SOFspot

SOFspot

The Global Special Operations Forces (SOF) Foundation is a non-profit focused on building a global SOF community-- and SOFspot is our podcast! Join GSF Director of Marketing Chelsea Hamashin, with President Stu Bradin, COO Meaghan Keeler-Pettigrew, and the team as we talk to SOF legends, discuss relevant technologies, and look at the ever-changing battlefield. Don't forget to subscribe so you don't miss an episode.

Global SOF Foundation Government 30 rész The Global Special Operations Forces (SOF) Foundation is a non-profit focused on building a global SOF community-- and SOFspot is our podcast! Join GSF Director of Marketing Chelsea Hamashin, with Pre
No Vaporware Allowed
46 perc 1. évad 39. rész Global SOF Foundation

In this episode, Global SOF COO Meaghan Keeler-Pettigrew interviews Mr. Peter Singer, the co-author of recently released novel: "Burn-In: A Novel of the Real Robotic Revolution."

They discuss the book, which centers around a terrorist attack in Washington, DC just 10 years in the future, and more specifically the technologies and scenarios that are featured. Everything is thoroughly researched and referenced, so that only technologies that are currently plausible in the next decade are realistically featured. #NoVaporware

Listen on to learn why we can get mad at Alexa, how FIC-INT (Fictional Intelligence) could help educate warfighters and policymakers, and what the AI/Human relationships of the future may look like...

Buy "Burn-In: A Novel of the Real Robotic Revolution":

Partner Spotlight: Bren-Tronics
https://www.bren-tronics.com/

Support the show (https://gsof.org/individual-membership/)

A Great Time To Be A Ranger
44 perc 1. évad 38. rész Global SOF Foundation

Chelsea Zooms with CSM (Ret) Rick Lamb about Operation EAGLE CLAW, the failed attempt to rescue hostages at the US Embassy in Iran in April 1980. They talk about what it was like to be a Ranger in the 70s, prepping for the mission, and what led to its eventual failure. Plus we talk about the outcomes of the mission and what changes it led to in the US DoD. 

Watch the SOF Story from Quarantine Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3rnDPvv1tPE

Corporate Partner Highlight: Blue Light, LLC
https://bluelightllc.com/

Support the show (https://gsof.org/individual-membership/)

Puppet Master of Air Assets
48 perc 1. évad 37. rész Global SOF Foundation

Chelsea and Steve sit down (virtually) with MSgt (Ret) Wes Bryant, a former JTAC and TACP with 20 years of service in the U.S. Air Force. He talks about the important role that a JTAC plays in combat operations, the importance of airstrikes in the fight against ISIS, and how that fight had to morph in different areas of the Middle East. 

Get the Book! "Hunting the Caliphate"
https://www.amazon.com/Hunting-Caliphate-Americas-ISIS-Strike-ebook/dp/B07TLG7DDJ

Corporate Partner Highlight: goTenna:
https://gotenna.com/

Support the show (https://gsof.org/individual-membership/)

COVID Update & SOF Stories
21 perc 1. évad 35. rész Global SOF Foundation

This special episode of the podcast includes an update from Stu and Chelsea on the Global SOF focus during the Coronavirus Pandemic. 

Then we launch into two SOF Stories from Quarantine: one from Rick Lamb on Armed Overwatch and his relevant experiences in Somalia, followed by Stu's take on the Power of Partnerships and standing up the NATO SOF Headquarters in Europe.

Video Editions of SOF Stories:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUHPc9_rm4QmoSqaKSpKL7A

Global SOF Areas of Focus:
http://gsof.org/mission/

Corporate Partner Highlight: Black Cape
https://blackcape.io/

Support the show (https://gsof.org/individual-membership/)

The History of BELSOF
23 perc 1. évad 34. rész Global SOF Foundation

Two Belgian SOF Operators tell the story behind their Special Forces Group and Special Operations Regiment, diving deep into their roots in WWII. From the Battle of the Bulge to the Beaches of Normandy, learn about how Belgium's most elite soldiers earned their berets, impacted the war, and became the units they are today.

Belgium Museum Recommendation from Rick Lamb (After Corona):
http://www.pegasus-museum.be/

Belgium CDO Museum Recommendation from BELSOF Operator:
http://www.cdomuseum.be/

Corporate Partner Highlight: Huntington Ingalls Industries:
https://www.huntingtoningalls.com/


Support the show (https://gsof.org/individual-membership/)

A Seat at the Table
37 perc 1. évad 33. rész Global SOF Foundation

Get an inside look at our February SOF Imperatives Forum--specifically the panel on the Role of the Assistant SECDEF for Special Operations / Low-Intensity Conflict (ASD SO/LIC). Moderated by Catherine Herridge of CBS News, she spoke with three former ASD SO/LICs:

  • Michael Lumpkin
  • Brian Sheridan
  • Mark Mitchell

See what they had to say about the need to elevate the ASD SO/LIC to an Undersecretary position based on their own experiences with the role.

See our Op/Ed on the topic:
https://thehill.com/blogs/congress-blog/politics/469111-americas-avengers-deserve-an-advocate

Corporate Partner Highlight: Allies, Inc.
https://www.linkedin.com/company/allies-inc-/

Support the show (https://gsof.org/individual-membership/)

Serving as an "Ordinary" Citizen
35 perc 1. évad 32. rész Global SOF Foundation

Jim Hake, the CEO and Founder of non-profit Spirit of America, joins Chelsea and Steve to talk about his organization. Inspired by the events of 9/11, Jim founded SoA to help support the American mission in countries around the globe. He calls himself an "ordinary citizen," but we think you'll agree he's much more than that!

From baseball equipment to veterinary training, SoA uses its "venture capital model" to take actions that build global relationships with agility and flexibility.

Learn More About Spirit of America:
https://spiritofamerica.org/

Corporate Partner Highlight:
https://www.sosi.com/

Support the show (https://gsof.org/individual-membership/)

The Terrorism Threat Picture
26 perc 1. évad 31. rész Global SOF Foundation

This episode features the "Future of Terrorism: A New America Assessment" panel from the September 2019 SOF Policy Forum in Washington, DC. Panelists Melissa Salyk-Virk and David Sterman talk about their findings around the increase in drone attacks, issues in the Horn of Africa and Yemen, and the impact of different ideologies both within and outside of the U.S.

To learn more, make sure you check out their full assessment:
https://www.newamerica.org/international-security/reports/terrorism-america-18-years-after-911/

And don't miss our upcoming SOF Imperatives Forum in DC:
https://gsofimperatives.org/dc-program/

Plus, our Corporate Partner Highlight, Peraton:
https://www.peraton.com/

Support the show (https://gsof.org/individual-membership/)

Do Something That Matters
32 perc 1. évad 30. rész Global SOF Foundation

Chelsea and Steve sat down with six active duty soldiers at U.S. Army Special Operations Command (USASOC) from Special Forces (SF), Civil Affairs (CA), and Psychological Operations (PSYOP). We discussed joining the Army, differences between conventional and SOF service, and what opportunities ARSOF holds for female soldiers. Thanks to our participants: Ben, Garrett, Rihanna, Kiel, Doug, and Angela!

Learn more about USASOC:
https://www.soc.mil/

Global SOF Partner Highlight: BlackFish
http://blackfishsolutions.com/

Support the show (https://gsof.org/individual-membership/)

Deep Behind Enemy Lines
42 perc 1. évad 29. rész Global SOF Foundation

Chelsea is joined by GSF President Stu Bradin to talk with LTC (Ret) Jimmy Reese. Reese talks about his unconventional path in the Army that ultimately led him to Delta Force, Operation Anaconda, and becoming an entrepreneur after retiring from Active Duty.

Partner Highlight: The Range Complex
https://www.therangecomplex.com/

Learn More... Stu references Peter Blaber's Book on Operation Anaconda (and more), which is called, "The Mission, The Men, and Me: Lessons from a Former Delta Force Commander":
https://www.amazon.com/Mission-Men-Me-Lessons-Commander/dp/0425223728

Support the show (https://gsof.org/individual-membership/)

Armed with Opportunities
27 perc 1. évad 28. rész Global SOF Foundation

LTC Rick Woolshlager is the Commander of the U.S. Army's Special Operations Recruiting Battalion--and he's the guest on this episode of SOFspot! Chelsea met with him at Ft. Bragg to learn about the Army's in-service recruiting team and the many career fields that are available in Army SOF. We talk about opportunities for women, what you should know before you separate from active duty, and if Hollywood has had an impact on recruiting.

Learn More About Army Special Operations:
http://goarmysof.com/

Global SOF Corporate Partner Highlight: Peraton
https://www.peraton.com/

Support the show (https://gsof.org/individual-membership/)

I Served With Great Soldiers
36 perc 1. évad 27. rész Global SOF Foundation

Chelsea and Rick were honored to chat with MG (Ret) Ken Bowra, an American Special Forces hero who's service goes back to the Vietnam War. MG Bowra talks about serving with the MACVSOG-- Military Assistance Command - Vietnam, Studies and Observations Group.

He discusses different tactics used during recon missions, the importance of different types of equipment, and the brotherhood he had with the indigenous troops. It's a very interesting conversation that dives into the real experiences of a Special Forces soldier in Vietnam.

Read the MACVSOG Presidential Unit Citation:
http://www.specialoperations.org/macvsog_puc.html

Global SOF Partner Highlight: Axiologic Solutions:
https://axiologicsolutions.com/

Support the show (https://gsof.org/individual-membership/)

Evolving SOF Leadership
44 perc 1. évad 26. rész Global SOF Foundation

Please note: The statements and opinions of the speakers in this episode are their own. They are not speaking on behalf of the U.S. Government.

This episode comes from this year's SOF Policy Forum in DC, which was held on 18 SEP 2019. We're bringing you a panel called, "Does SOF Leadership Need to Evolve to Win the Future Fight." It features:

- MAJ Nicole Alexander, an Operations Officer in the U.S. Army
- LTC Kevin Trujillo, a National Security Fellow at Harvard Kennedy School
- Col Meghan M. Ripple, a Senior Military Evaluator for the Office of the Secretary of Defense, Director, Operational Test and Evaluation
- MSgt Michael W. MacKay, Enlisted Leader, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command

And it's moderated by Lyla Kohistany, President and Co-Founder of PROMOTE.

Global SOF Foundation Partner Highlight: Akima
http://www.akima.com/

Support the show (https://gsof.org/individual-membership/)

The SOF Comms Arsenal
53 perc 1. évad 25. rész Global SOF Foundation

Global SOF President Stu Bradin sat down with three experts from the SOF Communications (Comms) Community to talk about their careers in the field, the SOF comms "boom" when everything changed, and what they think the future will bring. Our three commo guests are COL (Ret) Joe Tragakis, SGM (Ret) Arthur "AC" Coley, and CPT (Ret) Rob Keeler.

GSF Corporate Partner Spotlight - AirScan:

http://www.airscan.com/

Support the show (https://gsof.org/individual-membership/)

Fight for the Budget
28 perc 1. évad 24. rész Global SOF Foundation

This episode features Lt. Gen. (Ret) Tom Trask, former Vice Commander of USSOCOM and current member of the Global SOF Advisory Council, along with GSF President/CEO Stu Bradin. They talk about the past and future efforts of the GSF on Capitol Hill, including our platform document--the SOF Imperatives-- and our new partnership with Navigators Global to further our efforts to educate Congressional Staffers. 

Plus, it's our first ever Video Podcast... so you can watch along here:
http://bit.ly/sofspot24vid 

Take the SOF Imperatives Survey:
http://bit.ly/2020SOF

GSF Partner Highlight: ATN Corp
https://www.atncorp.com/

Register for the Demo Days (and Modern Warfare Week):
https://www.globalsofsymposium.org/mws/

Support the show (https://gsof.org/individual-membership/)

Listening in on al-Qa'ida
35 perc 1. évad 23. rész Global SOF Foundation

We sat down with AQ and Islamic State expert, Dr. Nelly Lahoud, for a deep dive into the now declassified documents recovered from Osama Bin Laden's Compound in Abbottabad. Dr. Lahoud took us through what she learned from personally translating and analyzing all 6,000 pages of these documents, from the impact of drone strikes to the relationships between AQ and other terrorist organizations in the region. Spoiler alert: many widely accepted ideas may not be correct...

Episode Links:

- Dr. Nelly Lahoud's Books
https://www.amazon.com/Nelly-Lahoud/e/B001KDRC0W%3Fref=dbs_a_mng_rwt_scns_share
- Martha Crenshaw's "The Causes of Terrorism"
https://www.jstor.org/stable/421717?seq=1#page_scan_tab_contents
- Modern Warfare Symposium
https://www.globalsofsymposium.org/mws/
- GSF Partner Highlight: Air Center Helicopters
https://air.center/

Support the show (https://gsof.org/individual-membership/)

Don't Call For The Medic
24 perc 1. évad 22. rész Global SOF Foundation

This is our second episode with Dan Irizarry, an expert in Tactical Combat Casualty Care. In part two of the conversation we discuss what Dan sees for the future of SOF medicine, the Alan Babin Rule, and freeze-dried plasma. Listen and learn with Dan Irizarry!

GSF Corporate Partner Highlight: Aero Pioneer Group
https://aero-pioneer.com/

Alan Babin on the Gary Sinise Foundation:
https://www.garysinisefoundation.org/specially-adapted-smart-homes/alan-babin/

Stop the Bleeding:
http://stopthebleedingcoalition.org/i

Support the show (https://gsof.org/individual-membership/)

2021 Frogman Swim
40 perc 51. rész Global SOF Foundation

The Frogman Swim is an annual 3+ mile swim across Tampa Bay that takes place every January to raise money for our friends at The Navy SEAL Foundation. This year our own Chelsea Hamashin swam it herself, assigned in honor of SOC (SEAL) Matthew D. Mason, so she shares her experience and talks to several folks involved with the swim:

- Chris Irwin, Director of Communications at The Navy SEAL Foundation (NSF)
- Kurt Ott, NSF Ambassador and Director of the Frogman Swim
- Glenn Paige, NSF Ambassador and Board Member, Frogman Swimmer

And her dad, Lloyd Hamashin, even makes a brief cameo!

Link to Donate to Chelsea's Swim for NSF:
https://charity.gofundme.com/o/en/campaign/2021-tampa-bay-frogman-swim/chelseahamashin

More on the Navy SEAL Foundation:
https://www.navysealfoundation.org/donate/

Global SOF Event: GSOF Symposium - US:
https://us.gsofsymposium.org/Homepage

Global SOF Imperatives for 2021:
https://gsofimperatives.org/

Fundraiser for The Honor Foundation:
https://www.classy.org/event/thf-or-the-next-course/e317671

Support the show (https://gsof.org/individual-membership/)

In Somebody's Bullseye
52 perc 50. rész Global SOF Foundation

Stu interviews COL (Ret) Keith Nightingale, former Army special operator and author of "Phoenix Rising: From the Ashes of Desert One to the Rebirth of U.S. Special Operations." He candidly talks about mistakes made at Operation EAGLE CLAW and the Invasion of Grenada, the formation of US Special Operations Command, and what he thinks the role of the ASD SO/LIC should be. 

If you like what you hear, you can get COL Nightingale's book on Amazon or your local bookstore:
https://www.amazon.com/Phoenix-Rising-Hostage-Rebirth-Operations/dp/1612008771

Corporate Partner Highlight: Ntrepid
https://ntrepidcorp.com/academy/

Global SOF Events:
https://my.gsof.org/upcoming-events

Support the show (https://gsof.org/individual-membership/)

Comfortable in the Chaos
46 perc 49. rész Global SOF Foundation

Are you active duty SOF or SOF support and dreading your transition to civilian life? Then this podcast is definitely for you. We talk to three separated (or separatING) operators who discuss their unique paths into post-military life. They are:

  • Blake Moore, Former Air Force, currently at Wickr
  • Edward "Ted" Handler, Former Marine, currently at STIHL
  • Dennis Moore, Retiring SFC U.S. Army Ranger

They talk about knowing when it's time, tools to help you get through the transition, and whether or not Ted can surf!

The Honor Foundation:
https://www.honor.org/

Partner Highlight: Wickr
https://wickr.com/

Partner Highlight: Ntrepid Academy
https://ntrepidcorp.com/academy/

Support the show (https://gsof.org/individual-membership/)

5 Airmen & 3 Marines
42 perc 48. rész Global SOF Foundation

In this episode of the podcast we share our November 2020 "SOF Story: Live!" on Operation EAGLE CLAW. It features CSM (RET) Rick Lamb and CMSgt (RET) Taco Sanchez, both of whom were involved in EAGLE CLAW and it's follow-on Operation HONEY BADGER.

They discuss prepping for the mission, the many challenges that it presented, and why it's important to keep the skills of Special Operations honed. Plus how they work to honor the five Airmen and 3 Marines who were killed on April 25, 1980.

Recommended Reading:
- Victory on the Potomac by James Locher
- Phoenix Rising by Keith Nightingale

Corporate Partner Highlight: Ntrepid:
https://ntrepidcorp.com/academy/

Support the show (https://gsof.org/individual-membership/)

Task Force Ranger
53 perc 47. rész Global SOF Foundation

This episode of SOFspot is an excerpt from our SOF Story: Live event on Task Force Ranger in Mogadishu in October 1993, which was made famous by the book and movie, Black Hawk Down. In this episode, we highlight four men who were really there, and their personal recollections from that day and night.

Our speakers are:
- CSM (Ret) Rick Lamb
- MAJ (Ret) Mark Moser
- SGM (Ret) Bart Wiggins
- MSG (Ret) Mark Stephens

We're honored to have them all with us to share their perspectives, the stories behind their injuries, and the impact that the losses of the day have had on their lives. 

Watch Full Episodes:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N0iFK6ZpwQ4

Partner Highlight: CTL-Systemware:
https://www.ctl-systemware.com/

Support the show (https://gsof.org/individual-membership/)

The Army of the Party
51 perc 46. rész Global SOF Foundation

Chelsea and Stu met with Dennis Blasko, a "walking encyclopedia"" on the Chinese Military. Dennis has studied the Chinese language, military, and people since the 1970s through roles with the U.S. Army, traditional schooling, and years of in-country experiences. 

In this episode we talk about what you can learn from consuming Chinese news media (even if it is propaganda), how their conscription process works, and how China is using more than it's military in the Great Power Competition. Plus–can Stu break a brick over his head??

Links to Chinese Sources:
- http://english.chinamil.com.cn (English)
- http://81.cn (Chinese)

Corporate Partner Highlight: Contingent Global
https://www.contingentglobal.com

Support the show (https://gsof.org/individual-membership/)

Explosion of Data
52 perc 45. rész Global SOF Foundation

In episode 45 we talk about Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI & ML) with three experts on the subject:

- Brian Raymond at Primer.ai
- Tim Kelton at Descartes Labs
- Abe Usher at Black Cape

We talk about how the DoD is handling this "explosion of data," what capabilities they're most excited about developing in the future, and how they see the DoD workforce being trained in these areas. And of course: the impact of COVID19.

Visit the National Security Commission on AI:
https://www.nscai.gov/home

Corporate Partner Highlight: TACG Solutions:
https://www.tacgsolutions.com/

Support the show (https://gsof.org/individual-membership/)

The Immediate Aftermath of 9/11
61 perc 44. rész Global SOF Foundation

Global SOF has launched "SOF Stories: Live!" These are monthly events with current and former SOF operators focused on different topics, and as the name implies, they occur LIVE. But we also record them so if you miss the live event, the stories can continue to be shared and spread on our other platforms.

This episode's topic was "The Immediate Aftermath of 9/11," which focused on the chaos after the attacks through several current and former AFSOC operators:
- Col. (Ret) Matthew Atkins
- Maj. Gen. (Ret) Michael Kingsley
- Command CCM Greg Smith
- Moderator: CMSgt (Ret) Randy Anderson

Watch the Event Video:
https://youtu.be/UZeH2hSSmck

Global SOF Partner Highlight: Comtech Systems
https://comtechsystems.com/

Support the show (https://gsof.org/individual-membership/)

A Critical Gap for SOF
48 perc 43. rész Global SOF Foundation

Chelsea and Stu spoke with Army SF COL (Ret) Bob Wilson, who commanded special operations forces in combat in Afghanistan and in complex missions across Africa, Central Asia, and Latin America. In his final assignment as an Army officer, Bob served in the White House as a director for counterterrorism in the National Security Council.

They discuss being in 7th Group in the 90s, the challenges presented by the austere environments of Africa, and why a light aviation capability like "Armed Overwatch" is important to current and future SOF.

Read COL Wilson's Op/Ed:
https://www.militarytimes.com/opinion/commentary/2020/08/23/armed-overwatch-a-critical-special-operations-forces-requirement/

Ntrepid Academy:
https://ntrepidcorp.com/academy/

Crisis Response Company:
https://crisisresponsecompany.com/

Support the show (https://gsof.org/individual-membership/)

There's Time To Turn This Ship Around
42 perc 42. rész Global SOF Foundation

Chelsea and Global SOF President Stu Bradin talk to Dr. Seth Jones from the Center for Strategic and International Studies about the Great Power Competition with China, Russia, and Iran. 

We discuss the way that the US has taken a more conventional approach to the fight while its adversaries have adapted their strategies to meet the challenges of irregular warfare. Dr. Jones talks about what needs to change for the US to "turn the ship around" and posture itself and its partners to better face the realities of this Great Power Competition. Oh, and of course, we talked about Tik Tok.

Corporate Partner Highlight - Wickr:
https://wickr.com/ram/

Support the show (https://gsof.org/individual-membership/)

The Guys Who Stop the Russians
42 perc 41. rész Global SOF Foundation

SOFspot is back with episode 41! Chelsea and Rick Lamb interview Jerry, a longtime Operator with Polish SOF Unit "GROM." They discuss how Polish SOF train and recruit, being a "Robocop" after Selection, and the unpredictable threats from their "Eastern Neighbors." 

Learn More about our 2020 (or 2021) Polish Symposium:
https://www.gsofeurope.org/

Corporate Partner Spotlight: C2 Essentials
https://www.c2essentials.com/

Support the show (https://gsof.org/individual-membership/)

Holy Toledo, We're Surrounded!
45 perc 40. rész Global SOF Foundation

This episode of SOFspot focuses on Operation JUST CAUSE in Panama, and more specifically, the first MaBell Panamanian Surrender Operation at Penonome. Our guests were three men who were in Charlie Company, 3rd Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne), there on the ground in Panama:

  • COL (Retired) David McCracken, who was a Major in 1989 and commanded Charlie Company
  • COL (Retired) Stephen Boston, who was a Captain in 1989 and the Executive Officer of Charlie Company
  • CSM (Retired) Rick Lamb, who was a Sergeant First Class in 1989 and performed the duties of a Special Forces Weapons Sergeant in Charlie Company

We talk about the logistics of the surrender plus what brought them into the operation at Penonome, why they wore "Mickey Mouse Ears," and how they spent that Christmas in Panama.

Just Cause Photo Album:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/184952949@N08/albums/72157714476005688/with/49941328773/

Partner Spotlight - ByLight:
https://bylight.com/

Support the show (https://gsof.org/individual-membership/)

The Colombian Umbrella
52 perc 36. rész Global SOF Foundation

Chelsea and Stu have their first virtual podcast with US Army Special Forces COL (Ret) Kevin Higgins--from his home in El Salvador. He's had a lifelong career in South and Central America, with over a decade in Colombia. We talk about establishing the SF presence in the region, the development and strategies of Plan Colombia, and why the "war on drugs" may not have a true victory. Stay tuned to the end for a bonus story on boxing for the Golden Gloves.

Corporate Partner Highlight: Barbaricum
https://barbaricum.com/

Corporate Partner Highlight: Al Waha Security Solutions
https://wss.com.jo/

Support the show (https://gsof.org/individual-membership/)

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