court to life in prison plus 30 years. Guzmán oversaw the Sinaloa Cartel, a massive drug-running operation that distributed narcotics throughout the United States. He was also something of a folk hero to some people for his multiple prison escapes. The last straw came during a January … [Read more...] about ‘El Chapo’ drug lord sentenced to life in prison plus 30 years
Afghan commando unit suffers 25 killed in clashes near Turkmenistan border
Abdul Ghaffar Malakzai, governor of Badghis Province, confirmed that 25 members of Afghanistan's elite commando unit have been killed in a firefight with the Taliban. RFE/RL reports: An Afghan regional governor said 25 members of the country's elite commando units have been killed in fighting with the Taliban. The incident, which occurred on July 15 in the northern … [Read more...] about Afghan commando unit suffers 25 killed in clashes near Turkmenistan border
Watch: US Special Forces Underwater Operations School
"In the Combat Dive Qualification Course, dive school trainees learn surface and subsurface waterborne infiltration. The school also conducts the Combat Diving Supervisor's Course and Diving Medical Technician Course. Since World War II and into modern conflicts across the globe, divers have played an integral part in not only the military's war records, but also in the … [Read more...] about Watch: US Special Forces Underwater Operations School
Ammo maker declares war on “trained wildlife,” including dolphins
Ammunition manufacturer Hornady DGS is marketing its brand of super-cavitation bullets designed for subsurface use. In testing, it has been shown that just a few feet of water is generally enough to stop a bullet. This means conventional ammunition is of very limited use to combat divers and other Special Operations teams while conducting sub-surface missions with SCUBA or … [Read more...] about Ammo maker declares war on “trained wildlife,” including dolphins
Heavily armed neo-Nazi ring busted up by Italian police
Digos, Turin's special police unit, executed raids in northern Italy with the assistance of police in Milan, Forli, Varese, and Novara, according to the BBC. The police operation was part of an investigation into Italians who had fought alongside Russian-backed separatists in eastern Ukraine. Police arrested Fabio Del Bergiolo, who had previously worked as a customs official … [Read more...] about Heavily armed neo-Nazi ring busted up by Italian police
Your guide to Special Forces weapons and gear
The M4 rifle is a shortened M16 carbine and is by far the most common weapon found in the hands of US forces today. Special Forces troops carry the M4 and utilize the new SOPMOD 2 package, which includes the EO Tech 553 holographic reflex site, LA-5 infrared laser, foregrip, the M3X visible bright light (tactical light) and associated accessories. Also included is the Elcan … [Read more...] about Your guide to Special Forces weapons and gear