Official account of the Premier Partnering Special Operations Force. Special Forces/Psychological Operations/Civil Affairs/Special Operations Sustainment.
Staff Sgt. Ryan C. Knauss, 23, of Corryton, Tenn., died Aug. 26 from wounds sustained during the attack at HKIA in Kabul, Afghanistan.
Ryan was a Psychological Operations NCO assigned to 9th PSYOP Bn,
@8thPSYOPgroup
at Fort Bragg.
@USASOCNews
@USSOCOM
@USArmy
1/2
Staff Sgt. Ryan C. Knauss was laid to rest at
@ArlingtonNatl
today during a private ceremony.
A member of 8th Psychological Operations Group, he was KIA in Kabul, Afghanistan, Aug. 26, 2021.
He will never be forgotten & and our thoughts will forever stay with his family.
We are saddened to report the death of one of our soldiers as a result of the attacks at HKIA yesterday.
The family has been notified. They are continually in our thoughts and have our full care, support, and assistance during this difficult time.
1/3
Our teammate died not only serving our nation, but helping to give others a life of freedom and opportunity.
The sacrifices made by our soldiers and families over the past 20 years were not in vain, and our mission in Afghanistan is not yet over.
2/3
Reach out, lean on, and talk to one another. We also have an incredible team of professionals ready to assist.
We are not just a special operations community - we are a family.
3/3
1st SF Command doesn’t quite tell the whole story…
We are:
7 SF Groups
2 PSYOP Groups
1 Civil Affairs BDE
1 Special Ops Sustainment BDE
22,000+ People
United under a single patch
Focused on a single purpose
We are the Nation’s Army Special Operations Division
November 21, 2020, marks the fiftieth anniversary of Operation IVORY COAST, the joint special operations mission to liberate American prisoners of war (POWs) held at Son Tay, northwest of Hanoi, the capital of North Vietnam.
Today, we honor the bravery of all our veterans who served with courage and dedication. Your commitment to our Nation's freedom and security is admirable and honorable. Your legacy inspires us, and we all try to live up to it daily. Thank you!
#VeteransDay2023
“Ryan was the embodiment of an Army Special Operations Forces soldier, a testament to the professionalism of the non-commissioned officer corps, and a steadfast husband and teammate. His loss is devastating to our formation and Army family.” -
@8thPSYOPgroup
’s Col. Jeremy Mushtare
Today, we celebrated the life and memory of Staff Sgt. Ryan Knauss by conducting a memorial workout in his honor.
Knauss was one of 13 service members killed on August 26, 2021, during evacuation operations in Afghanistan.
#TPT9000
1st Special Forces Group bid farewell to Command Sgt. Maj. Daniel Orosco, who dedicated 29 years of his life to service in the
@USArmy
.
Leader, mentor,
#SpecialForces
soldier, longtime friend to so many of our allies and partners...He & his family will be missed!
Yesterday, Staff Sgt. Ryan Knauss was added to the
@USASOCNews
Memorial Wall, which honors those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation.
Ryan gave his life in Afghanistan on Aug. 26, 2021. May we never forget him or any of our fallen heroes.
📸 by Sgt. Courtney Hubbard
We are so very proud of Master Sgt. Plumlee!
Yesterday at a media event he so humbly described the honor:
"Tomorrow the Medal of Honor will be presented to me, but it is not for me...it is for my teammates...for the Special Forces Regiment...for the entire U.S. Army..."
🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
We are saddened to learn about the passing of
#ARSOF
legend, SGM (ret.) Billy Waugh. His career spanned more than 50 years and he inspired a generation of Special Operations. He was a true warrior and highly decorated.
Happy Independence Day! Today we celebrate the freedom and democracy shared that makes this country great. Thanks to all who’ve fought to maintain it.
#4thofJuly
"The message is: continue the mission...do the best you can, never quit, and always treat everybody with respect, because that's what we do...we learn how to work with people to help them help themselves."
Our two-part conversation on MACV-SOG concludes:
Looking forward to honoring President John F. Kennedy and his advocacy for U.S. Army Special Forces at the annual wreath laying ceremony next month!
"The green beret is again becoming a symbol of excellence, a badge of courage, a mark of distinction in the fight for freedom." 🇺🇸
Today marks the 60th anniversary of the meeting between President John F. Kennedy and then-Brigadier General William P. Yarborough
@FtBraggNC
. President Kennedy recognized the unique capabilities and value of U.S. Army Special Forces. De Oppresso Liber 🇺🇸
Message to the force from our
@USArmy
leadership.
"Since the Nation's founding, the United States Soldiers and Civilians have committed themselves to safeguarding democratic ideals while adhering to civilian authority by swearing an oath to support and defend the Constitution."
@TheWTFNation
Hmmm...digging the innovative mindset..but this whole thing is kinda sus.
Zero non-standard uniform items and fully bloused boots?? Not sure he is ours...
🤔🤷♂️
US Army Special Forces - or Green Berets - are the nation's premier partnership force who specialize in the indigenous approach, or conducting operations by, with, and through partner forces.
(photo credit: 1st SF Group)
During this Thanksgiving week, we are giving thanks for the 24,000 men and women of
@1st_SF_Command
who raised their hands multiple times and volunteered to serve our Nation.
As you pause from the busyness of life and take a moment to reflect, what are you most thankful for?
We're excited we now have 5,000 followers!
Joining this platform has given our Command a chance to tell our story, connect with the greater SOF community, and highlight some of our best.
Thanks for the engagement over the last several months!
We are extremely thankful for the opportunity to have Ryan's story told.
Alena Knauss will be appearing on
@AC360
tonight at 8pm ET to tell the world about who Ryan was as a man, a husband, and a soldier.
A few photos of the Silver Star presentation to the Moriarty family yesterday in Houston, TX.
Staff Sgt. James Moriarty posthumously received the Silver Star Medal for his actions during an attack in Jordan in November 2016.
Thanks to Erin Powers for the photos.
@5thForces
As we return to GPC, our military is entrusted to deter adversaries, bolster allies, enable interagency partners, and maintain stability in key regions
No unit is more capable
We are the Nation’s Army Special Operations Division
We are 1st Special Forces Command
📷3SFG
Today our command was honored to host Sgt. 1st Class (Ret.) Melvin Morris, who was awarded the Medal of Honor in 2014 for actions on September 17, 1969, in Vietnam while a member of
@5thForces
.
Read his story:
Just recorded a podcast episode with John Stryker Meyer AKA "Tilt"
MACV-SOG member from 1968-1970 & author of several books on SOG.
Looking forward to releasing it.
We have an incredible history and amazing heroes who paved the way for the Nation's Premier Partnership Force!
Great visit with newest
@NATO
member Finland. The command met leaders from Finland's Defence Forces' Utti Jaeger Regiment-home of their Special Forces. We continue to build generational relationships to stay the Nation's Premier Partnerning Special Operations Force.
@Maavoimat
Soldiers of The Old Guard had the sacred duty of rendering honors for
@USArmy
Command Sgt. Maj. Bennie G. Adkins in
@ArlingtonNatl
. Adkins was awarded the Medal of Honor in 2014, for his actions with
@5thForces
,
@1st_SF_Command
against an enemy in Vietnam, from March 9-12, 1966.
CSM Hank Marsh retired recently after 35 years of service & 27 as a Green Beret. His final position was CSM of
@USSOCAF
.
He is yet another testament to the kind of People we have in this community and how great leaders are often the most humble ones.
Enjoy retirement CSM!
He also credited his wife Jesse Marsh with enduring the "tax" his service put on the family.
"I can't tell you how many times I deployed to Iraq or Afghanistan. If you think she hasn't executed the same level of service and sacrifice that I have, you don't know our story."
@TaskandPurpose
This soldier is:
-using an innovative approach to get to work
-complying with safety precautions
-using his pockets for what they are intended for
-having a good time while doing it all
APPROVED ✅
The Premier Partnered Irregular Warfare Force:
24,000 Strong
7 Special Forces Groups
2 PSYOP Groups
1 Civil Affairs BDE
1 Spec. Ops. Sustainment BDE
United under a single patch
Focused on a single purpose
In this latest episode of our podcast, Chaplain Dickey speaks with Col. Eric Kreitz about a very personal story.
It's one of fear, addiction, and hitting rock bottom...
But also one of resilience, incredible support, and overcoming adversity.
@USASOCNews
Today marks the 30th anniversary of the Operation DESERT STORM ground offensive. The coalition effort to liberate Kuwait from Iraqi occupation had begun the previous month with an intensive air campaign to weaken Iraqi defenses.
⬇️Map of OPN DESERT STORM, February 24-28, 1991.
Tomorrow with the
@USArmyOldGuard
we’ll lay a wreath at the grave of President John F. Kennedy, who was a champion of the Green Berets.
We had a chance to spend some time at the Eternal Flame during our rehearsals this morning and caught a beautiful sunrise.
@ArlingtonNatl
Rudi Horvath, 90, is one of the "Originals" from 1952 - a Lodge Act soldier who emigrated from Hungary to join the
@USArmy
.
We were privileged to spend time with him ahead of this year's 70th anniversary of Special Forces.
Stay tuned for this incredible story!
@USASOCNews
Happy 245th Birthday
@USArmy
!
At our event today, Maj. Gen. Brennan noted that we are America's most trusted institution for one big reason - our People.
#ServeWithHonor
The Nation's Premier Partnership Force...
➡️Acts as strategic sensors and influence networks to enable JIIM partners
➡️Imposes costs on adversaries
➡️Sets the conditions to win on any battlefield
...uniquely trained/resourced/postured to compete across the spectrum of conflict.
Friends and family gathered today for Mass services and then interment at
@ArlingtonNatl
for Staff Sgt. Ron Shurer II, Medal of Honor recipient, 3rd SFG (A) member and
@SecretService
agent.
We will always remember Ron and his love, selfless service, and heroic actions.
DOL.
#DYK
that the connection between Jezero, Bosnia and
@NASA
's Perseverance Mars Rover landing site was initiated by a
#CivilAffairs
officer as an engagement opportunity with local leaders?
The result was a ton of pride in a small Bosnian town and
#partnerships
that matter.
#BreakingNews
@WhiteHouse
announced today it will recognize the bravery of Sgt. 1st Class Alwyn Cashe, Sgt. 1st Class Christopher Celiz, and Master Sgt. Earl Plumlee with the
#MedalOfHonor
.
Here is the story of these incredible heroes ➡️
Robots don't bleed...
But there's a lot more to robotics and autonomous systems than their lack of a vascular system, and
@USASOCNews
has been exploring the nexus between
#ARSOF
and robotics so our teams remain at the cutting edge.
Learn more👇
@USArmy
Psychological Operations are just loudspeakers and leaflets, right?
Wrong!
Our PSYOP Soldiers operate in all corners of the current Information Environment to achieve effects on select foreign audiences in support of national interests.
#Influence
Well deserved for the Veterans of the Ghost Army. Modern Psychological Operations traces its origins to the efforts of these heroes who played such a pivotal role in WWII.
Secret Soldiers
Inflatable tanks, soundtracks and fake radio transmissions were some of the deceptive tactics used by “Ghost Army” members during World War II.
For years, they received minimal recognition.
📺 This week, that changes . . .
Happy Valentine's Day! Gents, this a reminder to you. We know you're "busy" and forgot to buy something. Go get some flowers before they're all gone. We know you'll be standing in line after 5pm today reflecting on this decision.
Maj. Gen. John Singlaub had an incredible career that shaped the entire
#SOF
enterprise.
While we are saddened by this loss to his family & our community, we celebrate his life of more than 100 yrs, his decades of service in the
@USArmy
, and his legacy as an
#ARSOF
trailblazer.
It is with great sadness we learned today of the passing of MG(R) John Singlaub, former member of the Office of Strategic Services, founding member of
@CIA
, & Distinguished Member of the
#SpecialForces
Regiment. Our thoughts & prayers are w/ his family during this difficult time.
“I look back at 33 years of service with a sense of being fortunate, privileged and with honor.”
Our former CSM, Tom Sandoval, retired yesterday at Fort Carson, where he spent the majority of his 33 years of service to our Nation.
On Thursday we bid farewell to CW5 Dave Holton and welcomed CW5 Scott Gronowski to the team as we conducted a change of responsibility for the Command Chief Warrant Officer position.
CW5 Holton, you will absolutely be missed!
CW5 Gronowski, welcome to you and your family!
🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
There's tough...and then there's spending 70+ days in the grueling Royal Thai Army's Ranger School tough...
➡️First U.S. Soldier to attend the course in more than 40 years
➡️Distinguished graduate
Not releasing his name, but a quiet professional wouldn't have it any other way!
Congrats to
@5thForces
on winning the
@USASOCNews
Best Combat Diver Competition. Securing 3rd Place was 1st Special Forces Group. These teams represent the very best beating out some tough competition from the Navy and Marines as well.
#BestCombatDiver2023
#BeAllYouCanBe
This weekend, Arlington National Cemetery is posting a moving tribute to the final resting place of so many of our Nation's Fallen Warriors. Check out the rest of
@ArlingtonNatl
posts as we continue to
#RememberThem
and
#HonorThem
Section 12 – This section, along with Section 10, is the primary burial location of service members killed overseas and repatriated to the United States after WWII and the Korean War.
That 14,000 ft smile
Congrats to recent grads of the Spec. Ops. Advanced Mountaineering course.
ARSOF Soldiers train to operate in varying terrain around the world so we can continue to be the strategic sensors and influence network our nation needs to
#compete
.
📸10SFG(A)
For anyone looking for a workout this week, here's one to honor Staff Sgt. Ryan Knauss.
His B/9 teammates will get the TPT 9000 reference.
Thank you for the outpouring of support for Ryan's family and for honoring his service and sacrifice.
#WinTheMind
#WinTheDay
So Ryan hated CrossFit with a burning passion and that makes this that much funnier. I’ve never met someone who was so anti functional fitness but was in as good of shape as he was.
WOD must be completed in sunglasses and a ball cap
Want to know the caliber of People we have in Army Special Operations?
Take 35 seconds to listen as our commander, Maj. Gen. John Brennan, reflects on the type of People we have in this community and "why ARSOF / 1st SF CMD is the place to serve."
We are saddened to report the death of Staff Sgt. P. Lincoln Olmstead, an SF Engineer Sgt from B/1/
@19th_SFG
, who died Tuesday while conducting pre-dive school swim training at Fort Campbell, KY.
Our thoughts remain with his family, friends & teammates.
Master Sgt. Earl Plumlee received the Medal of Honor last month in a
@WhiteHouse
ceremony.
In our latest Indigenous Approach podcast episode, Plumlee reflects on what that experience was like and talks about what's next for him.
🎧 👇
@USArmy
@USSOCOM
Can SF conduct Direct Action raids? Yep
That our value for the Nation? Nope
US has other SOF with DA focus
SF value =
Premier Partners globally
Persistent Presence & Indigenous Approach
Networks from long-standing relationships
Adaptive Innovators solving hard problems
Maj. Gen. John Brennan relinquished command to Maj. Gen. Richard Angle today during a ceremony at our headquarters on Fort Bragg.
Lt. Gen. Fran Beaudette presided over the ceremony.
We welcome the Angle family and wish the Brennan family the best in their new role!
@USASOCNews
Heard our latest podcast episode? What did you think?
In the latest show, we continue a series led by Master Sgt. Chris Copper, who sits down with a great team for some real talk about how the force is feeling and positive ways to respond.
@USASOCNews
Technology is helpful, but a foundation in the basics of small-unit tactics can't be overlooked.
Our Soldiers are in more than 70 countries on any given day, building relationships, acting as sensors and influencers, and enabling JIIM partners.
📸1SFG & RTA @ JRTC
#OTD
in 1987, the
#SpecialForces
branch was officially established as a basic branch of the Army by General Order Number 35.
By establishing SF as a branch, the Army better standardized and professionalized the Green Berets.
More info about SF History⬇️
@USArmy
@ASOMF
If you:
Want to work with partners across the world
Want to solve hard problems for the nation
Want to learn a new language and be immersed in new cultures
Are comfortable operating in ambiguity and complexity
Special Forces is for you.
for more
Congrats on your accomplishment, CPT McQuail!
"Recognizing that I volunteered as a Ranger, fully knowing the hazards of my chosen profession, I will always endeavor to uphold the prestige, honor, and high esprit de corps of the Rangers."
💪🇺🇸
@USASOCNews
@USSOCOM
@Civil_Affairs
Yesterday, SSG Anthony Best and SSG Brian Baltierra received the Soldier's Medal in a ceremony. These two outstanding NCOs saved the lives of two people from drowning in two separate incidents while assigned to 4th Psychological Operations Group.
@USASOCNews
@USSOCOM
One of our own recently had a chance to share his insights with
@MensHealthMag
.
Bottom line?
The holistic approach is the best approach. Physical fitness, sleep hygiene, mental health, and family & spiritual wellness all matter equally over a demanding career in the
@USArmy
.
#DYK
...11 brigade-sized subordinate units and more than 23,000 people comprise 1st Special Forces Command?
Visit ⬇️
To learn more about the Nation's Premier Partnership Force
And click ⬇️
For our Vision for 2021 and Beyond