Service to Country: The Origins of U.S. Army Special Forces
Introduction
The US Army Special Forces are highly respected within the armed services. Tracing their history back to the founding of the United States, they have been a staple of the American military’s service to country for over two centuries. In this blog, we will discuss the history, development, and organization of the US Army Special Forces and the origins of their service to country.
Origins of US Army Special Forces
The origins of the US Army Special Forces can be traced back to the American Revolutionary War, during which General George Washington relied on numerous irregular troops to achieve victory. These troops performed reconnaissance, ambushes, and sabotage missions, laying the groundwork for modern Special Forces operations. The role of irregular troops was expanded during the Civil War, when the Union Army employed the “invisible army”, also known as the secret service. This army conducted espionage, sabotage, and reconnaissance missions behind enemy lines. Its success ensured that special operations continued to be employed during subsequent conflicts.
Development of US Army Special Forces
The US Army’s Special Forces grew more organized during the Second World War. The Office of Strategic Services (OSS), created in 1942, was the first systematic organization of special operations forces. After the war, the OSS was disbanded and its members’ knowledge and experiences laid the foundations for today’s US Army Special Forces.
Organization of US Army Special Forces
Today, the US Army Special Forces are organized into five operational groups, all of which have unique characteristics that make them ideal for covert or clandestine missions. These groups are:
1st Special Forces Group: This is the Army’s oldest Special Forces Unit, formed in 1952. It specializes in reconnaissance, surveillance, and intelligence-gathering operations.
2nd Special Forces Group: This unit specializes in unconventional warfare, such as guerrilla operations, sabotages, and ambushes.
3rd Special Forces Group: Formed in 1965, this unit specializes in counter-terrorism operations.
4th Special Forces Group: Formed in 1971, this unit specializes in foreign internal defense operations and security forces assistance.
5th Special Forces Group: Formed in 1987, this unit specializes in psychological operations and unconventional warfare.
Conclusion
The US Army Special Forces have grown from irregular troops of the past to highly trained units specializing in a range of special operations. From covert missions to security forces assistance, they have been a constant source of service to country for more than two centuries. As their specialized capabilities grow, and their needs change, their continued dedication to protecting the nation remains the same.