Threats

US Commandos ‘Lost the Element of Surprise’ in Yemen Raid

American journalist Luke Somers is killed in a second attempt to rescue him from al-Qaeda militants in Yemen. By Gordon Lubold

Policy

Did the SEALs on the Bin Laden Raid Break Their Code of Silence for Fame and Fortune?

An interview with former SEAL Team 6 member Matt Bissonnette. By James Kitfield

Ideas

Why the US Needs a Strategy To Counter 'Hybrid Warfare'

The Pentagon should expect more than a conventional fight in any military conflict with Russia, China, Iran or Syria. And it should start preparing for it immediately. By Robert A. Newson

Business

The Army Wants To Fully Integrate Conventional and Special Operations Forces

Operations in Iraq and Afghanistan have proven the benefits of joint conventional and special operations missions. Now the Army wants expand that formula. By Col. Mike Rauhut

Science & Tech

Here's the 'Game-Changing' Tech Special Operators Want for Tomorrow's Wars

Directed-energy systems, night vision googles with full color displays and suits you might find in a comic book origin story. By Bob Brewin

Policy

Special Operations Commander Says Burden On Elite Troops Is Here to Stay

Obama’s nominee to command special operations troops said more should be done to help alleviate the stresses on families of more than 13 years of frontline combat. By Ben Watson

Threats

U.S. Forces Capture Benghazi Suspect

Alleged ringleader finally picked up, taken to secure location outside Libya. By Matt Berman and Emma Roller

Threats

U.S. Special Ops Adds to African Presence for 'Secret' Price Tag of $70 Million

Increasing fears about the spread of al-Qaeda across Africa have the Pentagon sending its Green Berets back to their original mission. By Ben Watson

Threats

Inside America's Shadow War on Terror—and Why It Will Never End

As the Afghanistan war winds down, the war against extremists is nowhere near finished. By James Kitfield

Policy

Special Ops Moves from ‘Perpetual War to Perpetual Engagement’

Special Operations commander Adm. William McRaven tells Congress that ‘we need our friends and allies more now than ever before.’ By Ben Watson

Science & Tech

Secret Military Contractors Will Soon Mine Your Tweets

The military wants to use detailed social media data mining to identify violent extremist influences around the world. By Bob Brewin

Business

The Case for Female SEALs

The military's gender integration problem is about cultural, not physical, barriers. Here's why they should start at the top, with special operations forces. By Elliot Ackerman

Business

5 Takeaways from the U.S. Special Ops Raids in Somalia and Libya

Two surprise operations illuminate America’s shadow war against terrorists and reveal important elements of Washington’s evolving counterterrorism strategy. By James Kitfield

Threats

Obama Is Changing the Way He Fights the War on Terror

The U.S. moved to capture militants in Libya and Somalia, rather than killing them. It may be better than drones, but it brings political risks. By Sara Sorcher