Tier 1

Tribute graphic honoring Technical Sergeant John William Brown, featuring his portrait, military insignia, and commemorative text.

Tech Sgt. John W. Brown – Pararescueman, Gentleman, and Hero of Extortion 17

In the world of special operations, some warriors earn their place in history not only through skill but through the selfless way they live

6 months ago

by Eric Sof

USSOCOM: Waging America’s secret wars since 1987

The United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM or SOCOM) is a unified combatant command of the U.S. military responsible for overseeing all special operations forces. The headquarters of USSOCOM is located at

3 years ago

Expert Analysis

SEAL operators sitting on the planks of the Little Bird (Photo: Raven Harris)

JSOC’s Tier-system explained: How do they differ?

The Tier-system is designed by JSOC (Joint Special Operations Command) to prioritize which Special Operations Forces receive the most funding. Tier 1 receives the most, then Tier 2, etc. However, games like

4 years ago

Units

24th Special Tactics Squadron operators — 24th Special Tactics Squadron (Photo: USAF)

24th Special Tactics Squadron: USAF Tier 1 component to JSOC

24th Special Tactics Squadron is the secretive Tier 1 unit and one of the United States Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC). The U.S. Air Force Tier 1 component to Joint Special

6 years ago

Tier 1

A joint special forces team move together out of a U.S. Air Force CV-22 Osprey Feb. 26, 2018, at Melrose Training Range, New Mexico. At Emerald Warrior, the largest joint and combined special operations exercise, U.S. Special Operations Command forces train to respond to various threats across the spectrum of conflict. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Clayton Cupit)

Inside the World of Tier 1 Special Mission Units

In the United States military, Tier 1 units are frequently referred to as Special Mission Units (SMU). They are a classification of Special Operations Forces, known for their involvement in high-profile military

6 years ago

Tier 1

military fitness exercises — A soldier performing deadlift (Photo: XY)

Upper Body Round Robin (UBRR): Test your fitness with this SOF Tier 1 PT test

The Upper Body Round Robin a.k.a. the UBRR is a commonly used physical fitness test among many Tier 1 and Tier 2 Special Operations Units. This pt test goes well beyond the

7 years ago

Tactical Fitness

CSOR - Canada's Special Operations Regiment 5

Canada’s Special Operations Regiment (CSOR): A battalion-sized unit of the Canadian Armed Forces

Canada’s Special Operations Regiment (CSOR) is the Canadian Armed Forces special operations force. It was created in 2006 and is based at CFB Petawawa in Ontario. The unit is tasked with conducting

12 years ago

Tier 1

CIA's Special Activities Center (SAC) formerly Special Activities Division (SAD) (Photo: XY)

Special Activities Center (SAC): CIA’s unit for tactical paramilitary operations

Mention the name SAS to someone, and it evokes images of elite commandos from the United Kingdom. However, the United States also has its group of highly trained operators known as the

12 years ago

Tier 1

1st SFOD-D Special Forces Operational Detachment - Delta 5

Delta Force: A mighty, secretive, and elite group of warriors

Delta Force is a mighty secretive unit of the Army, considered one of the world’s best special operations forces. Among all the assets delegated to special operations of the US military, the

13 years ago

Tier 1

Why was DEVGRU chosen over Delta Force for the Operation Neptune Spear? SEAL Team 6 Gold Squadron — Seal Team 6 (DEVGRU) Gold Squadron after a muddy operation (Photo: Reddit)

SEAL Team 6: America’s Secret Warriors

The SEAL Team 6 (ST6) or DEVGRU is an elite special operations team in the US Navy under the direct command of Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC). It is a special operation

13 years ago

Tier 1

SASR operators moving through the smoke during the exercise (Photo: XY)

SASR: The Australian counterpart to the British SAS

The Special Air Service Regiment, also known as SASR, is a highly skilled and elite unit of the Australian military. Drawing upon the lessons learned by the British SAS and the experiences

13 years ago

Tier 1