Special Operations Forces Week 2026

“I think we need to make ourselves a smaller target. We have to be harder to be detected, hit.”

“You can’t be brilliant with the modern basics on this muscle memory alone. You need the technical education and training to be able to master the electromagnetic spectrum in the virtual domain, as well.”

The OA-1K Skyraider II is designed to support special operations forces by flying armed reconnaissance, close air support, and precision strike missions.

U.S. Special Operations Command’s strategy for fielding new technology to special operators emphasizes speed, a top acquisitions official with the command said.

The Army confirmed a large order of SMASH 2000LE drone-tracking smart scopes. Mounted on a soldier’s rifle, the device can track and target drones as they fly.

“This will go down in Air Force history as one of the greatest accomplishments of the Air Force rescue community.”

Their use has risen dramatically under President Donald Trump’s policy of pursuing drug cartels as terrorist organizations.

The fighter jets from the 55th Fighter Squadron engaged in “high-risk flights into heavily defended airspace” during last year’s attack on Iranian nuclear sites.

Two Army bases, two Air Force bases and one Navy installation are getting high powered microwave and laser air defense systems.

So far, Scouts have not had their own Primary Military Occupational Speciality, equivalent to a mortarman or machine gunner. But that could change.

SOCOM’s ANCHOR Initiative wants to “accelerate” how new technologies are integrated into operations, including augmented reality, drones and lasers.

Guam’s vast logistics infrastructure makes it the keystone for any military operation in the Pacific — and a prime target for China.

The company that makes the SMASH 2000L advanced fire control system confirmed that a recent series of photos show deployed Marines using the smart scope.

“We had each other’s back, and knew that when one of us was in trouble, the other was there to carry the load.”

In 2023, special ops cargo planes delivered commandos and folded helicopters to a Wyoming airstrip in search of a “missing pilot” — the same tactics behind the rescue in Iran.

U.S. Northern Command is seeking an agreement with Denmark to expand its operations on the island to three new areas.

Marines can now use a ‘red dot’ optic when qualifying in the Combat Pistol Program, which is required for specific jobs and units that issue sidearms.

The Army is expected to begin fielding the XM8, a shorter, lighter carbine version of the M7 Next Generation Squad Weapon rifle, towards the end of the year.

The M111 Offensive Hand Grenade is meant to be more effective and reduce the risk of injuring friendly forces when used in confined spaces.

Marine Capt. John Ripley hung demolition charges beneath a key bridge, swinging hand-over-hand for three hours while under fire.

The Senate has passed a bill to clear the way for retired Marine Maj. James Capers Jr. to receive the Medal of Honor for his heroism during a 1967 ambush in Vietnam.

The Marines are sticking with the M27 while they will also “continue to monitor development” of the Army’s M7.

The MV Ocean Trader, a floating barracks, helicopter base and command center for special ops forces, is currently operating in the Caribbean.

The military’s newest branch which was established in 2018 will get its own special operations component.