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{{Short description|Special Forces of the United States of America}}
The '''United States Special Operations Forces''' —commonly called '''U.S. special forces'''— is the official category where the [[United States Department of Defense|U.S. Department of Defense]] lists the [[United States armed forces|U.S. military]] units that have a training specialization in [[unconventional warfare]] and [[special operations]].
{{Use American English|date=March 2013}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2021}}
{{Distinguish|United States Army Special Forces|United States Special Operations Command}}


'''United States [[special operations forces]]''' ('''SOF''') are the active and reserve component forces of the [[United States Army]], [[United States Marine Corps|Marine Corps]], [[United States Navy|Navy]] and [[United States Air Force|Air Force]] within the [[United States Armed Forces|US military]], as designated by the [[United States Secretary of Defense|Secretary of Defense]] and specifically organized, trained, and equipped to conduct and support [[special operations]].<ref>{{cite book|author=Joint Chiefs of Staff|title=Special Operations|series=Joint Publication 3-05|date=16 July 2014|pages=I-3-I-4, GL-11|url=http://www.dtic.mil/doctrine/new_pubs/jp3_05.pdf|publisher=Department of Defense|location=Washington, DC|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161201152006/http://www.dtic.mil/doctrine/new_pubs/jp3_05.pdf|archive-date=1 December 2016}}</ref><ref name="LII">{{cite web |title=10 U.S. Code § 167 - Unified combatant command for special operations forces |url=https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/10/167 |website=Legal Information Institute |publisher=Cornell Law School |access-date=3 November 2023}}</ref> All active and reserve special operations forces are assigned to the [[United States Special Operations Command]] (USSOCOM).<ref name="LII"/>{{sfn|Joint Chiefs of Staff|2014|p=I-3}}
The Department refers to such units (and similar foreign organizations) as [[Special Operations Forces]] (SOF).


==Composition==
==General Information==
; Component commands
During peacetime, SOF units are usually under the operational command of their assigned branch of the military. But the [[United States Secretary of Defense|Secretary of Defense]] can place Special Operations Forces (including all of the below, as well as [[United States Navy|U.S. Navy]] [[Navy SEAL|SEAL]] units, selected units of the [[United States Air Force|U.S. Air Force]], and other units) under the direct control of the [[United States Special Operations Command]] (SOCOM), usually in time of active hostilities. Special Operations Command consults with the theater commander about the best mix of SOF units and how best to use them. All Army SOF forces are supported by the [[160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment]] (SOAR, Night Stalkers).
* [[United States Special Operations Command]] (SOCOM)<ref name="socom 2014 factbook">{{cite web |url=http://www.socom.mil/News/Documents/USSOCOM_Fact_Book_2014.pdf |title=SOCOM 2014 Factbook |year=2014 |access-date=21 April 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131204133407/http://www.socom.mil/News/Documents/USSOCOM_Fact_Book_2014.pdf |archive-date=4 December 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
** [[Joint Special Operations Command]] (JSOC)<ref name="socom 2014 factbook" />
** [[United States Army Special Operations Command]] (USASOC)<ref name="socom 2014 factbook" />
** [[United States Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command]] (MARSOC)<ref name="socom 2014 factbook" />
** [[United States Naval Special Warfare Command]] (NSWC)<ref name="socom 2014 factbook" />
** [[United States Air Force Special Operations Command]] (AFSOC)<ref name="socom 2014 factbook" />
** '''Theater Special Operations Commands'''
*** [[Special Operations Command Africa]] (SOCAFRICA)<ref name="socom 2014 factbook" />
*** [[Special Operations Command Central]] (SOCCENT)<ref name="socom 2014 factbook" />
**** Joint Interagency Task Force – Counter Terrorism (JIATF-CT – Afghanistan)
**** Special Operations Command Central Forward (SOCCENT FWD)
**** Special Operation Command Forward Yemen (SOC FWD-Y)
**** SOCCENT Cultural Engagement Group (CEG)
*** [[Special Operations Command Europe]] (SOCEUR)<ref name="socom 2014 factbook" />
**** [[Joint Special Operations Air Component Europe]]
*** [[Special Operations Command Pacific]] (SOCPAC)<ref name="socom 2014 factbook" />
*** [[Special Operations Command South]] (SOCSOUTH)<ref name="socom 2014 factbook" /><ref>[http://www.socso.southcom.mil/default.aspx Special Operations Command South]</ref>
*** [[Special Operations Command North]] (SOCNORTH)<ref>[http://www.northcom.mil/Newsroom/FactSheets/ArticleView/tabid/3999/Article/1900/us-special-operations-command-north-provisional-command.aspx U.S. Special Operations Command, North (Provisional Command) > U.S. Northern Command > Article View]. Northcom.mil (16 May 2013). Retrieved on 2014-05-24.</ref><ref name="socom 2014 factbook" />
*** [[Special Operations Command Korea]] (SOCKOR)<ref name="socom 2014 factbook" />


:★★★ Represents a unit led by a [[Lieutenant general (United States)|lieutenant general]] or [[Vice admiral (United States)|vice admiral]]
U.S. SOF units have the same basic role in warfare as the [[Special Forces]] of most other countries, supplying small, elite units that can operate far behind enemy lines on [[sabotage]], [[reconnaissance]], [[counter-insurgency]] and other missions. Most have extensive [[Airborne forces|airborne]] training.
:★★ Represents a unit led by a [[Major general (United States)|major general]] or [[rear admiral (upper half)]]
:★ Represents a unit led by a [[Brigadier general (United States)|brigadier general]] or [[rear admiral (lower half)]]


===Joint Special Operations Command===
[[Image:US Army Rangers on patrol.jpg||thumb|Rangers on patrol]]
[[Joint Special Operations Command]] (JSOC) ★★★<ref name="2015 socom fact book">{{cite book |author=SOCOM Public Affairs |title=SOCOM Fact Book 2015 |url=http://www.socom.mil/FactBook/2015%20Fact%20Book.pdf |year=2015 |publisher=SOCOM Public Affairs}}</ref>
===[[75th Ranger Regiment]] (Rangers)===
* [[Delta Force|1st Special Forces Operational Detachment-Delta (Airborne)]] (1st SFOD-D) (A) (USA)
Rangers were formerly identified by black [[beret]]s, but now wear a khaki beret as their distinctive headgear. The Rangers are primarily used in reconnaissance, the gathering of intelligence data (including the capture of individual people), long-range patrolling, and security for operations by Delta Force. To become Ranger-qualified, soldiers must pass the nine-week [[Ranger School]], which is one of the most demanding and intensive in the United States Armed Forces.
** A Squadron (Assault)
** B Squadron (Assault)
** C Squadron (Assault)
** D Squadron (Assault)
** [[Flight Concepts Division|E Squadron (Aviation)]]<ref name="thedrive.com" />
** G Squadron (Intelligence, Reconnaissance, & Surveillance)
** Combat Support Squadron
** Signal Squadron
* [[SEAL Team Six|Naval Special Warfare Development Group]] (USN)
** Blue Squadron (Assault)
** Gold Squadron (Assault)
** Red Squadron (Assault)
** Silver Squadron (Assault)
** Black Squadron (Intelligence, Reconnaissance, & Surveillance)
** White Squadron (EOD Tactics Development & Evaluation Squadron)
** Gray Squadron (Mobility Teams, Transportation/Divers)
** Green Squadron (Selection/Training)
** X Squadron (Experimental, R&D, technical innovations)
** Combat Support Squadron
** Technical Support Squadron (Tactical Cryptologic Support, Tactical Information Operations)
* [[Regimental Reconnaissance Company]] (RRC) (USA)
** RRD Team 1
** RRD Team 2
** RRD Team 3
*[[24th Special Tactics Squadron]] (24th STS) (USAF)
** Black Team
** Blue Team
** Gold Team
** Gray Team
** Silver Team
** Integrated Survey Program Team
** Green Team (OTC – Assessment, Selection, Training)
* [[Joint Communications Unit]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.jcu.mil/|title=Joint Communications Unit &#124; JCU &#124; Fort Bragg, NC|website=jcu.mil|access-date=27 October 2019}}</ref> (Joint Service)
** A Squadron
** B Squadron
** C Squadron
** D Squadron
** Quick Reaction Team (QRT)
** Special Mission Troop (SMT)
** Executive Communications Detachment
* Joint Cyber Operations Group (JCOG) (Formerly Joint Communications Integration Element/JCIE)(Joint Service)
* Joint Special Operations Command Intelligence Brigade (JSOCIB)
** Joint Exploitation Squadron (JES)
** Joint GEOINT Squadron
** Joint Processing, Exploitation and Dissemination (JPED) Squadron
*** Geospatial Exploitation Troop (GET)
*** Joint Exploitation Troop
** Joint Targeting Squadron (JTS)
*** Joint SIGINT Targeting and Exploitation Troop (JSTET)
*** Joint Publicly Available Information (PAI) Troop
*** Interrogation and Exploitation Troop
* [[427th Special Operations Squadron]]<ref name="thedrive.com">{{Cite web|url=https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/8125/shedding-some-light-on-the-pentagons-most-shadowy-aviation-units|title=Shedding Some Light on the Pentagon's Most Shadowy Aviation Units|first=Joseph|last=Trevithick|website=The Drive|access-date=27 October 2019}}</ref> (USAF)
* [[Intelligence Support Activity]] (USA)


===United States Army===
===[[Special Forces (Green Berets)|Special Forces]] (Green Berets)===
[[File:161109-A-RY767-130 (25363079749).jpg|thumb|1-10th Special Forces Group secure their weapons after a day of training at the Panzer Range Complex, Boeblingen, Germany, 8 Nov. 2016.]]
Special Forces soldiers (who wear the distinctive [[green beret]] by which they are commonly known) are primarily used in liaison and training roles to friendly governments involved in counterinsurgency operations (as in [[Vietnam]]), or as liaison and training advisors to members of insurgency forces (commonly referred to as [[guerrilla]]s) which the United States government wishes to support (as in [[Afghanistan]]). At the operational level, Special Forces are usually comprised of twelve-man "A Teams" (though the term A-Team has fallen into disfavor due to the television show of the same name. The preferred term is "Alpha Team")
[[File:U.S. Army Rangers, assigned to 2nd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, prepare for extraction on Fort Hunter Liggett, California, Jan. 30, 2014.jpg|thumb|Army Rangers during a training operation.]]
with two officers and 10 enlisted members. Each member is expert in at least one [[Military Occupational Specialty]] (MOS) -- [[small arms]], [[demolition]]s, medical, communication, etc. -- and cross-trained in at least one other specialty so that he may fill in for other members who are wounded or killed. Each member is usually proficient in the language of the host nation or insurgent group. All U.S. Army Special Forces members are double volunteers, having volunteered first for airborne training and then for Special Forces training.
Special Forces training is mostly undertaken at Ft. Bragg, N.C. and is referred to as the "Q" Course (Qualification). The course has three phases: advanced military skills; advanced MOS training; and small unit operations, where teams undertake a simulated mission to train and organize indigenous forces.
The term A-Team has fallen into disfavor due to the television show of the same name. The preferred term is Alpha Team


* [[United States Army Special Operations Command]] (USASOC) ★★★<ref name="2015 socom fact book" />
===[[1st Special Forces Operational Detachment-Delta]] (Delta Force)===
** [[1st Special Forces Command (Airborne)]] ★★<ref name="2015 socom fact book" />
Not much is known of "Delta Force," the U.S. government being unwilling to publicize much information. The little facts there are come from various public sources and not from the U.S. government itself. Delta Force members (who have no distinctive uniforms) are used to rescue hostages and perform other special counter-terrorism actions, most of which are [[classified information|classified]]. The organization and training of Delta Force personnel is classified, but they are known to be among the best marksmen in the world. Delta snipers are reportedly required to have 100 percent accuracy at 600 yards and 90 percent accuracy at 1,000 yards. Delta Force members are drawn from a variety of sources, including other Special Operations Forces. Delta Force is usually referred to (when it is referred to at all) by the U.S. government as either "the 1st Special Operations Detachment," or "the 1st Combat Applications Group." The group is small (estimates generally run to less than 400 members), and operates in small teams deep inside hostile territory, often with orders to terminate with stealth and impunity. The namesake of Delta Force is believed to have been "Project Delta," a special operations unit commanded in Vietnam by the late U.S. Army [[Colonel|Col.]] [[Charles Beckwith]]. Two Delta Force members were awarded the [[Medal of Honor]] posthumously in [[Somalia]] while protecting the crew of a downed helicopter, and are the only soldiers to have been so honored while serving as [[sniper]]s.
*** [[1st Special Forces Group]] (Airborne)<ref name="2015 socom fact book" />
****Headquarters Company
****1st Battalion
****2nd Battalion
****3rd Battalion
****4th Battalion
****Group Support Battalion
*** [[3rd Special Forces Group]] (Airborne)<ref name="2015 socom fact book" />
****Headquarters Company
****1st Battalion
****2nd Battalion
****3rd Battalion
****4th Battalion
****Group Support Battalion
*** [[5th Special Forces Group]] (Airborne)<ref name="2015 socom fact book" />
****Headquarters Company
****1st Battalion
****2nd Battalion
****3rd Battalion
****4th Battalion
****Group Support Battalion
*** [[7th Special Forces Group]] (Airborne)<ref name="2015 socom fact book" />
****Headquarters Company
****1st Battalion
****2nd Battalion
****3rd Battalion
****4th Battalion
****Group Support Battalion
*** [[10th Special Forces Group]] (Airborne)<ref name="2015 socom fact book" />
****Headquarters Company
****1st Battalion
****2nd Battalion
****3rd Battalion
****4th Battalion
****Group Support Battalion
*** [[19th Special Forces Group]] (Airborne) (Army National Guard)<ref name="2015 socom fact book" />
****Headquarters Company
****1st Battalion
****2nd Battalion
****3rd Battalion
****Group Support Company
*** {{tree list/final branch}} [[20th Special Forces Group]] (Airborne) (Army National Guard)<ref name="2015 socom fact book" />
****Headquarters Company
****1st Battalion
****2nd Battalion
****3rd Battalion
****Group Support Company
*** [[4th Psychological Operations Group]] (Airborne)<ref name="2015 socom fact book" />
****Headquarters Company
**** 6th POB(A) Battalion
**** 7th POB(A) Battalion
**** 8th POB(A) Battalion
*** {{tree list/final branch}} [[8th Psychological Operations Group]] (Airborne)<ref name="2015 socom fact book" />
****Headquarters Company
**** 1st POB(A) Battalion
**** 5th POB(A) Battalion
**** 9th POB(A) Battalion
*** [[95th Civil Affairs Brigade (United States)|95th Civil Affairs Brigade (Airborne)]]<ref name="2015 socom fact book" />
**** 91st Civil Affairs Battalion<ref name="2015 socom fact book" />
**** 92nd Civil Affairs Battalion<ref name="2015 socom fact book" />
**** [[96th Civil Affairs Battalion]]<ref name="2015 socom fact book" />
**** [[97th Civil Affairs Battalion]]<ref name="2015 socom fact book" />
**** {{tree list/final branch}} [[98th Civil Affairs Battalion]]<ref name="2015 socom fact book" />
*** {{tree list/final branch}} [[528th Sustainment Brigade (United States)|528th Sustainment Brigade, Special Operations (Airborne)]]<ref name="2015 socom fact book" />
**** Special Troops Battalion<ref name="2015 socom fact book" />
***** 197th Special Troops Support Company ([[Texas Army National Guard]])
**** [[112th Special Operations Signal Battalion]]<ref name="2015 socom fact book" />
**** [[389th Military Intelligence Battalion]] (Airborne)<ref name="2015 socom fact book" />
** [[75th Ranger Regiment]]<ref name="2015 socom fact book" />
*** [[1st Ranger Battalion]]<ref name="2015 socom fact book" />
*** [[2nd Ranger Battalion]]<ref name="2015 socom fact book" />
*** [[3rd Ranger Battalion]]<ref name="2015 socom fact book" />
*** [[Regimental Military Intelligence Battalion]] (Intelligence, Reconnaissance, & Surveillance)
**** Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment
**** Cyber Electromagnetic Activities (CEMA) Company
**** Military Intelligence Company
*** {{tree list/final branch}} [[75th Ranger Regiment (United States)#Organization|Special Troops Battalion]]<ref name="2015 socom fact book" />
**** [[Regimental Reconnaissance Company]]
** [[U.S. Army Special Operations Aviation Command]] (USASOAC) ★<ref name="2015 socom fact book" />
*** [[160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne)]]<ref name="2015 socom fact book" />
****Headquarters Company
****1st Battalion
****2nd Battalion
****3rd Battalion
****4th Battalion
*** USASOC Flight Company (UFC)
*** Special Operations Training Battalion (SOATB)
*** Systems Integration Management Office (SIMO)
*** Technology Applications Program Office (TAPO)
*** {{tree list/final branch}} Special Operations Aviation Training Battalion<ref name="2015 socom fact book" />
** {{tree list/final branch}} [[John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School|United States Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School (USAJFKSWCS)]] ★★<ref name="2015 socom fact book" />
*** 1st Special Warfare Training Group (Airborne)<ref name="2015 socom fact book" />
*** 2nd Special Warfare Training Group (Airborne)
*** Special Warfare Education Group (Airborne)<ref name="2015 socom fact book" />
*** {{tree list/final branch}} Special Warfare Medical Group (Airborne)<ref name="2015 socom fact book" />


===United States Marine Corps===
==List of U.S. Special Operations Forces (incomplete)==
[[File:MARSOC Marines fine-tune Visit, Board, Search and Seizure skills 150114-M-LS286-215.jpg|thumb|right|Marine Raiders fine-tune [[Visit, board, search, and seizure|Visit, Board, Search and Seizure]] (VBSS) skills.]]
===Active===
====Army====
*[[1st Special Forces Operational Detachment-Delta]] (Delta Force)
*[[75th Ranger Regiment]] (U.S. Army Rangers)
*[[U.S. Army Special Forces|Special Forces]] (Green Berets)


* [[United States Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command]] (MARSOC) ★★<ref name="2015 socom fact book" />
====Air Force====
** [[Marine Raider Regiment]]<ref name="2015 socom fact book" />
*[[Air Force Air Commandos]]
*** [[1st Marine Raider Battalion]]<ref name="2015 socom fact book" />
*** [[2nd Marine Raider Battalion]]<ref name="2015 socom fact book" />
*** {{tree list/final branch}} [[3rd Marine Raider Battalion]]<ref name="2015 socom fact book" />
** [[Marine Raider Support Group]]<ref name="2015 socom fact book" />
*** [[1st Marine Raider Support Battalion]]<ref name="2015 socom fact book" />
*** [[2nd Marine Raider Support Battalion]]<ref name="2015 socom fact book" />
*** {{tree list/final branch}} [[3rd Marine Raider Support Battalion]]<ref name="2015 socom fact book" />
** {{tree list/final branch}} [[Marine Raider Training Center]]<ref name="2015 socom fact book" />


====Marine Corps====
===United States Navy===
[[File:United States Navy SEALs 676.jpg|thumb|Navy SEALs during night operation in Afghanistan.]]
*[[Marine Corps Force Recon]]
[[File:US Navy 071026-N-3093M-012 Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kori Melvin documents Navy divers and special operators from SEAL Delivery Vehicle Team (SDV) 2 and Naval Special Warfare Logistics Support conducting Lock Out.jpg|thumb|SEAL Delivery Vehicle Team (SDV) 2 conduct diving lock out]]
<!-- Note: there are many other US SOF, these will be added later. Read: -->
[[File:SWCC operating a SOC-R in Act of Valor.jpg|thumb|SWCC from Special Boat Team 22 operating a SOC-R]]
<!-- http://en.wikipedia.org/enwiki/w/wiki.phtml?title=Talk:U.S._Special_Operations_Forces -->
<!-- for more information. -->


* [[Naval Special Warfare Command]] (NAVSPECWARCOM) ★★<ref name="2015 socom fact book" />
====Navy====
** Naval Special Warfare Group ONE<ref name="2015 socom fact book" />
*[[U.S. Navy SEALs|SEALs]]
*** [[United States Navy SEALs|SEAL]] Team 1<ref name="2015 socom fact book" />
*** [[United States Navy SEALs|SEAL]] Team 3<ref name="2015 socom fact book" />
*** [[United States Navy SEALs|SEAL]] Team 5<ref name="2015 socom fact book" />
*** [[United States Navy SEALs|SEAL]] Team 7<ref name="2015 socom fact book" />
*** Logistics Support Unit 1<ref name="2015 socom fact book" />
*** Naval Special Warfare (NSW) Unit 1<ref name="2015 socom fact book" />
*** {{tree list/final branch}} Naval Special Warfare (NSW) Unit 3<ref name="2015 socom fact book" />
** Naval Special Warfare Group TWO<ref name="2015 socom fact book" />
*** [[United States Navy SEALs|SEAL]] Team 2<ref name="2015 socom fact book" />
*** [[United States Navy SEALs|SEAL]] Team 4<ref name="2015 socom fact book" />
*** [[United States Navy SEALs|SEAL]] Team 8<ref name="2015 socom fact book" />
*** [[United States Navy SEALs|SEAL]] Team 10<ref name="2015 socom fact book" />
*** Logistics Support Unit 2<ref name="2015 socom fact book" />
*** Naval Special Warfare (NSW) Unit 2<ref name="2015 socom fact book" />
*** Naval Special Warfare (NSW) Unit 4<ref name="2015 socom fact book" />
*** {{tree list/final branch}} Naval Special Warfare Unit (NSW) 10<ref name="2015 socom fact book" />
** Naval Special Warfare Group FOUR<ref name="2015 socom fact book" />
*** Special Boat Team 12 (SBT-12)<ref name="2015 socom fact book" />
*** Special Boat Team 20 (SBT-20)<ref name="2015 socom fact book" />
*** Special Boat Team 22 (SBT-22)<ref name="2015 socom fact book" />
*** {{tree list/final branch}} Naval Small Craft Instruction and Technical Training School (NAVSCIATTS)<ref name="2015 socom fact book" />
** Naval Special Warfare Group EIGHT<ref name="dvids nswg3+10 deactivated">{{cite web |date=25 August 2021 |title=U.S. Naval Special Warfare Command Establishes Group Eight, Disestablishes Groups Three and Ten |url=https://www.dvidshub.net/news/403911/us-naval-special-warfare-command-establishes-group-eight-disestablishes-groups-three-and-ten |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210829121215/https://www.dvidshub.net/news/403911/us-naval-special-warfare-command-establishes-group-eight-disestablishes-groups-three-and-ten |archive-date=29 August 2021 |access-date=21 July 2022 |website=DVIDSHUB}}</ref><ref name="businessinsider nswg3+10 deactivate">{{cite web |last1=Atlamazoglou |first1=Stavros |date=15 September 2021 |title=To take on Russia and China, the US Navy is standing up a new unit to do the missions that only SEALs can do |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/new-naval-special-warfare-group-created-amid-great-power-competition-2021-9 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220707022230/https://www.businessinsider.com/new-naval-special-warfare-group-created-amid-great-power-competition-2021-9 |archive-date=7 July 2022 |access-date=21 July 2022 |website=Business Insider}}</ref>
*** SEAL Delivery Vehicle Team 1 (SDVT-1)<ref name="2015 socom fact book" />
*** SEAL Delivery Vehicle Team 2 (SDVT-2);<ref name="NSW">{{cite report |url=https://info.publicintelligence.net/USNavy-SpecialWarfare.pdf |title=NAVAL SPECIAL WARFARE |date=May 2013 |publisher=[[Naval Special Warfare Center]] |docket=NWP 3-05 |access-date=5 February 2019}}</ref> was reactivated on 8 March 2019<ref name="Faram">{{cite news |last1=Faram |first1=Mark D. |date=25 February 2019 |title=SEALs revive stealthy submarine delivery team in Virginia |work=Navy Times |url=https://www.navytimes.com/news/your-navy/2019/02/26/seals-revive-stealthy-submarine-delivery-team-in-virginia/ |access-date=17 March 2019}}</ref>
*** Logistics Support Unit 3<ref name="2015 socom fact book" />
*** Special Reconnaissance Team 1<ref name="socom 2022 fact book2">{{cite web |date=2022 |title=Fact Book 2022 |url=https://www.socom.mil/FactBook/2022%20Fact%20Book.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220704041607/https://www.socom.mil/FactBook/2022%20Fact%20Book.pdf |archive-date=4 July 2022 |access-date=21 July 2022 |website=SOCOM}}</ref>
*** Special Reconnaissance Team 2<ref name="socom 2022 fact book2" />
*** Training Detachment 3<ref name="socom 2022 fact book2" />
*** Mission Support Center<ref name="2015 socom fact book" />
** Naval Special Warfare Group ELEVEN<ref name="2015 socom fact book" />
*** [[United States Navy SEALs|SEAL]] Team 17 (Navy Reserve)<ref name="2015 socom fact book" />
*** {{tree list/final branch}} [[United States Navy SEALs|SEAL]] Team 18 (Navy Reserve)<ref name="2015 socom fact book" />
** {{tree list/final branch}} [[Naval Special Warfare Center]]<ref name="2015 socom fact book" />
*** Basic Training Command<ref name="2015 socom fact book" />
*** {{tree list/final branch}} Advanced Training Command<ref name="2015 socom fact book" />


====Other====
===United States Air Force===
{{hatnote|Note: nonoperations-related squadrons are not included for a condensed list of units}}
*[[Central Intelligence Agency|CIA]]--[[Special Activities Division]]
*[[United States Park Police|U.S. Park Police]]--Special Forces Branch
*Federal Bureau of Prisons--Special Operations and Response Teams
*[[Federal Bureau of Investigation|FBI]]--Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Operations and Response Teams
*[[Drug Enforcement Administration|DEA]]--Special Operations and Special Mission Units
*[[United States Marshals Service]]--Special Operations and Programs
*[[United States Customs Service]]--Special Response Teams and Air Interdiction
*[[United States Secret Service|U.S. Secret Service]]--USSS Counter Assault Team (CAT)
*[[United States Department of Energy]]--Special Response Teams


[[File:Members of the U.S. Air Force Special Operations Command, assigned to the 23rd Special Tactics Squadron.jpg|thumb|Air Force Special Tactics Commandos training in [[Jordan]]]]
===Former===
*Blue Light - Part of the 5th [[Special Forces]] Group and existed into the early 1980s, had a Counter-terrorism Mission. May have been replaced by or become part of [[Delta Force]].
*[[Devil's Brigade]] (WW II)
*[[Gray Fox (military)|Gray Fox]]
*[[Marine Raiders]] (WW II)
*[[Task Force 20]]
*[[Force 21]]
*[[Tiger Force (commandos)|Tiger Force]]
*[[Merrill's Marauders|Merrill's Marauders]] aka. 5307th Composite Unit (provisional) (WW II)
*[[Omega Group]], [[Sigma Group]] - Vietnam War era special forces units, of which much is speculated, rumored to still exist in some form.


* [[Air Force Special Operations Command]] (AFSOC) ★★★<ref name="2015 socom fact book" />
==External link==
** [[1st Special Operations Wing]]<ref name="2015 socom fact book" />
*[http://www.specialoperations.com/usspecops.html SpecialOperations.com: U.S. Special Operations]
*** {{tree list/final branch}}1st Special Operations Group<ref name="1st sog factsheet">{{cite web|url=http://www.hurlburt.af.mil/AboutUs/FactSheets/FactSheets/tabid/140/Article/204534/1st-special-operations-group.aspx|title=1st Special Operations Group fact sheet|date=1 July 2015}}</ref>
**** [[4th Special Operations Squadron]]<ref name="1st sog factsheet" />
**** [[8th Special Operations Squadron]]<ref name="1st sog factsheet" />
**** [[9th Special Operations Squadron]]<ref name="1st sog factsheet" />
**** [[15th Special Operations Squadron]]<ref name="1st sog factsheet" />
**** [[23rd Weather Squadron]]<ref name="1st sog factsheet" />
**** [[34th Special Operations Squadron]]<ref name="1st sog factsheet" />
**** {{tree list/final branch}} [[319th Special Operations Squadron]]<ref name="1st sog factsheet" />
** [[24th Special Operations Wing]]<ref name="2015 socom fact book" />
*** [[720th Special Tactics Group]]<ref name="24th sow factsheet">{{cite web|url=http://www.24sow.af.mil/AboutUs/FactSheets/Display/tabid/140/Article/496534/24th-special-operations-wing.aspx|title=24th Special Operations Wing fact sheet|date=1 July 2015}}</ref>
**** [[17th Special Tactics Squadron]]<ref name="24th sow factsheet" />
**** [[21st Special Tactics Squadron]]<ref name="24th sow factsheet" />
**** 22nd Special Tactics Squadron<ref name="24th sow factsheet" />
**** [[23rd Special Tactics Squadron]]<ref name="24th sow factsheet" />
**** {{tree list/final branch}} [[26th Special Tactics Squadron]]<ref name="24th sow factsheet" />
**** 720th Operations Support Squadron
*** {{tree list/final branch}} [[724th Special Tactics Group]]<ref name="24th sow factsheet" />
**** [[24th Special Tactics Squadron]]<ref name="24th sow factsheet" />
**** 724th Operations Support Squadron
**** {{tree list/final branch}} 724th Intelligence Squadron<ref name="24th sow factsheet" />
**** 724th Special Tactics Support Squadron
** [[27th Special Operations Wing]]<ref name="2015 socom fact book" />
*** {{tree list/final branch}} 27th Special Operations Group<ref name="27th sow factsheet">{{cite web|url=http://www.cannon.af.mil/Units.aspx|title=27th Special Operations Wing fact sheet|date=1 July 2015}}</ref>
**** [[3rd Special Operations Squadron]]<ref name="27th sow factsheet" />
**** [[9th Special Operations Squadron]]<ref name="27th sow factsheet" />
**** [[16th Special Operations Squadron]]<ref name="27th sow factsheet" />
**** [[20th Special Operations Squadron]]<ref name="27th sow factsheet" />
**** [[33rd Special Operations Squadron]]<ref name="27th sow factsheet" />
**** [[56th Special Operations Intelligence Squadron]]<ref name="27th sow factsheet" />
**** [[73rd Special Operations Squadron]]<ref name="27th sow factsheet" />
**** [[318th Special Operations Squadron]]<ref name="27th sow factsheet" />
**** {{tree list/final branch}} [[524th Special Operations Squadron]]<ref name="27th sow factsheet" />
** [[137th Special Operations Wing]] (Air National Guard)<ref name="socom 2022 fact book">{{cite web |date=2022 |title=Fact Book 2022 |url=https://www.socom.mil/FactBook/2022%20Fact%20Book.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220704041607/https://www.socom.mil/FactBook/2022%20Fact%20Book.pdf |archive-date=4 July 2022 |access-date=21 July 2022 |website=SOCOM}}</ref>
** [[193d Special Operations Wing]] (Air National Guard)<ref name="2015 socom fact book" />
*** {{tree list/final branch}} [[193d Special Operations Squadron]]
** [[919th Special Operations Wing]] (Air Force Reserve)<ref name="2015 socom fact book" />
*** {{tree list/final branch}} 919th Special Operations Group<ref name="919th sow factsheet">{{cite web|url=http://www.919sow.afrc.af.mil/units/index.asp|title=919th Special Operations Wing fact sheet|date=1 July 2015}}</ref>
**** [[2d Special Operations Squadron]]<ref name="919th sow factsheet" />
**** [[5th Special Operations Squadron]]<ref name="919th sow factsheet" />
**** {{tree list/final branch}} [[711th Special Operations Squadron]]<ref name="919th sow factsheet" />
** [[352d Special Operations Wing]] (Provisional)<ref name="2015 socom fact book" />
*** [[7th Special Operations Squadron]]<ref name="352d sow factsheet">{{cite web|url=http://www.afsoc.af.mil/AboutUs/FactSheets/Display/tabid/140/Article/162545/352nd-special-operations-group.aspx|title=352d Special Operations Wing fact sheet|date=1 July 2015}}</ref>
*** [[67th Special Operations Squadron]]<ref name="352d sow factsheet" />
*** {{tree list/final branch}} [[321st Special Tactics Squadron]]<ref name="352d sow factsheet" />
** [[353rd Special Operations Group]]<ref name="2015 socom fact book" />
*** [[1st Special Operations Squadron]]<ref name="353rd sog factsheet">{{cite web|url=http://www.353sog.af.mil/Units.aspx|title=353rd Special Operations Group fact sheet|date=1 July 2015}}</ref>
*** [[17th Special Operations Squadron]]<ref name="353rd sog factsheet" />
*** Detachment 1, 43rd Intelligence Squadron<ref name="353rd sog factsheet" />
*** {{tree list/final branch}} 320th Special Tactics Squadron<ref name="353rd sog factsheet" />
** {{tree list/final branch}} [[492nd Special Operations Wing]] ★<ref name="2015 socom fact book" />
*** [[19th Special Operations Squadron]]<ref name="usaf air warfare center">{{cite web |url=http://www.afsoc.af.mil/Units/AirForceSpecialOperationsAirWarfareCenter.aspx |title=Air Force Special Operations Air Warfare Center |date=1 July 2015 |access-date=7 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304121352/http://www.afsoc.af.mil/Units/AirForceSpecialOperationsAirWarfareCenter.aspx |archive-date=4 March 2016 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
*** [[6th Special Operations Squadron]]<ref name="usaf air warfare center" />
*** [[18th Flight Test Squadron]]<ref name="usaf air warfare center" />
*** [[280th Combat Communications Squadron]]<ref name="usaf air warfare center" />
*** 371st Special Operations Combat Training Squadron<ref name="usaf air warfare center" />
*** [[551st Special Operations Squadron]]<ref name="usaf air warfare center" />
*** {{tree list/final branch}} [[United States Air Force Special Operations School]]<ref name="usaf air warfare center" />

==SOF career fields==
===United States Army===
[[File:Green Beret breach training at ATG, 25 April 2020.jpg|thumb|[[United States Army Special Forces|Army Special Forces]] (Green Berets) during [[Close-quarters combat|breach and clear]] training near [[Al-Tanf (U.S. military base)|al-Tanf, Syria]]]]
* [[United States Army Special Forces|Special Forces]]
* [[United States Army Rangers|Rangers]]
* [[Psychological Operations (United States)|Psychological Operations]] (Military Information Support Operators)
* Civil Affairs Soldiers
* Army Special Operations Aviators
* Military Intelligence and other Special Operations/Support with enlisted Special Qualification (SQI) Identifier "S" or "K9" for Officers.

===United States Marine Corps===
* [[United States Marine Corps Critical Skills Operator]] (CSO)
* Enablers<ref name="socom 2014 factbook" />
* [[United States Marine Corps Reconnaissance Selection and Indoctrination|Special Operations Capabilities Specialist]]
* Combat Services Specialist

===United States Navy===
[[File:US Navy 090427-N-4205W-352 A Special Warfare Combatant-Craft Crewman (SWCC) assigned to Special Boat Team (SBT) 20 navigates a rigid-hull inflatable boat.jpg|thumb|[[Special warfare combatant-craft crewmen|Special Boat Team 20]] navigates a rigid-hull inflatable boat while a SEAL team boards a yacht]]
* [[United States Navy SEALs|Navy SEALs]]
* [[Special warfare combatant-craft crewmen]] (SWCC)
* [[Amphibious reconnaissance corpsman#Special Amphibious Reconnaissance Corpsman|Special amphibious reconnaissance corpsman]] (SARC)
* [[United States Navy EOD]] (EOD)
* [[United States Navy Diver]] (ND/Seabee)
* Enablers<ref name="socom 2014 factbook" /> (TECH)

===United States Air Force===
* [[United States Air Force Combat Rescue Officer|Combat Rescue Officer]]
* [[United States Air Force Combat Control Team|Combat Control]] (CCT)
* [[United States Air Force Special Reconnaissance|Special Reconnaissance]] (SR)
* [[United States Air Force Special Tactics Officer|Special Tactics Officer]] (STO)
* Special Operations Surgical Team (SOST)
* Combat Aviation Advisor (CAA)
* [[United States Air Force Pararescue|Pararescuemen]]{{Asterisk}} (PJ)
* [[United States Air Force Combat Rescue Officer|Combat Rescue Officer]]{{Asterisk}} (CRO)
* [[United States Air Force Tactical Air Control Party|Tactical Air Control Party]]{{Asterisk}}{{Asterisk}} (ST TACP)
* [[United States Air Force Tactical Air Control Party|Tactical Air Control Party Officer]]{{Asterisk}}{{Asterisk}} (ST TACP-O)
* Psychological Operations

{{Asterisk}} Not all PJs/CROs are assigned to AFSOC; many are assigned to Rescue Squadrons within [[Air Combat Command|ACC]], [[Pacific Air Forces|PACAF]], and [[United States Air Forces in Europe – Air Forces Africa|USAFE]]. There is no difference in training or selection between Rescue and Special Tactics assignments.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.pararescue.com/unit-info|title=Unit Info|date=19 January 2015|access-date=27 October 2019}}</ref>

{{Asterisk}}{{Asterisk}} TACP-O/TACP Airmen must undergo additional selection and training to be assigned to AFSOC [[List of United States Air Force special tactics squadrons|Special Tactics Squadrons]]. Most are assigned to ACC and support conventional Army Units.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/858167/policy-changes-allow-airmen-to-retrain-into-special-ops/|title=Policy changes allow Airmen to retrain into special ops|website=U.S. Air Force|access-date=27 October 2019}}</ref>

==U.S. special operations centers, schools, and courses==
[[File:Locked, Loaded, US Coast Guardsmen participate in Advanced Tactical Operations Course 150402-M-IU187-018.jpg|thumb|200px|[[Deployable Specialized Forces]] U.S. Coast Guard operators fire [[Close Quarters Battle Receiver|Mk18 rifles]] while instructors supervise during the Advanced Tactical Operations Course at [[Joint Maritime Training Center|Special Missions Training Center]]]]

* International Special Training Center (ISTC) – Pfullendorf, Federal Republic of Germany
* [[Joint Special Operations University]] – [[Hurlburt Field]]
* Advanced Special Operations Techniques Course (ASOTC) – Fort Bragg
* [[John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School]] – Fort Bragg
* Military Free Fall Advanced Tactical Infiltration Course (ATIC) – Yuma Proving Ground, Arizona
* [[Naval Special Warfare Center]] – [[Coronado, California]]
* [[Naval Special Warfare Advanced Training Command]], Imperial Beach, CA
* [[Naval Small Craft Instruction and Technical Training School]]- [[John C. Stennis Space Center]], [[Mississippi]]
* Recon and Surveillance Leaders Course (RSLC) – Fort Benning, Georgia
* Special Forces Advanced Urban Combat (SFAUC) – Fort Bragg
* Special Forces Combat Diver Qualification Course – Key West, Florida
* Special Forces Sniper Course (SFSC) – Fort Bragg
* Special Forces Advanced Targeting Reconnaissance Target Analysis Exploitation Techniques (SFARTAETC)
* Special Forces Physical Surveillance Course
* SOF Sensitive Site Exploitation, Technical Exploitation Course
* SOF Sensitive Site Exploitation, Operator Advanced Course
* Special Forces Master Mountaineering Course (Level 1)
* Special Forces Senior Mountaineering Course (Level 2)
* Winter Warfare, Mountain and Cold Weather Operations
* Special Forces Technical Surveillance (SFTSC)
* Operational Emergency Medical Skills Course (SOF)
* Marine Raider Training Center – [[Camp Lejeune]]
** Marine Corps [[Special Operations Training Group]]
* US Army Ranger Assessment and Selection Program (RASP) – Fort Benning, Georgia
* US Army Small Unit Ranger Tactics (SURT) – Fort Benning, Georgia
* [[United States Air Force Combat Dive Course|USAF Combat Dive Course]] – NDSTC Panama City, Florida
* USAF Combat Control School – Pope Field, North Carolina
* USAF Pararescue Recovery Specialist Course – Kirtland AFB, NM
* [[USAF Special Operations School]] – Hurlburt Field, FL
** Special Tactics Training Squadron
* Special Operations Terminal Attack Control Course (SOTACC), [[Yuma Proving Ground]], Arizona<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.yumasun.com/news/military_news/air-force-becomes-newest-ypg-tenant/article_86301f97-82f9-57a8-8f72-c741ed862483.html|title=Air Force becomes newest YPG tenant|last=WULLENJOHN|first=CHUCK|website=Yuma Sun|access-date=27 October 2019}}</ref>
* [[Joint terminal attack controller|JTAC]] Advanced Instructor Course – [[Nellis AFB]], NV<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www2.afsoc.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123335303|title=Enlisted heroes receive graduate-level education at Weapons School|date=6 February 2013|access-date=21 March 2013}}</ref>
* [[Naval Strike and Air Warfare Center]], Naval Air Station Fallon, NV
* US Navy Rescue Swimmer school, Pensacola, Florida
* US Navy [[Naval Diving and Salvage Training Center|Naval Diving and Salvage Training Center]] (NDSTC), Panama City Beach
* US Coast Guard [[Joint Maritime Training Center|Special Missions Training Center]], Camp Lejeune, North Carolina
* US Coast Guard [[Aviation Survival Technician]] Training Center, [[Coast Guard Air Station Elizabeth City]], [[North Carolina]]

==See also==
*[[United States Marine Corps Special Operations Capable Forces]]
*[[Deployable Operations Group|U.S. Coast Guard Deployable Specialized Forces]]
*[[Maritime Safety and Security Team|U.S. Coast Guard MSST & MSRT teams]]
*[[Military Liaison Element]]
*[[Special Activities Center]]
*[[Intelligence Support Activity]]


==References==
==References==
{{Reflist}}
#USDOD (June 5, 2003). [http://www.dtic.mil/doctrine/jel/doddict/ US DOD Dictionary of Military Terms]. United States Department of Defense. United States of America.
* {{Cite book
#USDOD (June 5, 2003). [http://www.dtic.mil/doctrine/jel/doddict/ US DOD Dictionary of Military Terms: Joint Acronyms and Abbreviations]. United States Department of Defense. United States of America.
|title=Inside Delta Force: The Story of America's Elite Counterterrorist Unit
|author=CSM [[Eric Haney]] (retired, former Delta Force operator and founding member)
|year=2002
|publisher=Delacorte Press
|isbn=0-385-33603-9
}}
* {{Cite book
|title=Masters of Chaos: The Secret History of the Special Forces
|author=Linda Robinson
|year=2004
|publisher=PublicAffairs
|isbn=1-58648-249-1
}}
* {{Cite book
|title=Black Hawk Down: A Story of Modern Warfare
|author=Mark Bowden
|year=1999
|isbn=0-87113-738-0
|publisher=Atlantic Monthly Press
}}
* {{Cite book
|title=Not a Good Day to Die: The Untold Story of Operation Anaconda
|author=Sean Naylor
|publisher=The Berkeley Publishing Group
|year=2005
|isbn=0-425-19609-7
}}
* {{cite web|url=http://www.specwarnet.net/sf.htm
|title=Special Forces Units
|access-date=8 October 2006
}}
* {{cite book|last1=Feickert|first1=Andrew|title=U.S. Special Operations Forces (SOF): Background and Issues for Congress|date=6 January 2017|publisher=Congressional Research Service|location=Washington, DC|url=https://fas.org/sgp/crs/natsec/RS21048.pdf|access-date=18 April 2018
}}

==External links==
* David Ignatius: [https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/02/08/AR2008020802559.html Learning to Fight a War] – Washington Post, 2008-02-10
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20090318201424/http://www.socom.mil/Docs/factbook-2009.pdf US Special Operation Forces – 2009 SOCOM Factbook]
* [http://www.americanspecialops.com/ American Special Operations Forces]


[[Category:Special forces of the United States]][[Category:U.S. Special Operations Command]]
{{US Special Operations Forces}}


[[Category:Special Operations Forces of the United States| ]]
[[ja:&#12450;&#12513;&#12522;&#12459;&#38520;&#36557;&#29305;&#27530;&#20316;&#25126;&#37096;&#38538;]]

Latest revision as of 20:49, 26 November 2024

Not to be confused with United States Army Special Forces or United States Special Operations Command.

United States special operations forces (SOF) are the active and reserve component forces of the United States Army, Marine Corps, Navy and Air Force within the US military, as designated by the Secretary of Defense and specifically organized, trained, and equipped to conduct and support special operations.[1][2] All active and reserve special operations forces are assigned to the United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM).[2][3]

Composition

[edit]
Component commands
★★★ Represents a unit led by a lieutenant general or vice admiral
★★ Represents a unit led by a major general or rear admiral (upper half)
★ Represents a unit led by a brigadier general or rear admiral (lower half)

Joint Special Operations Command

[edit]

Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC) ★★★[7]

  • 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment-Delta (Airborne) (1st SFOD-D) (A) (USA)
    • A Squadron (Assault)
    • B Squadron (Assault)
    • C Squadron (Assault)
    • D Squadron (Assault)
    • E Squadron (Aviation)[8]
    • G Squadron (Intelligence, Reconnaissance, & Surveillance)
    • Combat Support Squadron
    • Signal Squadron
  • Naval Special Warfare Development Group (USN)
    • Blue Squadron (Assault)
    • Gold Squadron (Assault)
    • Red Squadron (Assault)
    • Silver Squadron (Assault)
    • Black Squadron (Intelligence, Reconnaissance, & Surveillance)
    • White Squadron (EOD Tactics Development & Evaluation Squadron)
    • Gray Squadron (Mobility Teams, Transportation/Divers)
    • Green Squadron (Selection/Training)
    • X Squadron (Experimental, R&D, technical innovations)
    • Combat Support Squadron
    • Technical Support Squadron (Tactical Cryptologic Support, Tactical Information Operations)
  • Regimental Reconnaissance Company (RRC) (USA)
    • RRD Team 1
    • RRD Team 2
    • RRD Team 3
  • 24th Special Tactics Squadron (24th STS) (USAF)
    • Black Team
    • Blue Team
    • Gold Team
    • Gray Team
    • Silver Team
    • Integrated Survey Program Team
    • Green Team (OTC – Assessment, Selection, Training)
  • Joint Communications Unit[9] (Joint Service)
    • A Squadron
    • B Squadron
    • C Squadron
    • D Squadron
    • Quick Reaction Team (QRT)
    • Special Mission Troop (SMT)
    • Executive Communications Detachment
  • Joint Cyber Operations Group (JCOG) (Formerly Joint Communications Integration Element/JCIE)(Joint Service)
  • Joint Special Operations Command Intelligence Brigade (JSOCIB)
    • Joint Exploitation Squadron (JES)
    • Joint GEOINT Squadron
    • Joint Processing, Exploitation and Dissemination (JPED) Squadron
      • Geospatial Exploitation Troop (GET)
      • Joint Exploitation Troop
    • Joint Targeting Squadron (JTS)
      • Joint SIGINT Targeting and Exploitation Troop (JSTET)
      • Joint Publicly Available Information (PAI) Troop
      • Interrogation and Exploitation Troop
  • 427th Special Operations Squadron[8] (USAF)
  • Intelligence Support Activity (USA)

United States Army

[edit]
1-10th Special Forces Group secure their weapons after a day of training at the Panzer Range Complex, Boeblingen, Germany, 8 Nov. 2016.
Army Rangers during a training operation.

United States Marine Corps

[edit]
Marine Raiders fine-tune Visit, Board, Search and Seizure (VBSS) skills.

United States Navy

[edit]
Navy SEALs during night operation in Afghanistan.
SEAL Delivery Vehicle Team (SDV) 2 conduct diving lock out
SWCC from Special Boat Team 22 operating a SOC-R
  • Naval Special Warfare Command (NAVSPECWARCOM) ★★[7]
    • Naval Special Warfare Group ONE[7]
    • Naval Special Warfare Group TWO[7]
      • SEAL Team 2[7]
      • SEAL Team 4[7]
      • SEAL Team 8[7]
      • SEAL Team 10[7]
      • Logistics Support Unit 2[7]
      • Naval Special Warfare (NSW) Unit 2[7]
      • Naval Special Warfare (NSW) Unit 4[7]
      • Naval Special Warfare Unit (NSW) 10[7]
    • Naval Special Warfare Group FOUR[7]
      • Special Boat Team 12 (SBT-12)[7]
      • Special Boat Team 20 (SBT-20)[7]
      • Special Boat Team 22 (SBT-22)[7]
      • Naval Small Craft Instruction and Technical Training School (NAVSCIATTS)[7]
    • Naval Special Warfare Group EIGHT[10][11]
      • SEAL Delivery Vehicle Team 1 (SDVT-1)[7]
      • SEAL Delivery Vehicle Team 2 (SDVT-2);[12] was reactivated on 8 March 2019[13]
      • Logistics Support Unit 3[7]
      • Special Reconnaissance Team 1[14]
      • Special Reconnaissance Team 2[14]
      • Training Detachment 3[14]
      • Mission Support Center[7]
    • Naval Special Warfare Group ELEVEN[7]
    • Naval Special Warfare Center[7]
      • Basic Training Command[7]
      • Advanced Training Command[7]

United States Air Force

[edit]
Note: nonoperations-related squadrons are not included for a condensed list of units
Air Force Special Tactics Commandos training in Jordan

SOF career fields

[edit]

United States Army

[edit]
Army Special Forces (Green Berets) during breach and clear training near al-Tanf, Syria
  • Special Forces
  • Rangers
  • Psychological Operations (Military Information Support Operators)
  • Civil Affairs Soldiers
  • Army Special Operations Aviators
  • Military Intelligence and other Special Operations/Support with enlisted Special Qualification (SQI) Identifier "S" or "K9" for Officers.

United States Marine Corps

[edit]

United States Navy

[edit]
Special Boat Team 20 navigates a rigid-hull inflatable boat while a SEAL team boards a yacht

United States Air Force

[edit]

* Not all PJs/CROs are assigned to AFSOC; many are assigned to Rescue Squadrons within ACC, PACAF, and USAFE. There is no difference in training or selection between Rescue and Special Tactics assignments.[23]

** TACP-O/TACP Airmen must undergo additional selection and training to be assigned to AFSOC Special Tactics Squadrons. Most are assigned to ACC and support conventional Army Units.[24]

U.S. special operations centers, schools, and courses

[edit]
Deployable Specialized Forces U.S. Coast Guard operators fire Mk18 rifles while instructors supervise during the Advanced Tactical Operations Course at Special Missions Training Center

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Joint Chiefs of Staff (16 July 2014). Special Operations (PDF). Joint Publication 3-05. Washington, DC: Department of Defense. pp. I-3–I-4, GL-11. Archived from the original (PDF) on 1 December 2016.
  2. ^ a b "10 U.S. Code § 167 - Unified combatant command for special operations forces". Legal Information Institute. Cornell Law School. Retrieved 3 November 2023.
  3. ^ Joint Chiefs of Staff 2014, p. I-3.
  4. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o "SOCOM 2014 Factbook" (PDF). 2014. Archived from the original (PDF) on 4 December 2013. Retrieved 21 April 2014.
  5. ^ Special Operations Command South
  6. ^ U.S. Special Operations Command, North (Provisional Command) > U.S. Northern Command > Article View. Northcom.mil (16 May 2013). Retrieved on 2014-05-24.
  7. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z aa ab ac ad ae af ag ah ai aj ak al am an ao ap aq ar as at au av aw ax ay az ba bb bc bd be bf bg bh bi bj bk bl bm bn bo bp bq br bs bt bu bv bw bx by bz ca cb cc cd ce cf cg SOCOM Public Affairs (2015). SOCOM Fact Book 2015 (PDF). SOCOM Public Affairs.
  8. ^ a b Trevithick, Joseph. "Shedding Some Light on the Pentagon's Most Shadowy Aviation Units". The Drive. Retrieved 27 October 2019.
  9. ^ "Joint Communications Unit | JCU | Fort Bragg, NC". jcu.mil. Retrieved 27 October 2019.
  10. ^ "U.S. Naval Special Warfare Command Establishes Group Eight, Disestablishes Groups Three and Ten". DVIDSHUB. 25 August 2021. Archived from the original on 29 August 2021. Retrieved 21 July 2022.
  11. ^ Atlamazoglou, Stavros (15 September 2021). "To take on Russia and China, the US Navy is standing up a new unit to do the missions that only SEALs can do". Business Insider. Archived from the original on 7 July 2022. Retrieved 21 July 2022.
  12. ^ NAVAL SPECIAL WARFARE (PDF) (Report). Naval Special Warfare Center. May 2013. NWP 3-05. Retrieved 5 February 2019.
  13. ^ Faram, Mark D. (25 February 2019). "SEALs revive stealthy submarine delivery team in Virginia". Navy Times. Retrieved 17 March 2019.
  14. ^ a b c "Fact Book 2022" (PDF). SOCOM. 2022. Archived from the original (PDF) on 4 July 2022. Retrieved 21 July 2022.
  15. ^ a b c d e f g h "1st Special Operations Group fact sheet". 1 July 2015.
  16. ^ a b c d e f g h i "24th Special Operations Wing fact sheet". 1 July 2015.
  17. ^ a b c d e f g h i j "27th Special Operations Wing fact sheet". 1 July 2015.
  18. ^ "Fact Book 2022" (PDF). SOCOM. 2022. Archived from the original (PDF) on 4 July 2022. Retrieved 21 July 2022.
  19. ^ a b c d "919th Special Operations Wing fact sheet". 1 July 2015.
  20. ^ a b c "352d Special Operations Wing fact sheet". 1 July 2015.
  21. ^ a b c d "353rd Special Operations Group fact sheet". 1 July 2015.
  22. ^ a b c d e f g "Air Force Special Operations Air Warfare Center". 1 July 2015. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 7 March 2016.
  23. ^ "Unit Info". 19 January 2015. Retrieved 27 October 2019.
  24. ^ "Policy changes allow Airmen to retrain into special ops". U.S. Air Force. Retrieved 27 October 2019.
  25. ^ WULLENJOHN, CHUCK. "Air Force becomes newest YPG tenant". Yuma Sun. Retrieved 27 October 2019.
  26. ^ "Enlisted heroes receive graduate-level education at Weapons School". 6 February 2013. Retrieved 21 March 2013.
[edit]
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