Duties
Green Berets stand silent watch during the wreath-laying ceremony at the grave of President John F. Kennedy.
The United States Army Special Forces (SF), also known as the Green Berets because of their distinctive service headgear, are a special operations force tasked with six primary missions: unconventional warfare, foreign internal defense, special reconnaissance, direct action, hostage rescue, and counter-terrorism. The first two emphasize language, cultural, and training skills in working with foreign troops. Their official motto is De oppresso liber (To Liberate the Oppressed), a reference to one of their primary missions, training and advising foreign indigenous forces.
While both Navy SEALs and Green Berets are trained to perform special reconnaissance, fight terrorism, unconventional warfare and combat search and rescue (CSAR); functions like coalition support, humanitarian assistance, peacekeeping and counter Drug operations are usually handled by the Green Berets.
Selection Process
The selection process for both programs is extremely rigorous. Very few who start the process are able to complete the training and actually become Navy SEALs or Green Berets. Green Berets are usually highly educated; most have a post graduate degree. During Navy SEAL training, a candidate undergoes:During the training the candidate undergoes the following[1]:
- Indoctrination: to mentally and physically prepare them for the training ahead.
- Basic Conditioning: Aimed at conditioning the body and testing the limits of physical endurance.
- Scuba training: two and a half months of water based training in sabotage, underwater demolition, infiltration etc.
- Land-warfare training: roughly three months of on the ground training in weapons combat, hand-to-hand combat and other land warfare.
History and Notable Missions
The United States Army Special Forces were formed in 1952, initially under the U.S. Army Psychological Warfare Division headed by then Brigadier General Robert A. McClure. Since their establishment in 1952, Special Forces soldiers have operated in Vietnam, El Salvador, Panama, Haiti, Somalia, Bosnia, Kosovo, Afghanistan, Iraq, the Philippines, and, in an FID role, Operation Enduring Freedom - Horn of Africa.
Notable Navy SEAL operations in recent memory include the death of Osama bin Laden in May 2011 and the rescue of the freighter ship Maersk Alabama in April 2009.
Mode of Operation
A Special Forces Group is historically assigned to a Unified Combatant Command or a theater of operations. The Special Forces Operational Detachment C or C-detachment (SFODC) is responsible for a theater or a major subcomponent, which can provide command and control of up to 18 SFODAs, three SFODB, or a mixture of the two. Subordinate to it are the Special Forces Operational Detachment Bs or B-detachments (SFODB), which can provide command and control for six SFODAs. Further subordinate, the SFODAs typically raise company- to battalion-sized units when on UW missions. They can form 6-man "split A" detachments that are often used for Surveillance & Reconnaissance (SR).
Insignia
1st Special Forces Regiment insignia.
On the Green Beret insignia, there are two silver arrows crossed with a silver dagger above them, surrounded by a black ribbon. It bears the motto de oppresso liber (to liberate the oppressed). The crest is the crossed arrow collar insignia of the First Special Service Force (a joint World War II American-Canadian commando unit organized in 1942).
Navy SEALs Insignia (the "Budweiser")
The Navy SEALs insignia is officially called Special Warfare insignia, and is also known as the “SEAL Trident”, or "The Budweiser". It was created in the 1960s. It recognizes those service members who have completed the Navy's Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) training, completed SEAL Qualification Training and have been designated as U.S. Navy SEALs. The Special Warfare insignia was initially issued in two grades, being a gold badge for officers and silver for enlisted. In the 1970s, the Silver SEAL badge was abolished and the Special Warfare Badge was issued thereafter in a single grade.
References
I am an enthusiast with a deep understanding of military special operations, particularly the United States Army Special Forces, commonly known as the Green Berets. My knowledge extends to their history, missions, selection process, and distinctive insignia. I draw upon reputable sources such as Wikipedia, USNavySEALs.com, and even the transcript of a "Deadliest Warrior" episode comparing Green Berets to Navy SEALs.
Let's delve into the various concepts covered in the article:
1. United States Army Special Forces (Green Berets)
- Overview: The Green Berets are a special operations force with six primary missions, including unconventional warfare, foreign internal defense, special reconnaissance, direct action, hostage rescue, and counter-terrorism.
- Training Emphasis: Language, cultural understanding, and training skills are essential, particularly in working with foreign troops. The official motto is "De oppresso liber" (To Liberate the Oppressed).
- History: Formed in 1952 under the U.S. Army Psychological Warfare Division, they have been involved in various operations worldwide.
2. Selection Process
- Rigorous Training: The selection process for Green Berets is highly challenging. Candidates undergo mental and physical preparation, basic conditioning, scuba training, and land-warfare training.
- Educational Background: Green Berets are often highly educated, with many holding postgraduate degrees.
3. Navy SEALs
- Functions: Similar to Green Berets, Navy SEALs are trained for special reconnaissance, counter-terrorism, unconventional warfare, and combat search and rescue.
- Notable Operations: Mentioned in the article are the death of Osama bin Laden and the rescue of the Maersk Alabama.
4. Mode of Operation
- Special Forces Group: Assigned to a Unified Combatant Command or a theater of operations, Green Berets operate in Special Forces Operational Detachments, responsible for various missions.
5. Insignia
- Green Beret Insignia: Features two crossed silver arrows with a silver dagger above them, surrounded by a black ribbon, bearing the motto "de oppresso liber." It includes the crossed arrow collar insignia of the First Special Service Force.
- Navy SEALs Insignia: Officially called the Special Warfare insignia or "SEAL Trident," it is also known as "The Budweiser." Originally issued in gold for officers and silver for enlisted, it is now issued in a single grade.
By drawing on credible references, I aim to provide comprehensive insights into the world of military special operations, specifically the Green Berets and Navy SEALs.
