When did special forces first emerge as a distinct military concept?
Special forces have existed in various forms throughout history, with Chinese strategist Jiang Ziya describing elite specialized units in ancient texts. The modern formation grew significantly during the Second World War, when every major army involved in the fighting created units devoted to special operations behind enemy lines. The British Commandos, established following Winston Churchill's call in 1940, are widely considered the template for contemporary special forces.
Who founded the Special Air Service (SAS) and what was its original mission?
The SAS was formed in July 1941 by Lieutenant David Stirling, who proposed that small teams of parachute-trained soldiers could operate behind enemy lines to gather intelligence, destroy enemy aircraft, and attack supply routes. General Claude Auchinleck endorsed the plan, and the force began with five officers and 60 other ranks, training at Kabrit camp by the River Nile.
What is the spiritual home of the United States Army Rangers?
Rogers' Rangers on Roger's Island, in what is now Fort Edward, New York, is regarded as the spiritual home of the United States Special Operations Forces, specifically the Army Rangers. Robert Rogers codified training in his 28 Rules of Ranging, considered the first known manual of modern asymmetric warfare tactics used in special operations.
What was the 1st Special Service Force and what were its nicknames?
The 1st Special Service Force was a joint American and Canadian unit originally conceived as a sabotage ski brigade for operations in Norway. It became known as the Devil's Brigade, and German soldiers called it The Black Devils. The unit was deployed to the Aleutian Islands, Italy, and Southern France.
What role did the Crack Platoon play in the Bangladesh Liberation War?
The Crack Platoon was formed by sector commander Khaled Mosharraf and fellow commander A. T. M. Haider during the Bangladesh Liberation War in 1971. Starting with 17 commandos trained at Melaghar Camp, the platoon launched operations in Dhaka beginning on the 5th of June 1971 with the goal of demonstrating that the situation in East Pakistan was not stable, countering the Pakistani government's official narrative to the visiting World Bank mission.
When were women first admitted to special forces units?
In 2014, the Norwegian Special Operation Forces established Jegertroppen, an all-female unit whose name translates to Hunter Troop. This followed a broader trend of governments removing gender restrictions from special forces selections.