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{{Short description|Special Forces of the United States of America}}
'''United States special operations forces''' are active and reserve component forces of ]. They are designated by the ], and are specifically trained to conduct operations in an area under enemy or unfriendly control or politically sensitive environments to achieve military, diplomatic, informational, and economic objectives of the United States.
{{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 ]''' ('''SOF''') are the active and reserve component forces of the ], ], ] and ] within the ], as designated by the ] and specifically organized, trained, and equipped to conduct and support ].<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 ] (USSOCOM).<ref name="LII"/>{{sfn|Joint Chiefs of Staff|2014|p=I-3}}
==General information==
While in the ], most special operations forces (SOF) units answer to the administration of their assigned branch of the military, but organizationally under ] (SOCOM). Operational control of deployed units falls under the respective SOCOM and its Special Operations Command structure. However, the ] can place all special operations forces under the direct control of the SOCOM, usually in time of active hostilities.


==Composition==
U.S. SOF units have the same basic role in warfare as the ] of most other countries, supplying small, elite units that can operate far behind enemy lines on ], ], ], ], and ] missions.
; Component commands
* ] (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>
** ] (JSOC)<ref name="socom 2014 factbook" />
** ] (USASOC)<ref name="socom 2014 factbook" />
** ] (MARSOC)<ref name="socom 2014 factbook" />
** ] (NSWC)<ref name="socom 2014 factbook" />
** ] (AFSOC)<ref name="socom 2014 factbook" />
** '''Theater Special Operations Commands'''
*** ] (SOCAFRICA)<ref name="socom 2014 factbook" />
*** ] (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)
*** ] (SOCEUR)<ref name="socom 2014 factbook" />
**** ]
*** ] (SOCPAC)<ref name="socom 2014 factbook" />
*** ] (SOCSOUTH)<ref name="socom 2014 factbook" /><ref></ref>
*** ] (SOCNORTH)<ref>. Northcom.mil (16 May 2013). Retrieved on 2014-05-24.</ref><ref name="socom 2014 factbook" />
*** ] (SOCKOR)<ref name="socom 2014 factbook" />


:★★★ Represents a unit led by a ] or ]
As of 2009, there were roughly 55,000 personnel in the United States special operations forces. <ref>http://blog.wired.com/defense/2009/04/budget.html</ref>
:★★ Represents a unit led by a ] or ]
:★ Represents a unit led by a ] or ]


===Joint Special Operations Command===
==List of United States special operations forces==
] (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>
{{main|United States Special Operations Command}}
* ] (1st SFOD-D) (A) (USA)
** A Squadron (Assault)
** B Squadron (Assault)
** C Squadron (Assault)
** D Squadron (Assault)
** ]<ref name="thedrive.com" />
** G Squadron (Intelligence, Reconnaissance, & Surveillance)
** Combat Support Squadron
** Signal Squadron
* ] (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)
* ] (RRC) (USA)
** RRD Team 1
** RRD Team 2
** RRD Team 3
*] (24th STS) (USAF)
** Black Team
** Blue Team
** Gold Team
** Gray Team
** Silver Team
** Integrated Survey Program Team
** Green Team (OTC – Assessment, Selection, Training)
* ]<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
* ]<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)
* ] (USA)


===Special missions units=== ===United States Army===
]
* ] (SFOD-D) "Delta Force" (])
]
* ] "DEVGRU" (])
* ] - (])
* ] "ISA" (])


* ] (USASOC) ★★★<ref name="2015 socom fact book" />
] on patrol]]
** ] ★★<ref name="2015 socom fact book" />
*** ] (Airborne)<ref name="2015 socom fact book" />
****Headquarters Company
****1st Battalion
****2nd Battalion
****3rd Battalion
****4th Battalion
****Group Support Battalion
*** ] (Airborne)<ref name="2015 socom fact book" />
****Headquarters Company
****1st Battalion
****2nd Battalion
****3rd Battalion
****4th Battalion
****Group Support Battalion
*** ] (Airborne)<ref name="2015 socom fact book" />
****Headquarters Company
****1st Battalion
****2nd Battalion
****3rd Battalion
****4th Battalion
****Group Support Battalion
*** ] (Airborne)<ref name="2015 socom fact book" />
****Headquarters Company
****1st Battalion
****2nd Battalion
****3rd Battalion
****4th Battalion
****Group Support Battalion
*** ] (Airborne)<ref name="2015 socom fact book" />
****Headquarters Company
****1st Battalion
****2nd Battalion
****3rd Battalion
****4th Battalion
****Group Support Battalion
*** ] (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}} ] (Airborne) (Army National Guard)<ref name="2015 socom fact book" />
****Headquarters Company
****1st Battalion
****2nd Battalion
****3rd Battalion
****Group Support Company
*** ] (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}} ] (Airborne)<ref name="2015 socom fact book" />
****Headquarters Company
**** 1st POB(A) Battalion
**** 5th POB(A) Battalion
**** 9th POB(A) Battalion
*** ]<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" />
**** ]<ref name="2015 socom fact book" />
**** ]<ref name="2015 socom fact book" />
**** {{tree list/final branch}} ]<ref name="2015 socom fact book" />
*** {{tree list/final branch}} ]<ref name="2015 socom fact book" />
**** Special Troops Battalion<ref name="2015 socom fact book" />
***** 197th Special Troops Support Company (])
**** ]<ref name="2015 socom fact book" />
**** ] (Airborne)<ref name="2015 socom fact book" />
** ]<ref name="2015 socom fact book" />
*** ]<ref name="2015 socom fact book" />
*** ]<ref name="2015 socom fact book" />
*** ]<ref name="2015 socom fact book" />
*** ] (Intelligence, Reconnaissance, & Surveillance)
**** Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment
**** Cyber Electromagnetic Activities (CEMA) Company
**** Military Intelligence Company
*** {{tree list/final branch}} ]<ref name="2015 socom fact book" />
**** ]
** ] (USASOAC) ★<ref name="2015 socom fact book" />
*** ]<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}} ] ★★<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===
] (VBSS) skills.]]
* ] ("Green Berets")
* ] ("Rangers")
* ] ("Night Stalkers")
* ]
* ]


* ] (MARSOC) ★★<ref name="2015 socom fact book" />
===]===
** ]<ref name="2015 socom fact book" />
* ]
*** ]<ref name="2015 socom fact book" />
* ]
*** ]<ref name="2015 socom fact book" />
*** {{tree list/final branch}} ]<ref name="2015 socom fact book" />
** ]<ref name="2015 socom fact book" />
*** ]<ref name="2015 socom fact book" />
*** ]<ref name="2015 socom fact book" />
*** {{tree list/final branch}} ]<ref name="2015 socom fact book" />
** {{tree list/final branch}} ]<ref name="2015 socom fact book" />


===]=== ===United States Navy===
]
* ]
]
* ]
]
* ] (Formerly the ])
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]


* ] (NAVSPECWARCOM) ★★<ref name="2015 socom fact book" />
===]===
** Naval Special Warfare Group ONE<ref name="2015 socom fact book" />
* ]
*** ] Team 1<ref name="2015 socom fact book" />
* ]
*** ] Team 3<ref name="2015 socom fact book" />
* ]
*** ] Team 5<ref name="2015 socom fact book" />
*** ] 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" />
*** ] Team 2<ref name="2015 socom fact book" />
*** ] Team 4<ref name="2015 socom fact book" />
*** ] Team 8<ref name="2015 socom fact book" />
*** ] 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=] |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" />
*** ] Team 17 (Navy Reserve)<ref name="2015 socom fact book" />
*** {{tree list/final branch}} ] Team 18 (Navy Reserve)<ref name="2015 socom fact book" />
** {{tree list/final branch}} ]<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" />


=== ] Special Units=== ===United States Air Force===
{{hatnote|Note: nonoperations-related squadrons are not included for a condensed list of units}}
* ] (]/])
* ] (])
* ] (] - ])


]]]
=== Disbanded or inactive units ===

In the modern U.S. military structure since ], dozens of special operations units have been formed and later disbanded. Many were created for a specific, limited objective (such as ]), or for a specific conflict. In some cases, a special operations unit is reconstituted under a different name, usually for reasons of security, or evolves from a pilot project into a more permanent force. See ].
* ] (AFSOC) ★★★<ref name="2015 socom fact book" />
** ]<ref name="2015 socom fact book" />
*** {{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>
**** ]<ref name="1st sog factsheet" />
**** ]<ref name="1st sog factsheet" />
**** ]<ref name="1st sog factsheet" />
**** ]<ref name="1st sog factsheet" />
**** ]<ref name="1st sog factsheet" />
**** ]<ref name="1st sog factsheet" />
**** {{tree list/final branch}} ]<ref name="1st sog factsheet" />
** ]<ref name="2015 socom fact book" />
*** ]<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>
**** ]<ref name="24th sow factsheet" />
**** ]<ref name="24th sow factsheet" />
**** 22nd Special Tactics Squadron<ref name="24th sow factsheet" />
**** ]<ref name="24th sow factsheet" />
**** {{tree list/final branch}} ]<ref name="24th sow factsheet" />
**** 720th Operations Support Squadron
*** {{tree list/final branch}} ]<ref name="24th sow factsheet" />
**** ]<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
** ]<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>
**** ]<ref name="27th sow factsheet" />
**** ]<ref name="27th sow factsheet" />
**** ]<ref name="27th sow factsheet" />
**** ]<ref name="27th sow factsheet" />
**** ]<ref name="27th sow factsheet" />
**** ]<ref name="27th sow factsheet" />
**** ]<ref name="27th sow factsheet" />
**** ]<ref name="27th sow factsheet" />
**** {{tree list/final branch}} ]<ref name="27th sow factsheet" />
** ] (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>
** ] (Air National Guard)<ref name="2015 socom fact book" />
*** {{tree list/final branch}} ]
** ] (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>
**** ]<ref name="919th sow factsheet" />
**** ]<ref name="919th sow factsheet" />
**** {{tree list/final branch}} ]<ref name="919th sow factsheet" />
** ] (Provisional)<ref name="2015 socom fact book" />
*** ]<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>
*** ]<ref name="352d sow factsheet" />
*** {{tree list/final branch}} ]<ref name="352d sow factsheet" />
** ]<ref name="2015 socom fact book" />
*** ]<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>
*** ]<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}} ] ★<ref name="2015 socom fact book" />
*** ]<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>
*** ]<ref name="usaf air warfare center" />
*** ]<ref name="usaf air warfare center" />
*** ]<ref name="usaf air warfare center" />
*** 371st Special Operations Combat Training Squadron<ref name="usaf air warfare center" />
*** ]<ref name="usaf air warfare center" />
*** {{tree list/final branch}} ]<ref name="usaf air warfare center" />

==SOF career fields==
===United States Army===
] (Green Berets) during ] training near ]]]
* ]
* ]
* ] (Military Information Support Operators) -- active duty units that fall under ] (USASOC) only; ] and ] psyops units are conventional forces and not SOF.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Jacobs |first=Jeffrey |date=2017-10-03 |title=No, Sending Civil Affairs Reservists through the Active Duty Training Pipeline Won’t Solve the Army’s Civil Affairs Problems |url=https://mwi.westpoint.edu/no-sending-civil-affairs-reservists-active-duty-training-pipeline-wont-solve-armys-civil-affairs-problems/ |access-date=2024-12-14 |website=Modern War Institute |language=en-US}}</ref>
* Civil Affairs Soldiers -- similar to MISO, only active duty units that fall under USASOC are SOF; Reserve and National Guard Civil Affairs units are conventional forces and not SOF.<ref name=":0" />
* Other career fields, such as ], ], and ], when serving in units that fall under USASOC or USSOCOM command.

===United States Marine Corps===
* ] (CSO)
* Enablers<ref name="socom 2014 factbook" />
* ]
* Combat Services Specialist

===United States Navy===
] navigates a rigid-hull inflatable boat while a SEAL team boards a yacht]]
* ]
* ] (SWCC)
* ] (SARC)
* ] (EOD)
* ] (ND/Seabee)
* Enablers<ref name="socom 2014 factbook" /> (TECH)

===United States Air Force===
* ] (CCT)
* ] (SR)
* ] (STO)
* Special Operations Surgical Team (SOST)
* Combat Aviation Advisor (CAA)
* ]{{Asterisk}} (PJ)
* ]{{Asterisk}} (CRO)
* ]{{Asterisk}}{{Asterisk}} (ST TACP)
* ]{{Asterisk}}{{Asterisk}} (ST TACP-O)
* Psychological Operations

{{Asterisk}} Not all PJs/CROs are assigned to AFSOC; many are assigned to Rescue Squadrons within ], ], and ]. 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 ]. 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== ==U.S. special operations centers, schools, and courses==
] U.S. Coast Guard operators fire ] while instructors supervise during the Advanced Tactical Operations Course at ]]]
*] - ]
*] - ]
*] - ]
*] - ]
*] - ]
*Marine Special Operations School - ]
* Marine Corps ]


* International Special Training Center (ISTC) – Pfullendorf, Federal Republic of Germany
==Commands==
* ] – ]
* ]
* ] * Advanced Special Operations Techniques Course (ASOTC) – Fort Bragg
* ] * ] – Fort Bragg
* Military Free Fall Advanced Tactical Infiltration Course (ATIC) – Yuma Proving Ground, Arizona
* ]
* ] (SOCOM) * ] – ]
* ] (JSOC) * ], Imperial Beach, CA
* ]- ], ]
* 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 – ]
** Marine Corps ]
* US Army Ranger Assessment and Selection Program (RASP) – Fort Benning, Georgia
* US Army Small Unit Ranger Tactics (SURT) – Fort Benning, Georgia
* ] – NDSTC Panama City, Florida
* USAF Combat Control School – Pope Field, North Carolina
* USAF Pararescue Recovery Specialist Course – Kirtland AFB, NM
* ] – Hurlburt Field, FL
** Special Tactics Training Squadron
* Special Operations Terminal Attack Control Course (SOTACC), ], 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>
* ] Advanced Instructor Course – ], 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 Air Station Fallon, NV
* US Navy Rescue Swimmer school, Pensacola, Florida
* US Navy ] (NDSTC), Panama City Beach
* US Coast Guard ], Camp Lejeune, North Carolina
* US Coast Guard ] Training Center, ], ]


==See also== ==See also==
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==References== ==References==
{{Reflist}}
*{{cite web|url=http://www.dtic.mil/doctrine/jel/doddict/
* {{Cite book
|author=USDOD
|date=June 5, 2003
|title=US DOD Dictionary of Military Terms
|publisher=United States Department of Defense. United States of America
|accessdate=2004-01-11}}

*{{cite web|url=http://www.dtic.mil/doctrine/jel/doddict/
|author=USDOD
|date=June 5, 2003
|title=US DOD Dictionary of Military Terms: Joint Acronyms and Abbreviations
|publisher=United States Department of Defense. United States of America
|accessdate=2004-01-11}}

*{{cite book
|title=Inside Delta Force: The Story of America's Elite Counterterrorist Unit |title=Inside Delta Force: The Story of America's Elite Counterterrorist Unit
|author=CSM ] (retired, former Delta Force operator and founding member |author=CSM ] (retired, former Delta Force operator and founding member)
|origyear=2002 |year=2002
|publisher=Delacorte Press |publisher=Delacorte Press
|isbn=0-385-33603-9}} |isbn=0-385-33603-9
}}
* {{Cite book

*{{cite book
|title=Masters of Chaos: The Secret History of the Special Forces |title=Masters of Chaos: The Secret History of the Special Forces
|author=Linda Robinson |author=Linda Robinson
|date=2004 |year=2004
|publisher=PublicAffairs |publisher=PublicAffairs
|isbn=1-58648-249-1}} |isbn=1-58648-249-1
}}
* {{Cite book

*{{cite book
|title=Black Hawk Down: A Story of Modern Warfare |title=Black Hawk Down: A Story of Modern Warfare
|author=Mark Bowden |author=Mark Bowden
|date=1999 |year=1999
|isbn=0-87113-738-0 |isbn=0-87113-738-0
|publisher=Atlantic Monthly Press}} |publisher=Atlantic Monthly Press
}}
* {{Cite book

|title=Not a Good Day to Die: The Untold Story of Operation Anaconda
*{{cite book
|title=Not a Good Day to Die : The Untold Story of Operation Anaconda
|author=Sean Naylor |author=Sean Naylor
|publisher=The Berkeley Publishing Group |publisher=The Berkeley Publishing Group
|date=2005 |year=2005
|isbn=0-425-19609-7}} |isbn=0-425-19609-7
}}
* {{cite web|url=http://www.specwarnet.net/sf.htm

*{{cite web|url=http://www.specwarnet.net/sf.htm
|title=Special Forces Units |title=Special Forces Units
|access-date=8 October 2006
|accessdate=2006-10-08}}
}}
* {{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== ==External links==
* David Ignatius: – Washington Post, 2008-02-10
*
*
*
*
*

==References==
{{reflist|2}}


{{US Special Operations Forces}} {{US Special Operations Forces}}


] ]
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Latest revision as of 00:41, 14 December 2024

Special Forces of the United States of America

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. All active and reserve special operations forces are assigned to the United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM).

Composition

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

Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC) ★★★

  • 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)
    • 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 (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 (USAF)
  • Intelligence Support Activity (USA)

United States Army

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

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

United States Navy

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) ★★
    • Naval Special Warfare Group ONE
      • SEAL Team 1
      • SEAL Team 3
      • SEAL Team 5
      • SEAL Team 7
      • Logistics Support Unit 1
      • Naval Special Warfare (NSW) Unit 1
      • Naval Special Warfare (NSW) Unit 3
    • Naval Special Warfare Group TWO
      • SEAL Team 2
      • SEAL Team 4
      • SEAL Team 8
      • SEAL Team 10
      • Logistics Support Unit 2
      • Naval Special Warfare (NSW) Unit 2
      • Naval Special Warfare (NSW) Unit 4
      • Naval Special Warfare Unit (NSW) 10
    • Naval Special Warfare Group FOUR
      • Special Boat Team 12 (SBT-12)
      • Special Boat Team 20 (SBT-20)
      • Special Boat Team 22 (SBT-22)
      • Naval Small Craft Instruction and Technical Training School (NAVSCIATTS)
    • Naval Special Warfare Group EIGHT
      • SEAL Delivery Vehicle Team 1 (SDVT-1)
      • SEAL Delivery Vehicle Team 2 (SDVT-2); was reactivated on 8 March 2019
      • Logistics Support Unit 3
      • Special Reconnaissance Team 1
      • Special Reconnaissance Team 2
      • Training Detachment 3
      • Mission Support Center
    • Naval Special Warfare Group ELEVEN
      • SEAL Team 17 (Navy Reserve)
      • SEAL Team 18 (Navy Reserve)
    • Naval Special Warfare Center
      • Basic Training Command
      • Advanced Training Command

United States Air Force

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

SOF career fields

United States Army

Army Special Forces (Green Berets) during breach and clear training near al-Tanf, Syria

United States Marine Corps

United States Navy

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

United States Air Force

* 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.

** 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.

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

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

References

  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. ^ "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. ^ "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. ^ SOCOM Public Affairs (2015). SOCOM Fact Book 2015 (PDF). SOCOM Public Affairs.
  8. ^ 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. ^ "Fact Book 2022" (PDF). SOCOM. 2022. Archived from the original (PDF) on 4 July 2022. Retrieved 21 July 2022.
  15. ^ "1st Special Operations Group fact sheet". 1 July 2015.
  16. ^ "24th Special Operations Wing fact sheet". 1 July 2015.
  17. ^ "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. ^ "919th Special Operations Wing fact sheet". 1 July 2015.
  20. ^ "352d Special Operations Wing fact sheet". 1 July 2015.
  21. ^ "353rd Special Operations Group fact sheet". 1 July 2015.
  22. ^ "Air Force Special Operations Air Warfare Center". 1 July 2015. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 7 March 2016.
  23. ^ Jacobs, Jeffrey (3 October 2017). "No, Sending Civil Affairs Reservists through the Active Duty Training Pipeline Won't Solve the Army's Civil Affairs Problems". Modern War Institute. Retrieved 14 December 2024.
  24. "Unit Info". 19 January 2015. Retrieved 27 October 2019.
  25. "Policy changes allow Airmen to retrain into special ops". U.S. Air Force. Retrieved 27 October 2019.
  26. WULLENJOHN, CHUCK. "Air Force becomes newest YPG tenant". Yuma Sun. Retrieved 27 October 2019.
  27. "Enlisted heroes receive graduate-level education at Weapons School". 6 February 2013. Retrieved 21 March 2013.

External links

United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM)
United States Army
USASOC
Units
1st Special Forces Command
75th Ranger Regiment
Army Special Operations Aviation Command
John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School
Types
Special Forces
Rangers
Civil Affairs
Psychological Operations
United States Marine Corps
MARSOC
Units
Marine Raider Regiment
Marine Raider Support Group
Marine Raider Training Center
Types
Critical skills operator
United States Navy
NAVSPECWARCOM
Units
Naval Special Warfare Group 1
Naval Special Warfare Group 2
Naval Special Warfare Group 4
Naval Special Warfare Group 8
Naval Special Warfare Group 11
Naval Special Warfare Center
Types
Navy SEALs
Special warfare combatant-craft crewmen
United States Air Force
AFSOC
Units
1st Special Operations Wing
24th Special Operations Wing
27th Special Operations Wing
137th Special Operations Wing
193rd Special Operations Wing
352nd Special Operations Wing
353rd Special Operations Wing
492nd Special Operations Wing
919th Special Operations Wing
Types
Pararescue
Combat Control Team
Special Reconnaissance
Combat Rescue Officer
Special Tactics Officer
Combat Aviation Advisors
Psychological Operations
Special mission units
JSOC
Army
1st Special Forces Operational Detachment-Delta (Delta Force)
Intelligence Support Activity (ISA / The Activity)
Navy
Naval Special Warfare Development Group (DEVGRU / SEAL Team Six)
Air Force
24th Special Tactics Squadron (24 STS)
Theater Special
Operations Commands
Source: SOCOM 2013 Fact Book
Category: