US Army Special Forces aka ‘Green Berets’: Need to conduct irregular warfare? Direct action? Counterterrorism? How about a host of other sensitive missions? Then an SF unit, or Operational Detachment Alpha (ODA) is likely high on your rolodex….yes I still have a rolodex. These units/ODAs are made up of 12 elite operators with a myriad of specialties that work congruently to get the job done. Oh and no…not all special operations units are ‘special forces’ as the media often calls them. Only Special Forces are ‘special forces’….please stop making that mistake. The generic term for SpecOps units is special operations forces or SOF.
US Navy SEALs: This well known unit often steals the spotlight, and rightly so. Navy SEALs (Sea, Air and Land) have grown a great deal over the years and adapted to the US’ land based wars that have dominated the Global War on Terror. Recognized as one of the most arduous and hellish training pipelines in the world, B.U.D.S (Basic Underwater Demolition School) carves out the Navy’s best operators on the White SOF side of the house.
US Army Rangers: The 75th Ranger Regiment is a light-infantry special operations unit based at Fort Benning, GA. Known as an elite raid force, Rangers are capable of conducting a great multitude of missions from airfield seizure to direct action and counterterrorism. Rangers often work with other elite military units to get the job done. The Ranger Regiment is a huge pipeline for tier one units, such as the Combat Applications Group (better known as Delta Force) who are always looking for vetted, battle hardened and extremely well trained operators.
US Navy Explosive Ordnance Division (EOD): Not a job everyday Americans aspire to do on a daily basis, Navy EOD sailors work in conjunction with other special operations units to render safe all types of ordnance – whether improvised, biological, chemical or nuclear…tick tock…tick tock. Among their many duties…Navy EOD frequently works with the US Secret Service and other civilian law enforcement organizations.
US Marine Corps Force Reconnaissance / Force Recon: Because the USMC is revered in its own right, and because Navy Seal and Special Forces often take the spotlight, Force Recon is often not talked about – something in a community of silent warriors that I am sure they appreciate. Known for their ability to perform deep reconnaissance and direct action missions, Force Recon has been a stalwart unit in the SOF community. A great deal of the above missions are now performed by Marine Special Operations Teams (MSOTs) under the newly formed MARSOC (Marine Special Operations Command).
US Air Force Pararescuemen/ PJs: “So that others may live.” When the proverbial shit hits the fan, service members around the globe know this highly elite group of special operations warriors will be on their way to save the day. PJs insert into the most hostile environments to rescue downed aircrews as well as provide highly specialized trauma care to ensure our brave men and women are brought back to base.
US Air Force Combat Controllers / CCTs: Sure, seizing that airfield as a part of a new military campaign sounds critical to sustained operations, but it won’t be easy without these guys. CCTs are Special Tactics Operators that insert into hostile territory and establish communications for air support, command and control and serve as air traffic controllers when the good guys come rolling in. CCTs often attach to other SOF units to provide their critical skills and are among the most highly respected operators in the SOF community.
