Their History

The NZ SAS has roots dating back to 1955 at which time they were comprised of the Long Range Desert Group, a commonwealth army that fought during WWII. They became formally known as a special forces unit in July, 1955 and consist of one regiment.

How To Become A Member Of The NZ SAS

Those who are in the New Zealand Army, Navy or Air Force can become members of the NZ SAS. They first have to pass a selection process that consists of 15 days that is known to be very intense both physically as well as mentally. After this selection process, they move to a nine month training course.  If they pass, they get to receive the beret and belt and are members of this elite squad. About 10 to 15 percent of those who apply for training pass the tests.

NZ SAS Training

The first 15 days of the training process is regarded as very difficult by those in this force. They have to go through psychological, medical and academic tests as well as endurance physical tests as well. Training is open to both men and women of the New Zealand armed forces.

What Are They Best At?

They are best at counter revolutionary warfare and close target reconnaissance.

Weapons Of The NZ SAS

Actual weapons and equipment used by the NZ SAS are classified, however,  as they are modeled after the British SAS, it is safe to assume they are similar when it comes to warfare weapons.

Known Missions

They have been active since 1955 when they fought in Malaya and Borneo.  They were also active in Vietnam and Kuwait during the Gulf War. They have been active in Afghanistan since 2001 and have received citations in special reconnaissance for their role of “extraordinary heroism” in Afghanistan from the United States.

Units

There are four units consisting of a Commando Squadron, and the A and B SAS Squadrons. There is also the unit that is known as the Engineer Operations Troop. Units consist of teams of 4 to 6 soldiers that work together.

Are They Professional Soldiers?

The NZ SAS are professional soldiers who have been awarded numerous citations for their work domestically in combating terrorism as well as abroad. They are considered to be the elite of the New Zealand armed forces. 

Resources

www.wikipedia.org

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

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

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

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

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

History of the Chili Special Forces Groups

The special forces in Chili have been steadily increased over the years to protect the country from domestic problems as well as to counter terrorism.  The Commandos de Aviacion is also part of the Chilean air force and is similar to the Air Force Combat team. They have been active since 1946 and their operations consist of both domestic combat as well as that abroad.

How To Become A Member Of The Chili Special Forces Groups

Those who are active in the Chili military can train for the Chili Special Forces Groups.

Training For The Chili Special Forces Groups

As is the case with other special forces throughout the world, those who become members of the elite Chili Special Forces undergo training similar to that which is involved in United States Air Force training, although they do not undergo the same type of training as other special forces throughout the world, such as the Navy SEALs or SAS. Their methods of operation are virtually unknown to other countries as their primary focus is securing the domestic safety of their own country.

What Are They Best At?

The Special Forces in Chili are a very covert operation that all work within the same capacity as one another. The Chilean Air Force team was active right after WWII and reached its peak around the Cold War. Today, there are less than 1000 individuals working in the Chili Special Operations units.  They specialize in air traffic control, communications, reconnaissance and airfield assault zone establishment. The Chili Special Forces rarely go into combat globally unless their own national security is threatened. Today, the special forces in Chili are mostly concerned with hijackings of aircrafts, domestic terrorism and assaults on their own country.

Weapons used of the Chili Special Forces Groups

The weapons that they use are submachine guns, assault rifles and pistols, although very little is known about their methods of operation.

Known Missions

Missions are domestic and covert.  Missions of the special forces in Chili are classified information.

Units

The first Special Forces Unit in Chili is the 1 Compania de Comandos Lquique. This is a special squadron that is comprised from the Chilean army and has been restructured over the years into independent brigades. As is the case with most special forces units, the brigades are smaller and consist of less men than the regular armed forces groups. They consist of professionals who are well trained in fields of combat and undergo rigorous training to make this elite brigade. This is known as the 2^nd Armored Brigade and is a part of the Chilean Army.

The ASA is the special forces unit comprised of the Chilean Air Force. Their function is to intervene during any hijackings of aircraft in Chilean territory. They have a vast knowledge of all of the airports in Chili as well as disarming techniques. This is a highly secretive squad and presents very little information about their covert operations. They are known as the Agrupacion Antisecuestros Aereos.

Are They Professional Soldiers?

Members of the Chili Special Forces are professional soldiers, most of whom are recruited from the Chilean Army or Air Force.

Resources:

www.wikipedia.org

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

History Of The Belgium Special Forces

The Belgium speical forces became active during WWII as a way to secure the country against occupation. Although the Speical Forces Unit today known as HALO did not begin operating until the 1960s, the basic history of this regiment and the need for special forces in this country began shortly after the War when the country was liberated by allied forces.

How To Become A Member Of The Belgium Special Forces

Those who are in the Belgium Armed Forces are encouraged to try out for the special forces as their numbers have rapidly declined over recent years.  Civilians can enlist in the armed forces to become a member of this elite team.

Belgium Special Forces Unit Training

The Belgium Special Forces Unit is comprised of various functions. Those who make this elite squad can choose between the type of specialty that they wish to engage in. Free falling from high altitudes, such as HALO training is one of the specialties offered to those who are in this special unit.

Underwater fighting is also another specialty as well as communications.  The forces are primarily used for fighting off combatants from other countries and have a heavy concentration of espionage techniques. There are many in this special forces unit who pose as civilians for espionage purposes to combat terrorism and also threats to the national security of the country.

The training for the Belgium Special Forces unit, which has no name and operates on a covert basis is 20 weeks of rigorous and intensive physical and psychological training as well as intensive weapons training. Those who train must learn hand to hand combat skills, military tactics, radio transmission skills, survival tactics and intelligence gathering.

What Are They Best At?

The forces are designated into small groups that are skilled enough to go into enemy territory and free hostages as well as free other military combatants. They are trained to exact small offensive actions and engage directly in hand to hand combat with the enemies. Intelligence gathering by those posing as civilians is one of the operations they are best at.

Weapons Of The Belgium Special Forces

Weapons used by the special forces in Belgium include high level explosives as well as the Five Seven semi automatic pistol caliber 5.7 X 28 mm, the FN P90 submachine gun, the FN 2000 assault rifle, the FN Minimi light machine gun.

Known Missions

Right now, the Belgium Special Forces Unit is not engaged in global peacekeeping efforts or in war zones, although they are considered to be one of the most formidable special forces groups in the world. Because of the very rigorous training, this special forces unit is one that is nearly on the verge of extinction as the vacancies in the unit are not being filled due to the high demands of the training involved.

The Belgium Special Forces Unit reached their peak in the 1970s, although it has seen a rapid decline in recent years. Civilians and those in the armed forces are able to participate in the training, although in the past several years, none of them have been able to make it to the end of the training process. There is no indication from the Belgium Special Forces Unit that they plan to amend their restrictions on who can join this elite team of fighters, although recruitment for the team is continually underway.

Units

The Special Forces unit is comprised of several different factors. These include the HALO elite squad that specialize in free falling from high altitudes. This special forces unit is also engaged in espionage techniques and includes those who pose as civilians to obtain various information that may pose a threat to the national security of the country.

Are They Professional Soldiers?

Although Civilians can try out for the Belgium Special Forces, they must first join the Belgium Armed Forces. Those who make the special forces team are professional soldiers by the time the training is complete.

Resources:

www.wikipedia.org

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