Author | Lightnews

Special Operations Association of America @soaaorg.bsky.social · Mar 27

SOF Photo of the Week

Marines with 1st Marine Raider Battalion, Marine Raider Regiment, Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command, await departure during final exercise 2 as part of Weapons and Tactics Instructors Course (WTI) 2-17, near Yuma, AZ.

(USMC Photo by Lance Cpl. Clare J. Shaffer)

SignalGate – A SOF Perspective - SOAA

Special Operations Association of America @soaaorg.bsky.social · Mar 26

Given our SOF experience we always assume comms are compromised—even the classified ones.

The recent Signal chat leak isn’t the first intel blunder, and it won’t be the last. But was it a war plan leak, or just bad Operations Security?

Read our perspective: soaa.org/signalgate-s...

#signalgate

After reading segments of the chat group, there are hardly any ‘war plans’ among the pithy exchanges. We’re not at war with the Houthis, and the Signal chat can barely be called plans. The Houthis are...

Mastering Medicine in the Arctic - SOAA

Special Operations Association of America @soaaorg.bsky.social · Mar 25

Extreme cold calls for extreme readiness.

Over 100 SOF personnel, 30 organizations, and 2 partner nations took on the Arctic conditions of Ft. Wainwright for SOFAM 2025—a high-stakes training that pushed Navy SEALs, combat medics, and surgical teams to their limits.

Read more: soaa.org/sofam2025/

SOFAM 2025 provided invaluable lessons in Arctic warfighting and medical readiness. As the global landscape shifts, preparing for conflict in extreme environments ensures that SOF remains ready to ope...

1 2

Special Operations Association of America @soaaorg.bsky.social · Mar 19

SOF Photo of the Week

US and Australian #specialoperationsforces conduct a high-altitude low-opening (HALO) parachute jump from a Royal Australian Air Force C-27J Spartan of the 35 Squadron during Talisman Sabre in Queensland, Australia.
(USMC photos by Lance Cpl. Nicole Rogge)

#specialoperations

Meet the SOF Veterans Strengthening National Security - SOAA

Special Operations Association of America @soaaorg.bsky.social · Mar 17

SOF Veterans bring unmatched strategic insight, operational expertise, and real-world problem-solving skills to leadership roles. Their firsthand experience ensures #NationalSecurity policies are shaped by those who have lived the realities of war.

Read more: soaa.org/sof-veterans...

The United States has long benefited from leaders with military experience, but few bring the depth of operational knowledge, strategic thinking, and real-world problem-solving skills of Special Opera...

Special Operations Association of America @soaaorg.bsky.social · Mar 14

Senators Thom Tillis (R-NC) and @blumenthal.senate.gov (D-CT) introduced the Ensuring Justice for Camp Lejeune Victims Act.

“It is paramount to uphold Veterans’ rights to pursue justice and have their day in court,” said our Executive Director, @david-cook.bsky.social.

Special Operations Association of America @soaaorg.bsky.social · Mar 12

SOF Photo of the Week

An Army Ranger assigned to Bravo Company, 2nd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment looks down the sights of an M240B during company-level, live-fire training at Camp Roberts. The Rangers train to maintain their tactical proficiency. (DoD photo by Staff Spc. Steven Hitchcock)

Special Operations Association of America @soaaorg.bsky.social · Mar 11

Our newsletter went out yesterday. Did you get it?

Subscribers get exclusive updates from Operators on the front lines, expert analysis on global events and policies that shape our nation, and an insider’s look at the world of Special Operations!

Subscribe and stay connected: soaa.org/newsletter/

The Evolving Mission of U.S. Special Operations Forces - SOAA

Special Operations Association of America @soaaorg.bsky.social · Mar 7

SOF Photo of the Week

USMC helicopter rope suspension techniques masters with 1st Marine Raider Battalion, Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command, supervise a Marine descend during a fast-rope drill at a rappel tower in Area 41 at Camp Pendleton (UMSC photo by Lance Cpl Kerstin Roberts)

Special Operations Association of America @soaaorg.bsky.social · Mar 6

SOF is always evolving, but has never taken its eyes off nefarious state actors like China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea. In a recent congressional hearing, SOF leaders outlined strategies for tackling the complex geopolitical landscape.

Read more: soaa.org/sof-evolving...

@david-cook.bsky.social

On February 26th, U.S. Special Operations Forces (SOF) Component Commanders testified before the House Armed Services Committee’s Subcommittee on Intelligence and Special Operations during a congressi...

1 1

Special Operations Association of America @soaaorg.bsky.social · Mar 4

It was amazing to see so many come out and support women in Special Operations this weekend at Lost Rhino Brewing Company.

Thanks to @repsuhas.bsky.social for coming to show support and to Lost Rhino for hosting and making a financial donation to support our efforts.

@david-cook.bsky.social

Trump taps former Navy diver Hung Cao for service's No. 2 civilian job - Breaking Defense

Special Operations Association of America @soaaorg.bsky.social · Mar 3

A true embodiment of the American Dream, SOF Veteran, Hung Cao, has been nominated by President Trump for the role of Under Secretary of the Navy.

Read more: breakingdefense.com/2025/02/trum...

We wish Hung Cao great success in this new mission!

A retired Navy captain, Cao unsuccessfully ran for elected office in Virginia in 2022 and 2024.

breakingdefense.com

Special Operations Association of America @soaaorg.bsky.social · Feb 27

Thank you to our partners, Moral Compass Federation!

Special Operations Association of America @soaaorg.bsky.social · Feb 27

We appreciate the ongoing support from congressional members and their staff, who consistently stand by the SOF community.

We hosted a reception for Congress members and their staff to welcome them in for the 119th Congress.

Photo gallery: soaa.org/soaa-welcome...

@david-cook.bsky.social

SOAA and Lost Rhino Brewing Company Unite for a Worthy Cause - SOAA

Special Operations Association of America @soaaorg.bsky.social · Feb 26

Publicly Available Information and #opensourceintelligence are growing intelligence disciplines that directly support #specialoperationsforces.

Executive Director, @david-cook.bsky.social, and Board of Advisors member, Andrew Borene, participated in the @sansinstitute.bsky.social #OSINT Summit.

Special Operations Association of America @soaaorg.bsky.social · Feb 25

SOF Photo of the Week

A U.S. Navy SEAL with Naval Special Warfare Group 1 fast ropes from an Army MH-47 Chinook onto the aft deck of the fast combat support ship ROKS Hwacheon (AOE 59) in Jinhae Harbor, South Korea, during Foal Eagle 2012. (DoD photo by Sgt. Aaron Rognstad, U.S. Army/Released)

Special Operations Association of America @soaaorg.bsky.social · Feb 24

THIS SATURDAY!!! Support Women in SOF!

Join us between 11:30am and 10:00pm at Lost Rhino Brewing Co. You'll enjoy craft beer, live music, SOAA meet and greets and VIPs, and more, all while showing your support for women in #SpecialOperations!

Learn more: soaa.org/lost-rhino/

#LostRhino #JaxAct

In the heart of Loudoun County, Virginia, a powerful partnership is brewing—literally. We’re teaming up with Lost Rhino Brewing Company, a local establishment co-founded by retired Navy Captain, Dave ...

OSINT is Getting What it Deserves - SOAA

Special Operations Association of America @soaaorg.bsky.social · Feb 19

Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) makes up over 20% of the President’s Daily Brief but receives less than 0.5% of the intelligence budget. That's changing. The House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence formed a subcommittee focused on #OSINT.

Read: soaa.org/osint/

@david-cook.bsky.social

Congress authorizes less than one-half of one percent of the intelligence budget for Open Source Intelligence, or OSINT, while OSINT makes up more than twenty percent of the President’s Daily Budget. ...

Run for Daylight: The McMunn Way - SOAA

Special Operations Association of America @soaaorg.bsky.social · Feb 18

URGENT! We have rescued Americans, their families, and allies from dangerous situations. Today, two of our own need your help. They were instrumental in evacuating Americans from Gaza. Their lives are at risk. We must act now to bring them to safety.

Donate NOW: soaa.app.neoncrm.com/forms/americ...

Special Operations Association of America @soaaorg.bsky.social · Feb 14

From the "Line of Death" to Lost Rhino Brewing Co., Dave McMunn’s journey is proof that following your interests can lead to incredible places.

Read more about Dave’s remarkable journey here: soaa.org/dave_mcmunn/

#Veterans #SpecialOperations #lostrhino

From the “Line of Death” near Libya to Lost Rhino Brewing Co., a brewery in Ashburn, VA, Dave has been confronted with the choice to travel down the expected path or to choose to veer toward what capt...

Special Operations Association of America @soaaorg.bsky.social · Feb 13

Help us lead the way on #NationalSecurity and #ForeignPolicy issues that matter most.

If you're a current or former SOF member, you can help shape policy and continue to protect our nation as we engage with policymakers on Capitol Hill.

Become a member! soaa.org/membership/

#SpecialOperations

SOAA and Lost Rhino Brewing Company Unite for a Worthy Cause - SOAA

Special Operations Association of America @soaaorg.bsky.social · Feb 12

We're planning an EPIC day of craft beer, live music, and making history as we stand with women in Special Operations! Come to Lost Rhino Brewing Co. on March 1st to support the #jaxact.

More details: soaa.org/lost-rhino/

Be part of something powerful, raise a glass, and show your support.

In the heart of Loudoun County, Virginia, a powerful partnership is brewing—literally. We’re teaming up with Lost Rhino Brewing Company, a local establishment co-founded by retired Navy Captain, Dave ...