Special Operations Association of America
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soaaorg.bsky.social
Special Operations Association of America
@soaaorg.bsky.social
29 followers 12 following 64 posts
We advocate for all past, present, and future members of the Special Operations community and their families. Join us at SOAA.org!
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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)
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
SignalGate – A SOF Perspective - SOAA
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...
soaa.org
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/
Mastering Medicine in the Arctic - SOAA
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...
soaa.org
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
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.
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)
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/
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)
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
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!
Trump taps former Navy diver Hung Cao for service's No. 2 civilian job - Breaking Defense
A retired Navy captain, Cao unsuccessfully ran for elected office in Virginia in 2022 and 2024.
breakingdefense.com
Thank you to our partners, Moral Compass Federation!
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
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.
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)
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
OSINT is Getting What it Deserves - SOAA
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. ...
soaa.org
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...
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
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.
SOAA and Lost Rhino Brewing Company Unite for a Worthy Cause - SOAA
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 ...
soaa.org
We applaud the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence for establishing a Subcommittee dedicated to Open-Source Intelligence. As more data and information is public daily, it provides valuable insights to the DOD and Intelligence Community.

Read more: intelligence.house.gov/news/documen...
House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence Adopts 119th Congress Rules and Announces Subcommittee Leaders
intelligence.house.gov
Congrats to Michael Jensen on his nomination for Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special Operations and Low-Intensity Conflict (ASD-SOLIC).

His experience in USAF #specialoperations makes him a strong choice to lead and advocate for SOF at the highest levels.

defensescoop.com/2025/02/05/t...
Trump nominates Air Force veteran to oversee special operations forces
If confirmed, Michael Jensen would be responsible for providing civilian oversight of the U.S. military’s SOF enterprise.
defensescoop.com