![]() Particular emphasis is placed on attributes such as intelligence, physical fitness, motivation, trustworthiness, accountability, maturity, stability, judgment, decisiveness and teamwork. Mentally and physically demanding, the course is designed to see if a Soldier has what it takes to serve on an ODA. The ODA itself may specialize in an infiltration skill or a particular mission-set, such as military freefall, combat diving, mountain warfare, maritime operations or urban operations.Įntry into Special Forces begins with Special Forces Assessment and Selection, or SFAS, held at Camp Mackall, near Fort Bragg, N.C. ![]() The advanced training for each specialty can take six months or longer and includes small-unit tactics languages and survival, evasion, resistance and escape. Each man has a specific function, ranging from operations and intelligence, to weapons, engineering, medical and communications. The 12-man ODA (Operational Detachment Alpha) or "A-team," is largely made up of NCOs. Since then, Special Forces Soldiers have been on the cutting edge of our nation's global partnership to defeat terror and eliminate insurgencies from the Philippines to Colombia to Africa. In Iraq, Special Forces, working with select Iraqi indigenous partners, prevented an entire Iraqi corps from reinforcing Baghdad, while simultaneously conducting multiple special operations in the Western Desert and spearheading attacks toward Baghdad. 11, 2001, Special Forces further demonstrated their capabilities when less than 300 Soldiers, working closely with indigenous partners, caused the collapse of the Taliban-led government of Afghanistan in 43 days. These warriors displayed a long-term commitment to our allies that has led to great operational success in such places as El Salvador, Colombia and the Philippines.įollowing the attacks of Sept. Many of the early Green Berets were Lodge Act volunteers-foreign-born men who fought for various nations in World War II.įollowing Vietnam, they continued to contribute to the defeat of insurgencies around the globe, often with a small footprint in remote areas. Later, Special Forces gained renown in the Vietnam War, where they earned 17 Medals of Honor. These units specialized in behind-the-lines guerrilla warfare and commando operations. Special Forces' roots date back to World War II, when the Office of Strategic Services and the First Special Service Force were formed. In high demand for their adaptability, cultural acumen, language and specialty skills, Special Forces Soldiers take great pride in their official motto "De Oppresso Liber." This Latin phrase meaning, "To Liberate the Oppressed," references one of their primary missions: training and combat-advising foreign indigenous forces. These and other efforts lead to enduring partnerships and commitment to common goals. ![]() ![]() Those efforts often begin at the local level by building rapport with indigenous peoples and gaining valuable insights and information, often through shared cups of chi tea with tribal leaders. Kennedy called the distinctive headgear "a symbol of excellence, a badge of courage, a mark of distinction in the fight for freedom." That standard of excellence continues to distinguish those who have earned the Special Forces tab.įrom enabling partner nation forces around the globe to organizing, training, equipping and conducting combined combat operations with Iraqi and Afghan special operations forces, the Green Berets are decisively engaged supporting U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL 8 / 8 Show Caption + Hide Caption –Ī Special Forces Soldier from the 7th Special Forces Group out of Fort Bragg, N.C., instructs members of the Colombian National Army Special Forces Anti-Terrorist Group on room-clearing techniques during a foreign internal-defense mission to South Am.īestowing the Green Beret upon Special Forces in 1961, President John F. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL 7 / 8 Show Caption + Hide Caption – (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL 6 / 8 Show Caption + Hide Caption – (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL 5 / 8 Show Caption + Hide Caption – (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL 4 / 8 Show Caption + Hide Caption – (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL 3 / 8 Show Caption + Hide Caption – (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL 2 / 8 Show Caption + Hide Caption – (Photo Credit: U.S. 1 / 8 Show Caption + Hide Caption – (Photo Credit: U.S.
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