A Guide to US Special Forces
US Air Force
Special Operations Command
Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) was created originally out of an Air Corps unit that supported a guerrilla force harassing the Japanese in Burma in early 1943. This large force has been consistently active since in South america, Asia and the Middle East. Alongside it's active and reserve units, it is responsible for the US Air Force Special Operations School and the Special Missions Operational Test & Evaluation Center. It also includes the Special Tactics Groups, a unit that incorporates the US Air Force Combat Controllers and Pararescue Jumpers into an integrated force that supports all the various other US Special Forces units.
Army
US Rangers
A rapid deployment combat force. They provide the US Army with a fighting unit that can be moved to anywhere in the world in 18 hours. Specialists in rapid infantry assaults as well as some special operations into varied terrain and climates. The name originated in the British army in 17th century North America, where changing alliances among Native American tribes led to the raising of forts, with special ranging units patrolling between them.
Intelligence Support Activity (ISA)
The Intelligence Support Activity is a small intelligence unit with origins in a unit that was set up to survey the US embassy in Nicaragua prior to the 1979 overthrow of Nicaraguan leader Anastasio Somoza. It is largely a non combat unit but does have a direct action unit called "the shooters."
Special Forces Command
Large airborne and land force with separate command structure able to independently perform five missions: Foreign Internal Defence (FID), Unconventional Warfare (UW), Special Reconnaissance (SR), Direct Action (DA) and Combating Terrorism (CBT)
Green Berets
Another name for US Army Special Forces Command, after the unit's distinctive military headgear. The green beret was originally worn by a special forces Major, Herbert Brucker, a veteran of the OSS, the second world war predecessor to US Special Forces. Later, 1st Lt. Roger Pezelle adopted it as the unofficial head-gear for his team, Operational Detachment FA-32. They wore it whenever they went to the field for prolonged exercises. Soon it spread throughout all of Special Forces, although the Army refused to authorize its official use. Finally, in 1961, President Kennedy requested the US Army authorize the beret as a part of the special forces uniform, which it did.
Pathfinders
Small unit that traces it's origins back to the massive airborne operations of WWII. After a series of mishaps involving airborne troops, it was decided that a force of trained men was needed to help guide transport aircraft and gliders to their intended destinations. The concept was originally developed by the British. Also deployed to support US domestic law enforcement agencies, during counter drug operations. The Pathfinder teams also provide tactical ground intelligence to law enforcement aviation during aerial drug sweeps.
Nightstalkers
Originally formed in the early 1980's, the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (SOAR). Uses specially modified rotor craft and highly trained pilots to get special warfare teams to their mission destination through hostile territory or weather. The 160th consists of three battalions, two white and one "black", the latter for classified missions. Deployed world-wide in support of US forces.
Long Range Surveillance Units
Long Range Surveillance Units (LRSUs) trace their origins back to the US Army's Long Range Reconnaissance Units (LRRPs) set up in the late 1950's during the Cold War. Set up to provide information on the situation deep in the enemy's area. Deployed world-wide in support of US forces.
Delta Force
The 1st SFOD-Delta (Delta force) is the US government's main counter terrorist group. Also known as CAG (Combat Applications Group) and consisting of approximately 2,500 personnel. As a counter terrorist group, Delta's main function is in hostage rescue. It is independent and consists of four operational squadrons; a support squadron, a signal squadron, an aviation platoon, and what is termed the "Funny Platoon" which also includes female operators.
Psyops
US Army Psychological Operations Forces support conventional and special forces. They provide command functions with the ability to motivate and mobilize crucial segments of the population to enhance the probability of mission success. They are also actively deployed by the US on humanitarian missions such as flood and hurricane relief.
US Navy
Seals
A small combat force. SEALs is an acronym for Sea, Air, and Land. In 1962 it was decided to take members of the US Navy's UDT's (Underwater Demolition Teams), which focused on underwater mapping and demolition and turn them into a naval special combat force loosely modelled on the US Army Rangers. SEAL missions involve small units and are split into Direct Action (raids, ambushes, and assaults), Special Reconnaissance (shadowing an enemy unit and reporting their position), Unconventional Warfare (training guerrilla forces behind enemy lines), Foreign Internal Defence (training other government's troops in a non combat area), Counter terrorist (direct action against terrorist operations).
Special Boat Unit
Also known as the SBU or SBR, tasked with patrolling near shore and inter coastal waterways and the insertion, support, and extraction of special units. Created during the Vietnam conflict with patrol boats bought from the Norwegian government, it is a small combat and support unit.
Explosive Ordnance Disposal
EOD unit's primary mission is to disarm and render safe any explosive devices. Originally intended as a simple underwater mine disarming unit in WWII, their role has expanded to include all conventional munitions (including limpet and undersea anti ship mines), terrorist devices, nuclear weapons, and chemical/biological weapons. They can do so both on land and under the surface and are regularly attached to both shore or shipboard missions and duties.
Development Group
DEVGRU, or the Naval Special Warfare Development Group, was officially created in the mid 1990's as the US Navy's special forces strategy unit, to create, test, and evaluate new tactics, weapons, and equipment, replacing the disbanded SEAL counter terrorist 'Team Six'. In light of their counter terrorism role, they also have a combat role.
Reserve Special Warfare Units
Set up in 1974 by the US Navy, NRSW units are the special forces reserve units that can augment their active duty counterparts. They consist mainly of ex US Navy special forces personnel.
US Marines
Reconnaissance Battalions
'Recon' is a large combat and support unit originally formed in the middle of WWII, when two units were created with the purpose of giving the US Marines a raiding unit similar to the British Royal Marine Commandos and a reconnaissance and observation group required for the invasion of North Africa. Stated 'Recon' missions are: long range reconnaissance and surveillance, tactical recovery of aircraft personnel, maritime interdiction operations, hydro-graphic surveys & beach reconnaissance, small unit raids & selected prisoner snatches, harbour reconnaissance, underwater searches & evacuation of US civilians from hostile environments and countries.
Fleet Anti Terrorism Security Team
After a series of terrorist attacks against US military personnel in the 1970's and 1980'a, FAST was set up in the mid 1980's to provide the both US Navy and Marine Corps with a dedicated anti terrorist unit. They conduct defensive combat operations, military security operations, and rear area security operations.
Radio Reconnaissance Platoons
'Recon' units dedicated to the US Marines' two radio and communications battalions and specialists in signal intelligence and electronic warfare operations during pre assault, advance force, or special operations.
Marine Expeditionary Units
Known as MEU/SOC (Marine Expeditionary Unit, Special Operations Capable). These are the advance guard of the conventional US marines, capable of engaging in special forces activities.
Maritime Special Purpose Force
Within each MEU/SOC there is an elite sub unit called the Maritime Special Purpose Force (MSPF). This small combat unit's mission includes: deep reconnaissance, 'in extremis' urban hostage rescue, special demolition operations, clandestine recovery of personnel and equipment, Gas and Oil Platform (GOPLAT) operations, clandestine reconnaissance and surveillance, direct action and close quarter battle (CQB) and maritime interdiction operations.
Special Operations Command
Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) was created originally out of an Air Corps unit that supported a guerrilla force harassing the Japanese in Burma in early 1943. This large force has been consistently active since in South america, Asia and the Middle East. Alongside it's active and reserve units, it is responsible for the US Air Force Special Operations School and the Special Missions Operational Test & Evaluation Center. It also includes the Special Tactics Groups, a unit that incorporates the US Air Force Combat Controllers and Pararescue Jumpers into an integrated force that supports all the various other US Special Forces units.
Army
US Rangers
A rapid deployment combat force. They provide the US Army with a fighting unit that can be moved to anywhere in the world in 18 hours. Specialists in rapid infantry assaults as well as some special operations into varied terrain and climates. The name originated in the British army in 17th century North America, where changing alliances among Native American tribes led to the raising of forts, with special ranging units patrolling between them.
Intelligence Support Activity (ISA)
The Intelligence Support Activity is a small intelligence unit with origins in a unit that was set up to survey the US embassy in Nicaragua prior to the 1979 overthrow of Nicaraguan leader Anastasio Somoza. It is largely a non combat unit but does have a direct action unit called "the shooters."
Special Forces Command
Large airborne and land force with separate command structure able to independently perform five missions: Foreign Internal Defence (FID), Unconventional Warfare (UW), Special Reconnaissance (SR), Direct Action (DA) and Combating Terrorism (CBT)
Green Berets
Another name for US Army Special Forces Command, after the unit's distinctive military headgear. The green beret was originally worn by a special forces Major, Herbert Brucker, a veteran of the OSS, the second world war predecessor to US Special Forces. Later, 1st Lt. Roger Pezelle adopted it as the unofficial head-gear for his team, Operational Detachment FA-32. They wore it whenever they went to the field for prolonged exercises. Soon it spread throughout all of Special Forces, although the Army refused to authorize its official use. Finally, in 1961, President Kennedy requested the US Army authorize the beret as a part of the special forces uniform, which it did.
Pathfinders
Small unit that traces it's origins back to the massive airborne operations of WWII. After a series of mishaps involving airborne troops, it was decided that a force of trained men was needed to help guide transport aircraft and gliders to their intended destinations. The concept was originally developed by the British. Also deployed to support US domestic law enforcement agencies, during counter drug operations. The Pathfinder teams also provide tactical ground intelligence to law enforcement aviation during aerial drug sweeps.
Nightstalkers
Originally formed in the early 1980's, the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (SOAR). Uses specially modified rotor craft and highly trained pilots to get special warfare teams to their mission destination through hostile territory or weather. The 160th consists of three battalions, two white and one "black", the latter for classified missions. Deployed world-wide in support of US forces.
Long Range Surveillance Units
Long Range Surveillance Units (LRSUs) trace their origins back to the US Army's Long Range Reconnaissance Units (LRRPs) set up in the late 1950's during the Cold War. Set up to provide information on the situation deep in the enemy's area. Deployed world-wide in support of US forces.
Delta Force
The 1st SFOD-Delta (Delta force) is the US government's main counter terrorist group. Also known as CAG (Combat Applications Group) and consisting of approximately 2,500 personnel. As a counter terrorist group, Delta's main function is in hostage rescue. It is independent and consists of four operational squadrons; a support squadron, a signal squadron, an aviation platoon, and what is termed the "Funny Platoon" which also includes female operators.
Psyops
US Army Psychological Operations Forces support conventional and special forces. They provide command functions with the ability to motivate and mobilize crucial segments of the population to enhance the probability of mission success. They are also actively deployed by the US on humanitarian missions such as flood and hurricane relief.
US Navy
Seals
A small combat force. SEALs is an acronym for Sea, Air, and Land. In 1962 it was decided to take members of the US Navy's UDT's (Underwater Demolition Teams), which focused on underwater mapping and demolition and turn them into a naval special combat force loosely modelled on the US Army Rangers. SEAL missions involve small units and are split into Direct Action (raids, ambushes, and assaults), Special Reconnaissance (shadowing an enemy unit and reporting their position), Unconventional Warfare (training guerrilla forces behind enemy lines), Foreign Internal Defence (training other government's troops in a non combat area), Counter terrorist (direct action against terrorist operations).
Special Boat Unit
Also known as the SBU or SBR, tasked with patrolling near shore and inter coastal waterways and the insertion, support, and extraction of special units. Created during the Vietnam conflict with patrol boats bought from the Norwegian government, it is a small combat and support unit.
Explosive Ordnance Disposal
EOD unit's primary mission is to disarm and render safe any explosive devices. Originally intended as a simple underwater mine disarming unit in WWII, their role has expanded to include all conventional munitions (including limpet and undersea anti ship mines), terrorist devices, nuclear weapons, and chemical/biological weapons. They can do so both on land and under the surface and are regularly attached to both shore or shipboard missions and duties.
Development Group
DEVGRU, or the Naval Special Warfare Development Group, was officially created in the mid 1990's as the US Navy's special forces strategy unit, to create, test, and evaluate new tactics, weapons, and equipment, replacing the disbanded SEAL counter terrorist 'Team Six'. In light of their counter terrorism role, they also have a combat role.
Reserve Special Warfare Units
Set up in 1974 by the US Navy, NRSW units are the special forces reserve units that can augment their active duty counterparts. They consist mainly of ex US Navy special forces personnel.
US Marines
Reconnaissance Battalions
'Recon' is a large combat and support unit originally formed in the middle of WWII, when two units were created with the purpose of giving the US Marines a raiding unit similar to the British Royal Marine Commandos and a reconnaissance and observation group required for the invasion of North Africa. Stated 'Recon' missions are: long range reconnaissance and surveillance, tactical recovery of aircraft personnel, maritime interdiction operations, hydro-graphic surveys & beach reconnaissance, small unit raids & selected prisoner snatches, harbour reconnaissance, underwater searches & evacuation of US civilians from hostile environments and countries.
Fleet Anti Terrorism Security Team
After a series of terrorist attacks against US military personnel in the 1970's and 1980'a, FAST was set up in the mid 1980's to provide the both US Navy and Marine Corps with a dedicated anti terrorist unit. They conduct defensive combat operations, military security operations, and rear area security operations.
Radio Reconnaissance Platoons
'Recon' units dedicated to the US Marines' two radio and communications battalions and specialists in signal intelligence and electronic warfare operations during pre assault, advance force, or special operations.
Marine Expeditionary Units
Known as MEU/SOC (Marine Expeditionary Unit, Special Operations Capable). These are the advance guard of the conventional US marines, capable of engaging in special forces activities.
Maritime Special Purpose Force
Within each MEU/SOC there is an elite sub unit called the Maritime Special Purpose Force (MSPF). This small combat unit's mission includes: deep reconnaissance, 'in extremis' urban hostage rescue, special demolition operations, clandestine recovery of personnel and equipment, Gas and Oil Platform (GOPLAT) operations, clandestine reconnaissance and surveillance, direct action and close quarter battle (CQB) and maritime interdiction operations.
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