We’ve all seen it in the movies and read about in its Medal of Honor citations. A Soldier or Marine throws himself on a grenade to save his battle buddies. It is seen as the ultimate act of self-sacrifice. In the Pacific theater, no less than 27 Marines were decorated for throwing themselves on top […]
Iraq
How to field strip and clean an AK series rifle
A well made AK variant can be incredibly reliable and accurate believe it or not. It still requires routine maintenance to stay at this level of overall quality though. Sure, you can neglect the rifle or run it dry (unlubricated) but it’s not the most ideal state of operation; for any weapon system for that […]
‘Murphy’s Law’ — Covering the war against ISIS alongside the Peshmerga
An excerpt from the new book, “Murphy’s Law: My Journey from Ranger and Green Beret to Investigative Journalist“ Another story developed when a fixer we had hired to help translate informed us that there was a big battle going down early the next morning near Kirkuk. No way were we going to pass that up. […]
Nobody goes into a room like Delta Force: A CQB attitude primer
Editor’s Note: This piece was written by Delta legend and all around American Hero George E. Hand IV for NEWSREP. (Cover photo: my good bud Robert Horrigan, KIA in Iraq) Close Quarters Battle (CQB), or Close Quarters Combat (CQC) is to the effect about 75% (maybe higher) testicles, and then 25% technique. I don’t like […]
Recon Challenge 2019: Sweat, blood, and pain for a noble cause
On May 16, active-duty and veteran U.S. Marines from units stationed around the globe gathered in Camp Pendleton, California, to participate in the annual Recon Challenge. The Recon Challenge is an endurance event that takes participants through numerous tests inspired by the Reconnaissance Marine training and operational history. There is, for example, a grueling 30-mile […]
Former Green Beret reviews Jack Murphy’s new memoir, ‘Murphy’s Law’
Editor’s note: This review was written by Steve Balestrieri, a former Special Forces NCO and Warrant Officer that now serves as the Editor of SpecialOperations.com I always balk at when someone I know writes something and I’m asked to give an opinion on it. As my circle of friends has grown smaller, I have erred […]
Adjust target: MARSOC Marines caught running a tactical gear contraband gig
Five Marines from the 3rd Marine Raider Battalion, Marine Special Operations Command (MARSOC), have been arrested for stealing government property worth more than $300,000 and then selling it on the black market. In the span of two years, two separate theft rings run by Marine special operators allegedly stole vehicle parts and tactical gear. The […]
Goodbye, Little Bird: Special Operations Command to replace legendary helicopter
According to the U.S. Special Operation Command’s (USSOCOM) acquisition executive, James Smith, the unit’s Little Bird helicopters might be experiencing their final years as America’s light special operations helicopters. Smith made the statement during the NDIA Special Operations/Low-Intensity Conflict Symposium, which took place last February. He indicated that the most likely replacement for the venerable […]
Jack Murphy’s new book, “Murphy’s Law” is on sale now – Here’s a look at his Special Forces loadout
Jack Murphy’s incredible career has spanned years and continents. From his time as an Army Ranger and Special Forces Weapons Sergeant, to his his post-military career as an investigative journalist, Jack has demonstrated his ability to perform at the highest levels in the most daunting of circumstances–and now, you can read about his experiences all […]
Acquiring a Pistol in Kurdistan: No Easy Task
There is a major shortage of firearms in Kurdistan today; this is primarily because there is a war being waged. With the small amount being trafficked into Kurdistan and the majority of the weapons from the coalition being sent to Iraq and Syria, very few find their way into Peshmerga hands. This creates very unique problems and solutions […]