With the Global War on Terror in its fifteenth year, a great deal of emphasis has been placed on special operations forces, often forgetting several other critical and tradition-laden military units. Sure, Navy SEALs are amazing and you will see more of them in this article, but a great deal of brave individuals who have fought and died for this great country never served in such elite units.
In fact, many of our nation’s heroes served in traditional infantry elements long before our nation’s elite units even existed.
Here is a list of 19 military units and specialties that the average American should know – from conventional to Tier One Special Mission Units (SMU). Please note that this list is a starter kit to your knowledge and certainly not comprehensive.
CONVENTIONAL UNITS
Several conventional US military units have storied traditions and have made an extraordinary impact on our way of life as we know it.
Pictured above is the 173d Infantry Brigade. This storied element saw action in World War I, but is perhaps best known for its forward leaning actions during the Vietnam War. The 173rd was the first major US ground component deployed in Vietnam. They served there from 1965 to 1971, where they lost nearly 1,800 soldiers.
Members of the Brigade received over 7,700 decorations, including more than 6,000 Purple Hearts.
Here is our list of additional conventional units to know. Don’t worry the special operations forces, including some that you do not know, are coming…