The special forces of Portugal are known as CTOE, which stands for Centro de Tropes de Operacoes Especiais, meaning Special Operations Troops Center in English. They are a unit of the Portuguese Army and also include a unit called DOE that performs missions similar to the SAS and other worldwide special operations forces. Their nickname is the Rangers.

Their History

CTOE was first started in 1960 as an elite unit who took courses with counter guerilla operations in the United States, United Kingdom, France and Algeria the actual unit as it is today began in 1981.

How To Become A Member Of CTOE

Members of the Portuguese Army are hand picked by their superior officers to train for CTOE courses and become members of this special operations force.

CTOE Training

CTOE training consists of courses involving direct action such as reconnaissance, raids, POW and hostage rescues as well as counter-insurgency indirect actions. They train with a sniper course, long range reconnaissance patrol, mountaineering, terrorist threats and prevention, and there is also a psychological course. There is also additional training for those who are already members of CTOE that includes demolitions, parachuting, combat diving and air controller as well as medic courses.

What Are They Best At?

They are best at long range reconnaissance, raids, rescues and locating enemy command and control centers. They work by land, boat and air.

Weapons Of CTOE

Weapons include Heckler & Koch G3, NATO small arms, FN/German G1 FAL rifle and more.

Known Missions

They have been active in Bosnia, Herzegovina, East-Timor, Kosovo, Afghanistan and Iraq.

Units

Units are two companies which consist of the CTOE and DOE, which are also known as the Special Hunters.

Are They Professional Soldiers?

Those in the CTOE are professional soldiers and those in DOE are considered the most elite of this special forces team.   

Resources

www.wikipedia.org

This Article is written by James Kara Murat, contributor of US Navy SEAL Information Portal.