Special Operations News – September 18, 2023
September 18, 2023 SOF News Update 0
Navy Combatant Craft NSW
Curated news, analysis, and commentary about special operations, national security, and conflicts around the world.
Photo / Image: A Navy combatant craft returns to the USS John P. Murtha, not pictured, during Operation Polar Dagger in the Bering Sea, Aug. 28, 2023. The operation is designed to sharpen joint special operations integration and provides the forces the opportunity to test new capabilities and advance response options. Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Joshua Samoluk.
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SOF News
SOF Pop Culture and Politics. Edward Salo, an associate professor of history at Arkansas State University, is worried about the effect of credibility of special operations amongst the public and the adverse effects on civil-military relations. The days of the “Quiet Professional” seem to be in the past with the emergence of books, movies, podcasts, and more about special operations. This has found its way into the American political arena as well. “Politicization and Pop Culture: How Public Perception of Special Operations Units Intersects with Civil-Military Relations”, Modern War Institute at West Point, September 11, 2023.
Pararescue Competition. The Kentucky Air National Guard’s 123rd Special Tactics Squadron hosted the 2023 PJ Rodeo. This event saw 30 pararesecuemen from around the world compete in two-person teams to demonstrate skills in precision parachuting, marksmanship, technical rescue, and tactical medicine. The PJ Rodeo is facilitated by the Pararescue Association, a non-profit veterans group comprised of Special Warfare Airmen. The rodeo takes place every two years. “Special Warfare Operators Compete for Title as Top Pararescuemen”, 123rd Airlift Wing, September 8, 2023.
24th RDS. The 24th Special Operations Wing redesignated Detachment 1, also known as Deployment Cell or “D-Cell,” to the Rapid Deployment Squadron during a ceremony at MacDill Air Force Base, Fla., Sept. 6, 2023. A geographically separated unit from the 24 SOW at Hurlburt Field, Fla., the Rapid Deployment Squadron consists of members across 15 career fields, forming four agile teams. These teams of multi-capable Airmen are trained in 49 cross-functional tasks including survival, evasion, resistance and escape training, advanced shooting and advanced combat casualty care. “D-Cell Redesignated 24th Rapid Deployment Squadron”, 24th Special Operations Wing, September 11, 2023.
https://sof.news/update/20230918/
