Their History

Unit 777 is also known as Task Force 777. They were created in 1977 in response to Sadat and an attempt to make peace with Israel. They have been dispatched several times and are considered to be a counter terrorism unit as well as a special operations unit.

How To Become A Member Of Unit 777

Little is known about this covert operation, although it can be assumed that they are military trained men who are members of the Egyptian Army. The Egyptian armed forces consist of a Navy as well as an Army. Unit 777 is an offshoot of the Egyptian Army.  Details on how a person becomes member of this special task force are not known.

Unit 777 Training

Although the original Unit 777 was disbanded after the failed Malta rescue operation (see details below, the special forces operation now trains with several special operations units across the world, including the United States Delta Force, Navy Seals and the French GIGN.

What Are They Best At?

Their primary missions are to protect Egypt from terrorist activities perpetrated against them, both in the country as well as abroad. Disarming hijackings of Egyptian ships as well as airplanes are part of their duties. They are best at covert operations and sniper activities in an effort to rescue hostages and eliminate terrorists. Currently, they are involved in fending off terrorist threats in their own country perpetrated by the Muslim Brotherhood.

Weapons Of The Unit 777

Weapons used by Unit 777 are classified, although it is assumed that sniper rifles are a primary weapon used by this special forces unit. They use explosives as well as part of their efforts to gain access to hijacking situations.

Known Missions

They were deployed to Cyprus in 1978 to respond to a hijacking of an airplane by the Popular Front For The Liberation Of Palestine.  Unfortunately, the Egyptian authorities did not inform the country of the arrival of their special force unit, costing the lives of 15 members of those who were sent in for the rescue mission. However, there were no casualties among the hostages of the hijacked aircraft.

They were also deployed in Malta with regard to the hijacking of an Egyptian aircraft. This mission was not considered to be successful as 57 of the 88 passengers who were hostages were killed by explosives set off by the task force and sniper shooting in the chaos that erupted after the task force gained entrance to the plane. The hostages were reportedly mistaken for the terrorists.

Units

Details of special units of Task Force 777 are unknown.  At its onset, there were less than 80 members of this special task force. There are no known numbers as to how many members the task force has today.

Are They Professional Soldiers?

Details of the status of the soldiers are unknown, although as they are training with special operations units across the world and recruited from the Egyptian Army, it is assumed that they are professional soldiers who are equipped to handle life threatening situations, terrorist activity and hostage situations.

Resources:

www.wikipedia.org

Their History

The history of the Estonian Defense Forces dates back to WWI. During WWII, the Estonian Armed forces were disarmed by the Russians by the Red Army. After the fall of the Soviet Union, the Republic of Estonia was formed. The current Estonia Defense Forces have been in operation since 1991 and consist of several branches of the armed forces of the country, including several army branches.

How To Become A Member Of The Estonian Special Forces

In Estonia, entrance into the military is mandatory for all men for 8 to 11 months in which they are taught basic defense skills. Those who stay in the forces can become active in one of the armed forces branches, or in the volunteer civilian defense force.

Estonian Special Forces Training

The training that special forces operatives receive depends upon the branch of service in which they serve. As military service in Estonia is compulsory for all males for a period of less than a year, those who stay active in the military can be trained for further defense. The primary goal of the Estonian Special Forces is to preserve the independence of the nation, although they work actively with other countries, including the United States. There are four headquarters for the defense districts located in Tallinn, Tapa, Luunja and Parnu.

What Are They Best At?

The Estonian Special Forces are best at preparedness and always being ready to defend their nation at any time of crisis. All branches of the service are in a constant defense mode to defend their country and work cooperatively with the other military branches as well as the volunteer civilian defense league.

Weapons Of The Estonian Special Forces

Mortars, armored cars, self propelled artillery and anti-aircraft missile launchers are part of the weapons used in the Estonian Special Forces. They also use recoilless rifles and anti-tank missile launchers, although there are not great numbers of these weapons. They have fighter aircraft, helicopters and transport aircraft as well.

Known Missions

The primary objective of Estonia Special Forces is the defense of their own country. They have few weapons, although with the compulsory military service, they are focused on self defense. They have not had any known missions since the inception of the armed forces in 1991, although they work in cooperation with NATO to defend their territorial waters against attack. The civilian defense also works in putting out wild fires, maintaining order in the country and insuring the independence of the nation of Estonia.

Units

The special forces units of the Army are called the Maavagi and are the main arm of the Estonian Special Defense forces. They are designed to carry out military tasks as well as for the support of civil structures. The Merevagi is the naval operations unit of the Estonian Special Forces. The Ohuvagi is the special forces unit for the Air Force. The Defense League is comprised of volunteers and are called the Kaitseliit.

Are They Professional Soldiers?

Since military service is compulsory in Estonia, all males of a certain age are considered professional soldiers. All males are taught basic defense. Those who are in the Army, Navy and Air Force continue with their military training. The Defense League, however, is a civilian branch and is made up of civilian volunteers who have received minimal compulsory military training.

Resources:

www.wikipedia.org

Their History

The COS began in June, 1992 shortly after the Gulf War. It is a directive of the special forces units of the Army, Navy, Air Force and Gendarmerie, all of which are under the command of the COS.

How To Become A Member Of The COS

Those who are involved in any of the special forces units of the French Military are considered to be part of the first circle of the COS. There are various military regiments in France, including the French Army Special Forces Brigade (CFST). Those who train for the special forces in the various fractions of the French Military are considered part of the COS.

COS Training

Training for the COS consists of extensive military training. In addition, there are exercises annually that insure that all of the special military units operate within one another.  The exercises are called the Gorgones. The best trained ar the GCP unit which are trained in accordance with SAS standards.

What Are They Best At?

The French Special Forces are best at special covert operations both domestically as well as abroad. They have been active in a number of missions and also focus on fighting both domestic as well as global terrorism..

Weapons Of The COS

The weapons of the COS depend upon which of the branch of service is involved. They use NATO weapons, sniper rifles, M2 Browning Machine Guns, MK 19 Grenade launchers, many versions of the Colt M4, M16 and Heckler & Koch weapons. In addition, they use the Heckler & Koch USP with a silencer, the Glock 17 and the AT4.

Known Missions

Most of the missions of the COS are covert operations. They have been involved in the Operation Licorne as well as working extensively with UN troops in Afghanistan.

Units

The COS is comprised of units of the Army, Air Force, Navy and Gendarmerie. The units of the army include the 1st Regiment de parachutistes d’infanterie de marine, which is a unit designed for direct action and is closely related to the SAS. In addition, ther eis also the 13e Regiment for long term reconnaissance, and a special detachment unit. The Commandos Marine units are five commandos teams and are considered a naval counter terrorist team. There are also special Parachute units such as the Commandos 10 and the DOS in the Air Force. All of the special forces units work with the COS in the first circle and are the first to be called into duty in times of war.

Are They Professional Soldiers?

Members of the COS undergo rigorous training and are professional soldiers. Those of the first circle are all professional soldiers who have signed up for duty in the various forces. The COS can also commandeer the use of the Gendarmerie Nationale and second circle Army as well as the third circle, which is police intelligence, if needed.

Resources:

www.wikipedia.org

Their History

The KSK began in 1996 in Germany and was active in West Germany before the fall of the Berlin Wall. Since 1997, all special forces of the German Army have been merged into the KSK.

How To Become A Member Of The KSK

While at first only officers, both commissioned and non-commissioned could be part of the KSK, the application rules have changed. Enlisted personnel as well as civilians can apply to become members of the KSK.

KSK Training

There are two phases to selection that include fitness as well as psychological testing, of which only 50 percent of those who enlist in the KSK pass. The second phase is three month long testing of endurance that only has a 10 percent pass rate at the most. This training consists of escape, evasion, combat and survival skills. Those who pass this test receive either two or three years training all over the world to become fully fledged members of the KSK.

What Are They Best At?

They are best at insurgency, counter insurgency, anti terrorism, covert operations, airborne operations and hostage rescue operations as well as unconventional warfare tactics.

Weapons Of The KSK

There is a long range of weaponry used by the KSK that includes H & K pistols, UCP, sub-machine guns, assault rifles, grenade launchers and sniper rifles as well as all purpose machine guns. G22 sniper rifles are used as well as the Rheinmetall MG 3 general purpose machine gun. They use Mercedes Benz G Class utility vehicles and HALO equipment as well.

Known Missions

Some of the known missions of the KSK include deployment in Kosovo, Bosnia, Herzegovina and Afghanistan.  Most of the missions of the KSK are classified.

Units

The KSK is comprised of several platoon units. The 1st Platoon is for land insertions, the 2nd platoon is for airborne operations, the 3rd platoon is for amphibious operations, the 4th platoon consists of operations in special areas such as mountains or polar areas, the 5th platoon is a sniper platoon. There are four squads to each platoon that include medical personnel, weapons experts and combat engineers.

Are They Professional Soldiers?

Although civilians can enlist to be part of the KSK, those who make it into this elite squad are professional soldiers and are paid for their efforts. Most of those who make it into the KSK remain active in the German military.

Resources:

www.wikipedia.org

Their History

The Greek Special Forces began in 1828 during the fight for Greek Independence. Their emblem is a combination of modern Greece, the Greek Orthodox Church and the Byzantine Empire.

How To Become A Member Of The Greek Special Forces

There are several fractions of personnel in the Greek army. Those who wish to become part of special forces enlist at the Evelpidon Military Academy. The Greek Army consists of professional soldiers, volunteers and conscripts.  Graduates of the academy are considered to be higher in seniority, followed by volunteers and conscript.

Greek Special Forces Training

No information is available regarding any special training for the Greek Special Forces with the exception of military training received at the academy. Those who enlist as volunteers or who are under mandate service receive basic military training under the superior officers who are academy graduates.

What Are They Best At?

They are best at defending the national territory of Greece, preventing dangers and threats to the security of the country, contributing to international security as well as peace keeping operations and handling domestic emergency situations.

Weapons Of The Greek Special Forces

The weapons and equipment used in the Greek Special Forces is from Germany, France, The United States, Russia and Great Britain with the exception of the Leonidas fighting vehicles that are built in Greece. While they have and use state of the art equipment and weaponry, they also use obsolete equipment dating back from the Cold War.

Known Missions

Since fighting for their independence, they have been involved in many missions including the Greco-Turkish War, the First and Second Balkin War, World War II that included several battles against the Italians and Germans as well as the North Africa campaign, the Greek Civil War after WWII and the Korean War. They are currently engaged in the war in Afghanistan as well as the War on Terrorism, both of which began in 2001.

Units

The units are called corps. They consist of the First Army, The Second Army Corps, the Supreme Military Command Of The Interior And Islands and the Supreme Military Support Command. They follow NATO standards.

Are They Professional Soldiers?

Those who are involved in the special forces operations in Greece are professional soldiers who have graduated from the military academy. There are also volunteers and conscript soldiers in Greece, where military training and service is required for all men.

Resources:

www.wikipedia.org

Their History

The Kaibiles, or Kaibil were formed in 1974 and are named for a leader who avoided capture by Spanish conquistadors. Their headquarters are located in Poptun, Peten.

How To Become A Member Of The Kaibiles

Those who are a member of the Kaibiles are selected from the Guatemalan military to engage in commando operations. They are selected for their physical fitness, military abilities as well as valor.

Kaibilies Training

Training for the Kaibiles is unique compared to other special forces training.  The training includes recruits biting off the heads of life chickens and drinking water from a recently fired artillery shell while the residue is still inside. The Kaibiles are also known for doing medical work on themselves such as pulling out their own bullets. They cannot be more than 28 years old, there are 64 recruits trained at a time although there have never been more than 10 who graduated over any period. It is considered an honor to be selected for this special forces team although recruitment is voluntary. Those who do not wish to participate do not have to do so. The Kaibilies are also trained in guerilla warfare as well as counter-guerilla warfare, intelligence and counter intelligence.

What Are They Best At?

They are best at jungle warfare tactics as well as counter-insurgency operations. Although they were once considered to be experts at guerilla warfare, today they best at anti terrorism activities, anti narcotics and anti kidnapping.

Weapons Of The Kaibiles

The weapons and equipment used in the Kaibiles are basic military weapons, although not much is known about the specifics of these weapons.

Known Missions

Missions are domestic, including the 35 year old Guatemalan Civil War.  There have been human rights issues regarding training and warfare of the Kaibiles and they have also been known to be called “killing machines.”  Their missions are domestic, not global.

Units

Units are teams in this special forces unit. Each soldier has a partner and practice relentless training. If one of the partners makes a mistake, the other also suffers from the consequences.

Are They Professional Soldiers?

As members of the Guatemalan military, the Kaibil are professional soldiers.

Resources:

www.wikipedia.org

Their History

The Hungarian Home Defense Force was established in 1848, but has been around since medieval times. There are several branches of the defense force, all of which work in conjunction with one another for the defense of Hungary.

How To Become A Member Of The Hungarian Home Defense Force

The Hungarian Home Defense Force, also called the HDF, is comprised of administration support, combat support and service. Since the end of the Soviet Union, the HDF has begun to rebuild. Prior to the fall of the Soviet occupation of Hungary, military representation in the HDF was poor and most men avoided the draft using medical excuses. The HDF has been currently restructured since 2007.

HDF Training

The training required for the HDF depends on which branch of the defense force is exercised. All of the leadership of the HDF is commanded by the Hungarian Ministry Of Defense that has control over the HDF corps. Little is known about the actual military training of the troops.

What Are They Best At?

Although their primary objective is self defense of their nation, they have been involved in global missions as well. They are strong when it comes to ground forces and hand to hand combat.

Weapons Of The HDF

The weapons used by the HDF include the P9RC pistol, the KGP9 submachine gun, the Heckler & Koch MP5 submachine gun, the Remington 870 shotgun, the Szep sniper rifle, the Gepard sniper rifle, the AK-63 assault rifle, the M4A1 carbine, the PKM light machine gun and the RPG 7 rocket propelled grenade.

Known Missions

Known missions include NATO missions such as campaigns in Serbia and Kosovo. They have also been active in Afghanistan since 2005, although are no longer active in Iraq.  They have also had missions in Cyprus.

Units

Units are broken down by brigade. The HDF 5th, 25th, 34th, 59th and 12th are the first combat units. There are also combat support battalions as well.

Are They Professional Soldiers?

The members of the Hungarian military are professional soldiers.

Resources:

www.wikipedia.org

Their History

MARCOS is short for Marine Commandos. They began as the Indian Marine Special Force in 1987 and were named Marine Commando Force (MARCOS) in 1991. They are considered to be the highest trained and most well equipped of the Indian Special Forces units.  They have over 2000 personnel, although the actual number of those in this special forces team remains classified. Their nickname is the Crocodiles.

How To Become A Member Of MARCOS

More than 80 percent of the applicants for MARCOS are screened out within the aptitude test that requires physical fitness as well that lasts for three days.  Those who are active in the Indian military can apply to become a member of this elite special forces team.

MARCOS Training

Originally, MARCOS training was done with Navy Seals as well as SAS training. They have recently set up their own facilities for training. Training is grueling for those who pass and get to be part of this unit and lasts for an initial five weeks after most are screened out during the three day test. Only about 20 to 25 percent of those who endure the five week initial training pass. After that, additional training that includes commando skills, para-military skills and training within the various armed forces lasts for two and a half years.

What Are They Best At?

MARCOS are trained at all types of military operations, including commando, intelligence training, offshore operations, anti-terrorism, skydiving and explosive skills, but are best at maritime operations.

Weapons Of MARCOS

Weapons used by MARCOS include small arms such as the AK47, Cross Bow, Heckler & Koch sniping rifles, assault rifles, grenade launchers, shoulder field aircraft missiles, variants of sub-machine guns.  Cross Bow Arrows are tipped with Cynide.

Known Missions

MARCOS have had counter-terrorist missions and concentrates on the infiltration of terrorists who cross the Pakistani border into Jammu. They are active in Kashmir as well as Jammu. They focus on both domestic as well as global terrorism and work with elite special forces teams, when needed, throughout the world.

Units

No information is available regarding the specialized units of the MARCOS special forces. They are comparable to the US Navy SEALs in strength as well as abilities.

Are They Professional Soldiers?

The members of MARCOS are professional soldiers who usually make their career in the Indian military. They are considered to be the best special operations unit in India and are well respected throughout the rest of the world.

Resources:

www.wikipedia.org

Their History

Denjaka began as part of a special task force in 1982 under the Naval Special Forces and was further developed to work in conjunction with the Marine Corps Jakarta. Denjaka was then created on November 13, 1984 as a special forces team that works in unconventional warfare, secret, behind the lines missions and reconnaissance in the same way as most other special forces teams work.

How To Become A Member Of Denjaka

Members of the Indonesian Navy or Marines who have completed Para and Commando trainings can try to be part of this elite squad. They must also be highly qualified with regard to amphibious reconnaissance.

Denjaka Training

Specific training for Denjaka is similar to that of other special forces units.  However, they are trained through the Navy as well as the Marines and are recruited from these branches of the armed forces. Little is known about the duration of the training, although this unit is considered to be well respected and organized.

What Are They Best At?

Their primary task is anti-terrorism, anti-sabotage, clandestine operations that are classified as well as other operatives as directed by the Armed Forces.

Weapons Of Denjaka

Weapons include the SIG Sauer, Glock 17 and Glock 19 handgun, the Benelli M4 Super 90 shotgun, several variants of sub machine guns and assault rifles, sniper rifles and the FN Minimi Machine Gun.

Known Missions

Missions of the Denjaka are classified as many of them involve clandestine, anti-terrorist activities as well as anti-sabotage activities.

Units

Units are comprised from both the Navy as well as the Marines. No information as to the ranks of the units is available.

Are They Professional Soldiers?

Denjaka are professional soldiers who chose a career in either the Navy or Marines and endured the process to become a member of the special forces.  They are usually professional soldiers for life.

Resources:

www.wikipedia.org

Their History

The G2 has been around since WWII when they operated covertly to arrest German spies. Ireland was officially neutral during WWII, although the G2 operated to gather intelligence for the arrest of at least 13 German spies.

How To Become A Member Of The G2

Officers or National Security Officers are considered for service in the G2.  Because this is part of the military forces that deals with covert operations and intelligence training, special training is involved. Those who join the Irish Defense Forces or army can take courses to become NCOs or Officers so that they can be considered for the G2.

G2 Training

Training is done over a five week course and concentrates on areas of intelligence operations as well as analysis and combat intelligence. There is also language training as well as culture training. The G2 is a very small service as well as discreet.

What Are They Best At?

They are best at gathering military intelligence for both domestic as well as global situations. They make an effort to recruit individuals from all types of backgrounds. They are charged with keeping the country informed of any threats to the security of the Republic of Ireland.

Weapons Of The G2

Weapons used by the G2 as well as intelligence gathering information is classified information and not made available to the public.

Known Missions

Missions of the G2 are classified, with the exception of those uncovered regarding the arrest of German spies during WWII. Current missions are guarded and classified.

Units

The G2 is a very small force and well respected in the Republic of Ireland.  There is no number as to how many units there are or how many personnel are involved in this branch of the Irish Special Services.

Are They Professional Soldiers?

The members of the G2 are professional soldiers as well as officers in the Irish Army before they can be considered to be members of this elite group.

Resources:

www.wikipedia.org