IV.

United States Special Forces

The United States first set up its special forces in 1942. The United States Marine Corps (USMC) formed Raider Battalions, while the Army raised Ranger Battalions. The Raiders took part in most of the USMC landings in the Pacific both as an advance force for the main landings and for independent operations on the flanks, or behind enemy lines. Army Rangers spearheaded amphibious assaults in the Mediterranean and north-west European theatres of operations. Perhaps the most notable of these was the assault on the Pointe du Hoc cliffs by the 2nd Ranger Battalion on June 6, 1944, as part of the Allied D-Day assault on Normandy. Rangers were also employed ahead of the main ground force in the land battle on numerous occasions: for reconnaissance, to seize key terrain, and to disrupt enemy lines of communication.

Today's Special Forces in the United States came into being in 1952. The Army's Special Forces are known as the Green Berets because of their distinctive headgear. The expansion of the Green Berets, most notably through their role in South East Asia during the 1960s and 1970s, reflected the increasing importance that was accorded guerrilla tactics to counter revolutionary and other political developments in the United States and elsewhere in the world. The present Rangers, still an elite formation in the United States Army, although not strictly speaking Special Forces, are sometimes treated as such—and given tasks accordingly.

The United States Navy special forces are known as sea-air-land-teams (SEALs). As the name implies, their activities are mainly, although not exclusively, connected with operations launched from, or taking place on or under, the sea. They are involved in clandestine reconnaissance, attacks on high-value targets, and anti-terrorist operations.

United States Special Forces have played their part in all the campaigns involving their country, including those in South East Asia, Grenada, Panama, the Gulf War, Somalia, Afghanistan, and the War on Iraq. The methods employed to introduce them into the target area are similar to those used by the British. Both countries have air crews trained to the demanding standard required to fly special missions. United States Special Forces have the additional advantage of specially assigned transport aircraft and helicopter squadrons, specifically modified to enable them to penetrate hostile air space with a greater chance of success.

In 1987, those Special Forces not deactivated after the Vietnam War were incorporated into the US Special Operations Command. In general terms the Green Berets are akin to the SAS, and the SEALs have many of the characteristics of the SBS. In common with their British counterparts, United States Special Forces personnel are all parachute-qualified. They are trained to infiltrate enemy-controlled territory and make contact with, and organize, local dissidents for guerrilla operations.

Special Forces are known for a strong esprit de corps and intensive cross-training; their schooling in more than one speciality enables them to cover for loss or injury to members of the combat team. Training includes rigorous physical conditioning, familiarity with foreign weapons, hand-to-hand combat, night fighting, and familiarity with differing types of terrain—jungle, mountains, desert, and urban areas. Medical training also plays an important part. One member of a typical four-man patrol is almost always a medic. He not only provides medical cover for the patrol but in certain circumstances will also provide treatment for the local population where appropriate; this can play an important part in winning their trust. It is likely that Special Forces will continue to play an important part in the future at all levels of conflict, from operations as peacekeeping forces to all-out fighting in a high-intensity war.