When I embarked on creating an artwork illustration of the Forward Observations Group (FOG), I aimed to capture the unique blend of combat expertise and cultural influence they represent. Founded by former U.S. Army infantryman Derrick Bales, FOG is more than just a military lifestyle brand—it is a movement that bridges the gap between the realities of modern warfare and the broader public consciousness. This blog post explores the intriguing facets of FOG, from its inception and mission to its impact on and off the battlefield.
How the Story Begins
One day, a friend of mine came by my house wearing a cap that immediately caught my eye. The logo looked strikingly similar to Patagonia, an outdoor brand I absolutely love, but there was something different about it—it boldly read "Forward." Intrigued, I asked about it, and that’s when the air of mystery thickened. He told me it was from the Forward Observations Group (FOG), a name that instantly sparked my curiosity. According to him, FOG was founded by ex-SF guys and is essentially the modern-day equivalent of a private military company. Could this be the contemporary version of Executive Outcomes, the infamous private military company founded by Eeben Barlow in 1989 in South Africa? Executive Outcomes had a legendary reputation for its daring operations across Africa, even inspiring the mercenaries in the blockbuster Blood Diamond. Eric Prince, the mastermind behind Blackwater USA, admired Executive Outcomes and used them as a blueprint for his own controversial PMC. So, was FOG the next Blackwater, shrouded in secrecy and destined for notoriety? The intrigue was palpable.
Forward Observations Group, A Tactical Lifestyle Brand
FOG emerged from Derrick Bales’ vision to capture the modern soldier's spirit, merging tactical gear with branded accessories. With a strong social media presence, FOG quickly gained a following among military enthusiasts. Their Instagram and YouTube channels showcase their adventures and connect with a global audience.
From the Frontlines to Social Media
FOG's activities extend beyond social media. They've traveled to conflict zones like Ukraine, Israel, Iraq, and Syria, connecting with local fighters and capturing raw footage. In May 2021, photos of Bales and his team in Ukraine, tagged with ultranationalist Azov Battalion members, stirred controversy. Critics questioned if FOG was documenting or participating in the conflict. Despite this, FOG remains dedicated to highlighting warfare realities and supporting local fighters.
Ukraine Conflict and Russian Allegations
FOG faced challenges in Ukraine. In March 2022, the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs accused them of plotting a chemical weapons attack. Bales and the U.S. State Department denied these claims, calling them baseless and a pretext for Russian provocations.
Tactical Innovators
FOG is known for tactical gear innovations. In 2017, they introduced the "Roll 1 Trauma Pouch," a first aid kit for Special Operations Forces in Syria. This pouch, adaptable in various configurations, is now widely used within the military.
Cultural Impact
The founder of Forward Observations Group (FOG), Derrick Bales, has garnered attention for his adventurous spirit, including a controversial trip to Ukraine where he was associated with a member of the Azov Battalion. Despite the battalion's controversial reputation, opinions on FOG and cancel culture vary, FOG continues to be renowned for its top-notch content and unique merchandise, which is especially popular among Special Operations Forces (SOF) and military enthusiasts. While some criticize Bales for his association, others appreciate his contributions to the military community and his efforts to support Ukrainian fighters through merchandise sales. FOG remains a beloved brand, known for its cool war, gun, and skydiving videos, as well as its collaborations with other prominent military gear companies such as the GBRS group and crossover productions with others like Ferro Concepts. The brand's ability to engage and entertain a wide audience, while also supporting important causes, underscores its significant cultural impact.
Adding to the intrigue, the discovery of an anti-FOG patch, allegedly worn by the Wagner Group, adds another layer to the story. The patch depicted a figure smashing the legs of a skeleton with the letter "W" on it, accompanied by the text "Wagner Exorcist Group." Another version showed a skeleton in pieces with a round flying at it and the FOG logo with three X's underneath. This ongoing rivalry and the unique cultural artifacts it produces underscore the significant impact and reach of FOG within and beyond the military community.
Supporting the Frontlines
FOG actively sources medical supplies, gear, and funds for Ukrainian fighters and foreign volunteers, emphasizing their commitment to those on the frontlines, despite controversies.
Controversies and Criticisms
FOG has faced its share of controversies. Recently, Derrick Bales was criticized for associating with Vadim Lapaev, a member of the far-right Azov Battalion in Ukraine. This raised concerns due to the Battalion's neo-Nazi ties. Bales apologized but downplayed the radical aspects of these fighters, complicating FOG's public image.
Bales, who served with the 173rd Airborne Brigade in Afghanistan and is featured in a 2011 U.S. Army website post, claimed he was escorted to the frontline by members of the SBU, Ukraine's intelligence agency. Despite backlash, Bales maintains he did no fighting and was there to conduct interviews for a coffee table book on the Donbas war. His trip, aided by a known neo-Nazi fighter, and subsequent Instagram posts caused a stir among followers. Bales stands by his actions, emphasizing his non-combatant role and intent to document the war.
Involvement in Israel
FOG recently released videos of them being shown around by fighters from the elite Israeli Lotar unit in the kibbutzim that were raided by Hamas on October 7th. And yet again from this FOG was recently linked to a viral photo suggesting U.S. Delta Force units were in Israel, which had originated from FOG's social media. This incident highlights their influence on public perception, even when their involvement is unclear. There is no valid proof that the U.S. even sent commandos to aid in hostage recovery in Israel, but FOG's clever marketing creates an ambiguous story, adding to their complex narrative.
Conclusion
The Forward Observations Group blurs the lines between military operation and cultural phenomenon. Founded by Derrick Bales, FOG has made its mark through tactical innovation, controversial associations, and unwavering support for conflict zone fighters. They are often seen by some as an online hype company that produces cool merch, war, gun, and skydiving content and videos, and they "might" be involved in some military consulting or contracting. It could also be just one guy with a few employees working on merchandise. Their patches, caps, and other merchandise have made their way onto all the current battlefields today, and they do a great job at that. They are in no way a large group or PMC, nor anything close to Executive Outcomes or Blackwater USA. The pissing match they have with Wagner is hilarious, and their influence on military culture and public perception is undeniable, cementing their place in modern warfare narratives. I personally admire and enjoy the content they put out, I own one of their 082621 caps and I love it. I will definitely look to get more of their gear in the future.
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Disclaimer:Â The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any agency, organization, employer, or company. The information provided is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal, medical, or professional advice. Readers are encouraged to seek independent advice or consult relevant authorities for specific questions or concerns related to the content discussed.