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U.S. Special
Operations Forces are known as the quiet professionals, ever ready
to respond anytime, anywhere to assist U.S. diplomats and military
teammates, as well as foreign military personnel and local and
national government officials around the world. These American
soldiers, sailors, and airmen, equipped with cross-cultural skills
and special language capabilities, are helping foreign militaries
daily, while at the same time enhancing the stature of the United
States, and promoting U.S. national security interests.
Special
Forces comprise a very low percentage of total U.S. forces. Yet
the "return" on Special Forces' missions is extremely
high. Why? One answer is the training is extremely challenging.
Navy SEALs, for example, have a reputation of providing the toughest
training anywhere in the world. Often only 30% of a given class
will complete training and become SEALs! Another reason for Special
Forces' low numbers is stealth. With small numbers, quick changes
and quiet movement are possible.
Check out related Special
Forces Resources, or read more about Special Forces groups
below...
Army
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Army
Delta Force
The 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment-Delta (SFOD-D)
is one of two units in the United States Armed Forces assigned
primarily to combat terrorism. The other is the Navy's 'Dev Group.'
Delta members are experts at counterinsurgency, small unit tactics,
and various infiltration techniques.
Many of them
come from Ranger battalions or Special Forces (Green Berets) groups.
They are well seasoned, well conditioned and are some of the most
experienced soldiers in the service. But as Mark Bowden, author
of Black Hawk Down, said, "They are professional soldiers
who hate the army." They are very independent warriors who
like working in small teams and are very resilient.
Army Rangers
"Rangers
lead the way," is the motto of this highly trained strike
force. They are experts at moving quietly into areas in small
teams for an attack. They may also be used for long-range reconnaissance
patrols or setting up observation posts. Rangers are still reeling
over the tragic mission in Somalia, and are looking for another
chance at victory. They are also a great ready-reserve force if
other Spec Ops troops get into trouble.
Green Berets
Received fame during the Vietnam war, these soldiers are specialists
at working with the local population. Their role could be crucial
to developing solid intelligence. The Northern Alliance, rebels
who oppose the Taliban, hold significant ground and could provide
another great staging point for attacks by the United States.
Task Force
160 (the "Night Stalkers")
Formed after the failed hostage rescue attempt in Iran and received
much attention during the deadly Somalia raid, this unit provides
aviation support to other Spec Ops warriors. They received their
moniker because of their expertise at flying night operations.
The Night Stalkers may benefit from the current season in Afghanistan.
The colder air is more dense and improves the performance of helicopter
rotor blades.
Go
to Army Special Forces Resources...
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Navy
SEALs
Today's SEAL
(SEa, Air, Land) teams trace their history to the first group
of volunteers selected from the Naval Construction Battalions
(SeaBees) in the spring of 1943. These volunteers were organized
into special teams called Navy Combat Demolition Units (NCDUs).
The units were tasked with reconnoitering and clearing beach obstacles
for troops going ashore during amphibious landings, and evolved
into Combat Swimmer Reconnaissance Units.
SEALs have a reputation as being the world's premier warriors,
which is well deserved. They are trained to perform in any conditions
on all terrains - in/under water, in the air, and on land. Normally
SEALs start from and return to the sea. SEALs (Sea, Air, Land)
teams go through what is considered by some to be the toughest
military training in the world. Basic Underwater Demolition/ SEAL
(BUD/S) training is conducted at the Naval Special Warfare Center
in Coronado. Students encounter obstacles that develop and test
their stamina, leadership and ability to work as a team.
Go
to Navy SEAL Resources...
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Air Force
Special
Tactics
Special Tactics operators integrate with other air activities
supporting the overall military campaign. Special Tactics can
conduct personnel recovery missions, collect intelligence and
provide terminal guidance for attacks against valuable enemy targets.
Their work frees other military assets to strike other priority
targets. Special Tactics operators can strike enemy targets that
are beyond the capabilities of precision munitions.
Special Tactics operators were instrumental in the rescue of two
Air Force pilots shot down during Operation Allied Force in Kosovo
and most recently in securing airfields and calling air strikes
in Afghanistan.
Go
to Air Force Special Tactics Resources...
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Marines
Marine
Expeditionary Units
The newest of Special Operations Forces, the Marine Corps
has just begun, in 2003, to deploy "Special Operations Capable"
Marine Expeditionary Units - MEU (SOC). These units are trained
to conduct maritime special operations. MEUs each include 2,200
combat-equipped Marines, with helicopters, Harrier jets and armored
vehicles, and patrol the worlds' trouble spots in groups of amphibious
assault ships.
Maintaining traditional Marine independence, MEUs perform a variety
of special operations, such as hostage rescues, embassy evacuations
and recovery of downed pilots from hostile territory. Instead
of being commanded by the U.S. Special Operations Command, the
Marines retained control over their MEUs, arguing that they were
needed in order to perform the service's basic mission to project
U.S. military power from the sea. Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld
wants the Marines to work more closely with the other Special
Forces, however, but only time will tell how this relationship
evolves.
Go
to Marines SOC Resources...
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International
Great
Britain's SAS
The Special Air Service (SAS) is the world's most experienced
special operations force in the world. SAS units have recently
seen action in Malaysia and Borneo, the Falkland Islands, Northern
Ireland and the Persian Gulf performing raids, ambushes and reconnaissance
missions. During Desert Storm for example, SAS teams snuck behind
enemy lines to destroy Scud missile sites. The SAS have a lot
of firsthand knowledge of Afghanistan as some members of the elite
team fought with the Mujahedeen against the Soviets during the
1980s. Recently, SAS has trained in the high mountains of Pakistan
and India and should be familiar serving in climates similar to
Afghanistan.
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