Canada special ops

CANSOFCOM - The commander of special operations forces OF CANADA
Command Force spetsoperatsii of Canada is one of the youngest associations among NATO members. It was formed in 2006 spetsoperatsiite But Canadians are not novices. First Canadian Battalion, which initially consisted of 700 people during the Second World War is among the first group of special service in the U.S. Army, which fought valiantly in southern Europe.

"The Devil's Brigade" - the first special section in Canada

The first group of special service in the U.S. Army during the war fought in Italy in the elite group includes Canadian and American fighters. Canadians are represented by the battalion, which includes 47 officers and 650 privates, which are about a quarter of the U.S. group. Preparation of Canadians is very tense - it involves jumping with a parachute, ski-trekking and mountaineering, each fighter is required to make use of explosives and use any weapon, melee, night classes in tactics, the use of captured weapons complete curriculum .
The purpose of these exercises is Canadians to become the striking force of U.S. troops. On it is imminent raids against strategic positions of the enemy, desantirane parachute behind enemy lines. Because of its high efficiency flu is called "The Devil's Brigade".

In the mountains of Italy

The group arrived in November 1943 in Italy. At that time, Fifth U.S. Army prepares to take over the mountains that conceal Cassino from the south. The group is to expel the Germans from the top of Monte la la Monte and Difensa Remetanea. Using ropes Canadians climb fog coating Monte le Difens and surprised the Germans. After bloody fighting, was captured and peak la Monte Remetanea. In its first baptism of fire "Brigade of the devil" lost 511. After fighting for the conquest of the mountain Monte Mazho and other mountain ridges, which can control the main road Naples - Rome. In these battles the Canadian battalion lost 67 people. After they conquered the mountain Mazho two heights. At the same time other parts of the Fifth Army area released by the Germans east of Cassino. Thanks to the successful actions of the US-Canadian units found the way to Rome.
The group is izratena in Anzio and February 1, 1944 it already amounted to 1233 people. Canadians occupied the front, deployed about 8 kilometers, and after a week the Germans were rejected at a great distance from the channel Mussolini.
In these fights is distinguished Canadian Tommy Prince, who took part in night raids and brings intelligence behind enemy lines.
Despite the general success Canadian Battalion in the fighting near Anzio to May 9, 1944 is 384 killed. After fighting near Anzio Canadians were sent to die and dookomplektuvat. In the battalion also includes 15 officers and 240 soldiers and sergeants.

The offensive against Rome

Among the fighters who first come in the eternal city, and Canadians are from "The Devil's Brigade". In late May, the group headed to Alpieviya time, one of two routes that lead to Rome from the south. Soon the Canadian battalion took over the mountain Monte Arestino the entrance of the valley, then conquered the city Artenu. They began the offensive against Rome the morning of June 3, but at midnight krayninite reach the Italian capital. After one hour receive a warrant to seize the bridge over the Tiber. After the fall of Rome, even before finishing the Italian campaign, the first group of special service leave Italy to take part in battles in southern France in December 1944 in Rome Operation Brigade of the devil "losing 185 people.

Is it the Canadian Forces Command spetsoperatsii?

According to the government of the forces spetsoperatsii must react quickly and adapt to the situation be kept under a high degree of readiness to respond adequately to the actions of the opponent. The main task of the command of forces spetsoperatsii is to provide fast conducting special operations in the interest of the Government of Canada, both domestically and abroad.
The tasks of the CCO Command are:
1. Conducting counterterrorism operations by the offensive and defensive, making it possible to prevent or restrain terrorist threats or to adequately respond to them.
2. Conducting operations to combat terrorism in the complex conditions of the marine environment of ships and coastal stationary objects.
3. Conducting other complex spetsoperatsii in and outside the country - keeping special reconnaissance, direct action, defense tasks, the evacuation of citizens of Canada.

WCS Canada Command (CANSOFCOM) is responsible for protecting Canadians from terrorism and threats associated with it. Main guiding document for the command is the National Anti-terrorist plan and fight terrorism. The plan regulates the use of military parts. Command may establish highly targeted groups to conduct spetsoperatsii with a different focus - from hostage rescue to conduct a special intelligence outside Canada. Command is able to prevent the use of weapons of mass destruction.

Structure of Command forces spetsoperatsii

Command WCS Canada comprises four divisions stationed in different cities of the province of Ontario.
- United target group (Joint Task Force 2 (JTF 2);
- Canadian Regiment for spetsoperatsii (Canadian Special Operations Regiment (CSOR);
- 427-a avioeskadrila for spetsoperatsii (427 Special Operations Aviation Squadron (SOAS);
- Canadian division united to resolve the incident in the event of a threat of chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear weapons.
The oldest Canadian anti-terrorism division was merged target group in April 2010 celebrated its 17 th birthday.

United target group - 2

United target group - 2, was established on April 1, 1993, when armed forces take responsibility for the execution of counterterrorism operations. Originally fighters are selected from all genera forces, but rangers are preferred and sappers. Over 90's situation requires a change in the squad and expand its functions. After the events of September 11, 2001 JTF-2 consistently develop methods of combating terrorists, technique and tactics of action.
JTF-2 belongs to the Canadian Forces, the division is subject to the Force Commander of Special Operations. Servicemen from the part entitled to the same social support and medical care as other soldiers in the army.
After the terrorist attacks in New York devoted $ 120 million for expanding the unit, then increased the numerical strength of the group and improved its material and technical base.
The commander of the group JTF-2 is a lieutenant colonel. The group is composed of assault and logistics areas. According to some data structure of JTF-2 resembles the structure of SAS. It is known that the subdivision is made up of groups of 24 or 32 soldiers, commanded by Captain. In the full composition of these groups are rarely used, mainly for assaults and raids. Patrol using groups of four fighters, and each group is divided into four subgroups 6-8 fighters. In this way the group operates in Afghanistan in the performance of intelligence tasks. Each group has specialization - diving and mountain training, special parachute training and more.

Selection and assemble

All staff undergo a thorough examination of suitability for service. Those who want to serve in the assault group, undergo further selection and preparation. Every soldier in the Canadian Army could do in JTF-2 after two years service. Candidates for the assault group are checked according to basic criteria, in addition to test their abilities to work group in a stressful situation. Ten candidates fail to address only two. Standards for selection are scientifically developed and tested in the learning center Duayer Hill of the armed forces of Canada.
The personnel of the group is divided into different categories:
- Fighters assault division spetsoperatsii (Special Operations Assaulters - SOA) - they go in the regular army service and participate in spetsoperatsii;
- Steering special craft (Special Operations Coxswain - SO Cox'n) - they are selected among the staff sergeant of the regular and spare parts, they must meet the requirements of the commanders of JTF-2;
- Support units and specialists - they are selected among the regular and spare parts in accordance with the requirements of JTF-2.

Bios of assault division perform special operations and counterterrorism tasks - the liberation of hostages, patrols during spetsoperatsiya, monitoring, aggressive action. Applicants must have a high professional level in its a military specialty.
Recruitment for the post of steering vessels takes place once vacancies occur. Commanders for this position are sergeants. The main task is to manage military inflatable boats and boats at sea during spetsoperatsiya.

Preparation of attack units

After passing a selected candidate admitted to the implementation of the curriculum to prepare for shturmovika in spetsoperatsiite. Sergeants and officers uorant-at this stage receive a new rank - Corporal. Assigned undergo a course to combat terrorism and intelligence-subversive training. Of terrorism involves the release of hostages by all modes. The program studies the different buildings and constructions, means of transport pathways in them fighting in a confined space. In the basis of the squad there is a building that resembles the House of murderers "of SAS, where the fighters worked various methods for releasing the hostages. The program enters and mining explosive case, worked to landings by airplanes and helicopters, in complex conditions, water, mountain and desert. The course provided a mountain, ski preparation, survival.
The composition of JTF-2 and enter combat swimmers.

Regiment for spetsoperatsii

Canadian Regiment of spetsoperatsii (Canadian Special Operations Regiment (CSOR) has a high degree of readiness and resolve a wide range of spetszadachi. It consists of three companies and company support. As part of the armed forces enter into Special Operations Command. The commander of the regiment Lieutenant Colonel Greg Smith was appointed in 2008, he received combat experience in Croatia and Afghanistan.
Each year the regiment recruits young people. Office regiment is complex and responsible, it requires intensive specialized training.
Operator position requires a number of specializations in various fields.
Candidates for the regiment to be physically strong and resilient, mentally stable and emotionally stable, good to work in groups and take responsibility for their actions.
Physical testing passes for two days.
The first day is held bi-directional running on 20 meters after 40 pushups without resting, 40 squats for one minute, five classes of parallel bars and fighting in swimming test in battle armor, boots and weapons. The next day, the candidate made 13-mile march naskok a backpack of 35 kg, maximum time to bridge the gap - 2 hours and 26 minutes. Should carry an early 100 meters per minute. During the so-called. evaluation stage (CSOR Assessment Phase (CSOR AP), which continues seven days, the candidates operating at the limits of their physical and moral capabilities. Instructors checked the ability of candidates to work in a group, physical strength and endurance, the existence of leadership qualities and interpersonal skills communication. tactical scenarios require applicants ability to make decisions under psychological pressure, in extreme physical exertion. Upon successful completion of CSOR SOBQ candidates pass rate (Special Operations Basic Qualification course), which lasted six months. At that time, cadets learn basic and new knowledge. studied under the guidance of instructors of different systems weapons, means of communication, comprehensive program of medical training, patrolling and navigation, various evacuation methods. After the successful completion of a contract servicemen for three years.
An element of Canada Command is CCO-427 and Special Operations Squadron. It was established in 1942 is situated on the air base in Petavava, Province of Ontario. Squadron has a high alert, ensure the implementation of tasks assigned tactical groups spetsoperatsii. Furthermore, the operation carried out and search and rescue.

Turkish commandos

Watching sentimental in its history, the Turkish Special Forces ideologues find their roots in the Middle Ages even in the face of light and fast units, then called akandzhii. Then jump over a pretty long period and called the prototype of the commandos groups of volunteer officers who Tripolitanskata war with guerrilla tactics was able to push the Italian army. Maybe again from sentimentality as one of them was located and Captain Mustafa Kemal - Ataturk future ...

In fact specific training, similar to special forces, was first used in the training of officers of the 1st Infantry Brigade, which later in the period 1950-1953, the war in Korea. Before you leave, they passed a course in Izmir, led by American Delis Cole. During World War II he participated in combat operations in the Pacific in composition etc. "Merilinski madmen.

But the real story of the commandos began in 1956 when it established the School of Commandos. Pass through it at different time courses for officers and sergeants, officers replaceable then in Korea and Cyprus. In 1968 was formed the first brigade command ". Soldiers and junior commanders also went through the School of Commandos. Detailed subjects copied the U.S..

Turkish commandos are trained a total of approximately 3.5 years. Accepted after long studies and pass a cruel, reaching to the limits of human capacity training. After 72 weeks of training centers in Turkey, placed from 10 to 52 weeks of specialization and further improvement in NATO armies. Only then are distributed to service in Special Forces as a red / bordo - reddish brown color / berets. It is believed that then the volunteer has already become a master of infiltration behind enemy lines by land, air and water.

All are paratroopers and jump from 20,000 feet, regardless of weather conditions. Can swim for miles - with or without diving equipment. Make all vehicles and shoot excellent with all weapons - NATO and trophy. Usually know perfectly one or two foreign languages. Know in detail the tactics of the enemy units. Operate in any terrain.

Camps commandos are most often located in inaccessible mountainous areas. The training is aimed at developing the muscles of the legs, upper body, arms, hands. Widely razprostaneno is the rule of the Turkish military: only trained soldiers deserve to breathe and eat.

Each foot march is done with Full Metal Jacket - 30 kg. One of the penalties is uvelichavene him. Running is an essential part of learning and makes every morning. For the period of service commandos hanging miles of any marathon runners would envy him ... most severe is a weekly night march jump in which the 9 / nine / hours must be overcome 50/petdeset-kilometers, dotted with unexpected pitfalls and obstacles .

During the first weeks candidates for red beret undergo numerous stressful situations - lifting a concern sudden "attacks" in the bedroom, dining room, holiday ... Not that later this will change or the time for sleep will increase. What's more - go to limit the rations, which is just fast, though they call him "test of survival ...

In order thus created each activity is sacred - whether to clean the gun or collect cigarette butts onto the parade ground. The officer is a god, a sergeant - his all-seeing eye.

All torment, however, paid leave or on a joint exercise with other parts of the Turkish army. Dressed in special form and a red beret commando is seen by citizens, fellow soldiers, especially young girls as a god - everyone knows that to reach them, he has gone through hell and is more than just a young man ...

Red Berets of Turkey are:

1st Brigade subversive intelligence 'COMMAND'

2nd Brigade subversive intelligence 'COMMAND'

3rd Brigade intelligence-subversive "COMMAND"

4th Brigade subversive intelligence 'COMMAND'

5th Alpine subversive intelligence Brigade "COMMAND"

Besides them, Turkey has two separate regiments type "Command". The total number of commandos is about 25 thousand people without these battalions of gendarme of the same type. This is an impressive force, which account all its opponents.

Still, what else distinguishes Turkish commandos from their other counterparts around the world?

This undoubtedly is the attitude of society towards the army. In many regions of Turkey and today the rule: if not walked a soldier, you're a disgrace to the family and can marry with parental blessing ... On the other hand, the law is cruel to those who want to izkrashkat of soldiership. Favor of public opinion does allow officers to conduct such training as in other countries would be characterized as izdevatelsko and inhuman.

When recruits cross the barricades portal to them refer to words that promise them anything, not entertainment and recreation. Commanders deeply believe that by pampering citizen and ignorant peasant can and must create a soldier. And I often tell them:

- Life is not a game, the Army is not a toy. You will do or soldiers, or will simply explode!

And they are. Soon as poor boys mountain Turkey and Anatolia from birth to undergo hardships and deprivation, typical of commandos. Their threshold of resistance is higher.

The other is iron discipline, ideological motivation and high patriotism, bordering fatatizam.

In the Korean War the Chinese and North Koreans captured more than 20,000 fighters, etc. Forces of the United Nations, consisting of soldiers of Australia, New Zealand, Philippines, Thailand, Colombia, Ethiopia, Canada, UK, Holland, Belgium, Luxembourg, France, Greece and Turtsiya.Vsichki prisoners were subjected to "reeducation." Chinese experts on brainwashing break and managed to force to cooperate in every three American and every second of the other contingents. And they were all turned into extremely docile mass, in which the thought of escape or some form of resistance was the exception, and mortality was high level. Not because of torture or starvation due to depression.

There was only one surprising exception - the Turks. Of "anti-imperialist" lectures they went into system - obedient, with marches step. In the hours stood quietly but looked disinterested. Then I came back in order in the barracks, singing cheerfully songs lauding ... Ataturk, the Turkish nation and Turkish arms.

The Chinese announced Turks hopeless case and left them alone. From a few hundred Turkish vonosluzhashti not find any traitor or informant. All were alive. Why?

Subsequently it was found that the Turks have maintained military discipline and self-discipline at a much higher level than Americans, for example. If someone gets sick, were immediately attached a few soldiers to protect him and care for it. The officer remained an officer, sergeant - Sgt. Subordination acted anyway. In the Turkish barracks command the most mighty and most senior in rank.

Despite the burden of camp life - poor food, numerous infectious diseases, hard physical labor - the Turks were possessed by a strong spirit of collectivism. Being a prisoner of them do not mean to become a creature without a will, but above all to remain troops.

The personnel of the Special Forces swears: "I will fight wherever my nation deems necessary ..." And they fought - Cyprus, Iraq, Southeast Anatolia ... For the first time the curtain before them pootkrehna in the summer of 1974, when 1st Brigade "Commando" jumped into the rear of the Cypriot National Guard and ruthlessly killed several hundred battle and captured over 2000 Cypriots. Pave your way through the line of the front and unite with the landing of marine pehota.Za tigne to be the crown jewel - red berets brought the Kurdish leader Abdullah Ocalan in Nairobi all the way ... This is the third, which outperform other commandos - all have experienced a back to the atrocities of war. Therefore, for training them is not an abstract game of soldiers.

TURKISH SEAL

All military experts know that to sink anti-ship missile "Speargun or after the plane attack fighter squadron is a thousand times more expensive than the diversion of a group of commandos. During World War II the Italians created a special new class of ship for lightning attacks. The scene appeared marine commandos. For several years they drowned dozens of English ships at Gibraltar and Aleksadriyskoto port.

The English have never svenyali to draw from foreign experience. Soon they developed and perfected the idea. Americans are the ones who brought these forces to these high standards. At the time of President Kennedy were created today's SEAL. Very soon after its creation, they found the courses in Turkish Iskenderun.

In 1963, after a course of action was explosively formed Turkish SAS - groups for underwater protection. They perform a wide range of tasks, but the main is mine and any explosives in the territorial waters of Turkey. These groups are considered wrong by the media for Turkish seals - these are actually sailors with specific qualifications.

Commandos hiding under a different name - SAT / groups underwater attack.

They are stationed in Kechilik and the only special part of the authority of the Navy. Were created by an American model and perform tasks on air, water and land. In the opinion of specialists from the former Warsaw Pact that are best trained commandos in Turkey and one of the best in the world.

Each year students are determined from among volunteers from the Navy. Needless to say that the grid is cruel. Applicants must be physically strong to withstand the tests in barokamera and physical condition and be attested than their commanders. During the course in Kechilik they use more harsh and ruthless program skills and habits of the red berets of the Army, plus exits from the sea submarine. Swim for miles alone and with combat armor, jump out of fast-moving boat or boat carried diving operations.

In combat operations commandos reconnoitred SAT-area landings, marked and routed to its ships and Marine Corps, made diversionary attacks on enemy ports. Needless to say, they are trained to use any transport and weapons.

Their shape is maintained with continuous classes. Vschki participate in national and NATO exercises. Twice a year, hold joint camps with U.S. SEAL and share them with experience in shooting, tactics and methods of preparation.

In 1974 they participated in the Cyprus operation of the Turkish army in the classic task to ensure the landing of Marines.

To maintain their shape and to obtain the combat experience of commando units fought against Kurdish guerrillas in northern Iraq and Southeastern Anatolia.

OPERATIONS in northern Iraq and Southeastern Anatolia

Barely dawn when the hill behind the helicopter jumped sharply and quickly lowered the low. Had not touched the ground and hatches of both parties started to jump people in camouflage uniforms. They quickly ran through fifty meters space and hid in the low bushes. Their commander signaled the pilot to take off.

Quickly unpacked long containers removed from the machine. Each of the men received additional ammunition and canned food - a total of 34 kilograms of weapon and backpack.

Forthcoming long way. Although under normal conditions 16 km took over ninety minutes, this time it was their task harder - moving in an area controlled by the enemy and the speed was not the most important. They walked all day and half the night by choosing low and wooded places would not be detected by local residents or patrols by the guerrillas.

Stopped for snacks or while being sure that the path is clear.

They stopped when they flashed to the low flames of fires in the guerrilla base. Raztovariha heavy armor, disguising it in the bushes and began preparing for action. Whitened their faces with black paint, inspected the weapon went up several times to verify that everything is well secured and soundproofed. Who has verified their watches with that of the commander and scattered.

Intelligence they had previously obtained the detailed information on the number of terrorists, the placement of tents, times, and most importantly - the locations of anti-aircraft machine guns, assault itself was played in a couple of times in their learning center. Palzeshkom well to pre-selected positions. Stayed there about an hour, comparing them advance information about possible changes.

When sipna dawn, the commander gave a pre-arranged signal. Almost simultaneously, powerful hands and stopped the mouths of dnanaysette tired of wakefulness time and blades parachutist knife sank into their hearts. Then he turned to guns golyamokalibrenite protivosamoletni tents and dug-outs.

Morning silence was shattered by the roaring of combat helicopters. After the war starting, from which the camp sank into dust, fire and screams, they landed from their wombs is poured dozens of soldiers. Launched a war in which prisoners are not taken ...

This scenario, with minor differences are played out daily in the Kurdish mountains ...

Serbia's Red Berets come out as warriors and plain criminals

The scenes of scared residents fleeing from the sight of red beret-wearing warriors have definitely passed in Serbia after the government decided last Tuesday to disband the controversial unit over its role in the assassination of Prime Minister Zoran Djindjic on March 12.

The Serbian Special Operation Unit (JSO), or Red Berets, was disbanded after police revealed the latest in a series of evidence linking the unit with the most powerful criminal gang in the Balkans, which has been blamed for Djindjic's assassination.

"The All-Star fighting team" or "Milosevic's Praetorian Guard" was Serbia's most elite and ruthless combat unit under former President Slobodan Milosevic and during the decade of the bloody Balkan wars, when it was believed to be involved in series of war crimes, including the killing of dozens of ethnic Albanians in the Kosovo village of Cuska in May 1999. The 1,000-strong force was founded in 1991, by Milosevic's spymaster, Jovica Stanisic, as Belgrade's strongmen decided to use the network of secret agents to wage wars in Croatia and Bosnia.

The unit originally consisted mostly of former convicts who were promised reduced sentences and special privileges, or soccer fans and people who wanted to protect Serbs from the Croatian regime. An elite, highly disciplined commando formation was established to command a wide range of paramilitary groups active on the battlefields at the time and oversee special operations, a former member of the unit told Deutsche Presse-Agentur (dpa).

Unlike other fighting units in Serbia - the Red Berets, which originally had about 100 men - were equipped with state-of-the-art weaponry and communications gear, including US-made armoured Humvees, Mil Mi-24 helicopter gunships and a "Grizzly" personnel carrier captured from Canadian peacekeepers in Bosnia. To lead the unit, Stanisic chose his most trusted aide, Franko Simatovic Frenki, a career intelligence officer formerly in charge of hunting Western and KGB spies in Belgrade.

Soon they were known as Frenki's Boys and were identified only by their Red Berets. The force kept close contact with notorious warlords like Zeljko Raznatovic Arkan and his paramilitary unit, the "Tigers."

The "Tigers" were incorporated into JSO in 1994. After the Bosnian war, the Red Berets stepped out of the shadow and received an official name, the Special Operations Unit, but stayed out of the official chain of command as Stanisic defined their role as a "iron fist" of Milosevic's regime. The Belgraders were among the first to witness their rage as the unit's members, dressed in plainclothes and armed with baseball bats, stormed the streets of the capital, severely beating demonstrators during numerous opposition rallies in the late 1990s. But in 1998, ethnic Albanian rebels begun the war for independence in Kosovo, and the Red Berets were deployed to the province to crush the rebellion as the top combat unit ordered to attack guerrilla strongholds.

The unit is also believed to be involved in the unusual operation of destroying war crimes evidence by escorting deliveries of Albanian corpses to gravesites in other parts of Serbia. The Red Berets' operations in Kosovo were commanded by Milorad Ulemek, or Lukovic, nicknamed "The Legionnaire," reflecting his previous career in the French Foreign Legion. "The Legionnaire" appeared in headlines in October 2000 when he refused to use his unit to suppress a public uprising that led to Milosevic's fall from power.

This event led to numerous media reports about Ulemek's friendly relations with the country's new leadership as the unit managed to avoid the first tide in the new government's dismantling of Milosevic's regime virtually intact. The rumours of their involvement in organised crime, the drug trade, money laundering, unsolved murders and kidnappings were finally confirmed only after a skilled sharpshooter killed reformist premier Zoran Djindjic in the centre of Belgrade. The massive manhunt and overwhelming investigation that followed the assassination led to the end of the Red Berets. The Serbian government immediately blamed Ulemek for masterminding the killing to try to protect his business interests and avoid eventual extradition to The Hague War Crimes Tribunal.

Several top brass in the Red Berets - including its commander Dusan Maricic, deputy commander Zvezdan Jovanovic and another JSO member, Sasa Pejakovic - were arrested under suspicion of direct involvement in the killing. So were founders of the unit - Jovica Stanisic and Franko Simatovic. "The Legionnaire," and his "partner in crime" - Serbia's most influential mafia boss, Dusan Spasojevic, are, however, still on the run.

Bulgarian special forces

PLOVDIV, Bulgaria: Airmen, Soldiers and Sailors teamed with Bulgarian armed forces members to conduct Exercise Thracian Spring 2010 April 22 thorugh 28 here.

Eighty-one Airmen from Ramstein Air Base, Germany, joined Soldiers from the 5th Quartermaster Company at Rhine Ordnance Barracks, Germany and Sailors from the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit 8 from Sigonella, Italy, arrived in Plovdiv for the fourth annual exercise.

The bilateral training exercise brings U.S. and Bulgarian military forces together to build upon and strengthen the bonds currently shared between the two countries while continuing to improve interoperability as Bulgaria continues to progress as a new partner nation in NATO.

"We are here to build partnerships while working with our Bulgarian counterparts as we exchange airlift and airdrop tactics and ideas," said Lt. Col Matthew Wehner, the 37th AS deployed commander. "Our trip here is vital to everyone involved. We are able to assist the Bulgarians with training and maintaining their jump requirements during the day and complete our nighttime training requirements during the night, a task which is difficult to complete in Germany due to the reduced hours of darkness."

In a matter of four days, 37th AS crews and 435th Security Forces Squadron jumpmasters, with assistance from Army jumpmasters, completed nine sorties, trained 360 Bulgarian paratroopers on the proper way to jump from a C-130 Hercules aircraft and completed 513 static line and freefall jumps.

"I really enjoy working with the Bulgarians," said Maj. John Grimm, the 435th SFS commander. "They are very professional. The opportunity to train with our NATO partners allows (the Bulgarians) the chance to understand how we operate, while we learn how they operate. All of which will pay huge dividends in the long run as we continue build upon on interoperability for possible future joint operations."

The training provided here is not only vitally important to success downrange, it's also a "good time," said Bulgarian Army Lt. Col. Petko Petkov, the 68th Special Forces chief of Combat Training who recently returned from a tour with U.S. forces in Afghanistan.

"I enjoy any opportunity I have to work with U.S. forces," he said. "It is always a pleasure; no matter the location."

Spetsnaz VDV

An awesome perfomance from the airborne troops of Russia while the mission in Bosnia

Spetsnaz photos

Brazil's special ops

Brazil has several special forces units that all have a distinct job to do, including offshoots of the army as well as domestic military special forces unit that are used to enforce the peacekeeping of the nation.

The GRUMEC is the Brazilian answer to the Navy Seals and stands for Grupamento de Megulhadores de Combate, a Portuguese name for Brazilian commando frogmen, very similar to the United States Navy Seals.

History of the GRUMEC

The Brazilian Special Naval Forces is similar to the United States Navy Seals and is a division of the Brazilian Navy. The GRUMEC began in 1964, although it consisted only of two officers and two divers at that time. Since that time, it has grown into a full special forces operation that is based in Rio de Janeiro and was activated formally in March, 1998.

How To Become A Member Of The GRUMEC

Those who are members of the Brazilian Navy, both enlisted men as well as officers can undergo the training it takes to be part of the Brazilian Special Forces operation.

GRUMEC Training

The candidates require 10 weeks of rigorous training that includes underwater combat and helicopter and parachuting training. They are subordinate to the Submarine Force Command in Brazil.

Like the GRUMEC, the training for the COMANF is rigorous and only about 10 percent of the candidates who enter the training program end up making the special forces team. Both of these teams are trained to work together when it comes to a threat to national security of Brazil.

What Are They Best At?

The GRUMEC is comprised of several different factions of special operations, all of which work in conjunction with one another for the security of the country. This includes the COMANF. There are several special operation forces in Brazil. While some are based on land and do not engage on global combat, the GRUMEC and the COMANF are considered to be the elite of the special forces units in this country and, unlike other countries, will work with one another in times of crisis, especially when it comes to rescue missions and hostage situations, to insure the peace and safety for those who are living in Brazil as well as other countries to where they may be called in for active duty assistance.

Weapons of the GRUMEC And Brazilian Special Forces

The COMANF also works in conjunction with the GRUMEC and are another special operations unit that is based off of the Brazilian Navy. They handle the Glock 19, Heckler & Kotch USP, the Heckler & Koch MP5, the Colt M4, the Franchi SPAS 15, the Benelli shotgun and more. They also employ the use of inflatable boats, helicopters and parachutes to eliminate targets and perform acts of sabatoge on enemy combatants. Many of their operations take place in the water and they are adept at using underwater explosives as well as hand to hand combat in the water.

Known Missions

Missions are domestic and classified.

Units

COMANF as well as GRUMEC are the units that are based from the Brazilian Navy and work in conjunction with one another.

Are They Professional Soldiers

Those who are part of the special forces in Brazil are professional soldiers, Navy trained.

148 Commando Forward Observation Battery

The 148 (Meiktla) Cdo. F/O Btry. is an elite unit of highly trained Naval Gunfire Forward Observers (NGFO). Unit members are drawn from both the Army and Royal Navy (RN). Radio operators are recruited from the Royal Navy, while gunners are drawn from the Royal Artillery (RA), with most unit support personnel bring drawn from the Army. Assigned to the Royal Marines (RM) 3 Commando Brigade (3 Cdo. Bde.), the unit provides teams of forward observers and radio operators to both conventional and special operations units.
Originally formed during World War 2, the unit would eventually evolve into the 95 Forward Observation Unit (95 FOU). In 1975 the unit was reduced to its current size and colocated with the SBS at Royal Marines Poole. It was tasked with providing FO teams to the Royal Marines, the Parachute Regiment; the Allied Mobile Force (Land)-AMF(L) and the SBS. The smaller sized unit soon found it was unable to meet its many obligations.
With the Argentine invasion of the Falklands, the unit found itself speeding toward the South Atlantic. Operating alongside both the SAS and SBS, the teams soon proved their worth. The skills of the commando trained unit were in high demand as commanders rediscovered their usefulness. FO teams were rushed about the island as the British pushed their way toward the capital at Port Stanley. FO teams poured carefully placed artillery fire and air strikes onto Argentine positions in support of every major British assault. With the Argentine surrender the unit returned to its home.
The 148 Btry. consists of radio operators, gunners, and a support staff. All prospective volunteers must first complete the Royal Marine's commando course, parachute selection and then the basic parachute course. After being selected they then undergo six months of basic naval gunfire training. During the course troops are trained in advanced communications, Morse code, adjusting both naval gunfire and artillery, forward air control techniques, and helicopter operations, including helicopter rappels. Upon completion of the course the new Naval Gunfire Assistant (NGA) will be assigned to a forward observation team.
Once a NGA has gained some operational experience and proved himself to senior unit members, he may be selected to undergo amphibious training. During amphibious training NGA's are trained as divers and boat coxswains. They also receive training in small boat operations, long range surface navigation, and conducting parachute drops into the water. Most training is conducted at night, as this would be the primary environment a FO would have to operate in.
The unit conducts training in various exercises and climates. It regularly deploys with other RM units to Norway for cold weather training and to Belize for jungle warfare training. They have also cross trained with the USMC's ANGLICO units to help standardize procedures should the units ever work together in combat.
FO teams consist of five men; a RA captain leads each team with a RN bombardiers the second in command (2IC). The rest of the team consists of a RN radio operator, a lance bombardier, and a RA gunner. The team can be split in two with the bombardier commanding one team and the captain the other. All unit members are capable of coordinating are strikes and directing artillery fire.
The unit is equipped with the latest British night vision and targeting equipment. They are trained in the use of laser target designators (LTDs). Unit members are primarily armed with British produced rifles, but many seem to prefer US produced M-16 series weapons. They also carry GPMGs and M-16/M-203s for fire support.

Delta Force

The 1st SFOD-Delta (Delta force) is one the Federal Government's CT (Counter Terrorist) groups. Also known as CAG (Combat Applications Group) the Pentagon manages to tightly control what is known about this Unit. Their soldiers are recruited from the U.S. Army, mainly from the Special Forces Green Berets and Rangers. Their main compound is in a remote area of Fort Bragg and it is rumored that up to 2,500 personnel are present at this facility.
The TO (Table of Order) for Delta consists of three operational squadrons, a support squadron, a signal squadron, an aviation platoon, and what is termed the "Funny Platoon". This funny platoon is reported to be the only JSOC unit including female operators. Selection for all of these units is rigourous with more focus on mental abilities and toughness than physical.

Training involves runs through CQB (Close Quarters Battle) killing houses designed to teach teams and individuals how to assault buildings that have been captured by terrorists. Selective firing (whether or not to shoot a target) as well as the double tap (shooting the target twice to make sure that the target does not get up again) are instilled in the Counter-terrorism specialists.
Their facility at Bragg is reported to be considered the best special operation training facility in the world. The CQB indoor training range has earned the ominous nick-name, "The House of Horrors". The Facility comes equipped with mock-up of trains and buses for practice in tubular assaults, and there is reported to be a section of a wide-body jet in the units "aircraft room".
As a counter-terrorist group, Delta's main function is in hostage rescue. During Operation Just Cause Delta got their chance to do just that. Kurt Muse, an American businessman operating an underground radio station, had been jailed in the city of Modelo. A 160th SOAR MH-6 transported a team of troopers to the rooftop of the jail. The team fought its way down to the second floor and blew the door to Muse' cell, freeing him without injury. As the team and Muse made their way to the roof and the waiting MH-6, Kurt Muse counted at least five bodies. Not all had been killed; one terrified guard had been handcuffed to a staircase railing. Lifting off, the small helicopter was hit by small arms fire and fell to the street below. The pilot slid the aircraft along the ground to a parking lot and attempted to take off again. The aircraft was hit by ground fire again and hit the ground, this time permanently. A passing UH-60 spotted the infrared spotlight held up by a Delta trooper, and soldiers from the 6th Infantry Regiment came to their rescue. Four Delta operators were wounded, but Delta had "officially" validated their existance and saved Kurt Muse' life.
Delta also saw action in Desert Storm, although the full extent of what they did there has not been revealed. Delta Troopers provided security for General Norman Schwartzkopf and also took part in some missions into Iraq to locate Scud misile launchers for destruction. Delta recieved some unwanted publicity in the disasterous UN Campaign to stabilize the country of Somolia. During their mission in Mogadishu, Somolia, they assaulted different safe houses containing high-ranking members of warring clans and took them prisoner. Unfortunately, during their last mission two of the suport helicopters from the 160th SOAR were shot down. Two Delta operators were killed defending the survivors of the second crash, and at least one was killed in an on-foot extraction through a city populated with locals riled up against the Americans.
Operators from the 1st SFOD were cruicial to the invasion of Iraq in early 2003. It is reported that they were in place ahead of time in the capital of Bagdhad, building networks of informants while eavesdropping and sabotaging Iraqi communications lines.
Delta works closely with the 160th SOAR for air support, but they also have their own fleet of helicopters (the aviation platoon). Painted in civilian colors and with fake registration numbers, the helicopters can deploy with Delta operators and mount gun pods to provide air support as well as transportation. Delta/CAG also works with the CIA's Special Activities Staff.

GIGN

GIGN

GIGN is one of the world's busiest and best Counter-Terrorist units. Between 1974 and 1985 they participated in over 650 operations that freed over 500 hostages and eliminated dozens of terrorists. Over 1,000 have been arrested. In that same time they suffered 5 dead and dozens severly wounded (nine were wounded in the recent assault of Air France flight 8969).
GIGN was initially formed in 1974 and was to be no greater than 100 operators. Since then it has never been larger than 90 members. GIGN has always been inventive and effective in their operations. In their operational debut, a takedown of a bus in Djibouti (February, 1976), sandwiches that were permitted by the terrorists to be fed to the hostages were drugged. The tranquilized hostages (30 school children) fell asleep, thus clearing the view for GIGN snipers.
GIGN is also very well traveled. In addition to Djibouti, they have operated in New Caledonia, Lebanon, Sudan, and the Island nation of Comoros.
Because GIGN operates all over the world, operators need to be able to function in a myriad of environments. They train in alpine and winter environments in addition to the urban. They are proficient in parachute insertions as well as SCUBA operations; it is reported that they make a jump in full SCUBA gear at least once a year.
GIGN operators come exclusively from the ranks of the Gendarmerie. In order to be eligable, a volunteeer needs a minimum of five years experience with an exemplary record. Reports have indicated that of those with this service record, as low as seven percent are excepted. After acceptance, operators are trained for ten months (keep in mind, these are officers that already have at least five years experience). GIGN operators are expected to know not only the weapons they deploy with, but also any possible weapons their adversaries might be equipped with.

SAS in WW2

The SAS was founded by then Lt. David Stirling during World War II. It was originally designed as a long-range desert patrol group to conduct raids and sabotage far behind enemy lines, and operated in conjunction with the existing Long Range Desert Group. Stirling (formerly of No.8 Commando), looked for recruits with rugged individualism and initiative and recruited specialists from Layforce and other units. The name "Special Air Service" was meant as a deception. Their first mission in support of Field Marshal Claude Auchinleck's attack in November 1941 was a disaster. Only 22 out of 62 troopers reached the rendezvous. Stirling still managed to organize another attack against the German airfields at Aqedabia, Site and Agheila. They destroyed 61 enemy aircraft without a single casualty. 1st SAS earned regimental status and Stirling's brother Bill begun to organize a second regiment, 2 SAS.

During the desert war they performed many successful and daring long range insertion missions and destroyed aircraft and fuel depots. Their success contributed towards Hitler issuing his Kommandobefehl order to execute all captured Commandos. When the Germans stepped up security, the SAS switched to hit-and-run tactics. They used jeeps armed with Vickers K machine guns and used tracer ammunition to ignite fuel and aircraft. They took part in Operation Torch.

When the Italians captured David Stirling, he ended up in Colditz castle as a prisoner of war for the rest of the war. His brother Bill Stirling and 'Paddy' Blair Mayne took command. Prior to the Normandy Invasion, SAS men were inserted into France as 4-men teams to help maquisards of the French Resistance. In Operation Houndsmith, 144 SAS men parachuted with jeeps and supplies into Dijon, France. During and after D-Day they continued their raids against fuel depots, communications centres and railways. They did suffer casualties at one stage the Germans executed 24 SAS soldiers and a US Air Force pilot. At the end of the war, they hunted down SS and Gestapo officers. By the end of the war the SAS had been expanded to five regiments, including two French and one Belgian.

Special air service - SAS

There are four SAS 'Sabre' Squadrons (labelled A,B,D & G; each contains around 64men, the squadron is composed of four troops called Special Projects Teams each with 16 men which are further sub-divided into 4 four-men assault teams.

Each troop has its own speciality: boat troop (all aspects of amphibious warfare); Mobility Troop (Land Rovers, fast attack vehicles and motorcycles); Air Troop (freefall parachuting); and mountain troop (mountaineering and winter warfare operations.)

All soldiers are rotated through different troops during their three-year service with the regiment. This ensures that each man has at least two troop skills in addition to his patrol skills. This cross-training guarantees that each four-man patrol contains a broad cross-section of military expertise. In addition each sabre squadron is periodically rotated through CRW duty forming the anti terrorist team.

US Pararescue history

The history of PARARESCUE began in August of 1943, when 21 persons bailed out of a disabled C-46 over an uncharted jungle near the China-Burma border. So remote was the crash site that the only means of getting help to the survivors was by paradrop. Lieutenant Colonel Don Fleckinger and two medical corpsmen volunteered for the assignment. This paradrop of medical corpsmen was the seed from which the concept of PARARESCUE was born. For a month these men, aided by natives, cared for the injured until the party was brought to safety. News commentator Eric Severeid was one of the men to survive this ordeal. He later wrote of the men who risked their lives to save his: "Gallant is a precious word; they deserve it".

From this event the need for a highly trained rescue force was found; thus, PARARESCUEMAN was brought into being. Rescues since then have occurred in virtually every corner of the world. Since that first rescue, many airmen, soldiers, and civilians have had first hand experience that when trouble strikes, PARARESCUEMEN are ready to come to their aid.

Some of the most inspiring stories originate from the conflict in Southeast Asia involved heroic deeds performed by PARARESCUEMEN. They risked their lives flying over hostile territory to find friendly forces needing aid. Daily, PARARESCUEMEN volunteered to ride a rescue hoist cable into the Vietnamese jungle to aid wounded infantrymen and injured pilots, whose aircraft had been shot down. The Air Force awarded nineteen Air Force Crosses to enlisted personnel during the South East Asian conflict; ten of the nineteen were awarded to PARARESCUEMEN.

PARARESCUEMEN provided medical treatment for injured and wounded men picked up from the jungles. These deeds are still performed daily, even in time of peace.

Distinctive recognition came to PARARESCUEMEN in early 1966. General John P. McConnell, then Air Force Chief of Staff, approved the wearing of the maroon beret. The beret symbolizes the blood sacrificed by PARARESCUEMEN and their devotion to duty by aiding others in distress. To PARARESCUEMEN living up to their motto, "That Others May Live", is a daily reality.

The formal training of a PARARESCUEMAN is a never ending program. They continually strive to perfect procedures while constantly searching for new techniques. A major development in PARARESCUE was the combination of parachuting with scuba techniques. When ready to jump, the scuba equipped PARARESCUEMAN carries as much as 170 pounds of equipment.

One of the most dramatic events involving PARARESCUE scuba action was at the termination of the Gemini 8 space flight. When the decision was made to halt the mission due to difficulties encountered by Astronauts David Scott and Neil Armstrong, rescue forces on alert at stations in the far east went into action. A rescue crew from Naha Air Base, Okinawa, flew to the predicted splashdown area and arrived in time to see the spacecraft hit the water. Three PARARESCUEMEN parachuted into the ocean and had flotation equipment attached within 20 minutes. The PARARESCUEMEN stayed with the astronauts until a Navy destroyer arrived three hours later to take them all aboard.

PARARESCUEMEN provided continued support to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA) Skylab missions. Presently, PARARESCUEMEN are providing rescue support to the space shuttle program. PARARESCUEMEN have constantly trained to remain responsive to NASA's needs.

The primary purpose of PARARESCUE is to save lives. The work of the PARARESCUEMEN is an important phase of the rescue concept. For example, in a two week period, PARARESCUEMEN were called upon to aid two Russian transport merchant seamen in two different areas. The first mission involved a badly burned sailor on a Russian transport vessel in the Atlantic, 700 miles from the nearest land. Two PARARESCUEMEN, stationed in the Azores were flown to the Russian ship. They parachuted near the ship and treated the sailor until the ship reached port days later saving his life. Two weeks later another distress call from a Russian ship was relayed. This time the ship was a fishing vessel in the Pacific Ocean off the Oregon Coast. A team of three PARARESCUEMEN from Portland parachuted into the Pacific. They treated the Russian sailor for serious back and head injuries caused by the fall. When the ship was close enough, a Coast Guard vessel picked up the sailor and took him ashore to a hospital.

In 1989, PARARESCUEMEN were instrumental in recovering and treating injured motorists at a collapsed section of highway following a devastating earthquake in the San Francisco, California area. PARARESCUEMEN were the only rescue people "on-scene" who would volunteer to crawl between the sections of collapsed highway to access conditions and recover casualties. In recognition of the selfless dedication to saving lives President Bush personally recognized the heroic actions of these men.

More recently, PARARESCUEMEN were among the first U.S. combatants to parachute into Panama during operation "Just Cause" (1989). Their combat medical expertise was heavily utilized during this short, intense operation. In fact, using specially modified vehicles dubbed "RATT-V's" they recovered and cared for the majority of the U.S. casualties that occurred on the two Panamanian controlled airfields that were taken by the initial invasion forces.

Recently, PARARESCUEMEN were tasked with rescue missions involving downed aircrew members and injured combatants during United Nations operation "Desert Storm". This action for the liberation of Kuwait again proved the value of the Air Force PARARESCUEMAN. Among the missions performed by PARARESCUE was the rescue of a downed F-14 navigator in a very hostile area; involving the destruction of enemy forces in very close proximity to the survivor. PARARESCUE also provided extensive support for airlift operations providing humanitarian relief to Kurdish refugees fleeing into northern Iraq.

Most recently, PARARESCUEMEN were involved in the struggle to capture Somalia leader Mohammed Fhara Aidid. Assigned jointly with army Rangers, PJs were tasked to operate in a Search and Rescue (SAR) role on Army helicopters. After the initial assault began, two Army helicopters were shot down, PJs responded to the scene to assist survivors and treat the wounded. The helo crashes were in the middle of the battle zone. The PJs, along with a Combat Controller and additional Army Rangers, were inserted into the firefight, removed injured personnel from further danger and administered life saving emergency medical treatment. As a direct result of their actions, the mission was completed and many lives were saved in the process. These things we do..."That Others May Live."

Taken from Department of the Air Force 342 TRS/CTFI Pamphlet 50-1

U.S. Navy Seals

Sea-Air-Land (SEAL) Teams trace their history back to WWII selected from the Naval Construction Battalions in the Spring of 1943. Their mission was to clear obstacles from beaches chosen for amphibious landings. Thus, the Naval Combat Demolition Units (NCDUs) began.
In the Pacific, the NCDUs were consolidated into Underwater Demolition Teams (UDTs).
In 1962 President J. F. Kennedy formed the first seal teams from the UDT's as a maritime counterpart to the U.S. Army Special Forces. The first two SEAL Teams were commissioned to conduct unconventional warfare, counter- guerrilla warfare, and clandestine operations in maritime and riverine environments.