Their History

The Special Brigade was established in September 2006 and included former elite special forces that operated in the military of Serbia and Montenegro.  This included the 63^rd Paratroop Brigade, the Cobras, the Shadows ( the 82^nd reconnaissance-demolition diving sea center) and the 72^nd Special Brigade Hawks. It is also comprised of some smaller units.

How To Become A Member Of The Serbia Brigade

Those who want to become a member of the Serbia Brigade must be members of the armed forces.  They are selected for training in the special forces and must pass various aspects of training.

Serbia Brigade Training

Training operates within all the aspects of the Serbian military and those who are part of this special forces brigade receive training from the land forces as well as the air force.  Actual numbers of those who are in the Special Brigade are unknown.

What Are They Best At?

The are best at electronic reconnaissance as well as ground warfare.  They also have a counter terrorist battalion.

Weapons Of The Serbia Brigade

Weapons used by the Serbia Brigade are those that are also used by the Serbian Land Forces and include much equipment from the Yugoslav Peoples Army and some equipment from the former Soviet Union.  Newer equipment is being added such as the M21S Assault Rifles.

Known Missions

Current missions are classified although they have been structured to protect the country from terrorist threats and maintain civil order.

Units

The Special Brigade is comprised of the Military Police Counter Terrorism Battalion, the 63^rd Paratroop Battalion and the 72^nd Reconnaissance Commando Battalion.

Are They Professional Soldiers?

The Special Brigade consists of professional soldiers who have previous experience in the Serbian Military. 

Resources

www.wikipedia.org.

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

Their History

The SOF was formed in 1984 but has only been acknowledged as a special forces operation since 1997.  They are a division of the Army and the number of those in the ranks is classified information.  They originally began as a unit after a hijacking incident that turned out to be a false alarm.  At that time, it was recognized that they needed to have a special forces team to deal with hostage rescue situations.

How To Become A Member Of The SOF

Members of the army can train to become members of this special unit.  Although some wear the insignia of the SOF, most members prefer to keep this discreet.

SOF Training

In addition to practicing free-falling in all types of weather conditions and in all kinds of terrains, the SOF also trains with the United States military special forces including the Navy SEALS, the U.S. Rangers, the Green Berets the United States Delta Force. Their training is takes four years to complete and includes counter terrorism strategies, jungle warfare, amphibious assault, airborne assault and reconnaissance. All SOF members receive training in all types of equipment and weapons.

What Are They Best At?

The SOF is best at strategic special operations and counter terrorism. In war time, they specialize in special reconnaissance missions.

Weapons Of The SOF

Much of what the SOF use is classified information. Some of the weapons that are used include the M4 Carbine, SAR-21 Assault Rifle, FN P-90 submachine gun, MP5 submachine gun, and various shotguns and sniper rifles as well as the Vektor and SIG-Sauer pistols. In addition, they also use typical counter terrorism equipment that is generally used for intervention purposes including clearing rooms and breaching doors and locks.

Known Missions

One of the most widely known missions is Operation Thunderbolt, in which Pakistani militants hijacked an SIA Airbus on 26^th March, 1991. Commandoes from the SAF ( Singapore Armed Forces) stormed the airbus and freed the 123 passengers and crew in an operation that lasted half a minute. The four hijackers were all killed by gunfire. No injuries to the hostages were reported and this was the first time a hijacking was thwarted by deadly force in Singapore. Despite the well publicized operation, the Ministry of Defense of Singapore did not acknowledge the existence of the group until 1997.

Units

Size and units are classified.

Are They Professional Soldiers?

Members of the SOF are professional soldiers and highly skilled in intelligence gathering, land, sea and air operations as well as counter-terrorism. 

Resources

www.wikipedia.org

www.specialoperations.com

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

Their History

The South African Special Forces Brigade, as they are also known, were created on 1^st October1972 as a reconnaissance commando team. They now consist of several regiments and are headquartered in Seskop, Pretoria Gauteng. They have been restructured several times through the years and now consist of several brigade sized forces.

How To Become A Member Of The Recces

All members of the Recces must be soldiers as well as South African Citizens to apply for this special forces unit which is considered to be one of the most challenging in the world. There is pre-selection training, as well as other courses for those who make this first cut. Candidates must be part of the military and must meet very stringent requirements in order to be considered for pre-selection training.

Recces Training

Pre-selection training consists of psychological and physical tests as well as oral examinations. There are strenuous physical tests of endurance that must be performed. These include a 3 km run in full gear to be completed in 13 minutes; 67 sit ups to be done in 2 minutes, rope climbing, wall scaling and 40 non-stop push ups. In addition, each cadet has to perform 120 shuttle kicks, climb a wall that is 10 ft high and complete a 15 kms march within 2 hours.

They must demonstrate maturity as well as physical qualifications before they can continue to the parachuting course and then to the orientation course.

The psychological tests include oral interviews with Special Forces NCOs in addition to written tests. Even a hint of mental instability can lead to instant exclusion from the army training.

After they have completed the Orientation course, all soldiers must then go through intensive land, sea and airborne training.

Land training includes tracking and survival, reconnaissance and demolitions and sniping.

Sea training includes swimming, navigation, diving, underwater demolitions and beach reconnaissance.

Advanced airborne training includes rappelling and free falling.

What Are They Best At?

They are best at reconnaissance, sabotage, underwater demolition and counter terrorism.

Weapons Of The Recces

A full range of military weapons are used by this special forces brigade similar to those used by the SAS and Navy Seals.

Known Missions

The South African Recces were active in Angola as well as Namibia during the 70s and the 80s, during which time their main adversary was the South West Africa’s People Organization ( SWAPO). The SWAPO was comprised of a group of guerillas fighting for an independent Namibia.

“Operation Mebos”, carried out in 1982 was one of their most well known operations. During this operation, the Recces stormed and destroyed the SWAPO headquarters, which was located deep into Angola. Later, in 1984, they carried out “Operation Askari”. In this operation, they severed all supply lines to and from SWAPO.

Units

There are several units consisting of the 1 Reconnaissance Commando, the 4 Reconnaissance Commando, the 5 Reconnaissance Commando and the 7^th Medical Battalion.

Are They Professional Soldiers?

The members of this special forces elite team are professional soldiers, most of whom remain with the special forces until retirement. 

Resources

www.wikipedia.org

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

Their History

The SF have been around since 1985 and were first called a Combat Tracker Team that specialized in carrying out small operations that were deep within enemy territory, particularly against terrorism in times of war. At that time, the group consisted of 2 officers and 38 men. Since then, they have evolved, although they are known as a small, elite and covert team. They specialize in various types of special forces activities.

How To Become A Member Of The SF

Those who are members of the Sri Lanka army can join the special forces if they pass the selection training, which is reputed to be pretty tough. However, the rigorous training is not aimed at breaking the morale of the cadets; rather it is designed to pin point trainees who have the initiative and drive to successfully carry out and complete the objectives of their missions no matter how difficult and dangerous. This grueling training session ensures that only the best of the best get selected into the Sri Lankan Army Special Forces Regiment.

SF Training

The training consists of basic training and specialized training for all SF personnel. This is conducted by the Special Forces Training School, which was set up on February 15^th 1992.

There are courses from the Army as well as Navy SEALs and Air Force Courses. Those who are members of the SF still must go to a one month course every year as a refresher to make sure that they can still live up to the standards of the SF. Anyone who fails the rigorous testing is posted out of the Special Forces.

What Are They Best At?

Their roles include counter terrorism, intelligence gathering in deep battle, sabotage and offensive raiding in deep and medium battle space, unconventional warfare including covert operations and rapid deployment.

Weapons Of The SF

Weapons are classified.

Known Missions

One known mission is the Sri Lankan Civil War.

Units

There are five units that range from the 1^st regiment to the 5^th regiment that was recently established. They are all prepared to have sharp skills and fight deep within enemy territory in times of war.

Are They Professional Soldiers?

The members of the SF are professional soldiers, with most of them staying in the military for a lifelong career.

Resources

www.wikipedia.org

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

Their History

The SPG became active in 1994 whereas the SIG was established much later in 2006. The Swedish Army became more active during the years of the Cold War, at which time service in the military became mandatory. The Swedish Army serves the people of Sweden and has also been deployed globally. Recently, the SPG was deployed to Afghanistan to support the ISAF, a NATO group. The SSG and the SIG were both deployed to Chad, as part of Sweden’s contribution of marines to EUFOR.

How To Become A Member Of The SSG & SIG

While the SSG is comprised of officers from all 3 military branches- the army, the navy and the air force, they are primarily from the Coastal Rangers, Airborne Rangers and Parachute Rangers. The selection process is extremely arduous and challenging.

Men are mostly drafted into the Swedish army, although there have been a considerable number of female volunteers over the past several years. The standards and challenges for female applicants is the same as it is for male applicants. The average age of the operatives is 30 years.

Swedish Special Forces Training

Basic recruit training takes more than 12 months and includes VIP protection, parachuting and scuba diving. SSG officers also get receive special weapons training, sniping training, and training in first aid. Training is generally conducted in foreign countries with many joint exercises with the special forces of those countries.

What Are They Best At?

Their goal is to be neutral in times of war. They are trained to protect the territory, defend their country and assist civilians. They also deploy troops for international peace missions. The SIG are especially trained for reconnaissance and clandestine surveillance with the aim of gathering intelligence on any individuals or activities of strategic significance. The SIG undertakes delicate, dangerous missions that require them to move undetected inside hostile areas.

Weapons Of The Sweden

Weapons are unknown.

Known Missions

The SSG has been active in Afghanistan and Kosovo. They have also been active in anti piracy in Operation Atlanta and have been deployed for peacekeeping in Sudan and Chad.

Units

There are many units established in the Swedish Army, but only 2 that are ready for instant deployment. The Home Guard and the First Regiment are ready for instant deployment.

Are They Professional Soldiers?

Most of the members of the Swedish army are conscripts who have to serve because of the mandatory service law. They are paid for their service, but the plan is to end mandatory service in the summer of 2010.

Resources

www.wikipedia.org

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

Their History

The ROC was establishes as the armed wing of Sun Yat Sen’s KMT. It was called the National Revolutionary Army. Their original mission was to take the China mainland from the Peoples Republic of China. However, after lifting the martial law in 1988, and the ensuing democratization, the focus of the ROC is on defending Taiwan, Penghu, Matsu and Kinmen from any attacks of the People’s Liberation Army.

In recent years, the ROC has downsized considerably and their short term goals now include acquisition of armored vehicles, field air defense systems, joint C2 systems, MLRs and advanced attack helicopters.

How To Become A Member Of The ROC

No information is available as to how to become a member of this special forces group.

ROC Training

No information is available as to the training involved in becoming members of the ROC.

What Are They Best At?

Defense against invasions by the People’s Republic Of China, counterattacks, defense against amphibious assault and urban warfare.

Weapons Of The ROC

Weapons are being updated and purchased from the United States that include M60A3 Patton tanks, M109A6 Paladin howitzers and SuperCobra helicopters. Newer equipment is being sold by the United States after the freeze of weapons to Taiwan was lifted on October 3, 2009. Military weapons include a variety of pistols, submachine guns, assault rifles, sniper rifles, automatic weapons, combat shotguns, Carbines, sniper rifles, machine guns and grenade launchers.

Known Missions

Missions are covert and many facilities are located underground.

Units

Units consist of Aviation and Special Forces Command, the 6^th Army Corps, the 8^th Army Corps, the 10^th Army Corps, the Hau Tung Defense Command, The Kinmen Defense Command and the Penghu Defense Command. Each unit is comprised of brigades and special commands.

Are They Professional Soldiers?

The ROC are professional soldiers.

Resources

www.wikipedia.org

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

Their History

The Royal Thai Navy SEALs were set up in 1956 by the government of the United States, presumably in response to the Cold War. They train with the US Navy SEALs and although a small special forces unit, are considered formidable.

How To Become A Member Of The Royal Thai Navy SEALs

Those who are members of the Royal Thai Navy can train to be members of this elite squad, although the training is considered to be very rigorous and most, as is the case with most special forces units across the world, will not pass the training. Those who do are considered to be formidable soldiers.

Royal Thai Navy SEALs Training

The Royal Thai Navy SEALs often train with the US Navy SEALs and endure 18 months of physical and psychological testing and training. The first week is considered to be the most difficult in the 18 month training program. Only 30 percent of the recruits make it to the final training process.

What Are They Best At?

Intelligence gathering, reconnaissance missions, direct action, unconventional warfare and counter terrorism.

Weapons Of The Royal Thai Navy SEALs

Weapons of the Royal Thai Navy SEALs are comparable to those that are used with the United States Navy SEALs.

Known Missions

Missions of this special forces group are classified, although they have been known to work with the US Navy SEALs as well as the US Delta Force teams.

Units

They are a very small and elite group of soldiers comprised of one unit.

Are They Professional Soldiers?

The Royal Thai Navy SEALs are professional soldiers.

Resources

www.wikipedia.org

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

The SAS or Special Air Services, a division of the British Army and is one of the most widely known and respected special forces groups in the world.  The SAS has been used as a model for special forces by other countries seeking to emulate this elite squad of the best of the best of the British Army.

Their History

The SAS was formed in 1941, after the British had been under attack during WWII, although never occupied. They were re-formed after the war as they are today. They originally began as a combat force behind the lines and now cover many roles. They have been involved in numerous engagements since the Second World War, both on the domestic front as well as globally.

How To Become A Member Of SAS

All of the members of the UK military undergo a special process and are asked to sign non-disclosure statements. This is due to the popularity of the SAS throughout history and the books that have been written about this elite squad. The SAS, being a special operations unit, does not want to give away their operations secrets as it can compromise the security of the team. Those who wish to become members of the SAS must undergo extreme training.  Most of those in the SAS are officers.

SAS Training

Training consists of air troop training, climbing, ice climbing, parachuting, survival skills, rigorous physical and psychological tests as well as exams.  The training period for this elite team consists of 18 months, although most of those in the SAS are cross trained in different troop units.

What Are They Best At?

Counter revolutionary warfare, counter terrorism both inside and outside UK territory, training soldiers of other nations, capture of special interest persons, intelligence gathering, sabotage, offensive raids and rescue missions.

Weapons Of SAS

The British Government likes to keep as much of the information about the SAS covert as possible, until their actual missions. They are considered one of the best special service forces in the world and have a full arsenal of state of the art weaponry at their disposal.

Known Missions

Some of the more well known missions include WWII, Malayan Emergency, Northern Ireland, Falklands War, Iraq War and the Afghanistan War.

Units

Units consist of the 22 SAS that has five squadrons, the 21 SAS that has four squadrons and the 23 SAS that has four squadrons.

Are They Professional Soldiers?

Yes. They are highly trained professional soldiers, most of whom are officers and most of whom stay in the service until retirement.

Resources

www.wikipedia.org

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

Their History

The Spetsnaz GRU worked in reconnaissance during WWII and after the war was reorganized. They are considered to be one of the most elite special forces teams in the world and operate much like the British SAS as well as the United States Delta Force.

How To Become A Member Of The Spetsnaz GRU

Those who in the Russian military can be selected for training for this special forces operation.

Russian Special Forces Training

Training for the Russian Special Forces is classified, although as they carry out much of the same roles as the SAS and Delta Force, it can be assumed that it amounts to rigorous training in direct action, reconnaissance and even assassination.

What Are They Best At?

They are best at reconnaissance, direct action, assassination, sabotage and capturing.

Weapons Of Spetsnaz GRU Special Forces

They use the basic equipment of the Russian Land forces but also have a specialized ballistic knife developed just for them. This allows a blade to be ejected while the knife is held in the hand. They also use silencers on the SP R pistol.

Known Missions

They have been involved in the Soviet War in Afghanistan, the First Chechen War, the Second Chechen War and the South Ossetria War.

Units

The units consist of the 2^nd ObrSpN, the 3^rd Guards ObrSpN, the 10^th Mountain, the 12^th, the 14^th Separate Brigade, the 16^th Spetsnaz Brigade, The 22^nd Guards, The 24^th Spetsnaz Brigade, the 67^th ObrSpN and the 216 INDEP SPETNAZ BN located in Moscow.

Are They Professional Soldiers?

They are professional soldiers and considered to be highly elite among special forces groups. 

Resources

www.wikipedia.org

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

Their History

The Romanian Special Forces Battalion began in the late 1990s under NATO, but changed rapidly after the events of September 11, 2001 in which special force soldiers from the air force, navy and land forces were combined to work as one special forces team. They worked with four allied nations, the United Kingdom, The United States, Israel and Turkey to create their selection process. They became fully active and operational in 2007.

How To Become A Member Of The Romanian Special Forces

Those who are in the Romanian Special Forces must be active members of one of the Romanian military forces in order to be selected for this elite squad.

Romanian Special Forces Training

The training consists from instructors from other special forces units such as the Turkish SF as well as the United States Green Berets. The first batch of graduates from the academy created the first battalion in 2006 at which time they became an operational unit.

What Are They Best At?

They are an elite squad that operates much like special forces such as the Green Berets. As of yet, they have not engaged in any missions.

Weapons Of Romanian Special Forces

Weapons of this new special forces team are unknown, however it is believed that the weapons of the armed forces of Romania are all part of their operation.

Known Missions

They have not had any known missions but it has been stated that they will be taking missions abroad.

Units

The Eagles are one unit. There is nothing known about the size of this special forces operation.

Are They Professional Soldiers?

They are professional soldiers who have previous experience in the Romanian military.  

Resources

www.wikipedia.org

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