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SOFWERX Exploring New Arctic Tech for Commandos SPECIAL OPERATIONS
5/17/2021
Air Force photo
SOFWERX, a Tampa, Florida-based innovation hub, recently hosted a “Tech Tuesday” session in concert with U.S. Special Operations Command, which focused on current transformational technologies that could facilitate ops in Arctic climates. Selected organizations had the opportunity to virtually pitch their cutting-edge technology to interested government partners.
“Broadly, we looked at human performance,” SOFWERX Director Leslie Babich said during a presentation in March. “Things that will keep you warm, things that will support your body structure and allow your energy [to be conserved]. … You can do the mission a little bit longer, a little bit farther with the support of these technologies.”
Special Operations Forces Bracing for Arctic Missions SPECIAL OPERATIONS
5/14/2021
Navy Photo by Visual Information Specialist Chris Desmond
For the past two decades, U.S. Special Operations Forces have deployed to some of the most dangerous and inhospitable places on the planet to combat terrorist networks. With the Pentagon increasingly focused on great power competition, they may soon find themselves spending more time in a region that presents a unique set of challenges the Arctic.
In 2019, the Defense Department released its latest Arctic Strategy, which noted the important role for special operators.
“DoD’s desired end-state for the Arctic is a secure and stable region in which U.S. national security interests are safeguarded, the U.S. homeland is defended, and nations work cooperatively to address shared challenges,” the document said. “The agile and expeditionary nature of SOF, combined with established allied and partner
Shadow Warriors Pursuing Next-Gen Surveillance Tech SPECIAL OPERATIONS
5/7/2021
iStock illustration
U.S. Special Operations Command and the Intelligence Advanced Research Projects Activity are pursuing new technologies to identify and track threats.
Commandos rely on these types of capabilities when attacking terrorist groups and performing other critical missions.
“Intel drives ops,” SOCOM Commander Gen. Richard Clarke said at a recent Senate Armed Services Committee hearing. “In order for us to compete more effectively in the future, we have to modernize both our precision strike and ISR … so that [special operators] can quickly see and sense the battlefield that they may have to be fighting in.”
SOCOM Shows Interest in Hybrid, AI-Enabled Vehicles SPECIAL OPERATIONS
3/9/2021
Defense Dept. photo
Special Operations Command is experimenting with emerging technologies as it works to bolster its ground vehicle fleet with new capabilities.
The command’s family of vehicles which features 3,000 platforms includes the Ground Mobility Vehicle 1.1, light tactical all-terrain vehicles, non-standard commercial vehicles and mine-resistant ambush protected platforms, said Navy Cmdr. Tim Hawkins, a SOCOM spokesman.
Special Operations Command is currently investing its research, development, testing and evaluation dollars for vehicles in lightweight armor, hybrid-electric systems, advanced situational awareness and autonomy/semi-autonomy, Hawkins said in an email to National Defense. It is seeking technology that maximizes mobility, payload and protection.