Special Operations Association of America
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Special Operations Association of America
@soaaorg.bsky.social
We advocate for all past, present, and future members of the Special Operations community and their families. Join us at SOAA.org!
We strongly support the Ensuring Justice for Camp Lejeune Victims Act to fix critical flaws in the 2022 law and ensure Veterans, families, and civilians get the compensation they deserve. Congress must act NOW!

Read more: soaa.org/justice-camp...

#camplejeune
Urgent Action Needed: Ensuring Justice for Camp Lejeune Victims - SOAA
We strongly support the Ensuring Justice for Camp Lejeune Victims Act, introduced by Senators Thom Tillis (R-NC) and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT). This bipartisan legislation addresses critical flaws in ...
soaa.org
March 28, 2025 at 1:48 PM
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)
March 27, 2025 at 2:14 PM
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
March 26, 2025 at 6:15 PM
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
March 25, 2025 at 2:02 PM
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
March 19, 2025 at 2:57 PM
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...
Meet the SOF Veterans Strengthening National Security - SOAA
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...
soaa.org
March 17, 2025 at 1:37 PM
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.
March 14, 2025 at 2:27 PM
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)
March 12, 2025 at 1:37 PM
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/
March 11, 2025 at 1:58 PM
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)
March 7, 2025 at 4:20 PM
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
The Evolving Mission of U.S. Special Operations Forces - SOAA
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...
soaa.org
March 6, 2025 at 3:55 PM
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
March 4, 2025 at 2:42 PM
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
March 3, 2025 at 5:06 PM
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
February 27, 2025 at 5:27 PM
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.
February 26, 2025 at 2:51 PM
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)
February 25, 2025 at 3:54 PM
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
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
February 24, 2025 at 1:52 PM
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
February 19, 2025 at 4:36 PM
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...
February 18, 2025 at 3:55 PM
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
Run for Daylight: The McMunn Way - SOAA
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...
soaa.org
February 14, 2025 at 3:48 PM
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
February 13, 2025 at 4:32 PM
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
February 12, 2025 at 3:46 PM
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
February 11, 2025 at 3:35 PM
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
February 10, 2025 at 4:05 PM
The evolution of #dronewarfare is accelerating, transforming everything from frontline combat to logistics and casualty care. As #drones become more advanced and accessible, conflicts will evolve—and we need to be ready.

Check out our blog to read more: soaa.org/consumer-dro...
The Innovation of Consumer Drones on the Battlefield: A Trip Around the World - SOAA
By now everyone has seen a ‘first-person view’ (FPV) drone video of a drop of a 40mm explosive, grenade, or other homemade explosive on unsuspecting Russians or Hamas terrorists, or even Ukraine selli...
soaa.org
February 6, 2025 at 2:19 PM