Thursday, May 15, 2014

SOCOM is about to get pounded....

via Foreign Policy..
That SOCOM has assumed that they can do no wrong in the eyes of Congress simply because of the relatively recent successes in taking out high-profile terrorists is the same mistake that many with a position of power make: They overreach. People always overreach for the same reason -- because they thought they could. Money and equipment have never been better. Operational control of the special operations components of the regional commands is a dream come true for many. And special operations is the toast of the town: The take-down of bin Laden capped the result of a turn-around in special operation's fortunes that arguably began with Operation Eagle Claw in 1980 and the subsequent reforms that brought SOCOM into existence. Many have started to argue that the times are changing and SOCOM will need to be more humble and get along with others better. That admonishment, however, has fallen on mostly deaf ears: Many SOF personnel, especially at the upper levels, cannot hide their disdain for conventional forces, nor their inflated sense of themselves. This attitude is now coming home to roost.
Read the entire article, but I've said it before and I'll say it again.  SOCOM is 3 times the size it needs to be, requires too much fucking support, is filled with arrogant pricks and one day the bean counters will figure out that its not worth the money that is lavished on it for the missions it actually performs.

Pull perimeter security while SOCOM is having drinks and cokes with the principal while you're outside basking in 140 degree sun will jade anyone.

This is only the beginning.

SOCOM is going to get raped by the accountants and they'll only have themselves to blame.  Yep.  SOCOM is about to get pounded.

NOTE:  I'll also call a spade a spade.  McRaven brought a certain "attitude" with him when he took charge and that has tainted the entire organization.  Perhaps it'll change when he leaves but I doubt it.  Its a joint outfit so now the culture is one.  I doubt even Army Special Forces will be able to keep the SEAL attitude from infecting their ranks.

6 comments :

  1. It already has infected their ranks. The vast majority are probably fine and don't say shit, but then there are the egotists.

    Book deals, firearms training schools, Hollywood movies, Blogs, tactical gear/firearms endorsements, Military History channel and Discovery channel documentaries with 'expert' ex-SOFer, Reality TV hosts, founding or working for contractor companies, political endorsement/criticism, guests on cable news programs, etc.

    How about just shutting the fuck up?

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  2. Talking about SOCOM remind me something, forgive me lads for this off top.

    First question is: Anyone used 6.8 mm Remington SPC ammo?
    Second question is: If you did or you know somebody who used it what are the impression about this round?
    Third question is: In your opinion what is the most powerful round for assault rifle in therms of stopping power?

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  3. The US Army Spec Ops community has a different culture than the NAVSPECWAR community. In the Army, everyone wants to be Delta, and Delta doesn't say shit. SF's unofficial motto is "The Quiet Professionals" and take pride in not saying shit. The 75th Ranger Regiment is made up of a bunch of cocky young studs who take pride in being "The Bitch Boys of SOCOM" and doing all the unsexy grunt work so SEALs can go in and look good on camera.

    Even the 160th values OPSEC to such a degree that when the pieces of the UH-60 variant that was lost on the Bin Laden raid were made public in photographs, I don't know ANYONE who commented on them who was still in the force.

    Shas,

    The 6.8 SPC is "in terms of stopping power" pretty equal to the Mk262 Mod1 round when you compare the 115gr OTM load. The Mk262 load is one of the reasons the 6.8 SPC uppers aren't used as often as they used to be.

    As far as what is the "most powerful in terms of stopping power" you are asking a stupid question. A 50 BMG in the foot isn't going to kill you while a 22 short to the base of your skull will. Terminal ballistics is more about accuracy than projectile, so unless you plan on hunting for moose or something with an assault rifle, I guarantee you that any of the NATO or COMBLOC offerings will kill human beings just fine.

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    Replies
    1. Thanks AM for answer about 6.8 SPC.

      I was maybe not precise enough, I wonder what is the best round for assault to dead shoot a dude in full body armor on lets say 300 m range.

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    2. Modern body armor inserts will stop armor piercing 30 cal rifle rounds. So you have to avoid the hard plates. Any of the assault rifle rounds will punch through kevlar panels at the hips, face, under the armpit, etc.

      But you won't get an assault rifle that will penetrate SAPI/ESAPI plates even at much closer ranges. Had a medic who saved the life of a guy who was hit in the ESAPI chest plate by a .51 Russian round, which is much bigger than anything you'll cram in an assault rifle. So get the most accurate rifle you can, and don't worry about caliber as they will all do the same job on soft kevlar or exposed tissue.

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    3. Understand, thanks for info AM.

      Delete

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