Special Ops in the Arctic: 10th Group's New Frontier
The Modern Warfare Institute (MWI) Podcast recently hosted an intriguing episode featuring Col. Brian Rauen, commander of the 10th Special Forces Group, and Capt. Barrett Martin, one of the group's officers. The discussion, led by guest host Dr. Ryan Burke, an MWI fellow and co-director of Project 6633, delved into the significance of the Arctic region for special operations forces.
Col. Rauen and Capt. Martin discussed the unique challenges posed by the Arctic, an area of growing importance for the 10th Special Forces Group. Last year, Capt. Martin led a team that trained alongside Norwegian and Swedish forces in the high northern latitudes, gaining valuable insights into operating in such harsh environments.
The episode also highlighted a collaborative effort between the 10th Group and Project 6633. The two entities have partnered to host an essay contest, inviting participants to explore strategies for American special operations forces to compete with near-peer adversaries in the polar regions. Despite extensive research, the identity of the individual who initiated Project 6633 alongside the 10th Special Forces Group remains unknown.
The MWI Podcast episode provided a fascinating glimpse into the strategic significance of the Arctic for special operations forces. Col. Rauen, Capt. Martin, and Dr. Burke's conversation underscored the need for innovative approaches to counter potential threats in the polar regions. The essay contest, a joint effort between the 10th Special Forces Group and Project 6633, encourages critical thinking and dialogue on this crucial topic.