‘Dirty end of the stick’: Nuts and bolts of Special Forces missions on display at Tampa gathering

TAMPA, Fla. — Guns, bombs, drones and artificial intelligence steal the headlines, but a less-snazzy side to the world of U.S. special operations forces is central to accomplishing missions quickly, effectively and safely.

Trailer-mounted shelters, flashlights, mobile command centers and data-protection apps on display at the recent Special Operations Forces Week convention help form the backbone of capabilities of America’s most elite fighting forces.